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Spend less time setting up your RV campsite and more time enjoying the great outdoors!
RV Camping is the best way to escape the hustle of modern life and enjoy every little thing that Mother Nature has to offer. From sleeping under the stars in a comfortable space to cooking up your favorite meals, RV Camping does have many perks compared to the traditional camping method. Having said that, it still takes quite a bit of planning and preparation to make sure your RV camping trip goes smoothly. And if you are a newbie and have no experience setting up an RV campsite then there's a huge chance that you might get many things wrong and wreck your RV camping experience. In this article, we’re going to share 5 tips on how to set up your RV campsite and help you make sure it’s not only comfortable, but organized as well.
Take the stress out of setting up your RV campsite with these 5 pro tips.
1) Size Up Your Stay
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Before doing anything else, you need to decide how long you’re staying. Depending on the length of your stay, you can look out for campgrounds that offer facilities good enough for either a short 2-day trip or a week-long trip. For those planning just night or two in the great outdoors, you don’t have to be that selective about your spot. If it's only for a short period of time then you should just look out for a quiet spot without too many RV campers. Plenty of solitude for a short stay! That should be enough to quench your thirst for outdoor stay. But if you're planning to stay for several days or even weeks then it is better to be more selective and look for campsites with all the amenities that you want. Probably go for the biggest campground whenever possible!
2) Check out the RV campsite
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The next thing you need to do is check out your campsite and look for any imminent hazards. At least make sure the trees nearby or on your campsite are healthy and not dying. As a general guide, search for flat land as it is a must to ensure proper drainage. Campsites near water sources are a favorite amongst RV campers. But you can just go with a site that is safe and noise-free if you don't have too much time. Plus, keep in mind that the higher your campsite is, the better. Once you like a spot and park your RV, you should then make sure that your hookups are close to the trailer. Don't forget to chock the tires so your RV stays in place and doesn't roll away while setting up.
3) Leveling the RV
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Lethargically or forgetfully, some people tend to not properly level their RV during the start of their road trip. The result – they will have to deal with the consequences throughout the trip, even when at a campground. Think about having to walk uphill every time you want to use the bathroom, or sleeping on a completely uncomfortable angle. You wouldn’t want to deal with these during camping, would you? The only simple solution to this issue, as mentioned, is to level your RV right at the beginning of your trip rather than expecting your campsite to be level.
4) Connecting utility lines
It's crucial for RV campers to book a campsite that offers utility lines for water, power, sewer, and cable TV lines. Depending on the campsite that you select, some may have all of those features, some may not. But it's always better to look out for sites that offer at least water and electricity for your RV for a comfortable stay.
5) Extend your awning
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Now all that is left is to put out your awning and set up the outside of your unit. These days most RV are equipped with an awning. It's a great tool as well. Not only does it help to keep the sun off your rig but it also creates a lovely shady area where you set up some chairs and a table for a lovely outdoor meal. Remember to to retract the awning at night in case there is any unexpected weather. Never leave it out during high winds or heavy rains.
Final Thoughts
Whew! That’s a lot to take in, but setting up your RV campsite becomes easier with experience, and the best way to get good at it is to practice. After you’ve done it a time or two, it won’t seem nearly as daunting.
Want more travel tips for your RV camping adventure? Check out our advice on “Top 6 RV Camping Mistakes And How To Avoid Them”.
