If the idea of planning a family camping trip and doing it in an RV sounds intimidating to you, FEAR NOT, today I am sharing just how we have made this dream a reality…more than once! I am sharing it all: How we rented the perfect RV, the tips and tricks we used when choosing the perfect one for us, picking campgrounds and what we look for when doing so, and what it’s like to travel in an RV!
First, let me say, we knew absolutely NOTHING about RV travel/camping at all when we took our first trip over 2 years ago. It was honestly something that I always wanted to do and though, what the heck, it’s now or never. I had grown up camping on campgrounds but the idea of having your little “house” with you and the flexibility of having a vehicle that had a kitchen, bed and bathroom all in one just seemed sooo much better than roughing it on a tent at this point in my life lol Let me take you on all the steps I took to plan our trip!
HOW TO RENT AN RV
There are two main ways that we have used to rent RV’s for our trip.
On either of these sites you are able to search by location, ability to have the RV delivered to you, type of RV and so much more that make finding the perfect one super easy!
Above are the three types of RV that are usually offered. There is also something called a fifth wheel which is essentially a motorhome that is NOT drivable and instead is hitched to your driving vehicle. We have always chosen to rent a Class C RV. I love that it is the perfect balance of living space, storage, and is also not too hard to learn how to drive relatively quickly!
BASIC RV THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP
- What is the height of the vehicle (we like to tape this to the dash so that we always know that we are safe when going in tunnels and under overpasses!
- The basics of how to operate the hookups and tanks. These will give you electricity and plumbing once you park the vehicle at your campground. (don’t worry, a quick overview and you shouldn’t find it too hard to remember! The others at the campgrounds are also usually super friendly and will help if you need it.)
- Is there a generator? How do you turn it on? A generator will allow you to run power when you are not hooked up to the campsite (think of when you pull into that Walmart parking lot for a break or to stretch your legs and want to microwave some lunch).
- Propane tank: most tunnels will require you to have it turned OFF before entering so be sure you know how to do this if needed.
- Slideouts: This is MAJOR for increasing your living space once you are parked. I would definitely recommend an RV with slideouts if you are wanting the most space. Slideouts essentially expand the width of your RV by double by the simple press of a button when parked. It’s amazing! Be sure to make sure the RV you are renting has slide outs listed if you’re interested in this.
THE CAMPGROUND
We have only stayed at KOA campgrounds.Ever since I was a kid we have stayed at KOA’s while camping and it was honestly the first place I looked for a reliable family friendly camping experience!
Here’s why I love camping at KOAs:
- TONS of activities right on the grounds. I’m talking fishing, swimming, sporting activities, jumping pads, they have it all!
- LOTS of amenities. Laundry, bath houses, small general stores, etc.
- VARIETY of ways to stay. If RV is not your thing they also have cabins, tent sites and cottages at most sites!
- Family friendly vibes. I love that the people here are so nice and I think having the KOA stamp on the grounds really makes all the difference in the experience you get while camping.
RV TRAVEL: WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE
Let’s face it, if you’re not used to living in confined spaces, RV travel can be somewhat of a learning curve lol For me, personally, I LOVE the small spaces. The more minimal way of living is honestly a breath of fresh air so this has never been an issue for me. I think it’s super convenient, especially now with a baby, to have everything I need at my fingertips at all times. Bathroom, kitchen, bed, you name it, it’s right there! I love that I get to have the camping experience and visit some amazing places across the country in such a convenient way. My husband and I hope to own our own RV within the next few years and continue taking our son to see the country through the years.
As with anything wonderful, there are downsides. It’s really up to you to decide if one weighs more heavily than another. Let’s get into them:
- Cost: The cost of renting an RV isn’t cheap by any means. Think of it as essentially renting a hotel room on wheels. You’re definitely going to be paying that as well. Most of the rentals a lot a certain amount of mileage as well as generator use as well. Beyond that, there is a surcharge. It all adds up for sure so plan wisely and consider your budget!
- Parking: When you rent a Class A or C, parking can sometimes be an issue if you are interested in exploring the city outside of the campground. This is something that’s a non-negotiable for me, even if we have to Uber lol I love to SEE the places I visit in their entirety. If you visit a city that is very near a campground and touristy, I have found that lots of the places actually have special bus/RV parking, but I would still call ahead and ask about the parking situation so you’re not stuck!
Overall, renting an RV for travel has been the BEST decision we have made. I am not addicted to RV travel and am already planning our next trip this Spring for my son’s first birthday. I am sure that we will continue to learn new things about RV travel along the way and I will continue to share them here. If you asked me if I think you can do it I would say ABSOLUTELY. No matter your experience, YOU CAN DO IT, and you should 😉
SOME OF MY FAVORITE RV SITES
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