5 Steps to Plan an Epic Summer Vacation Camping Trip

Summer vacation is a great time to dust off the RV and set out for adventure. Take advantage of warmer weather, indulge in a change of scenery, and get a taste of that trendy RV life. To help you plan your getaway, we’re sharing must-have planning tips so that your “Summer vacation” doesn’t become a “Spring Broken.” Let’s go!

Set a Budget

RVing means skipping some of the typical costs of taking a Summer vacation trip. But it does cost something, so you’ll need to decide how much you want to spend.

The average cost of an RV campsite ranges from $30 to $100 per night, depending on site location (e.g., on the beach, a popular state park), amenities, and time of year. You’ll also need to account for food, fuel, activities, and unexpected emergencies or setbacks.

Lower your costs by choosing a destination close to home. You can also opt for a budget campground instead of a luxury campground. Or, ask about perks programs and current specials to see if you can score a discount.

Choose Your Location

Your location will, in part, be decided by your budget. But also, consider the typical weather and temperature during the spring. Spring weather can range from pleasantly warm to quite frigid, and rain can be hit or miss. You won’t be able to predict every weather event, but do a little research if you’re banking on swimming, hiking, and other activities that require good weather.

Make a Backup Plan

Things don’t always go as planned, especially when you’re at the mercy of mother nature. Having a backup itinerary and budget can make it easier to turn mountains into molehills.

Make a list of things you can do and meals you can cook in the RV if it rains. Brings two sets of clothes—one for warm weather and one for cold weather—just in case the forecast is off. Research on-site facilities you can shelter in if there’s inclement weather. Know who to call if your RV gets stuck in the mud or if something on the RV fails. There’s no such thing as over-preparing.

Pack Accordingly

Packing for a spring camping trip takes unique considerations. It’s an odd time of year for playing outdoors—you never know what the weather will feel like, when your allergies might act up, how clingy the bugs will be, or what wildlife you might encounter.

At a minimum, we suggest packing the following:

• Waterproof jacket and boots
• Warm sleepwear and extra blankets
• Extra socks
• Extra shoes
• Gloves and hat
• Waterproof matches or lighter
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Chargers and a mobile hotspot
• Bug spray and other repellants (e.g., citronella candles, torches)
• Trash bags and dry bags/storage for electronics
• Sunscreen
• Baby wipes and hand sanitizer
• All-purpose soap, toilet paper, and paper towels
• First aid kit
• Knives and cooking utensils
• Water filter
• Tarps
• Basic tool set and duct tape
• Starter logs (in case your wood gets wet)
• Extra towels to dry off your campsite gear if it rains

You’ll probably end up packing more than you need, but at least you’ll be prepared for any situation.

Inspect Your RV 

If you haven’t done much camping in your RV lately, now is a great time to inspect your RV for wear and tear. Even with proper storage, wires can come loose, caps can go missing, and hoses can get holes. Make sure all the lights are working, the fridge has power, and the slide-out works like it should. Inspect your awning, if you have one, and check it for holes and functionality. Check the holding tanks, water heater, filters, battery fluid levels, and tire pressure.

Now is also a good time to ensure your RV is stocked for camping. Make sure you have wheel blocks, stabilization equipment, propane, and bedding. Clean your RV appliances so they’re ready to use. You may even want to do a test run of setting up your RV in your driveway in case it’s been a while since you camped and you’ve forgotten how to do something.

Knowing about issues ahead of time means not finding out once you arrive at your destination. You can fix these little nuisances now so they don’t put a damper on your trip.

Start Planning Your Summer Vacation RV Camping Trip!

Spring can be a great time to get back into the camping lifestyle and embrace the great outdoors. But to reap all the fun of spring camping, it pays to plan ahead. Use the above tips to plan your Summer vacation trip, then check out these 10 best spring RV camping destinations in the U.S. and make new memories!