Beginner’s Guide to RV Camping: What You Need to Know

So you’re ready to hit the open road with your RV—welcome to one of the most exciting and freeing ways to travel! Getting started with RV camping can feel overwhelming, but with a few basics and the right gear, you’ll be well on your way to memorable adventures. Here’s a straightforward guide to RV camping for beginners, covering everything from essential gear to practical tips for a smooth first trip.

1. Invest in a Good RV Starter Kit

A solid RV starter kit is your go-to toolkit for all things RV. Your starter kit should include:

Water hose and pressure regulator: A dedicated water hose, designed specifically for RVs, is key for connecting to water hookups, while the pressure regulator keeps your plumbing safe.
Sewer hose kit: Look for a sewer hose with good length and secure fittings, which will make dumping waste tanks a much more manageable task.
Electrical adapters: A surge protector and adapters will help you safely connect to different campground electrical setups.

These items may not sound glamorous, but they’ll make your setup easier and protect your RV’s systems.

2. Learn the Art of Leveling

Leveling your RV is essential—not only for a comfortable interior but also for the proper functioning of systems like your refrigerator. Here’s how to get it right:

Start with leveling blocks: We use products like Andersen’s leveling blocks that are easy to use and store. Place these under your tires to adjust height as needed.
Check with a bubble level: A simple bubble level can help ensure your RV is evenly set.
Stabilize with jacks: Once level, add stability with jacks to keep the RV steady. Just remember these are not for lifting, only for stabilizing!
Leveling Pads: We also keep a set of leveling pads that we use under stabilizing jacks and more. We have owned this same set from Camco for 9 years.
Jack Block: Adding a jack block under your trailer tongue jack helps to stabilize your RV and makes setting easy. We added this a couple of years ago, and love it!

Leveling may seem like a small detail, but you’ll quickly notice how much it impacts comfort and safety.

3. Gear Up with Beginner-Friendly RV Essentials

Starting out, a few basic items can really elevate your experience. Some must-haves include:

Outdoor mat: Keeps dirt and debris outside where it belongs. An RV mat is easy to clean and ideal for creating an outdoor seating area.
Camp chairs and folding table: Since a big part of RVing is enjoying the outdoors, sturdy and comfortable camp chairs and a compact table are essentials.
Quick-drying towels: Space is a premium in RVs, and WetCat Turkish towels are lightweight, quick-drying, and pack down small—perfect for saving space and hassle.

These beginner-friendly items make it easy to set up a cozy, functional space, inside and out.

4. Get Familiar with Towing Basics

If your RV setup involves towing, there are a few things to keep in mind for a smoother, safer drive:

Know your RV’s weight limits: Ensure your tow vehicle can handle the weight of your RV or trailer, including all added cargo.
Use towing mirrors: They provide better visibility of the RV’s rear, which is essential for safe lane changes and backing up.
Practice turns and stops: RVs need a little more time and space to turn and stop. Spend some time in an empty lot to get comfortable with how your vehicle handles.

Remember, towing takes practice, so don’t rush it!

5. Plan for Easy and Delicious Camping Meals

One of the best parts of RVing is the ability to cook wherever you go, but keeping it simple is key, especially as a beginner. Some of our favorites include:

Taco night: Bring along taco fixings for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone can customize.
Cheeseburger sliders: These are simple to grill and perfect for an outdoor dinner.
Quinoa enchilada bake: This is easy to prepare ahead and pop in the RV oven.

These meals are fun, tasty, and easy to cook, helping you relax and focus on the experience, not the kitchen. My 5 Delicious Meals post has the recipes listed for all of these items above! They are all winners!

6. Don’t Skip Routine RV Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your RV in top shape and prevents surprises on the road. Here’s a quick checklist:

Check the roof and seals: Look for any cracks or potential leaks, especially around vents and edges, to avoid water damage.
Clean and inspect your AC unit: End-of-summer cleanup includes wiping down vents and ensuring your AC runs smoothly.
Monitor tires and brakes: Checking the air pressure and overall condition of your tires before each trip is essential for safety.

Keeping up with simple maintenance tasks lets you enjoy each trip with peace of mind.

7. Make the Most of Storage and Organization

In a small space, organization is everything. A few tips for maximizing storage:

Use collapsible and multi-use items: From stackable cookware to foldable dish racks, space-saving tools are your best friend in an RV. You can even find collapsible mixing bowls. We also have a collapsible pour over coffee dripper.
Keep essentials easy to access: Designate accessible spots for things you use regularly, like flashlights, trash bags, and outdoor gear. We keep these phone holders next to our bed.
Consider hooks and storage bins: These make it easy to store and grab items without cluttering up valuable space.

With a bit of organization, you’ll keep your RV tidy, which makes for a much more enjoyable living experience.

8. Enjoy the Journey—Not Just the Destination

RVing is as much about the journey as it is the destination, so embrace a flexible mindset. You may need to adjust plans, find different campsites, or manage unexpected repairs. When you’re prepared and keep an open mind, every experience can become part of the adventure.

Sometimes when time has allowed, we have taken an extra day to get home so that we aren't so tired or backing down our drive way in the dark. We have also had to adjust our plans due to tow vehicle trouble. And recently we had to call an RV Mobile Tech to do a little repair while at the beach. These things are all part of the journey. We just work through them and keep going. Don't be afraid and don't panic.

Starting your RV journey can be a bit intimidating, but with these basics and a little practice, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your time on the road. Happy camping!

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