RVs offer boundless potential for fun adventures while keeping you safe and comfortable on your camping trip, but there is a lot to learn before you rent an RV. This RV camping guide covers everything: what to pack for an RV trip, choosing an RV, resources to find RV friendly campsites, and other valuable tips.
How do RV Rentals Work?
If you are considering going RVing for the first time, you probably want to see if RV camping is right for you by starting with an RV rental. There are a number of companies throughout the US that rent out RVs. Some companies have their own RV fleets, while others let RV owners put their RVs up for rent when they’re not using them.
You can rent an RV by the night, similar to how you would rent a hotel room. An estimated mileage charge usually applies as well. Some companies let you take your RV one way. Pick up your RV in one location and bring it back in another to avoid the boring trip back from your destination.
Once you’ve rented your RV, where you wander is up to you. Anywhere throughout the US and Canada is generally allowed.
How to Choose the Right RV
The best RV for you may not be the best RV for somebody else. Here are some things to consider:
- Length of trip. How long you’re planning on renting your RV may affect the decisions you make about how big an RV to get and what amenities you need.
- Number of people. How many people are going, and how closely do you want to live with them? RV living is already tight, so think carefully about how much room you’ll need.
- Features. RV features aren’t just extras. If you plan on camping somewhere that provides a very basic campground with few amenities, you need an RV that can carry more water and offer more benefits as far as electricity.
Turn key RV has a selection of RV’s to choose from. Check out the RV’s we have available.
RV Camping Tips and Tricks
You don’t need to know every aspect of operating an RV before you take out your rental. However, you should feel comfortable piloting the RV that you choose. Here are some things to consider to get you prepared.
- How the generator works. You’ll depend on your RV’s generator, so make sure that you know how it works before you get going.
- How to connect power and water. You’ll feel pretty silly if you get to the campground only to realize you don’t know how to connect your essential lines.
- How to dump. This is an unpleasant aspect of RVing, but knowing what to do with your waste once you get to a dump station is extremely important. You don’t want any mistakes.
- Pick your site early. Experienced RV campers know that early birds get the worm when it comes to picking a site. Plan your trip as early as possible and book your site as soon as you know when you will be at a location.
- Know what kind of site you want. Campsite amenities range between sites with full hookups for electricity, water, sewer, cable, and Wi-Fi and sites that may not even have water or electricity available.
- Pick a rental company who helps you learn. A good rental company should offer an orientation to let you get comfortable with an RV before you drive away. You may even choose a larger or smaller RV due to this training.
- Be prepared with great phone service. Good RV rental services generally provide a 24-hour assistance line in case your RV breaks down on the road, but this assistance won’t do you any good if you can’t reach them by phone.
Fun Activities While RV Camping
If you’re planning your RV camping trip, you’re surely thinking of all the fun things that you want to do on your adventure. There are many fun activities to do while RV camping, depending on your budget and preferences.
Stay at an RV Park
Many people start out their trip assuming that they will want to jump from park to park to see everything on their list while they’re renting an RV. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you may be surprised by how much fun you have just settling in at a single RV park with a great spot.
Rates can be very reasonable and you can save a lot of money not using gas to power a big RV around. Choose between around $10 per night to over $50, depending on the amenities and location. Staying at one park can be a very environmentally friendly way to vacation.
Go to a Theme Park
RV camping at a theme park offers some of the best of camping in a natural space and having a great time at your favorite theme park. You can save a lot of money that you otherwise have to pay for a hotel room and have much more space than is typically available at theme park hotels.
When you’re ready to enjoy the park, bring your RV with you and visit it for a cold drink or a nap throughout your day at the park.
Travel the Country
This is what many people dream of when they think about RV camping. See all of the beautiful sights America offers at an extremely affordable price compared to other options.
Be sure to build plenty of leeway into your travel plans, since things have a tendency to go wrong, and you don’t want to be disappointed by having to miss a stop you’re excited about.
What to Pack for an RV Trip
- Bedding. Sheets, pillowcases, pillows, comforters, and extra blankets are important if you are going to enjoy your nights sleeping in the RV.
- Cleaning supplies. It seems like you can never have enough towels and washcloths on an RV. Plenty of cleaning supplies are essential to keep clean in a small space.
- Kitchen amenities. Some RVs may come stocked with glasses, mugs, silverware, etc. Check what is provided and make sure you bring everything that you’ll need to cook and eat comfortably.
- Bags. Trash bags, storage bags, etc. come in very handy while camping in an RV.
- Safety equipment. This includes flashlights and lanterns, fire-starting equipment, a space heater even if your RV comes with heat if you’re going into cold areas, and anything else that you feel you need for safety .
Resources to Find an RV-Friendly Campsite in Oregon
- Online. Online resources like Good Sam or Campendium can be excellent resources to find an RV friendly campsite in Oregon.
- Check listings. RV magazines and social sites may list RV campsites.
- Check park recommendations. Many parks offer RV amenities themselves or suggestions for where you can find such amenities.
- Talk to other RV enthusiasts. Some RVers are very resistant to giving up their favorite spots, but many others are more than willing to share a great campsite with you.
Enjoy RV Camping
This RV Camping guide should have helped you prepare for your adventure. Remember to plan ahead, pack thoroughly, and get ready to have a wrench thrown into your plans. A lot of the fun of RV camping is giving into spontaneity, so loosen up and enjoy the ride. Reserve your RV today!
