The Ultimate RV Camping Guide

Campground Guides, Budgeting Tips & RV Camping 101

The Ultimate RV Camping Guide

Campground Guides, Budgeting Tips & RV Camping 101
A Highland Ridge Open Range fifth wheel boondocking in Elephant Rocks in Colorado.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, we’ve gathered essential resources to help you make the most of your trip. From budgeting tips and campsite booking strategies to exploring different types of camping—including unique alternatives like boondocking and Harvest Hosts—you’ll find everything you need to plan stress-free and memorable getaways.

How To Find The Perfect Campsite For You

Expert guides for finding the right campground, boondocking location, or alternative campsite.

The Takacs family Jayco Jay Flight travel travel in a wildflower field.

Learn

Your Guide to Alternative RV Campsites

Tired of overcrowded campgrounds? These seasoned RV travelers share alternative RV campsites you might not know about.

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Stacey Power's Airstream parked in a boondocking camping spot overlooking the sunset

Video

Tips For Finding A Unique RV Site

This list of apps, websites and general planning advice will help you find the perfect RV campsite.

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A view of RVs parked in a National Forest with the sun going down behind mountains

Travel

National Forests: A Boondocker’s Ideal Destination

Here’s why national forests are an ideal place to RV camp and boondock.

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Ben and Christina McMillan's RV parked in a grassy field next to their truck

Learn

How To RV Camp Without Reservations

 Fully-booked campground? Need to move somewhere last minute? Here’s how to find an awesome RV campsite without an advanced reservation.

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two kids sit at a picnic table at a campsite by an RV

Learn

The Seven Best Kid-Friendly Campgrounds and RV Parks

Looking to plan a camping trip for the whole family? Check out our top picks for the best kid-friendly campground and RV parks, and some recommendations for finding the perfect campsite.

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The campsite at Donaldson Farms in New Jersey, featuring the McMillan's Jayco Jay Feather.

Travel

Harvest Hosts 101

Get these seasoned RVer’s top five favorite Harvest Host camping destinations, plus tips for booking your trip.  

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A couple pointing and looking at things on a computer

Learn

How Far In Advance To Book A Campsite

Wondering when you should book your next camping trip? Here are some tips to help.

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Sun shining over a like with a rocky shore

Travel

Eco-Friendly Camping Destinations and Tips

If you’re interested in RVing at an eco-friendly campground, check out this list of top places.

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SAMANTHA BADERSCHNEIDER AND BLAKE EDMUNDS RV boondocking near a lake

Learn

How to Find Your Perfect RV Camping Destination

There are a lot of different campgrounds and RV parks to choose from. RVers Samantha and Blake share their advice on how to find the perfect camping destination.

Read Full Story
Gabe and Rocio Rivero drive down the road under large oak trees with spanish moss

Video

How To Have A Successful Boondocking Trip

Everything you need to know from finding the perfect boondocking location, to planning your trip, to managing your resources while dry camping.

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A view of the racetrack and infield RV camping at the Charlotte Motor Speedway at night.

On The Road

RVing at a Speedway Motorsports Track

A breakdown of what your camping options could look like at a Speedway Motor Sports track. 

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Amy Rekart's Cruiser Stryker toy hauler's back patio opens up to a beautiful mountain scene with lush grass and sunny skies.

Learn

Boondocking: The Escape Everyone Should Know About

Amy and her husband Matt have been boondocking in their toy hauler for years, sometimes going off the grid for weeks at a time. Check out her tips for having the most successful, and serene, boondocking trip.

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Sherise Gumbs's KZ Durango Half-ton fifth wheel on a dirt road in Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Travel

Tips for Your First RV Trip to a National Forest

Get insider secrets on finding the best campsites within National Forests. 

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Karen Blue and her family sitting around a fire while boondocking in a forest

Learn

How To Think Like An Explorer And Find Great Campsites

Long-term RVer Karen Blue shares a few traits to help you think like an explorer and find new, epic boondocking and camping locations.

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Michael and Tiffany Dunagan's Tiffin Allegro RV parked at a waterfront beach campsite.

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How to Camp on the Beach

If you’re the kind of person who thinks the beach is like the promised land, Michael and Tiffany have tips for how to RV camp near the ocean and live the life of your dreams.

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Chelsea Day holding up a map and a phone in front of her travel trailer RV

Learn

Five Tips for RVing on Public Land

Five tips to help you get prepared to venture outside the traditional campground and camp on public land. 

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Sherise Gumbs's KZ Durango Half-ton fifth wheel on a dirt road in Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Travel

Tips for Your First RV Trip to a National Forest

Get insider secrets on finding the best campsites within National Forests. 

Read Full Story
Kaylee and Steve Techau in front of their Keystone Cougar

Learn

How We Plan And Book RV Travel: Tips & Advice

Tips and advice for how to plan an RV trip from a full-time RV family.

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A Class A Entegra Vision motorhome driving down the road.

How to Camp in a National Forest 

Branch out from traditional campgrounds and enjoy the freedom of public lands with this guide on camping in a national forest with a Class A Motorhome.

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Chelsea Day talking to her four boys outside of their Highland Ridge RV

On The Road

How to Plan a Camping Trip

Want to get out of the house and into nature? Camping is a fantastic way to get back to basics, spend time with people you love, and regain clarity and peace in a busy world. Here are my tips to plan a camping trip––and make sure you’re prepared with all the essentials.

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LOOKING FOR YOUR PERFECT RV THIS CAMPING SEASON?

Use the RV Finder
A Keystone Sprinter fifth wheel in a mountainous valley.

Camping Advice From Real RVers

These RVers are no strangers to the road, which is why we asked them to share their tried-and-true pointers so you can head into camping season with peace of mind.

Adventure is out there

Curious to learn more about where to camp in nature?

Explore our National Forest RV camping guides, developed in partnership with the National Forest Foundation.

See Guides

RV Budgeting Tips & Tricks

Enjoy your adventures to the fullest with these RV budgeting guides.

What To Include In An RV Budget
Tips For Managing An RV Budget
How Much Does It Really Cost To RV?
Tips For Saving Money On The Road
RV Vacation Budget Breakdowns

Embark On Your Next Camping Adventure With A 2025 RV

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Highland Ridge

Roamer Light Duty Fifth Wheel

  • Sleeps 1 - 8
  • Length 27' 3" - 33' 2"
  • Weight 7145 - 8680 lbs
Product Details
Thor Motor Coach

Delano

  • Sleeps 1 - 4
  • Length 24' 9" - 25' 8"
Product Details
Heartland RV

Corterra Fifth Wheel

  • Sleeps 1 - 8
  • Length 34' 2" - 41' 9"
  • Weight 14000 - 15000 lbs
Product Details
Tiffin Motorhomes

Allegro Bay

  • Sleeps 1 - 7
  • Length 39'4" - 39'4"
Product Details
Venture RV

Stratus Sport

  • Length 23' 1" - 31' 10"
  • Weight 4270 - 6160 lbs
Product Details
KZ RV

Connect Mini

  • Sleeps 1 - 8
  • Length 22' 1" - 27' 4"
  • Weight 3850 - 4600 lbs
Product Details
Thor Motor Coach

Palladium

  • Sleeps 1 - 2
  • Length 19' 7" - 19' 7"
Product Details
Thor Motor Coach

Luminate

  • Sleeps 1 - 7
  • Length 31' 9" - 37'
Product Details
Keystone RV

Arcadia

  • Sleeps 1 - 10
  • Length 26'4" - 39' 7"
  • Weight 6750 - 12480 lbs
Product Details

Packing & Planning Prep

Everything you need to know to prepare your crew and RV for your next great adventure.

Chelsea Day talking to her four boys outside of their Highland Ridge RV

On The Road

How to Plan a Camping Trip

Want to get out of the house and into nature? Camping is a fantastic way to get back to basics, spend time with people you love, and regain clarity and peace in a busy world. Here are my tips to plan a camping trip––and make sure you’re prepared with all the essentials.

Watch Now
Dustin and Sarah Bauer's RV parked near snowy mountains

Learn

How To Prep Your RV For Your Destination

Tips to ensure you and your RV are ready for your camping destination, regardless of the season.

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Samantha and Blake sit under the awning of their Dutchmen Voltage with two children.

Learn

A Checklist for Packing Up and Moving Campsites

Samantha and Blake share their unique perspectives on how to make packing up and moving campsites faster, easier and less painless so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors.

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Josh and Cassie Bailey's living room in their RV

Learn

The Best Tips and Gear For Your RV Campsite

We asked five different RVers to share their best RV campsite tips and favorite camping products. Here’s what they had to say.

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The kitchen, couch, and dinette inside John King's Shadow Cruiser travel trailer.

On The Road

Your RV Starter Kit

John King’s (abbreviated) RV Starter Kit list for those just beginning their RV journey.

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How to Plan a Boondocking Trip for Dirt Biking

Learn

How to Plan a Boondocking Trip for Dirt Biking

Taylor Walsh shares his best tips for planning a dirt biking trip, including how to haul gear, prep your toys and weather camping with no hookups.

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Renee Tilby's RV parked by mountain dessert at sunset

Learn

The Essential RV Summer Packing List

 Here’s a list of everything you need to bring for your next summer RV trip.

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Airstream closet

Learn

What To Pack For Your First RV Trip

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Sarah Bauers display of sustainable products

Learn

An Eco-Friendly Packing List For Your RV

Everyday items to pack inside your RV that are sustainable and better for the environment.

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Heartland Bighorn driving down the road

Learn

How To Maximize Efficiency On RV Travel Days

Tips for maximizing efficiency on RV travel days, including planning your route, finding gas stations and having a plan for overnight stops.

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Rocio Rivero using an app on her phone to turn on a light on her RV

Video

Six Tips for Staying Safe on the Road

Gabe and Rocio share some important things to be aware of to help keep you safe on an RV trip.

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Sandra and Luis Crespo headshot

Learn

Your Guide to Towing an RV

Sandra Crespo shares her step-by-step towing guide to help you feel confident and comfortable when towing a new RV. 

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A white car towing an Airstream Nest pulled off on the side of the road with yellow, fall color trees and mountains in the background.

Learn

First Time Changing a Flat Tire While RVing

A flat tire is no big deal—but do the rules change when you’ve got an RV in tow? Laura Austin finds out.

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The Cassie and Joshua Bailey family pose in front of their Highland Ridge Open Range Fifth Wheel.

Learn

Traveling with Peace of Mind 

Learn how to manage your family’s health concerns from insurance to doctor’s visits while enjoying the freedom of travel.

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Heartland Big Horn fifth wheel driving down the road

Learn

Five Tips For Towing And Maneuvering A Fifth Wheel

Have questions about towing a large RV? Check out these helpful tips from the owners of a 43-foot fifth wheel.

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Campsite Essentials

Enjoy your camping experience to the fullest with these campsite essentials.

Cassie and Joshua Bailey's Highland Ridge Open Range fifth wheel parked at the beach.

Learn

Beach RV Camping: What Not To Do

Get advice on what NOT to do while beach RV camping from this family’s first time boondocking near the ocean.

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Dustin and Sarah Bauer's Tiffin Wayfarer parked at a campsite under blue skies by a lake

Learn

Basic Camping and Campground Etiquette

A quick list of things every camper and RVer should know and follow.

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A rainbow sunset over a Toy Hauler RV that's glowing from within with light.

Learn

Our First Time Dry Camping

The Puglisi Family looks back at some of their first boondocking trips and shares their hard-won lessons with anyone who wants to brave the wilderness.

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Ben and McMillan's Jayco Jay feather at a campground

Learn

How To Set Up And Tear Down Your Travel Trailer

A step-by-step guide for setting up and tearing down camp with your travel trailer.

Watch Now
An Airstream and Jayco Jay Flight travel trailer parked at a campground.

On The Road

Maximizing RV Park Amenities 

Maximize your family RV trip with these tips on making the most out of common campground amenities. 

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Alison Takacs kids going hiking

Learn

How To Leave No Trace When Camping and Hiking

10 easy things you can do to help leave no trace while camping and hiking.

Watch Now
Jason Takacs and his family sitting around a campfire under a starry night sky

Learn

How To Practice Light Courtesy When RV Camping

Tips and advice for when and how to use light at your campsite at night.

Watch Now
An aerial view of Karen Blue's RV parked alongside a lake

Learn

How To RV With R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

 If you want to be a more considerate and sustainable RVer, just remember the acronym RESPECT.

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Ben and Christina Dumping and filling their tanks at a station

Learn

How To Conserve Water While RVing

 Here are some helpful, easy ways to conserve water when you’re on an RV camping trip.

Read Full Story
A truck tows Bailey and Nicole Damberg's Dutchmen Astoria Fifth Wheel on a dirt road in the desert.

On The Road

How To Keep Your RV Cool on Hot Days

Tips for keeping your RV cool during hot summer camping days. 

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The kitchen inside Karen Blue's Airstream Flying Cloud.

Learn

Minimizing Waste While RVing

Learn how to minimize your waste while RVing with these tips for sustainability stocking your RV and properly disposing of trash.

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Ben McMillan working with a generator outside of his RV

Learn

How RV Systems Work: Water & Power

There are two basic systems in every RV: water and power. Here’s an overview of how each system works.

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A Dutchmen Voltage being towed down a road.
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Melissa and Lucas Lahr's Heartland Torque toy hauler in a desert.
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Find Your Perfect RV

Whether you're new to the world of RVing or you're ready to narrow your search, we're here to help you sort through it all and find the RV that's right for you. Explore RVs based off of your lifestyle and the features important to you.

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An travel trailer RV parked in a green field.