Planning a Camping Trip With Your Family
Every time you head out in your camper with your family, it can feel like a brand-new experience. Maybe you’re going out for longer than you’ve ever traveled before, or you’re going to a brand-new locale. Planning for a trip can be an overwhelming endeavor if you don’t know where you should start. There are so many logistical issues you’ll have to concern yourself with, like choosing the destination, plotting the route, booking the campsites, preparing your camper and making sure no one forgets their toothbrush or their cell phone charger.
Fortunately, you’ve got us here at Howdy Ranch RV to help you! We’re your local RV dealer, serving Mathis, Texas. As such, we’ve provided this helpful guide to planning your next camping trip so you can set off on the right foot.
Choose Your Destination
First, you’ll need to know where you’re going! Poll the family and figure out the best destination for your budget and time constraints. Maybe you just want to stay in the Lone Star State and explore a city you haven’t seen before, or head to the coast for some relaxing beach time. Or maybe you’d like to go further afield and see something brand-new and exciting! Either way, choosing your destination, or a few different destinations along a single path, will help you figure out how much gas you’ll need and how much driving time you’ll have to factor into your planning.
Chart Your Course
Now it’s time to figure out how to get to where you’re going. The internet makes this incredibly easy, thanks to services like Google Maps and GPS units that can give you accurate and detailed information, including warnings about congestion, road closures and construction along your chosen routes. Plan around these as much as you can so you’re not delayed or stuck in traffic.
Traveling in an RV means that you’ll be more limited than the average driver in terms of roads you can use. For example, some roads are weight-restricted, while others have bridges with very low clearances. You probably also want to avoid any steep inclines or sharp curves that would be difficult to navigate in your camper. Some routes won’t even permit RVs at all.
Make sure to factor in gas station stops so you can locate some that are RV-friendly. Backing out of a narrow gas station is going to be a challenge otherwise! You’ll also want to plan where you’ll stop for food and breaks along the way, including any tourist attractions you might want to see.
Reserve In Advance
During peak camping season, it becomes especially important for you to make sure you’ll have a place to stay when you stop each night. This means reserving your campsite as far in advance as you possibly can. If you’re planning multiple stops on the route, you’ll need to reserve multiple sites and make sure that you’re able to get to them each night. It’ll be difficult to find something last-minute, particularly in popular areas.
Prep Your Rig & Your Campers
Your camper should be up-to-date on all its maintenance checks. You’ll want to take the time to check the tire pressure and condition and examine the exterior and interior for any glaring issues before you go. Make sure safety gear is in place and stocked up and that you’ve onboarded all your dishes, cleaning supplies, bed linens, towels, blankets and anything else that stays on the rig.
Writing a packing list for everyone, either on paper or on a phone app, can help you stay organized and ensure that nothing gets left behind! Include rain gear, hiking boots, sports equipment, swimsuits, toiletries, medications, entertainment options and anything else you may need while you’re on your adventure.
A little planning and preparation goes a long way towards ensuring the success of any camping trip. We hope this guide helps you and your family to prepare, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth vacation together. Still don’t have the camper of your dreams? Visit our dealership in Mathis to investigate our current stock of new and used campers and RVs for sale. If you need parts or service on your rig before your next adventure, contact our maintenance departments for assistance! Howdy Ranch RV proudly serves the cities of Victoria, San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas.