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RV’s Sweet History: Favorite RV Snacks by the Decade

Jul. 11 2019 Camping By ___

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As we hop into our RVs this summer and explore the great state of Texas, take a second to think about the history of the RV industry. If it wasn’t for great, adventurous minds, we might still be camping in tents and not living fabulous lives in our beloved travel trailers. As the air fills with sweet aromas of s'mores being roasted over the fire, we also became interested in each decade's favorite snack. Check out our timeline of RV history alongside some of the greatest camp snacks of all times!

1910s

The first motorized camper was built in this decade! Now camping had been around for a while, but these “auto campers” completely changed the idea of camping forever. For the first time EVER, people were able to go wherever they wanted to go without having to stay in private rail cars or hotels. 1910 started an adventure of a lifetime.

Favorite camping snack: In 1912, Oreo Cookies were introduced for the first time. I think it’s safe to say, Oreos are still a favorite camping snack today!

1920s

In this decade, RV camping clubs emerged. They weren’t as popular as you might think because up until now, transcontinental roads had yet to be paved. One of the main campsites this decade was the Tin Can Tourist Camp of Gainesville. RVs had only been out for around a decade so while camping was nicer than sleeping in a tent, these tourists did not have the amenities most parks and RVs have today.


Favorite camping snack: With the stock market booming after World War I, the Oh Henry! Bars hit the market in 1920. These ten-cent candies were one of the first to be individually wrapped with nutrition labels.

1930s

While RVs had been around for roughly 20 years, the 1930s introduced a new concept to those wanting to be adventurous, long term! With World War II in full rage, the RV industry began using different techniques and started equipping RVs with beds, water and kitchens. This decade was on the right track to saying goodbye to camping and hello to glamping.


Favorite camping snack: While the Great Depression raged during the 1930s, one of our favorite snacks was introduced: Twinkies. This might not have been the most eaten snack in this decade due to the tight wallets of those struggling in the Great Depression, but it’s a sweet snack we all know and love now!  

1940s

As World War II came to an end in 1945, soldiers and families began dwelling on the idea of creating adventures and wanting to see more of the world. The RV industry thrived with families jumping on the RV bandwagon.


Favorite camping snack: We can thank the 1940s for developing one of the greatest salty snacks EVER, Lay’s potato chips! This decade dealt with rationing and recovering from the war, but as families started to get back on their feet, this snack was starting to thrive just like the RV industry!

1950s

Towable! The 1950s introduced their own first towable RVs and started producing 30-foot models that might be more familiar to use today than the DIY kits that first began the RV industry. With this huge accomplishment in the industry, most RV manufacturers were founded and started in this decade.  


Favorite camping snack: This decade said hello to processed foods and goodbye to tinny thighs (LOL)! The 1950s introduced peanut M&Ms in 1954. This might have just been a start, but it was a tasty one, for sure!

1960s

With RV industries beginning to pop up around the nation, companies like Winnebago started introducing RVs and motor homes for individuals and families to hop into and explore the beautiful creation and nature that was around them. Companies were starting to invest in different designs and advancements to further the durability and the comfort of their RVs.


Favorite camping snack: OK! I know we have all had these before, Goldfish. In 1962, this salty, savory snack hit the grocery stores and was sure to find a place in the kitchen of most American families!

1970s

As RVs grew in comfort, size and sophistication, individuals and families became less interested in camping and more interesting in traveling and destinations. Now motor homes and travel trailers had ovens, showers and most items found in the household. While the sales during this decade weren’t the greatest, these RV companies were still continuing to improve their travel trailers.


Favorite camping snacks: While these might not be the most tasty, they have been the coolest candy invented: Pop-Rocks. You could see kids pouring the Pop-Rocks into their mouths and walking around with their tongues out as the candy popped in their mouths.

1980s

After being in sale slump, the 1980s were the decade the RVs doubled in interest! RVs now included entertainment centers and numerous amenities within each travel trailer and became extremely popular!


Favorite Camping Snack: 1983 was the year packaged Chex Mix hit the stores. These quickly became an easy snack to pack for vacations and trips in the RV!

1990s

As RV companies around the U.S. started thriving, Cole Davis decided he wanted his vision to impact RV lovers too. In 1996, Keystone RV was founded by Cole Davis. Thanks to Keystone RV and Cole’s adventurous nature, we are now enjoying 2020 Keystone RVs that are breath-taking, massive and functioning as a home and second home across the States!


Favorite Camping Snack: Hurry and eat them before someone else finds your stash! In 1991, Gushers became one of the newest and hottest snacks on the market. Gushers could be packed into lunch boxes for convenient snacks or packed for the next camping trip.

Thanks to the early RV pioneers, fifth wheels and RVs are a staple in camping adventures. In just a little over a decade, the RV industry created so many new products and models. Today the top-of-the-line technology is incorporated  in the RVs we love traveling in. So ask around to see if any of your grandparents or friends owned one of the first RVs! 



We are extremely grateful for this wonderful industry that allows our families to travel the country, bond and enjoy the great outdoors like never before. If you are interested in creating a lifetime of memories in an awesome RV or fifth wheel, make sure to stop by Howdy Ranch RV and we will get you set up with an awesome model with an even better price. Don’t forget we are located in Mathis off of I-37 and we are only a short driving distance from Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Laredo, Rockport and Victoria.