RV LIFE
Trip planning tips
Plan an RV-friendly route
Use the RV LIFE App with RV-safe GPS and RV LIFE Trip Wizard to plan an RV-safe route, as well as to find campgrounds, fuel stations, dump stations, and more. You can plug in your RV details such as height and length to avoid low clearances, as well as propane restrictions for bridges and tunnels, and be made aware of steep grades or switchbacks that might be difficult to navigate in an RV.
Check out satellite map views to see where you are going before you plan a stop. It’s also always a good idea to call ahead for more information on RV parking.
You might have to make more plans if you are driving a 40-foot motorhome or a triple axle fifth wheel. None of these are a problem, just make sure you match up your road trip ideas with your RV capabilities.
Road Trip Inspiration For RVers
The anticipation of seeing and enjoying places that you have never been before is exhilarating. Maybe because I am planning a summer trip to my next work camp destination, this hits home for me.
If you are looking to start RV trip planning, it’s better to start sooner than later. We are looking to spend a few days in Yosemite and are finding campgrounds are already full. Several years ago, we planned a trip to the national parks in Utah and made sure we booked well in advance.
We have a few trip planning tips and road trip ideas to give you inspiration for the upcoming camping season.
Book a campsite well in advance
While I do enjoy boondocking, I do like to have some amenities at times. State and national park campsites are often booked months in advance, so a reservation is required.
Online reviews for campsites are also important, so check out RV LIFE Campgrounds for reviews, more information about the campground amenities, as well as pictures taken by campers themselves.
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Make a budget for the trip
Gas, campground fees, and food are all standard expenses on an RV road trip. You might want to add in any sites you want to see that have fees. Keep in mind that you can have a great road trip that just stays in one part of one state, across a region, or across the whole country.
Balance your campgrounds out so you boondock a few nights during your trip, maybe stay at a nice resort for one or two nights, and then plan for state campgrounds over the remainder of your trip. You can also save money by overnighting at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or Cabela’s parking lots. Call ahead to confirm the store allows overnight parking and attempt to get there early. These lots do fill up quickly.
Adjust your time of arrival
You will need to drive slower when you drive or tow your RV. Plan your arrival based on the 3/3/3 rule: Drive no more than 300 miles in a day, arrive at your destination no later than 3 p.m., and stay for 3 days. With this plan, you can see the sites in a particular area and rest up for the next period on the road.
Now that you know how to plan your trip, let’s get on to those road trip ideas.
About Dr. Cedric Shelby
As the author of multiple non-fiction works, Dr. Shelby travels throughout the United States, conducting inspirational talks at churches, fortune 500 companies, and higher learning institutions such as California State University, Sacramento, and Northwest Missouri State University, respectively.
Dr. Cedric Shelby’s unique skill-set has ranged from being a radio broadcasting for the top gospel radio station in the country, serving in the United States Army, electrical lineman, to teaching at HOA College.