Traveling in an RV is a way to explore unlike any other. Routes can lead to quirky roadside attractions, from the world’s largest pistachio to tiny crochet museums, and connect you with people and places you might not otherwise come across.
The highlight, however, is an RV’s easy access to nature. Hikes, national parks, alpine lakes, and long days outdoors are often near campgrounds where you can sightsee and sleep all in one place.
I’m such a fan of the lifestyle that, for the last year, I’ve been living out of my Ram ProMaster van. I spend my days hiking, climbing, building campfires and community, dipping in rivers, connecting with nature, and exploring the United States.
It’s been the adventure of a lifetime, but there are plenty of things I’ve discovered over the last year that I wish I knew before embarking on my first RV trip
Whether you’re planning an RV trip that lasts for days or weeks, or intending to go full nomad for months or years, here are the most important lessons I’ve learned that anyone should know before embarking on their first RV trip. From how to find overnight camping spots to picking the right vehicle to call home, here’s a quick beginner’s guide.
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Pick the Right Home for Your Travel Style
From skoolies and campervans to fifth wheels and motorhomes, RVs come in many forms, and choosing the right one might be the hardest part. The best choice depends on how you plan to travel, where you hope to go, and who you’re taking along for the ride.
Two of the biggest factors to consider are how much space you'll need and where you want to go.
When I chose to buy a campervan, I knew its small size meant downsizing my hobbies, closet, and kitchen, but the tradeoff felt worth it since I was traveling solo.
In a van, it’s easy to navigate both city streets and narrow mountain roads. But for families or travelers who spend more time indoors, a larger RV might be a non-negotiable.
Your destinations may also influence your decision. If you dream of remote campsites, rough forest roads, and off-grid adventures, a vehicle with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive may be worth prioritizing. If you plan to spend most nights in established campgrounds, you may be happier prioritizing vehicles offering significant comfort and living space.
Every setup comes with advantages and drawbacks. A towable RV allows you to leave your camp set up while using your vehicle to explore the surrounding area.
One of the things I've loved most about traveling in a van, however, is having my home with me wherever I go. I can cook lunch between hikes, change clothes when the weather shifts, or pull over and make a cup of coffee when a view catches my eye.
Choosing an RV Rental
You don’t have to buy an RV like I did to take a trip.
Once you have a type of RV in mind, start searching for a rental. From traditional rental companies to platforms like Airbnb for RVs, there are plenty of ways to get on the road for your next vacation.
Some companies, like Native Campervans and Roadsurfer, focus primarily on campervans, while others, including Indie Campers, offer a wider range of rental vehicles. Peer-to-peer platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare also have an even larger selection of rentable RVs.
Where you’re planning to travel also matters. Many rental companies operate out of specific cities, which can limit pick-up and drop-off locations. Peer-to-peer platforms, on the flip side, mean you might be able to find rentals in smaller towns.
Either way, it’s worth looking at multiple options. Rental prices can vary by season, so booking during an off-season or keeping an eye out for promotions can help you save.
Beyond savings, it’s important to consider what each rental includes, from mileage to insurance; this can give a clearer picture of what the final cost could be. Prices can range quite a bit for a rental. According to Roamly, an RV insurance company, RV rentals cost between $840 and $3,500 for two weeks.
Start Planning Your Route and Travel Slowly
If there are places on your bucket list, start there. If you love the ocean, head that way. If mountains are your thing, add them to the itinerary. The most enjoyable trips involve things you already love, so plan a route with that in mind.
I’d also recommend planning a route that factors in weather and crowds. For example, Moab, Utah, is one of my favorite camping destinations, but it’d be hard to enjoy Arches National Park in July when temperatures hit triple digits. I also focus on off-the-beaten-path destinations. This makes both enjoying nature and finding campsites easier.
Finally, it’s tempting to squeeze a lot into a single itinerary. While places might look close on a map and a four-hour drive every other day might not feel like a lot, it can lead to burnout.
Plan your itinerary to leave afternoons or even full days open to allow you to take a spontaneous detour, check out a recommendation from a local, or relax when needed.
Plus, I’ve felt closest to nature when I’ve traveled slowly. A week spent at one campsite means you really get to know the area. You might discover a family of deer living in the area, make friends with neighboring campers, and find the best sunset viewing spots.
Finding Free Campsites and Reserving RV Parks
Your budget, destinations, and travel style will help you decide where you spend your nights in an RV.
If you’re looking for solitude or saving money, finding public land is the smartest move. Public lands, like national forests and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), often have free or low-cost overnight parking.
I’ve found these spaces to be more abundant in the west, in places like Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, so consider building an itinerary in this region of the country where there are more options. Websites and apps like iOverlander, FreeCampsites.net, and The Dyrt can also help travelers find specific spots.
Just know that these places often don’t have amenities like bathrooms, showers, trash, gray water disposal, or cell service, which means there is more preparation and planning required before parking and possibly going off-grid.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to stay somewhere with amenities such as Wi-Fi and power, or resort-style grounds with pools and game rooms, campgrounds and RV parks are the smarter move.
Of course, these come with higher costs. RV parks, such as KOAs, can cost anywhere from $30 to $150 a night, and if you’re traveling to popular places, they can book up months in advance.
Where you're traveling can also help determine where you stay, since some parts of the country have limited free options. A recent trip to coastal California, for example, included booking overnights at many expensive campgrounds since there’s little public land in the region.
For Longer Trips, Find Your Routine
It can be easy to do anything for a few days or nights, but I’ve learned that the key to making long-term RV trips sustainable is establishing a routine.
Over time, I’ve carved out tasks I do every day or week. For example, I try to enjoy my morning coffee outside, eat one home-cooked meal, and get in a run, walk, or activity every day. Once a week, I make sure I wash my hair, fill up my water tank, do laundry, and buy fresh produce.
A lot of these tasks don’t require much thinking when you’re living in a traditional home, but on the road, they involve planning, money, and research.
While I have an outdoor shower attached to my van, I have to factor in how much water I have, the temperature outside, and if I’m in a private area to use it. Often, I’m paying for showers at aquatic centers, RV parks, truck stops, and gyms.
As time goes on, you’ll carve out what works best for you.
Nail Down a Budget
The cost of living on the road depends on factors like how often you move from place to place, if you eat out, and what activities you spend your days doing.
For those looking to save, it can be done. Sticking to free activities like hiking, traveling slowly, and cooking your own meals can keep monthly costs down.
But if you’re someone who loves to go to restaurants, travel from place to place, and spend, your habits will carry over into the RV. Some months, I spend nearly the same amount as I did when I was living in an apartment, especially if I’m in an exciting new place, driving a lot, and splurging on things like whitewater rafting or new climbing gear.
And while you lose some costs associated with houses, mortgages, rent, electricity, and garbage, you gain new ones like showers, campgrounds, and RV payments.
Ultimately, your RV budget is up to you and what you hope to accomplish on the road.
Embrace the Challenges — They’re Part of the Journey
Something is bound to go wrong during an RV trip. It could be anything from a flat tire to a closed road to rain or wildfires. These hiccups are part of the adventure.
There are some things you can do to be prepared. For example, I carry a Starlink and a Garmin inReach GPS, so I always have a way to contact emergency services. I also have roadside assistance, recovery boards, and a shovel to help get my van out of sticky situations.
Ultimately, some of my favorite memories on the road have come from unexpected changes. I’ve made friends who have helped me fix mechanical issues, and I’ve found favorite campsites and mountain towns when weather rerouted my journey. I’ve learned new skills, strengthened my problem-solving capabilities, and gained confidence. Flexibility is one of the most valuable skills you can have on an RV trip. So when a challenge comes up, view it as a chance to slow down, pivot, and discover something new.
The Shortcut
Free camping is most abundant in the West. If you want BLM land and national forest sites, build your route around Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Montana, or Wyoming.
Peer-to-peer platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare typically have more vehicle options and more flexible pickup locations than the traditional rental companies.
A four-hour drive every other day sounds manageable until it isn't. Build in open afternoons to get the full experience.
RV park costs range from $30 to $150 a night and can book up months in advance in popular areas.
Beware of disappearing cell service in remote areas. A Garmin inReach GPS and roadside assistance are musts.
