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As an RV owner, you want to make the most out of every camping trip. If you are an RV weekend warrior, taking those epic weeklong RV camping trips are sometimes out of the question. However, there are many ways you can make the most out of your weekend camping trips.
In this post, we are going to offer some time saving tips as well as some benefits of being an RV weekend warrior. Let’s jump in…
Tips For Weekend Camping Trips
By following the tips below, you will be able to make the most of your RV weekend camping trips. The main reason for taking these weekend trips is to spend time with the family. These simple suggestions will make sure you have a fun and relaxing time at the campground.
Finish “Weekend” Chores During The Week
With your already busy schedule, finding a free weekend to unwind can sometimes feel next to impossible. Balancing a full-time job, errands, and weekend yard work is a challenge in itself. However, if you spend a few extra minutes every day during the week, you can easily free up a weekend for a great RV camping trip.
When Kellie and I have a weekend camping trip planned, we do our very best to get those chores finished through the week.
We get the laundry washed, the yard work completed, and take care of any grocery shopping that we need to do, not only for the weekend, but for the next week as well. The main goal is to come home on Sunday and not have to worry about rushing to get ready for the work week ahead.
In addition, having your rig packed up and ready to go will save tons of time on travel days. All that’s left to do is back up, hook up, and go.
Camp Close To Home
Spending your RV weekend camping trip close to home not only gives you more time together as a family, it also saves money on fuel.
We have a trip “radius” that we try to stick to. We typically try to keep our RV weekend camping trips within 2 to 3 hours from home. By doing so, we get more time at the campground rather than driving.
Look for RV camping destinations within a comfortable driving radius for you and your family. You might be surprised by what you can find right in your own backyard.
One of our favorite destinations for a great RV camping weekend is literally less than two miles from home.
Do your research. Hit the internet or social media to find great RV weekend camping locations close to home. You can easily find several Facebook groups whose members are very helpful with finding great campgrounds.
Use Company Paid Vacation
If you are lucky enough to work at a company that offers a paid vacation, use it. According to US Travel Association, 55% of workers don’t take their paid vacation.
Take an extra day or two off in conjunction with the weekend. This is a great way to get a little extra time on your RV weekend camping trip.
If it’s just not possible to take a full day off, consider taking off at lunch, or a few hours early. This will start your weekend sooner and give you and your family a few more hours at the campground.
Keep Certain Camping Gear Packed
When you think about it, there are many things that can stay packed in your RV. Things like toothbrushes, paper towels, trash bags, etc. do not need to be packed before every RV camping weekend. Keeping these things packed can save you a lot of precious time. If you begin to run low on certain supplies, make a note and restock before your next camping trip.
Trying to pack everything at the last minute only adds stress to your departure. Like the weekend chores, spending a few minutes through the week packing the rig will definitely lower the stress level on departure day.
Make a checklist of must-have items for your weekend camping trip and check them off as you get them packed. There is a free app available called RV Checklist. You simply pull up one of the four available checklists and check them off as you go. You won’t necessarily need every item in the list, but you can use this as a guide to make your own checklist.
Plan Easy Meals For Arrival Day
The main goal when you arrive for your RV camping weekend is to get set up and start relaxing. Plan for an easy meal for arrival day. Sandwiches and chips are a great choice for any family. It’s quick, easy, and nobody has to spend time cleaning up afterwards.
Ordering take-out or a pizza is another great option for dinner at the campground. Some pizza businesses will even deliver to the campground!! Check with the campground office to see who delivers.
When choosing meals for the weekend camping trip, choose meals that are easy to prep, with minimal clean-up afterwards. The best camping meals are made outside, either via campfire or portable RV grill. Another option is to prepare your weekend meals ahead of time and throw them in the fridge before your trip. Reheating meals is so much easier and less time consuming than preparing and cooking large meals at the campground.
Benefits Of Being A Weekend Warrior
Most RVers have dreams of taking epic road trip vacations spanning the country. However, for most of us, that is a feat that is not easily accomplished. But don’t despair, there are some benefits of being a weekend warrior, especially for beginners.
Spending More Time With Loved Ones
As a weekend warrior, the distances we can travel over two, or three days are limited. By camping closer to home, we can spend more time relaxing at the campground and spending quality time with our families.
Sure, we can spend our weekends at home glued to our devices or doing back-breaking house chores. But when you get out for a great RV camping weekend, there is a much higher chance of bonding as a family. In addition, if you have close friends that you enjoy spending time with, they can join you at the campground.
Save Tons Of Money And Time
Another benefit of being a weekend warrior is the money you can save. By spending the weekends at a campground close to home, you have the potential to save a ton of money on fuel. In addition, you save money on food and camping fees with a weekend RV camping trip versus a much longer trip.
These short RV camping weekends also mean less time driving to your location. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather spend my time kicked back by the campfire than behind the wheel.
Short RV camping trips require less planning, packing, and of course, unpacking on Sunday. These time savings translate into more time at the campground.
Health Benefits Of RV Weekend Camping
Stress can be detrimental to your health. For me, as soon as the RV is unhooked and set up, the stresses of the work week seem to melt away. Not only can an RV weekend camping trip reduce stress, it also gives you the opportunity to get in some much-needed exercise. Going for a walk around the campground or hiking a trail through the woods is one of the most relaxing ways to get exercise while camping. I know, relaxing and exercise shouldn’t be in the same sentence. But, if you have ever walked the banks of a lake or walked through the woods, you know what I’m talking about.
In Conclusion
Balancing work and play can sometimes be challenging. I get it. But, as a weekend warrior, you have 52 opportunities every year to get out and have an epic weekend at your favorite campground. The most important part of being an RV owner is using it to spend quality tie with your family, while enjoying everything that nature has to offer.
What are your thoughts on RV weekend camping? Do you have additional tips for weekend warriors? If so, please leave a comment below and let us know.
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