{"id":4060,"date":"2020-02-27T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=4060"},"modified":"2022-04-21T11:09:54","modified_gmt":"2022-04-21T11:09:54","slug":"rv-family-camping-trip-toddler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/rv-family-camping-trip-toddler\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Essential Tips for your First RV Family Camping Trip with a Toddler"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking of taking an RV camping trip with kids? Before Your first family RV camping trip with toddlers, follow these tips for an unforgettable trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you have a new RV or rent one your first time out you will have some planning to do. A county campground, state park, or private campground can be a great place to practice without being far from home.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of our friends took their first trip close to home. They wanted to have full hookups and be familiar with all of the different benefits of RV camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, if you are renting an RV, you will probably be planning on a big road trip.  Our very first camping experience was renting a motorhome in Canada.  We followed the instructions from the rental place and off we went. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Thinking<\/a>
Tips for your First RV Family Camping Trip with a Toddler<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We had such an amazing time that we wanted to buy our own camper when we got home. (Which led to this flippin’ camper experience<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were seasoned tent backpackers and car campers before buying our travel trailer. So we actually just dove right in and took our first RV camping trip with toddler and kids about two hours from home. (We went to this secluded location in Colorado – Dominguez Escalante Canyon<\/a>.)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our first time was boondocking (dry camping on undeveloped land) on public lands. We thought that having an indoor space compared to tens was amazing enough to not even bother with the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(We did, however, learn a couple of lessons about parking and extra-long trucks and travel trailer though)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the next trip, we found out about how much we are missing out on by not using our water, waste, heat, and electricity. An RV is like a home on wheels.  Warm nights, cool days, fresh food and \u2026. Indoor plumbing.  Wooohoooo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning goes a long way to an amazing first family RV camping trip with toddlers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1.Get the Right Rig for Your Family<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our first RV trip as a family was in Canada. After researching all the options for a large family I found that renting a van and hotel rooms in Canada would be very expensive. So I looked into renting an RV. The local rental company was having a half-price sale with all the amenities included. We needed the biggest motorhome they had for enough seat belts and sleeping spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once we got home we decided to buy an RV for ourselves. The choices were endless but having rented an RV first we knew more about what was important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are renting an RV you will need to decide the place to rent from, the size of the RV, your route, and more.  A few things to consider are the number of seatbelts, the sleeping space, and size limits in the campgrounds you will be staying in. Many US National parks have small camping spots and limit the length of the RV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of rental options to choose from. One way to get the best deals (and the best local tips) is to rent directly from owners through RVShare<\/a>.<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check prices in your local area to rent an RV through RV Share here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Choose a Family-Friendly Camping Location<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are planning just a night close to home or taking the plunge for a long road trip, you will want to make sure you have places to stay that are good for the kids.    Public campgrounds are generally very family-friendly.   We have found some of the state parks to have very nice facilities and full hookups. (For example – our Arches National Park trip<\/strong><\/a> we stayed at Dead Horse Point State Park) <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many private campgrounds have all the amenities that you could want.  Full hookups, showers, activities and more.  Keep in mind that some private campgrounds are more geared towards kids than others.  Some campgrounds cater to adults with no kids and retirees so they may not allow kids or have strict rules and charge extra. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We found the County Fair Grounds in Coeur d’Alene<\/a><\/strong>, Idaho was family-friendly and perfect for toddlers (and dogs too). So be creative and flexible when looking for RV camping locations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kootenai
Family-friendly camping in Coeur d’Alene<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Boondocking or free camping without hookups is another option.  This is a great way to have plenty of room to roam and save money too.  Just beware parking can be tricky and you will not have any hookups.  Although, if you are not familiar with camping or RVs this might not be the best option for your family the first time out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Car Seats in an RV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Earlier I mentioned that part of your choice of RV to travel will depend on the number of seatbelts. A word on car seats for your toddler – yes you need car seats and the kids must travel in them at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are towing a travel trailer or 5th wheel in your own vehicle you will likely have the proper car seats safely installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are driving a motorhome you need to ensure that the kids can travel safely. We flew our own car seats out to Canada for our first trip and knew the type of RV ahead of time. Then we made sure to install the seats safely with seat belts in the motorhome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RVshare<\/a> has some more tips on traveling safely with kids<\/a> on their blog. They have many resources for renting<\/a> and planning your trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Packing for your family RV Trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I Have created a packing checklist<\/strong><\/a> specifically for our personal RV trips.  Of course, some of the details are similar to car road trips and tent camping trips.  So these lists overlap some but having a specific checklist to RVs<\/a> <\/strong>is necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some things like filling the propane bottles, packing food, stocking and cleaning the kitchen, organizing cupboards are unique to an RV trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that you will need everything for hiking and camping as well as household items.  For your first time camping in an RV, you will need to stock everything bedding, towels, cookware, clothes and more.  Remember to bring lots of layers of clothes because although you may be sleeping in warmth you will need warm clothes for outdoor activities and sitting by the campfire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are renting an RV, check the list of everything that is included, what is an extra charge and what you need to bring.  We had all the bedding, towels, cookware and dishes included in our RV rental.  Use our packing list and compare it to what will be provided for you so you don’t forget anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RV packing checklist is in a spreadsheet so you can edit and fill in as needed.  You can download the checklist as well as a <\/a>planning toolkit here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n