The Roaming Dad

View Original

RV Camping Etiquette for Single Parents: Enjoying the Great Outdoors with Your Family

RV camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your family. It's a fun and affordable way to travel and see new places. However, it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially for single parents.

If you're a single parent who's considering RV camping, there are a few things you can do to make your trip a success. Here are some RV camping etiquette tips for single parents:

1. Camp near other families with children

This will give your kids a chance to play with other kids and make new friends. It will also give you a chance to relax and socialize with other adults. This is particularly easy in campgrounds such as Thousand Trails where you can choose your own campsite. In other campgrounds where you select in advance you would generally focus on areas close to playgrounds, pools or recreation centers. Also look around for flags at sites. Many of us have flags such as Fulltime Families Member that will show we have kids.

2. Be mindful of noise levels

Keep your music down and be respectful of your neighbors. This isn’t just for quiet hours at the campground. We’re all living this lifestyle to enjoy ourselves so keep that in mind. Think about if you would want to deal with the environment you’re providing.

3. Clean up after yourself

This includes picking up trash and leaving your campsite clean and tidy. We put a policy in place when we first started to leave campsites cleaner than we find them. Everyone walks the campsite right before we depart and picks up any trash. This means the people behind us come into a clean site and have no issues. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a campground to find cigarette butts and trash in the fire ring. DON’T DO IT!!!!!!

4. Be prepared for emergencies

Make sure you have a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and other essential supplies. Also remember all emergencies aren’t created equal. Kids have issues that require immediate attention too as they grow. Trust me when I say there’s nothing worse than needing supplies in the middle of a severe thunderstorm and having to run to the store!

5. Don't be afraid to ask for help

If you need help setting up your RV or cooking a meal, don't be afraid to ask for help from other campers. For the most part RVers are all part of a giant community. There’s always someone around willing to help.

6. Teach kids campground etiquette

Several things should be taught to kids about campground etiquette so everyone has an enjoyable time. The biggest complaint people have, and rightfully so, is about people walking through their campsites. This is absolutely a no no! Never walk through anyone else’s campsite without permission! This goes for your pets too. Keep them on a leash and remember to pick up after them.

7. Relax and have fun!

RV camping is a great way to bond with your kids and create lasting memories.

Additional tips for single parents RV camping:

  • Choose an RV that's the right size for your family. You don't want to be cramped in a small RV with your kids.

  • Make a checklist of things to pack. This will help you avoid forgetting anything important.

  • Plan your meals ahead of time. This will save you time and money.

  • Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan when you're camping. Be prepared to roll with the punches.

  • Take breaks when you need them. Don't try to do everything yourself. Ask your kids to help out with chores.

  • Enjoy the time you spend with your kids. RV camping is a great opportunity to bond with your family.

Conclusion

RV camping can be a great experience for single parents and their children. By following these tips, you can make sure your trip is a success. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the great outdoors!