Hey there campers! Calling all road-trippers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who gets a thrill from the smell of campfire smoke and the open road! Today, we’re diving into the basics of how to set up the perfect RV campsite for beginners. Whether you’re a seasoned nomad navigating boondocking bliss or a newbie hitting the asphalt for the first time, this guide will show you how to set up the perfect RV campsite.
First things first: breathe in the fresh air, let the excitement bubble up, and remember – setting up the perfect campsite is all about creating your own cozy corner in the great outdoors. It’s not a race to perfection, it’s an adventure in itself. So put on your favorite playlist and let’s get started on how to set up the perfect RV campsite for beginners!
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1. Park and level your RV
Choosing your campsite is like finding the ideal pair of hiking boots – it’s all about the fit. No one wants a lopsided sleep in a tilted RV. If you’re brand new to camping you’ll want to pause here and check out our article on how to level your RV. We’ll list some of the basic tools you need here, but that article is a step by step guide to getting a perfectly level RV.
Tools to level your RV
2. Connect to utilities
Utilities – the unsung heroes of campsite convenience. Fresh water, power, and waste disposal are the holy trinity of RV living. These conveniences are what make RV camping a cut above tent camping. While not all campsites offer utilities, most do! You can always check the campground’s website before you book to make sure they offer water, power and sewer.
For this next step of setting up the perfect RV campsite for beginners you’ll want to familiarize yourself with your RV’s hookup connections. These are usually labeled on your RV so you don’t mix them up. Invest in good-quality hoses and adapters to protect your RV.
What you’ll need
- Surge Protector: Plugging your RV directly into the campground’s power station can be risky. Using a surge protector can give you peace of mind that the connection is safe. It will also protect your RV in the event of a power surge.
- Water Hose: When setting up you’ll need a drinking water safe hose to hook up to the campground’s water supply.
- We also recommend using a water filter to avoid any unpleasant odor, taste, or bacteria in your water lines
- Water Pressure Regulator: RV lines and connections can be fragile. If your water pressure is too high the connections can easily begin to leak, wreaking havoc on the insides of your RV.
- I use this regulator with gauge to find the balance between a good shower and not springing a leak!
- Sewer Hose: Purchasing a sewer hose or two is the first step in setting up your RV sanitation system. Make sure it is long enough to connect your RV to the campground’s tank in a variety of campsites.
- I highly recommend this Rhino Sewer Hose with clear elbow so you can see when your tank water becomes clear.
- Hose Support: Also known as the Hershey Highway! P**p does not flow uphill, so it is important to have a hose support system that will create the right pitch as the sewer hose goes from your RV to the campground tank.
How to hook up
Start your set up by connecting your RV to the campsite’s power source. First plug your surge protector into the power source and turn the outlet on to be sure you are getting a clear reading. Then turn the power off and plug your RV’s power cord into the surge protector and your RV. You can now turn the power back on, and should be able to turn on lights etc in your RV.
Next step in utility connection is the water. Attach the pressure regulator directly to the campsite’s water source. Then, hook your water filter to the pressure regulator. Finally, attach your water hose to the water filter and your RV’s city water connection. Now you can turn on the water so it will flow to your RV!
Pro Tip:
You may need to open some faucets in your RV to create some suction before water begins flowing through your RV pipes. Just open up the kitchen or bathroom sink for a few minutes after you turn on the water connection. Once you see water coming out of the faucet you are good to go.
Last but certainly not least is hooking up your sewer connection. Make sure to wear gloves to stay safe and sanitary! Simply connect one end of your sewer hose to your RV’s grey tank connection, and fit the other end into the campground’s septic system. You’ll want to use the hose support system to be sure the hose is at a downward angle from RV to sewer.
3. Make your campsite home!
The best part of RV camping is that you can really make it feel like home. This is the fun part of how to set up the perfect RV campsite for beginners. Now that you’ve gotten past the basics of leveling and utilities you can really let loose with your campsite set up.
We typically start by rolling out our awning for some shade, and our outdoor rug to keep things clean. Having a floor rug or two that cover the area between your RV stairs and the picnic table helps to cut down on dirt tracked inside. Added bonus – it makes your campsite super cute!
- I have this chevron outdoor rug which comes in several colors and has a convenient carrying case. One is necessary, two is even better to cover more ground.
No campsite is complete without some comfortable chairs to hang out in. The point of RV camping is to be outside! Find chairs that are comfortable, but not heavy or clunky for easy packing.
- This year we purchased this set of zero gravity extra large chairs for our in laws. They are the ultimate relaxation chair!
Some others items we find useful to have at our campsite are below:
- Market Bulbs – some string lights to have around your awning create a cozy glow at night.
- Doormat – this particular mat that wraps around your RV’s step is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to keeping dirt out of your RV.
- Folding Table – a collapsible folding table makes for great storage space, or a place to cook breakfast on a portable grill.
- Hammock – This set up by Kammok is hands down the best quality hammock around. It’s incredibly well made, durable, and folds easily for transportation. It’s an investment, but you won’t be disappointed.
- Frame and hammock are sold separately so that you can get the right hammock size for your needs. The Double Roo easily fits me and my husband who is over 6 feet tall!
And there you have it. 3 steps for how to step up the perfect RV campsite for beginners! If you’re looking for a full list of gear that is helpful for beginning RV campers you can check out our RV Essentials Starter Kit article here.
There’s no Instagram-perfect campsite award, folks. Embrace the mishaps, laugh at the wobbly leveling attempts, and celebrate the successes (like finally mastering that awning extension!). The journey is just as important as the destination, so relax, have fun, and let the spirit of adventure guide you.
Remember, we’re guests in nature’s grand home. Respect the environment by practicing responsible camping. Pack out all your trash, dispose of wastewater properly, and be mindful of noise levels. Let’s leave the campsite even better than we found it, for ourselves and future adventurers.
Don’t forget to share some of your campsite set up tips in the comments! Happy camping!
