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RV camping is a fun adventure, but it is important to be safe on the road. See our tips below for a safe RV camping experience!
Every RV campground and the state it is in has different rules and regulations for campers. This goes for parking, boon docking, and staying as well. Read up on which trailer sizes are accommodated, the nearest legal RV dumping locations, pet policies, state speed limits, and license requirements. You don’t want to be caught off-guard, damage your RV, or give anyone any reason to put you in a bad spot. One more thing - keep your identification on you at all times!
Camping is a wonderful experience where you can explore forests, lakes, mountains, and nature’s wonders in one go. There is nothing like the excitement of being on the road and the adrenaline of the adventure. However, it is just as easy to overlook our safety and become careless when having fun. That is why camping RV safety is important to remember when setting out in your RV.
Whether you are traveling to an unknown destination, using new camping equipment, or get in an accident, there may not be sufficient help or resources present at the time. That is why it is crucial for you to be prepared for all safety hazards on the road. We have compiled a list of the most useful and practical RV camping safety tips. Read to find out how you can keep yourself and your RV safe while on the move!
Top Camping Safety Tips to Remember!
1. Be Vigilant of Your Surroundings
This is a rule of thumb for all campers. Whether you are driving on the open road, parked somewhere, or staying at an RV campground, be aware of your surroundings. Know about the nearest highway or campground exits and if there is an RV in your neighboring campsite. Camping is a good break from daily life, but try not to isolate yourself from civilization too much if you feel unsafe in remote places. Have a good look around wherever you are, and if something feels off to you or your traveling partner, there’s plenty of other options to choose from. Remember, camper safety comes first!
2. Choose the Right Camping Arrangement
There are several important factors to look at when finalizing your RV campground and RV site. These could be your RV’s size, your interests in the area, your medical needs, your age, and if you are traveling with children or pets. Once you have a good idea of these, you will know better what to prepare for. If the nearest hospital is not close, you can pack emergency medicines, or if your age doesn’t allow you to sleep in a tent near the water, you should pack comfortable bedding in your RV.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Traveling is a good time to get excited about your outfits, but the RV lifestyle can make this a bit tricky. With limited closet space and possibly remote RV destinations, RV campers have to make sure to pack practically and only the most useful items. Wear casual, comfortable clothes, pack joggers, and keep lots of sunscreen and insect repellant. That’s two things you will be seeing a lot of - the sun and insects. That’s why hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito patches, and insect repellant sprays are essential camp safety equipment.
4. Campfire Safety
No camping is complete without a campfire! Fires keep you warm, roast nice marshmallows, and serve as the best stage for late night horror stories, but they can be dangerous if not overseen properly. Make sure that your campfire is at least 15 feet away from your campsite, RV, or any vegetation and trees. Only light it in the designated areas and fire rings and do not leave it unattended. Also keep a water bucket nearby in case of campfire emergencies. Most importantly, remember to put it out properly and drowning all the ashes to ensure camp safety.
5. Steer Clear of Wildlife
RV camping often takes you to the wilder side of life - and we mean that literally. It is entirely possible that you run into wildlife species while camping in the mountains, forests, or next to water bodies. They can even be attracted to the smell of food or your garbage disposals. That is why it is important that you store your food properly in storage lockers and dispose your garbage responsibly. If a wild animal happens to come near your campsite or threatens camp safety, don’t disturb it, try to touch it, or feed it. Animals are uncertain creatures, so the more attention you attract, the riskier it can get.
6. Keep an Eye on the Weather
The weather can make or break your RV camping trip. Conditions can change from a sunny day to a storm within an hour. The last thing you want is to be caught unaware and unprepared, stranded in the rain or hail. Download weather apps for year-round traveling, pack raincoats, and if you are traveling during the winters, snow gear will be as important as any other camping equipment.
7. RV Safety is Important
Your RV may be a cozy motorhome, but it requires attention and care just like any other living thing. Routinely keep a check on your RV’s electrical system, batteries, appliances, tires, tanks, generator, and other components. RVs are also prone to fires, so make sure your RV fire safety list is in order! Of course, with RV safety comes camper safety. This means making sure you and your traveling party is safe while camping. Keep the RV door and windows locked while sleeping or if you are leaving the vehicle behind. Carry out frequent RV maintenance checks to make sure there aren’t any leaks or exposed wires.
8. Know Your First Aid
You are out on the road with no houses or medical facilities in sight, and you or your partner need a medic. Who’s to do what then? RVing means traveling anywhere and everywhere, at any time or during any season. There is no guarantee help will always be around. To prepare for such dire circumstances, have basic first aid training (including CPR) and pack a first aid box with medicines, bandages, gauze, and other medical or camping safety equipment that you might need.
9. Research Your Campground
Every RV campground and the state it is in has different rules and regulations for campers. This goes for parking, boondocking, and staying as well. Read up on which trailer sizes are accommodated, the nearest legal RV dumping locations, pet policies, state speed limits, and license requirements. You don’t want to be caught off-guard, damage your RV, or give anyone any reason to put you in a bad spot. One more thing - keep your identification on you at all times!
10. Take Charge of Your Safety
You could do all of the things above, and something might still be missing. That is why it is alright to involve external help sometimes. When you are traveling, try to share your location and plans with a trusted one. You should also have the cops on speed dial, and if there are any in the location you are going to, then the county sheriff, forest services, and rangers as well. This is so that you can swiftly call for reinforcements in emergencies. Of course, you might not always have cell phone signals. For those times, check out these LED road safety flares.
Conclusion
As with any kind of traveling, there are countless safety issues that could arise during an RV trip. We have covered the most common and important issues and their solutions in this list, so be sure to have a look and start preparing. Remember, camping safety is just as important as having fun!