TL;DR: New to RVing? Avoid common mistakes by performing a perimeter check, packing only essentials, planning RV-friendly routes, pacing your travel, and monitoring your gas gauge. These tips ensure smooth travels and a stress-free adventure!
Your first RV trip is exciting—but it can also come with a steep learning curve.
From overpacking to overdriving, many first-time RVers make the same mistakes. The good news? Most of these issues are easy to avoid with a little preparation and the right mindset.
Whether you're heading out for your first overnight stay or planning a longer road trip, these first time camping tips will help you avoid common pitfalls. All you have to do is keep these points in mind, and you’ll be traveling like a pro in no time!
Perform a perimeter check before leaving a site to ensure valuables are secured.
Avoid bringing unnecessary supplies to prevent clutter and the risk of leaving things behind.
Plan your route carefully, considering size and height restrictions for your RV.
Don't push yourself too hard in one day; follow the 3/3/3 rule for a balanced schedule.
Stay mindful of the gas gauge and locate nearby gas stations, especially in remote areas.
Mistake #1: Not Doing A Perimeter Check Before Leaving A Site
No matter how eager you are to get going, it’s crucial that you take a few extra minutes to walk around your RV. Check for any valuables or supplies that might have been left out nearby. You’ll also want to make sure any slide-outs are tucked back in. While you’re at it, check the tire pressure and lower your antenna to prevent any costly damage.
Mistake #2: Bringing A Bunch Of Unnecessary Supplies
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be prepared, but many new RVers have a tendency to bring everything but the kitchen sink, and then some. Not only does this result in a ton of extra clutter, it also increases the likelihood of something being left behind. Learning how to stay organized is a key skill when RVing, so only take what’s absolutely essential and reasonable for your length of stay.
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Mistake #3: Forgetting To Make Sure Your Route Is RV-Friendly
If you’re not used to driving an RV, it’s easy to forget that many routes just aren’t compatible with some motorhomes due to size and height issues. Things like tunnels, bridges, and narrow back roads can all become a major headache if not planned for ahead of time. Installing a GPS or RV trip-planning tool on your phone can relieve a lot of stress and is a great way to check that your RVs height and size won’t be a problem.
Mistake #4: Pushing Yourself Too Hard In One Day
It’s always exciting to know you’re getting close to your destination, but pulling an all-nighter isn’t always the best choice. Everyone has their own limit of how many miles they can handle per day, and it may take some time to find out what your limit is. If you haven’t heard of the 3/3/3 rule, it’s a good way to make sure you’re not overdoing it. To follow this rule of thumb, drive no more than 300 miles in one day, arrive no later than 3 p.m., and try to stay at your destination for a bare minimum of 3 days. This schedule makes sure you have enough time to rest up and recharge.
Mistake #5 Not Being Proactive About Fuel
The last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with an empty gas tank. It’s critical to always be aware of the nearest gas station, especially when traveling through remote areas. If you’re hauling a camper trailer, the extra weight can significantly reduce the amount of mileage per gallon. It’s worth getting familiar with your motorhome’s capabilities and keeping your eye on the gas gauge to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Bonus First-Time Camping Tips Every RVer Should Know
Beyond avoiding mistakes, here are a few additional first-time camping tips to improve your experience.
Start With Short Trips
Your first RV trip doesn’t need to be cross-country.
Start with:
Weekend trips
Short driving distances
Familiar locations
This gives you time to learn your RV without pressure.
Practice Before You Go
Before hitting the road:
Practice parking and backing up
Test your hookups
Run all appliances
Do a short “trial night” in your driveway
Preparation builds confidence.
Plan for Setup and Breakdown Time
Setting up your RV takes longer than you might expect.
Allow time for:
Leveling
Hookups
Slide-outs
Organizing your space
Rushing leads to mistakes—especially for beginners.
Use a Checklist
One of the most practical first-time camping tips is to use a checklist.
Checklists help you remember:
Disconnecting utilities
Securing loose items
Locking compartments
Checking tire pressure
Over time, this process becomes second nature.
Keep Your First Trip Simple
Avoid overcomplicating your first experience.
Instead of trying to:
Visit multiple states
Pack in too many stops
Cover long distances
Focus on enjoying the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RV 333 Rule?
The RV 333 rule suggests driving no more than 300 miles, no more than 3 hours, and arriving by 3 PM to reduce stress and improve safety.
What are the best first-time camping tips for RV beginners?
Start with short trips, don’t overpack, learn your RV systems, avoid driving long distances, and arrive before dark.
How far should you drive in an RV each day?
Most beginners should aim for 3–5 hours of driving or around 250–300 miles per day.
Is RV camping difficult for beginners?
It can feel overwhelming at first, but with preparation and simple planning strategies, it becomes much easier quickly.
Ready To Hit The Road?
The RV lifestyle attracts people from all walks of life, and for good reason. Having a “home on wheels” provides a sense of freedom that other forms of travel just don’t have. For many first-time RVers, trying to get familiar with all the unique requirements an RV brings can feel like a steep learning curve. But by keeping these 5 common mistakes in mind, you can make sure your summer road trip goes off without a hitch. Happy travels!
Tara Mcnabb is a digital marketing associate at NW Adventure Rentals, a luxury RV rental company with three locations in Washington State. When she’s not scheming about another trip, you can find her sipping matcha tea or watching a juicy period drama.
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV camping membership that offers self-contained RVers unlimited overnight stays at 9,600+ unique locations across North America with no camping fees. Stay at farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, attractions, and other one-of-a-kind destinations while enjoying memorable travel experiences and the peace of mind that comes with knowing a safe place to stay is always nearby.
