Parking RV Checklist: Everything You Need to Do to Prepare for Camping

Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or new to the RV lifestyle, parking your RV properly and prepping your site is crucial for a safe and stress-free stay. From leveling to hooking up utilities, each step helps ensure your home-on-wheels is ready for a comfortable camping experience.

Use this Parking RV checklist to make setup easy and efficient—so you can spend more time enjoying the views and less time troubleshooting.

✔️Pre-Arrival Preparation

Before you even reach your destination, there are a few important items to check:

• 📍 Confirm Reservation Details If you’ve made a reservation for the site you’re staying at, verify the address, check-in time, and site instructions with your Harvest Hosts location or campground.

• 🛢️ Fuel Up and Check Fluids Top off fuel, oil, coolant, and propane tanks.

• 🧰 Inspect Tires and Brakes Check for proper inflation, tread wear, and brake function.

• 🔦 Test Lights and Indicators Ensure that all exterior lights and brake signals are working properly.

• 🗺️ Download Offline Maps or Directions Cell service can be spotty—keep directions handy.

✔️ On Arrival: Parking RV Safely

Once you arrive at your site, follow these steps:

• 🛑 Scout the Site Walk around to check for hazards like low-hanging branches or uneven terrain.

• 🅿️ Position Your RV Align your RV according to the site layout, considering slide-outs, awnings, and hookups.

• 🧭Level Your RV Use a bubble level or leveling app to adjust with leveling blocks or automatic levelers.

• 🔐 Engage the Parking Brake & Wheel Chocks Always chock the wheels—especially on sloped surfaces—for added safety.

✔️Utility Hookups

With the RV stable, you can now connect to hookups, if they’re available.

• 🔌 Connect Shore Power Plug in your power cord to the appropriate amperage (30 or 50 amp). Use a surge protector.

• 💧 Hook Up Fresh Water Use a food-grade hose and water pressure regulator to connect to the spigot.

• 🚽 Connect the Sewer Hose Attach the sewer hose to the dump station or sewer inlet using a secure seal.

• 🪠 Open Tank Valves in Order Only open valves once hoses are secure; black tank first, then gray tank to flush.

✔️ Interior Setup

Now that your RV is connected and secure, focus on the interior:

• 🛏️ Slide Out Extensions Only deploy slides once the RV is level and secure.

• 🔥 Turn on the Water Heater & Furnace (If Needed) Check propane levels and ignite pilot lights where required.

• 🌡️ Adjust Thermostat & Open Vents Set up for comfort and airflow.

• 💡 Check All Appliances Make sure the fridge, microwave, and other systems are running properly.

✔️ Final Touches for a Smooth Stay

• 🧼 Do a Safety Sweep Walk around your RV to double-check all connections and surroundings.

• 📶 Check Wi-Fi or Hotspot Signal Position your booster or router if you need reliable internet.

• 🗓️ Log Your Stay Use a travel app or journal to track mileage, hookups, and notes about the location.

Looking for a unique overnight stop? Join Harvest Hosts to discover wineries, farms, breweries, and attractions where you can park your RV overnight!

✔️ Bonus: Essentials to Keep in Your RV Parking Kit

Make setup easier every time by keeping the following in a designated bin:

• Leveling blocks

• Water pressure regulator

• Electrical surge protector

• 30/50 amp adapter

• Wheel chocks

• Sewer hose support

• Hose filters & gloves

• Extra fuses and tools

Following this parking RV checklist ensures your RV is safe, level, and fully functional—so you can relax and enjoy your stay. Whether you're boondocking, staying at a campground, or staying at a Harvest Hosts location, a proper setup process makes all the difference.

Want more tips on RV travel, maintenance, and trip planning? Explore the Harvest Hosts Blog.