By Jill Ferrer

Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It seems like fun, and you’d like to try it, but you aren’t sure if it’s for you. Well, it’s a growing industry. Annual RV retail sales topped $14 billion in 2004. As baby boomers take to the road, RVing is becoming increasingly popular. If you have a hint of the  RV itch, then here are ten common reasons for taking an RV vacation:

1. Getting Back to Nature: An RV is an excellent vacation option if you are interested in the great outdoors. You can visit a state or national park, tour famous landmarks, and enjoy some fresh air and natural settings. Take a hike or go fishing. Try whitewater rafting or canoeing. Play some golf, go swimming, or ride your bike. Get some exercise or do nothing but enjoy your surroundings.

2. The Comforts of Home: You can have the best of both worlds in an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors with more creature comforts than tent camping. Whether you own an  RV or try a rental, most  RVs are well-equipped. You will likely have a kitchen with a microwave, fridge, stove, TV, beds, living and dining areas, and a bathroom with a shower. Many RVs have slide-out rooms that increase the living area at the touch of a button. You can sit outside under your awning, get out of the rain if the weather changes, and turn on the air conditioner if it gets too hot.

3. Family Matters: Family members of all ages tend to connect while away from their routine, enjoying a simpler lifestyle. Remember that family togetherness can be a double-edged sword. While the  RV is comfortable, it is a small living area for a large family. If you are renting, consider this when choosing the size of your RV. During the day, try to spend time outdoors or in different activities so that each family member gets a bit of personal space and time for themselves. But the minor logistics can be managed. The general consensus among RVing families is that an RV vacation tends to bring the family closer with more communication and sharing of good times.

4. Cool for Kids: An RV vacation can be a great way to travel with children. They can go out to play or take part in campground activities. There will likely be other kids to meet and new places to explore. Children of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned campfire with stories, songs, and stargazing. And most kids think it’s pretty cool to be in an  RV “home on wheels.”

5. Campgrounds: There are many choices in campgrounds and  RV parks. In peak season and tourist areas, you should make reservations. Look for the amenities that are important to you. Campgrounds may have swimming pools, lakes, boating, fishing ponds, miniature golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, game rooms, walking or bike paths, tennis courts, and kids and adults’ activities. You may find dances, barbeques, contests, or other entertainment. RV Clubs are worth joining to get campground discounts and other services. Consider the size and setting of the campsites and check out overall campground ratings in campground directories. Also, consider proximity to other attractions or landmarks you want to visit.

6. Flexibility: You can change locations in an RV if you get the whim. But take this with a grain of salt. For popular destinations, you may be unable to pick up and find another campground without a reservation. You also want to strike the right balance between seeing different areas and the time spent driving and ensuring you have enough time to relax. Cautions aside, an  RV can give you a lot of freedom and spontaneity. RV travel appeals to an inner pioneering spirit and allows you to create your adventure as you go along your way. You can explore the country at your own pace or take off for last-minute mini-vacations, tailgating events, and weekend trips.

7. Affordability: Whether it is cheaper to take an RV vacation has no “one size fits all” answer. The comparison depends on the type of vacations you would take instead of how you plan to  RV. For a one-time trip, you can compare the costs of renting a suitable  RV to the costs of hotels, airfare, or other means of travel. If you are considering regular RV vacations, you may want to purchase a motorhome or towable trailer. In this case, you must factor in operating costs, maintenance, and the purchase price. You can save money in an RV by cooking meals at home vs. dining out. You can minimize expenses by taking advantage of activities and amenities already included in the campground rate. Fuel expenses can be managed by reducing travel distances and staying longer at a campground or park.

Driving the RV: Driving yourself gives you control over where you go and your travel pace. You don’t have the hassle of airline counters and keeping to schedules. You can stop and take a break when you choose. You don’t need a special license to drive an  RV. Sure, it takes some getting used to — but the number of RVs on the road should tell you that it is doable. Practice on your own (or with another person) before loading up your passengers. Take advantage of any classes available through your dealer or one of the many  RV organizations.

How about a relaxing vacation for a change? How many times have you returned from a trip saying you need a vacation from the vacation? Now, don’t kid yourself – if you are the type who likes to schedule all the details of a trip, that won’t change simply because you are traveling in an RV. However, when choosing an RV vacation, you may shift your thinking and be more apt to use your time off as an opportunity to relax and unwind.

Test out the RV Lifestyle: Your RV vacation may serve as a test drive to gauge your overall interest in the RV lifestyle. Some RVers spend several weeks per year traveling in RVs, while Others take off for months. Snowbirds are RVers who make an annual trek to warmer climates for the winter season. And then there are full-time RVers whose only home is their RV. Many of these people started by vacationing in an RV to try out the RV lifestyle.

About The Author:  Jill is a full-time RVer and the editor of Your RV Lifestyle, where you can find more advice for choosing, affording, and enjoying your RV lifestyle.

Edited by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated May 2024.

Also See:

How to Get the Best Deal Renting an RV

Ten Tips for Dog Owners on the Road in an RV

How To Buy a Used RV

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