Thinking of going camping this summer? Grab your bug spray and start throwing together your hiking ensembles before all the good spots are taken! Camping and its associated activities are some of the great American past-times, seeing millions of families traveling across the country to enjoy the very best summer weather and the outdoors have to offer. Preparing for the trip may seem like a mundane chore, but it’ll be far worse if you arrive at your camp site and find out you didn’t install your fifth wheel camper or forgot your emergency flares! Let’s take a look at the top five tips you should keep in mind when preparing for your next great vacation, from buying the right camper accessories to keeping safety at the top of your to-do list.
No Tent? No Problem!
There are a plethora of different ways to enjoy the warm weather and open stars. Some prefer to pitch a tent and keep their camping experience as close to nature as possible, while others rent out quality cabins in prime locations. Yet more prefer the luxury and convenience of an RV — the RVIA estimates a nationwide average of 30 million RV enthusiasts, including renters and owners. Camping is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities due to its wealth of activities and the United States’ bevy of beautiful and varied locations.
Stay Calm And Keep Safe
The 2014 American Camper Report showed a whopping 40 million Americans, or nearly 15% of the population, camping in 2013. Due to these high numbers, safety only becomes more and more paramount for both families and wildlife around the country. If you’re cooking outside, remember to dispose any and all spare food, wrappers and toiletries properly — bears have one of the most powerful senses of smell in the animal kingdom, even outdoing a hunting dog, and have a curious nature to match! Keep a map, emergency flares and flashlights with working batteries on hand in case of a disaster. There’s no need to camp and stress about what-ifs, after all!
Convenience Or Style: Why Not Both?
Did you know a recent survey found a family of four traveling by RV can save them anywhere from 25% to 60% of their vacation cost? That’s nothing to sneeze at! Each camping participant, whether they stayed in an RV or a tent, spends an average of two weeks camping every year. RVs are rather popular for their ease of convenience as well as their ability to travel, opening up a wealth of possibilities during your weekend adventure. The two main categories of RVs are motorhomes (using a motor) and towables (towed behind a truck or pick-up), with accessories including fifth wheel campers and used camper trailers.
It’s All About The Schedules
Nobody wants the trip of a lifetime to become a legendary disaster. With so many activities to participate in it’s essential to keep a list you can reference over the weekend. Some of your family may want to swim or boat, while some of your friends may prefer a hiking trip. Organizing your day proper will prevent needless argument and precious wasted time — summer only comes once per year, after all! Last, but certainly not least, we have the accessories you need to make your trip a hit. Seen any good used fifth wheel campers lately?
A Vacation To Remember
Before you head out to a Colorado mountain range or one of California’s iconic beaches, hit up your local camper parts store and seek out a fifth wheel camper — they’re designed to give you a little extra wiggle room when on the open road, perfect for when you invite additional family members or friends. Used RV dealers offer a wide range of deals at affordable prices, to better round out your vehicle and give you peace of mind over the week. Folding camper trailers, in particular, are ideal for those with little time on their hands. Now that you’ve got a few ideas in your back pocket, it’s time to get a move on — you’ve got leisure time to spend!