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Choosing a campground will be one of the first things you do when starting to plan an RV road trip. But it can be hard to know where to look for a campsite, and many factors can dictate where you can stay: your RV’s length, the duration of your stay, campsite amenities, and how much you would like to spend will influence your campground selection.

Fortunately, many campground options exist for all budgets and travel styles—each with strengths and weaknesses. Let’s discuss where to begin as you determine how to choose a campsite. 

How to Choose a Campsite

Write down the specifications of your RV.Write down your “must-haves.”Include all travelers in your plans.

Start by putting your RV details on paper. How long is your RV? How tall is your RV? What amp plug does it take, 15, 30 or 50?

Then elaborate on what you “must-have” at your campsite. Water hook-up? Beautiful views? A firepit? Sewer hook-ups? Privacy from neighbors?

Finally, bring together who you’re traveling with to finalize your search parameters in campground selection. Make sure everyone’s needs are heard and considered. Will someone want a hot shower at the end of a long day? Keep this in mind when looking at campgrounds and search for shower facilities or water hookups so your party’s needs are met. Maybe you’re traveling with young kids. Think about looking for campgrounds that have fun things to do on property.

As with any home, I’m sure at some point you will want to customize and upgrade certain features. There are endless things that you can upgrade and the prices can vary. While full-time RVing over the past four years, we’ve found several items that have made RV living more convenient and enjoyable.

We made a list of our top 25 recommendations for the best RV upgrades and modifications ranked by both monetary price, and convenience and value.

Monetary Price

Everyone has a different budget, so consider your own finances and what you can set aside for upgrading your RV by choosing to make the best investment to suit your specific needs. Since prices vary from time to time, you will find each item on our list paired with a certain number of $ next to it ranging from the least expensive upgrades ($) to the most expensive ($$$$$).

$$$$$ Ratings (Values Approximate)

$: under $50$$: $50-$99$$$: $100-$199$$$$: $200-$399$$$$$: $400+Chase & LIndsay RVing as Travel Nurses

Importance Value

Aside from monetary value, there are certain RV upgrades that, despite the cost, may be extremely beneficial and valuable for you to have. We rated each modification based off of how important and valuable we think this item is. Keep in mind that we are full-time RVers, so we may feel that some of these are well worth the cost.

Star Ratings

One Star = it makes a differenceTwo Stars = It’s worth itThree Stars = we use it all the time/highly recommend

Here are our personal ratings for the 25 best RV upgrades, based on cost and benefit, in no particular order.

As an experienced RV owner, I often get asked for tips from people who are buying their first camper. One of the first things I suggest is that they go to Camping World.

Camping World has well over two hundred dealerships conveniently located all across the country, so there’s typically a dealership within a short drive from everyone. They also have a large inventory so you can walk through as many units as you desire, giving you the best idea of which one is right for you. And lastly, you can’t beat their prices – you’re sure to find a good deal.

Perhaps you’re ready to purchase an RV and aren’t sure where to start. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect when you buy an RV at Camping World.

Image by Camping World

Pick a Date

A lot of people think the first step is to just stop by their local Camping World and check out some RVs. However, this can not only be a waste of your time but can also overwhelm you if you don’t go to the dealership with some direction. As I mentioned, they have a huge inventory, so walking around the lot aimlessly isn’t a great use of your time.

I’d first recommend that you spend a little time considering how you plan to use a camper — Will you be working remotely? Will you be going off-road? Do you need bunks for the kids and their friends? — and why you’re interested in purchasing one? You want to be very clear on your needs, as well as your budget, before even allowing yourself to shop. Your budget will also dictate whether you’re in the used or new market.

Relaxing and exciting times await you at the Choctaw RV Park! We offer you the serenity of camping under the stars while just steps away from the excitement and high energy of Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma.

You can spend the day at one of our premium 77 campsites while enjoying the beautifully landscaped park. Family fun awaits you! You might decide a dip in our sparkling pool is just the thing to start your getaway. The kids can burn off some of their energy at our playground, or if indoor activities are more to their liking, they can take in the fun of our game room. You can rest or read by our cozy fireplace or join the kids in the game room for some friendly competition! Then it’s back to your site to sit at your covered picnic table and take in the beautiful sunset as the chef in the family prepares something on the grill.

For a different kind of excitement, you can hop on our free shuttle and take a quick ride across the street to Choctaw Casino & Resort. The best in gaming, dining and entertainment awaits you. Find your lucky seat at one of our 7,400 slot machines, 106 table games or our poker room with over 30 tables. Enjoy fantastic dining at one of our 16 restaurants, such as our award-winning culinary destination 1832 Steakhouse, round-the-clock eatery Salt & Stone or sports hotspot The League. Grab a drink and relax at one of our 20 bars and lounges located throughout the property. Kids of all ages will enjoy the 70-game arcade, bowling alley and 6-screen movie theater.

One of the benefits of owning a Class C RV is that it can tow a car or toad behind it. This adds to the list of things you can do once you reach your destination. But you’ll need to make sure your RV is rated to handle the weight of the vehicle you want to tow. 

Why Tow a Vehicle Behind Your RV?

Photo by Camping World

If you’re looking to upgrade your motorhome experience, adding a toad to your setup might do the trick. Towing a toad behind your RV can help in many ways:

Avoid the hassle of packing up your campsite if you need to run into town for supplies.Drive your toad to any nearby attractions or parks—no need to find parking for a motorhomeSave gas on local tripsEmbrace the “spoke and wheel” setup—use your motorhome and campground as a basecamp and take your toad to explore all the area has to offer

If you’re ready to try a toad with your motorhome, here are the questions you need to ask to make sure you’re towing safely.

What is Your Class C’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?

Image by Dometic

Your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the total weight your motorhome can hold. Along with other towing and rating specs, it can be found on your vehicle identification label (a sticker on the inside of one of your door casings) or in your RV owner’s manual. 

When looking at GVWR, you’ll need to include your vehicle weight, the weight of everything in your motorhome (don’t forget water weight, occupants, and everything you’re bringing for your trip), and the hitch weight of your tow vehicle.

RVing is a convenient and affordable way to travel. Paying for flights and hotels on a traditional vacation can really add up, especially if you have a large family. With any type of travel, staying within your budget requires foresight and creativity.

Fortunately, there are many ways to plan and execute a budget-friendly RV trip, from dipping your toes into the exciting world of boondocking to enjoying membership discounts at luxury campgrounds. Plus, there are ways you can change your RV habits to keep extra cash in your pocket.

Here are five ways to save money on RV trips:

1. Plan Ahead

Photo by Camping World

Choosing your destination and season wisely can significantly lower the costs of any RV road trip. Certain tourist locations, such as New York City (yes, you can RV to the Big Apple!), are much more expensive than others.

Plan your RV trip during shoulder season if your dream is to visit a more costly destination. Many RV parks and tours offer a discounted rate during their low season, saving you a lot of money.

Today, we’ll dive into some of our favorite floorplans from CrossRoads RV’s fifth wheels! These RVs blend luxury and affordability to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy the campground at a price you’ll love. Learn more about these four amazing CrossRoads fifth wheels below!

Find more CrossRoads RV fifth wheels for sale near you!

CrossRoads Cameo CE2901RL

The master bedroom in this CrossRoads Cameo CE2901RL fifth wheel features a spacious wardrobe and a slide-out king bed. You’ll find that the living room is equipped with opposing slides and a large entertainment unit to make it easy to watch the big game at the campground. In the kitchen, the bar with stools makes serving food to friends and family a breeze!

Additional Features:

Front Private BedroomBar StoolsDual Entry BathroomRear Living AreaExternal Docking StationSleep like you’re staying in a five-star resort wherever you go.

CrossRoads Cameo CE3891MK

The CrossRoads Cameo CE3891MK fifth wheel provides a luxury experience for a price you’ll love. The dual fireplaces ensure you’ll always be able to keep away the chill, and the TVs in the living room and master bedroom make it easy to watch your favorite shows wherever you’re most comfortable. In the living room, you’ll love the power theater seats that provide a cozy place to rest at the end of the day.

Additional Features:

Whether you’re in the market for a tiny trailer or a sprawling motorhome, shopping for a recreation vehicle involves a lot of choices. One of the main considerations is the selection of a floorplan that accommodates the owner’s requirements and preferences. In many cases, it may be necessary to change to another model, or perhaps a different make, to obtain the desired interior design. But regardless, a suitable floorplan is a key ingredient to the shopping process.

Slides are an integral part of the floorplan if the chosen unit is so equipped. These space expanders actually provide two floorplans: One for in-camp accommodation and living space and the other for stops that do not lend themselves to the deployment of slides.

So let’s first look at the in-camp configuration with all slides in the extended position. This is what is shown in the brochure.

Dinette Type

The most common RV dining configurations have a fixed-booth or wall-connected table setup. Some comprise a free-standing table with separate chairs. While the fixed location type is the most popular, the free-standing arrangement has some advantages. First, it can be moved slightly out from the wall providing more elbow room. Larger people may find this more comfortable.

*Please consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. These recipes are meant as treats and not regular meal replacements. We do not make any health claims related to these recipes and these recipes do not reflect professional veterinary advice. Remember that not all dogs know to keep away from fire or heat sources. You do not want your dog’s paws or body to be injured. Always supervise your dog while grilling.

Time with our dogs is never wasted! The entire experience of grilling and making food for you and your dog makes for some great memories on the road. Don’t we all enjoy total experiences? The smell of a fire, a sizzling grill, your dog’s favorite tunes, and relaxing together with a special meal make your dog feel special too! It’s a joy to know How to Plan A Dog-Friendly Road Trip.

Although we lost our beloved dog Digby a few months ago, the memories we have together of grilling at our campsite are some of our favorite. When I look at pictures of our time by the campfire and grilling up our favorite meals together, it is not the destination I recall first. It is the look in his eyes when he knew it was grill night and that he and Brickle would be included.  

Start with the Basics

Image: 2 Traveling Dogs

Space is limited on our RV, so we only have room for the basics! To grill up the ultimate meal, you will need metal tongs, a metal spatula, a meat thermometer, a grill brush, cooking spray, heat-resistant cooking gloves, aluminum foil, and yes, a fire extinguisher. Camping World has not only the basics to build your ultimate grill kit, but has those little extras like tablecloths and cookware.

Of course, to grill, you need a grill! Camping World has every option for the novice or expert griller. Learn about all the Great Portable Grills for RVers. Remember that your dog is an expert in taste. So make sure to pick the right grill and ask questions from a friendly associate to help! You can even bring your fur family along to a Camping World near you to help you choose. Some options at Camping World include portable gas grills, charcoal grills, electric grills, and smokers!

With windswept coastlines, rugged mountains, thick forests, and alpine meadows, Acadia National Park is one of the premier wilderness destinations in the entire US.

Located on the coast of Maine on Mount Desert Island, the park covers more than 49,000 acres and includes a small chain of islands that are unique and wild in their own right. This gives Acadia some of the most diverse landscapes and ecosystems of any national park, which is why it attracts more than three million annual visitors. 

Acadia is easily accessible and accommodating to every traveler, despite its remote location. It offers roadways to explore by vehicle, trails for hiking and biking, and plenty of water to canoe and kayak. There are also multiple campgrounds found within its boundaries, with even more options located nearby. 

If you’re searching for outdoor adventure and breathtaking views, point your RV towards Acadia National Park. Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

Why Visit Acadia National Park in an RV?

Photo by Alexey Stiop via Shutterstock

With 27 miles of historic roads and three RV-friendly campgrounds, Acadia is an excellent destination for RVers, although patience is sometimes required.

The past few years have drastically changed how people work, live, and travel. Now, more than ever, workplace flexibility is making the daily cubicle a thing of the past. Don’t believe it? Check out these 10 Awesome True Life RVer Jobs.

Hybrid and remote work is becoming popular as more companies embrace the evidence that a flexible workplace is as productive, if not more, than in-person office environments.

With the option to work anywhere, anytime, it should come as no surprise that people are opting to do so on the road. Having the ability to travel has long been a perk many look for in a career, especially for the traditional 9-5 roles.

Have you longed to explore a new landscape, coast, or city? Working remotely from an RV might be the answer to your wish. But which RV?

Check out the best RVs for working remotely and use these tips for finding the best RV for you.

If it wasn’t for the RVing dads of this world, many of us would be clueless about the joys of the RV lifestyle. Outdoorsy fathers introduce us to nature’s beauty, the joys of RV travel and the rewards of a well-maintained rig. Father’s Day is our annual opportunity to thank our adventure-loving dads, with great camping and RV gear that makes their life easier and fun.

Give Thanks Where Rubber Meets the Road

From the moment any RVing dad buys the family camper, he makes safety a priority. Most start where rubber meets the road, by purchasing top-quality RV tires. But too many dads put off the added expense of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). They simply don’t know that even the best tire brands are sometimes casualties of tough RV driving conditions.

We learned this the hard way during our Alaska Highway adventure. Endless potholes and frost heaves triggered two flat trailer tires on that summer trip. If we didn’t own a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to keep tabs on our wheels, those situations would have been much worse.

A TPMS is a smart buy. It looks out for your safety by audibly warning you about deteriorating tire conditions. Your dad will instantly know when a tire is too low, too hot or quickly losing air. The newest TPMS systems have high-tech features that can catch tire problems before they happen. These warnings can help him avoid serious highway accidents commonly caused by tire failure.

Part of the joy of RV travel is the wonderful places we discover by serendipity. Over the years, we have found a lot of them, almost always by following our curiosity and getting off the main roads. Here are 10 quirky museums we have found that are worth re-routing the RV for:

1. The Tupperware Museum, Kissimmee, FL

Image: Vince360 / Shutterstock

The Tupperware Confidence Center,  located just behind the main lobby at the Tupperware Brands Global Headquarters in Kissimmee just south of Orlando, is one of those quirky little looks at American culture sure to fascinate. There you can see the lettuce keeper and the celery keeper and the snap-top salt and pepper shakers you remember, as well as all the new Tupperware products.

Yes, Tupperware is still very much in business. You can watch demonstrations in the on-site kitchen and visit the gift shop for an eye-popping array of colors and uses. Earl Tupper was a prolific inventor, and received hundreds of patents, but will always be remembered for Tupperware, which had sales of nearly three billion dollars last year.  Women around the world are still selling Tupperware and attending jubilees.

A new look at old ideas, some historical tidbits you never knew (but probably should), and just the right thing to solve that storage problem in your RV—they’re all waiting for you, out in Kissimmee.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Sherwood Forest RV ResortTropical Palms RV Resort

2. The Castle Dome Mining Museum, near Yuma, AZ

Image: T-I / Shutterstock

When we find something that catches our eye, we’re more than willing to change directions and check it out. That’s what happened in Arizona when we saw a small, dusty sign for the Castle Dome Mining Museum. We were on our way somewhere else but, hey, what’s a detour? It had to be close, right? Wrong.

RVs provide the adventure of camping with the comforts of home. Towable RVs can be one of the least expensive ways to enjoy RV camping. While that’s true, you might be under the impression you need a larger budget for a motorhome or a heavy-duty truck to pull a towable RV. 

However, did you know there are RVs small enough (like the Happier Camper, for example) that you won’t need to buy a truck to pull it. Whatsmore, they’re small enough not to need to pay for RV storage!

We’ve got you covered with five RVs you can pull with your SUV. Keep your car, save on storage, and camp in the comfort of an RV. 

Key Things To Know About Towable RVs

Image by Airstream, Inc. from Unsplash

When shopping for a towable RV, you will need to know a few terms. Knowing what these terms mean will help you figure out if your current vehicle can tow the specific RV you’re looking at. 

Your Tow Vehicle

In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you’ll want to look for your vehicle’s towing capacity. Most SUVs will be rated to tow somewhere between 1,500 pounds and 5,000 pounds. Each one is different, and of course, there are exceptions. Some SUVs can tow more than 5,000 pounds. Find out your vehicle’s tow capacity with a few clicks by using our handy tow guide.

Learning how to maintain your RV doesn’t have to be a monumental task. Join RV Expert, Ian Baker, as he runs through the simple basics of RV maintenance in under four minutes. Or, use our outline below to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.

If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, or you just don’t have the time to do these tasks – leave the labor to someone else. Good Sam members receive $50 off service and installation at Camping World service centers, up to twice a year. That’s $100 toward upgrades or common repairs! Enroll in a Good Sam membership to start earning points and enjoying member benefits.

Read Your RV Owner’s Manual

Follow the manufacturer’s owner’s manual to see exactly what you should do to keep your motorhome or travel trailer in top condition. You can always schedule an appointment with a certified RV service technician at one of our many Camping World locations.

How to Maintain your RV Roof

RV roofs take a lot of abuse from harsh weather like hail, sun, wind, and rain. Roofs should be checked periodically for damage.

As a general rule, if your RV comes equipped with a factory-installed ladder, your roof is walkable. If not, use a stable ladder to maintain your roof from the side. Keep your roof clean by washing it with a light solvent and water. Parking under sappy trees warrants a wash as soon as possible.

Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful areas in the whole country. Many of the state’s best attractions and natural landscapes can be found within the state parks.

The wild, rocky landscape of the Peach State is home to many gorgeous attractions. Some of these attractions are shrouded in mystery, like the ancient rock wall found in Fort Mountain State Park, while other state parks boast incredible canyons with powerful waterfalls, like those of Tallulah Falls or Cloudland Canyon. Another notable state park, Stone Mountain, is a veritable time capsule to the state’s complicated history, and several of the others offer the unique feature of yurt-style glamping, a treat for campers of all ages (and levels of experience).

If you’re looking for fun activities to do while camping in Georgia, look no further. Here’s the information you need to know about the best state parks in Georgia for RV camping. 

1. Stone Mountain Park

Image by DavidTLC from Getty

Located just 15 miles from Atlanta, Stone Mountain is the state’s most-visited attraction. The park highlights many unusual and exciting attractions, including The Lasershow Spectacular in MountainVision, an iconic show featuring lasers, choreographed drone flights, flame cannons, fireworks, lights, and music. The Summit Skyride uses a high-speed Swiss cable car to provide fantastic views of the world’s largest relief carving, the Atlanta skyline, the Appalachian Mountains, and up to 60 miles of the surrounding area!

The Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall displays artifacts and stories that span 12,000 years, from ancient civilizations that lived on the mountain, to Civil War history, to present-day events. When it comes to Georgia, you’ll find some of the best campsites at Stone Mountain State Park, including traditional RV, camper, and primitive sites. Stone Mountain is unique in offering furnished yurts, RV/campers, and safari tents for rent. WIFI is available throughout the park, which is great for downtime. Your family is sure to make tons of memories at Stone Mountain State Park.

Travel with your loved one is easy when you have a class B motorhome to get you to your destination. These RVs are built with compact designs that are comfortable to drive and easy to maneuver so that you can feel more confident on the road. Learn about the top five class B motorhomes available near you below!

Find more class B motorhomes for sale.

2022 Chinook Bayside DB

This Chinook Bayside DB class B motorhome is an excellent example of the sleek designs available in class B motorhomes. You’ll love that the full bath in the rear of the RV gives you all the space you need to get cleaned up after a long day on the road. The 10′ power awning on the exterior of this RV ensures you always have a shady place to rest.

Additional Features:

Full Rear BathWardrobe10′ Power AwningStainless Steel Convection MicrowaveYou’ll love sitting under this awning enjoying a good book.

2022 Coachmen Beyond 22C AWD

The Coachmen Beyond 22C AWD class B motorhome is a perfect couple’s coach with everything you need to make your week away at the campground comfortable. The all-wheel-drive feature allows you to get to even the toughest campsites without worrying about getting stuck. The living space features plenty of seating with the power sofa and swivel captain’s chairs.

Additional Features: