Planning your RV adventures just got a whole lot simpler!
After three years of full-time RV living, one of the questions we get asked most frequently is: “How do you plan your trips without driving yourself crazy?” It’s a fair question! Whether you’re considering full-time RV life or simply planning a weekend getaway, the process of figuring out where to go, where to stay, and what to do can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, I’m breaking down our complete system for planning amazing RV trips that deliver incredible experiences without the headaches. This is exactly how Barry and I plan our journeys to discover the best destinations, campgrounds, boondocking spots, local attractions, and hidden gems across America.
Start With Your “Big Rocks”
The first step in planning any RV adventure is identifying what I call your “Big Rocks” – the non-negotiable dates and destinations that anchor your entire trip:
- Hard dates you can’t change: Weddings, graduations, birthdays, holidays
- Specific events: RV shows, festivals, concerts
- Family visits: Places where you need to be at specific times
I usually start by plotting these fixed points on my map (I use RV Trip Wizard (25% off at this link- applied in the last screen at cart), but you could use Google Maps too). Put all your big rocks in first with their specific dates, then you’ll see the gaps between them that need to be filled.
For Big Rigs:
We travel in a 44-foot toy hauler, so I have a few extra considerations:
- Sometimes I input a slightly smaller rig size (40ft) in reservation systems if I can see that sites are actually larger
- I look for sites with open space behind them where we can extend past the pad if needed
- For sites with heavy tree cover, I call to ask about specific sites that might have better clearance
For State Parks & Popular Destinations:
- Mark your calendar for when reservation windows open (often 6 months in advance)
- Have several site options ready in case your first choice isn’t available
- Consider joining waitlists for cancellations – we’ve gotten into “impossible” campgrounds this way!
This approach helps you visualize the overall journey and understand how much time you have between must-visit destinations.
Fill In With “Little Rocks”
Once your big rocks are in place, it’s time to add what I call “Little Rocks” – destinations and experiences you’d love to include but that have flexibility:
- Places you’ve always wanted to visit: That state park you saved on Instagram
- Seasonal opportunities: Leaf peeping in New England, wildflowers in Texas
- Hobby-related destinations: Great fishing spots, hiking trails, wine regions
I keep ongoing lists in my phone of places that catch my interest – from Instagram posts, YouTube videos, or recommendations from other RVers. When planning a trip through a certain region, I check these lists to see what might fit between my big rocks.
Pro tip: Create folders on your phone to save destinations by state or region. This makes it much easier to pull up ideas when planning a specific route.
Choosing Campgrounds
Once you have your route sketched out with destinations, it’s time to find places to stay. Here’s my step-by-step process:
Research Phase:
- Watch YouTube videos of campgrounds in the area
- Read Google reviews (not just the star rating – look for specific comments about site size, amenities, etc.)
- Check the website Campground Views to see actual site photos and layouts
- Use Google Earth to look at the campground from above (especially helpful for seeing tree cover and site arrangement)
Finding Amazing Things To Do
This is my favorite part of planning! Here’s how I discover the best experiences in each area:
Research Methods:
- Google searches like: “off the beaten path in [city]” or “hidden gems near [destination]”
- Check tourism board websites for events calendars and local festivals
- Join Facebook groups for the areas you’ll visit and ask for local recommendations
- Search Trip Advisor for top-rated activities
- Explore food options using sites like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives locations
Ask the Locals:
The single best tip I can give you is to talk to locals once you arrive. Ask your:
- Campground hosts
- Restaurant servers
- Store clerks
- Fellow campers
Simply ask: “What do locals love that tourists usually miss?” This has led us to some of our most memorable experiences!
Add Activities to Your Planner:
I add potential activities to my trip planner as points of interest. This gives me a visual map of options without committing to specific dates. When we arrive, we can choose based on weather, energy levels, and mood.
Boondocking Considerations
While we’re working on a more comprehensive boondocking guide, here are the basics for incorporating boondocking into your trip plans:
- Find locations through groups like “Boondocking for Big Rigs” on Facebook
- Save coordinates directly in your trip planner
- Make detailed notes about access, road conditions, stay limits, and nearby services
- Always have a Plan B and C in case your preferred spot is full or unsuitable
- Use Google Earth to scout locations before arriving
For boondocking in particular, I recommend planning multiple options since these sites can fill up or conditions can change rapidly.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Planning
After three years on the road full-time, here’s what I’ve learned about making trip planning enjoyable:
Embrace Flexibility:
Plans change! We’ve had to completely reroute trips due to family emergencies, weather events, and other unexpected situations. Having your home on wheels means you can pivot when needed.
Trust Your Gut:
If a campground doesn’t feel right when you arrive, don’t be afraid to leave. Your comfort and safety are worth more than the cost of a lost night.
Balance Planning and Spontaneity:
I plan our general route and major stays, but leave room for discoveries along the way. Some of our best experiences have been completely unplanned!
Give Yourself Grace:
Not every destination will be amazing, and that’s okay. The beauty of RV life is that you’re always moving on to the next adventure.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
Trip planning doesn’t have to be stressful. With these strategies, you can create amazing RV journeys that include the perfect mix of must-see destinations and delightful discoveries.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or mapping out months of full-time travel, the system remains the same: start with your big rocks, fill in with little rocks, research thoroughly, and always leave room for the unexpected joys that make RV life so special.
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