RV Trip Planner: The Ultimate Guide to Planning an RV Road Trip

Planning an RV road trip? You’re in the right place. At RVshare, RVing is our business and also our passion, and our team has gathered a lot of resources and knowledge about how to approach this unique travel lifestyle right. From A to Z, here’s everything you need to know about how to plan an RV road trip — for brand-new beginners heading out for the first time and advanced travelers alike.

Why an RV Road Trip Is the Ultimate Way to Travel

Before we dive into the how, let’s start with the why. Here’s why RVing is our very favorite way to travel, bar none:

• It’s flexible. No more waiting around in an airport for delay after delay. If you hit a traffic jam in an RV, it’s no big deal: You can pull off the highway and boom, you’re already home!
• It’s comfortable. Let’s be real, there’s no such thing as a comfortable seat on an airliner, and even in a car, you have to constantly worry about unpacking and repacking your suitcase at every new hotel. RVs allow you to bring all the creature comforts along with you for the ride — including the literal kitchen sink.
• It’s pet- and kid-friendly. Having the privacy of your own motorhome or travel trailer makes it easy to bring every member of your family along for the ride.
• You can pack what you want for any adventure! Can’t cram your skis into the sedan or constantly find yourself waiting for checked baggage? In an RV, the only limit to what you can bring is the size of the closet and undercarriage storage.
• You can rent a rig and try out the lifestyle. While owning an RV is a privilege that comes with lots of responsibilities, renting an RV gives you access to this unique mode of travel without worrying about storage and maintenance. Plus, it’s easy and affordable.

For all of these reasons and more, RV road trips are ideal for beginner travelers, families, full-time remote nomads and everyone in between. Below, we’ll cover everything from how to choose the right RV to the nitty-gritty of route and itinerary planning. We’ll even dive into budgeting, packing lists, and more!

Choosing the Right RV for Your Road Trip 

While we won’t go into the deep details of all the different types of RVs out there (because we’ve already written about it elsewhere), one thing you should know about renting a rig through a peer-to-peer platform like RVshare is that you’ll have access to a lot more diversity than you would at most traditional rental venues. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay in a big rig you can spread out in or a more adventurous off-road adventure in a Class B camper van, you can find what you’re looking for here.

Here are some basics:

• Motorhomes come in Class A, Class B, and Class C versions. All of them are vehicles that you drive, rather than tow; in general, Class As tend to be the largest and most luxurious, while Class Bs are the most amenable to narrow roads and off-grid adventures. (Class Cs are often a good middle ground for families.)
• Towable RVs include travel trailers and fifth wheels, which are large travel trailers that require a heavy truck to tow. These rigs offer you the ability to disconnect and go explore in a smaller tow vehicle, but they aren’t always the easiest to drive for beginners.

When you’re choosing an RV, keep the following in mind:

• The size of your group. Each rig on RVshare will show many many people the RV sleeps toward the top of the listing—but keep in mind that some people may need to share beds or be on pull-out couches or converted dinette sets. 
• Where you’re going. If you’re planning to camp in resort-style campgrounds with concrete pull-through pads and amenities, a big Class A motorhome may keep you the most comfortable. However, if you’re headed out into BLM lands down unpaved roads, a smaller rig, like a campervan, might make more sense.
• Your experience and comfort level. Some very small pop-up trailers and campervans don’t have onboard bathroom facilities, but might feel easier to maneuver. On the other hand, some large RVs pull out all the stops in terms of comfort, but may feel more difficult for a new RVer to drive. Only you can decide the perfect calculation for your needs as a traveler!

Planning Your RV Route and Daily Driving Distances

Alright, now you’ve got the right rig in mind. Let’s get down to the fun stuff: planning your route.

If you’ve ever planned a road trip before, you’ll have some relevant experience that you can draw on here. A lot of the basics, like deciding how long you want each driving day to be, are the same. (Many RVers use the 3-3-3 rule as a basic guideline.)

However, there are some additional considerations specific to RVing that you’ll need to think about. For example, if you’re driving a large or towable rig, you may not be able to easily turn around or back up if you’re planning to adventure down narrow roads. You also need to check ahead to ensure you’ll have good clearance on any lower bridges. (On most of the major American highway systems, you should be just fine, but for smaller towns, historic roads like Route 66 alignments, and mountain or desert driving, it’s worth doing some research ahead of time — and to be doubly sure you’re stocked with enough food, water, and fuel.)

Along with determining how long you plan to drive each day, this is also the time to lay the groundwork for where you’ll stop overnight, any along-the-way fuel stops you’ll need, and more. Keep in mind that not every overnight stop needs to be at a destination campground! If you’re looking for a cheap way to get by along a longer leg of your route, there are some places where you can park your RV overnight for free (though usually only for a single night). It’s a whole lot better than driving drowsy — though if you are driving at night, be sure to put safety first by checking your headlights, going slowly, and keeping an eye out for animals.

Psst: A good routing tool can help! Along with basics like Google Maps or Apple Maps, consider checking our Roadtrippers, which has a mode specifically for RVs, or even using AI to help you plan your RV trip.

Deciding Where to Go on Your RV Road Trip

Now that you’ve got basic route-planning guidelines in mind, let’s take a look at the map and decide where exactly you’re going! 

Pro Tip: While the wide-open roadway can make the world seem like your oyster (and it is!), it’s a good idea to match your destination(s) to your travel style and experience level. If this is your first-ever RV trip, it might make more sense to head for a quick weekend getaway somewhere near your home than to do a cross-continental circuit of 30 of the U.S. National Parks, as visit-worthy as they are. On the other hand, many state parks often get short shrift and are just as beautiful (and offer great campsites!).

So, what are some of the most popular basic types of RV trips out there?

• Outdoorsy adventures. Whether it’s national parks, meandering scenic routes, or a trip specifically for a certain type of sport (want to train like a winter Olympian, anyone?), getting outside while staying comfortable is one of the biggest draws to RVing for many campers. 
• Urban getaways. Yes, RVs can be a good way to stay in a city, too! Many of America’s biggest cities have RV parks and campgrounds close at hand, and a motorhome or travel trailer can be a lot more homey than even a nice hotel room.
• Event-based travels. Maybe it’s a can’t-miss music festival or Christmas with your extended family. Either way, planning a trip around a specific date and event can anchor your otherwise flexible travels.

Just be sure that, when you’re figuring out where you want to go, you’re also thinking about when. Seasonality and weather can have a major impact on which destinations are appealing at any given moment. (For example, here are some of the best national parks to visit in the springtime as opposed to the classic road-trip season that is summer.) 

Let’s take a closer look at each of the approaches above.

Selecting Stops Along the Route: Scenic and Iconic Sites

So many people want to knock a national park (or ten) off their bucket lists. But America is full of so many incredible scenic and iconic sites, well beyond the 60 national parks. 

The most important rule, in this regard? You probably can’t see it all — but you can really enjoy the things you do see. Usually, focusing deeply on a few things is more fulfilling than trying to cram everything in. Even if you do technically see more that way, you might not enjoy it as much.

That said, along with the national parks, consider also planning a route around:

• National monuments
• State parks
• State landmarks
• National forests
• Scenic byways
• Roadside attractions

Again, avoid overloading your itinerary. Instead, be sure to balance sightseeing days with travel days so you don’t feel overwhelmed and do feel fully rested and able to take in the sites you’re planning your trip around seeing!

Planning an RV Road Trip Around Events and Experiences

As mentioned above, events and experiences make excellent anchors for RV road travels. You’ll have a specific place you need to get to by a specific date, as well as all the time on the way to and from the destination, which you can customize how you see fit.

Common events that RVers organize their road trips around include:

• Music festivals
• Sporting events
• Harvest celebrations and Oktoberfests
• State fairs and carnivals
• Family gatherings and other private events

Just keep in mind that, whenever you’re traveling to an event or gathering, other people are likely traveling for that purpose, too — which means you’ll want to book out your campsites well ahead of time.

Speaking of which…

Choosing Where to Camp on Your RV Road Trip

For beginning RVers especially, figuring out where to camp can be a challenging part of the process. Or at least, it can seem challenging at the start.

Because in reality, there are plenty of places to park your rig and get some shut-eye, with different types of campgrounds serving different types of travelers.

At the most basic level, campgrounds can be separated into two main categories:

• Private campgrounds, which are privately owned RV parks, often with resort-style amenities like swimming pools, community centers, and gyms
• Public campgrounds, which are built into public lands such as state parks and national parks. 

Keep in mind that both of these types of campgrounds usually require a nightly camping fee, though public campgrounds tend to be less expensive than private ones. Additionally, they may or may not offer hookups, which are utility connections to shore power, water, and sewer (as well as cable TV and internet, in some cases).

Along with paid campgrounds, there’s also the option to try boondocking, which is also known as dispersed camping. Boondocking means going out into public lands, often managed by the BLM, and simply setting up camp off-grid. No electricity, no water, no nightly fee — and often, you can stay for up to two weeks without moving.

Most newer RVers will want to stick to private and public campgrounds at first, since these offer amenities, comforts, and usually the help of an on-site campground manager who can answer any questions that might come up. However, these campgrounds can also fill up fast, especially the affordable, public ones (and double especially in national parks). That’s why we recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re traveling during a busy season or for an event or festival!

Budgeting for Your RV Road Trip

It might not be the most exciting part of the planning process, but for most of us, it’s among the most important. Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive. In fact, it can feel expansive: By learning exactly how much you can afford to spend on a trip, you’re setting yourself free to enjoy it guilt-free exactly the way you want to. 

Obviously, every camper’s budget will differ based on their financial circumstances. But just as a heads up, here are some of the most important RV road trip costs to plan for:

• The cost of the RV itself, whether a nightly rental fee or the cost of ownership (i.e. maintenance, repairs, storage, and any ongoing payments)
• The cost of the campground, which can range from about $15 to $100 per night, depending on the type of campground, where it is, and which season you’re traveling in
• The cost of fuel, which can really add up, especially for larger motorhomes or fifth-wheel travel trailers
• Other typical vacation costs, such as food, sightseeing, souvenirs, and more

As you begin to plan RV road trips, you’ll notice that there are some easy (though slightly sneaky!) ways to save big money, even on the very same trip. For instance, many RV campgrounds have dynamic pricing, with the same sites going for a higher nightly rate during the busiest, highest-demand seasons. Travel during the shoulder season, and you can save a bunch of money right off the bat on campground fees alone.

Additionally, both campgrounds and RV rental companies (including RV owners on peer-to-peer platforms like ours) often offer discounts for those who stay or rent the RV for longer, such as a full week or a month.  

Fortunately, one of the coolest parts of traveling by RV is that you can cook for yourself as much as you want, which can help you save money on your food budget. And, of course, you choose how many miles you’re going to drive, which can help you customize your fuel budget to a level you’re comfortable with, too.

What to Pack and How to Prepare Your RV

We’re getting closer and closer to totally ready to take an amazing RV road trip! Next step: packing for the journey.

Once again, the specifics here will vary based on what kind of road trip you’re taking, when, and to where. For example, an adventurous couple traveling to a snowy area to practice winter sports will have a very different packing list than a family of six heading to the beach for a fun and relaxing summer weekend. 

Still, there are some basic RV road trip essentials that just about everyone will need, such as:

• A water hose, electricity connection cable, and sewer hose
• Bedsheets and towels
• Cookware, kitchen equipment, and serveware
• Personal items including clothing and electronics
• An emergency kit

(Keep in mind that your rental RV may include bedsheets, towels, and kitchenware — or it may not! Always check ahead.)

It’s a good idea to make an RV packing checklist ahead of time, considering your destination, the season, and how many people are in your camping party (as well as information you get about what’s included in the rental from the RV rental listing). The good news is, especially if you stay in developed campgrounds, you’ll likely be able to grab anything you forget on the road!

Along with placing all your packing items into the RV before your trip begins, there are a few other things to keep in mind as far as preparations. If you’re renting on RVshare, the RV rental owner will likely give you the full scoop on what to expect with that specific vehicle, but in general, be sure to:

• Check the tires, rear-view mirrors, backup cameras, and all other components involved in driving for safety and maintenance level before taking off
• Ensure you have all necessary items for setting up camp, such as wheel chocks and leveling blocks
• If it’s your first time, ask the RV owner to show you how to set up and break down camp before you leave

Again, if you’re traveling to developed campgrounds, chances are the people there will be happy to help you if anything becomes confusing. Still, the best place to learn is from the RV owners — they know the rig best!

Tips for First-Time RV Road Trippers

If it’s your first time RVing, we’re genuinely excited for you! There’s just nothing like this particular travel lifestyle, and having the opportunity to discover it is such a fun place to be.

Still, there are some common beginner mistakes that you’d probably rather avoid than learn for yourself. (And since you’re reading this post, you’ll have the opportunity to do just that!) For example:

• Overbooking your trip. Many new campers get so excited about the opportunity to see everything that they end up dragging themselves through an exhausting gauntlet. It’s about quality, not quantity!
• Overpacking. Yes, an RV gives you the flexibility to bring a lot of things… but not everything. (And RVs do still have weight limits, and all your gear counts.)
• Not knowing the difference between 30 and 50-amp hookups. Not all RVs have the same electrical needs — and not every campground is built to handle those that draw more power! Knowing this ahead of time can help ensure you book the right campsite for your rig.
• Skipping the pre-drive inspection. Driving away with the front stairs out or an awning deployed… happens. Do a walk-around so it doesn’t happen to you.
• Ignoring the sewer tanks. We promise they’re not actually that scary to dump when you do so at a dump station! But leaving wastewater in the tanks for too long can lead to a very stinky situation.
• Forgetting that an RV moves! It might sound obvious, but everything inside your cabinets, fridge, and other storage areas is going to be subject to the forces of acceleration and deceleration. Make sure they’re secured ahead of time so you don’t end up with a mess later.

Why Renting an RV Is the Best Way to Start RVing

Phew! We’ve covered a lot. But at this point, you should be feeling confident and ready to start planning this big adventure with confidence and ease.

If you love it — and we highly suspect you will — you may even seriously consider buying an RV of your very own one day. But for a beginner, renting is an excellent opportunity to explore the lifestyle without committing to the long-term responsibility of RV ownership. And on a peer-to-peer RV rental market, you can also explore different types of RVs to see which specific make, model, and floor plan works best for your travel needs.

When you rent with RVshare, you can rest assured: each rental includes insurance and protection, as well as 24/7 roadside assistance. We’ve also got tons of resources (like this one!) to help you plan an unforgettable trip, even if it’s your very first time traveling this way. And we’ll still be here when you do decide to move into the world of RV ownership… and want to list your very own rig for another traveler to explore the lifestyle with.

Start Planning Your Ultimate RV Road Trip

Friend, you’re ready to go! From routing and itinerary planning to budgeting and a basic breakdown of the different types of RVs out there, you’ve got the fundamentals nailed down for an incredible adventure — even if it’s your very first time. 

We can’t wait to see what’s in store for you on the journey! Whether it’s one-way or round trip, find your perfect RVshare rental vehicle today.

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