RVing

What is RVing? The term RV-- short for recreational vehicle-- has been broadly used to describe everything from van conversions to fifth-wheels to trailers. However, the former often lacks proper sanitation containment, and the latter two won't go far without a vehicle to tow them. 

In its most basic form, an RV is a house built on a motorized vehicle. That is, it will have sleeping quarters, a shower, a toilet and sink, a kitchen, a heating and cooling system, an electrical system, fresh water and waste holding tanks built on a motorized chassis. 

I'll admit, I am a huge fan of RVing. My husband and I spent exactly one night in a tent many years ago. It was a night to remember, with my 6-month-old fetus kicking my belly from the inside, and my one-year-old toddler kicking my back from the outside! The next morning we packed up our tent, drove to Las Vegas, and checked into a hotel. The following weekend, we purchased a 27-foot RV and life was sweet thereafter. 

Of course, that's an exaggeration, but you get the point. As soon as we had kids, our tent camping days were over. It was so liberating to just arrive at a destination and be there!  No packing, unpacking, hauling, etc. I always knew where things were and what we didn't have, we could stop to purchase or do without. 

Renting an RV is not cheap, but it can be very economical. It's particularly popular with international visitors, especially young families with children. Why? You can pick one up in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City and hit several national parks over a two-week visit. It is, in my opinion, the quintessential American experience. Where else can you travel in such luxury to such unparalleled beauty for so little?  You are literally surrounded by nature. (See "US Destinations" for additional detail.)

Several years ago, gas reached $5 per gallon in California. We made a brief transition back to traveling by car, staying in lodges and eating in restaurants. We quickly remembered why we went to the trouble and expense of RVing and why it was worth every penny!  While it's not for everyone, it may be for you. 

Enjoy the comforts of home in an RV

Advantages of RVing: (comfort, convenience, flexiblilty)

1. Go virtually anywhere in comfort. 

2. Pack & unpack once

3.  Prepare your own meals 

4.  Adaptable for most ages & abilities

5.  Economical for families

6.  You're immersed in nature without the bugs!

June Lake, eastern Sierrra Nevada, CA

Disadvantages of RVing: (work, parking, servicing.)

1. You may not want to shop, cook or clean.

2. You can't go everywhere; length, width restrictions

3.  It's work to drive and service (fill/empty tanks).

4.  The larger the RV, the more space you need to park. 

5.  Expensive for solo travelers or long distances. 

Getting to Know Your RV:  Your rental RV will likely come with the following features:

RV Etiquette: 

1. Don't be a parking hog; park in the back and walk. 

2. Drive in right lane except to pass; use turnouts to allow others to pass.  

3. Make sure your sewage hose is connected before opening the waste water valve. 

4.  Empty wastewater tanks ONLY at sanitation stations. 

5.  Be a good neighbor; don't run your generator during quiet hours; don't play music so others can hear it.


Gros Ventre, Grand Tetons NP, WY

Driving Tips:

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

All alone, early June in Kings Canyon NP

Planning your RV trip

1. What to expect- If you're visiting a US national park in summer, know that most visitors come during this time. Expect heat, congestion, road construction and crowds.  

2. Shop & gas up before you enter a national park. Most are isolated, making backtracking into town expensive. 

3. Reservations:  I recommend getting these when possible, particularly for international visitors. 

4. Without reservations: Most parks visitor centers have a list of campsites and usual fill times. If arriving without reservations, plan to arrive before these times. 

5. Some roads or view points within the parks may have over-sized vehicle restrictions. Check with the National Park Service (NPS) before you go.