How to Set Up Your RV at a Campground

Setting up your RV campsite doesn't have to be complicated. Once you have a routine, it becomes pretty easy. The key is doing things in the right order and taking a few minutes to make sure everything is level, secure, and ready to use.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the basic steps for setting up your RV at the campground so you can get settled in and start enjoying your stay.

Choosing the Right Location

Choosing the right campsite can make setting up your RV much easier. Before pulling in, take a few minutes to look over the site and make sure it works for your RV

Accessibility

Make sure your the site is large enough for your RV and that you have enough room to maneuver into position. Check for low tree branches, tight turns, posts, picnic tables, and other obstacles. (I once miscalculated the size of a campsite. The damage to my RV was a wakeup call for me.)

Also consider where your hookups are located. You want your electrical cord, water hose, and sewer hose to reach comfortably once the RV is parked. Trust me when I say there is nothing more frustrating than having to jump in the RV and move it because you didn't have enough hose length, or not enough room to open the slides.

Terrain

The terrain can make a big difference when setting up your RV. Look for a site that is as level as possible, and watch for low spots where water could collect during heavy rain.

Check for tree limbs or other obstacles that could interfere with your roof, awning, or slide-outs. Make sure you have enough room to extend your slides and awning.

Safety

Safety should always come first. Before setting up, look around for low branches, steep drop-offs, fire hazards, and anything that could cause problems around your RV. Take a minute to locate your electrical, water, and sewer connections and make sure your RV is positioned so you can reach them. Don't try to jerry-rig a power cord, water hose, or sewer hose. It could lead to trouble later.

Setting Up Your RV

Once you’ve parked in your campsite, take a few minutes to get everything set up properly before you start relaxing. I've found that doing things in the same order each time makes setup easier and helps keep you from forgetting something.

Start by making sure your RV is positioned where you want it and that you have room enough for your slide-outs and awning. Before leveling your RV or extending your slide-outs, make sure the RV is securely parked and use wheel chocks when appropriate. It only takes a minute and it's a good habit to get into. (I parked a small 17ft trailer in a campsite at night and forgot to use my chocks. Needless to say, I had a runaway trailer. Fortunately, I was able to stop it before it hit anything. Sometimes you learn the hard way).

Next, connect your electrical hookup. Make sure the campground breaker is off before plugging in your power cord, then turn the breaker on after you've connected. Hook up your fresh water using a drinking-water-safe hose and a water pressure regulator.

If you're connecting to sewer, make sure the hose is securely attached at both ends.

Keep the black tank valve closed while you're camping and dump it when the tank is ready. This helps prevent the dreaded "poop pyramid" - something every RV'er would rather avoid.

Once your hookups are taken care of, extend your slides and awning (when conditions allow), finish setting up the outside area, and you're ready to enjoy the campground.

Making Your Campsite Comfortable

Once the RV is set up, this is when the campsite starts to feel like home. Put out your chairs, outdoor mat, table and anything else you enjoy having outside. Keep walkways clear, especially around steps, hoses, cords, and the fire pit.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Keep your campsite neat and gear secured, especially if wind or bad weather is expected. At night, a little outdoor lighting can make it easier to get around, but be considerate of campers around you. If you have a campfire, follow the campground rules and make sure it is completely out before turning in.

One Last Walk-Around

Before you settle in, take one more walk around the RV. Check your hookups, make sure your slides and awning have plenty of clearance, and look underneath for anything that doesn't seem right. A quick walk-around can catch a small problem before it becomes a big one.

Enjoy the Campground

Once everything is set up, you're done. Sit back, relax, meet your neighbors, take a walk around the campground, or just enjoy being outside. That's one of the best parts of RV camping.

Time to Enjoy Your Campsite

Setting up an RV campsite gets easier every time you do it. You'll develop your own routine and figure out what works best for you. Take your time, don't rush through the important steps, and then enjoy the reason you came in the first place...the camping.