We find ourselves writing about the open road pretty often: staying safe behind the wheel, setting your sights on new destinations, and protecting your RV investment. But this is only half of the story! What do RVers get up to once they reach their destination?
Rain or shine, full-timer or casual traveler, we’ve got an RVer pastime to fit just about anybody. Check out our roundup of travel activities and hobbies to fill the days on your next RV vacation:
1) Getting Back to Nature
A major draw for most RVers is the opportunity to up close and personal with some of the beautiful natural landscapes our country offers. There are a few ways to really immerse yourself in a scenic location, National Park, or natural wonder. Once you’ve arrived and set up the RV, consider the following:
Hiking: Hiking is one of the most popular ways for RVers to explore nature. Stretch your legs after a long RV drive by taking advantage of trails. Most National Parks will offer a variety of options, from the strenuous to the leisurely, allowing everyone to enjoy the landscape at their own pace.
If you’re new to hiking or haven’t gotten out in a while, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, always stay on marked trails! This protects the plants, animals, and you from danger. Even if the weather is crisp, always bring water—and bring more than you think you’ll need! It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’ll be traversing a rocky or bumpy landscape, consider investing in hiking poles and comfortable shoes that will protect your ankles.
Scenic Drives: Hiking isn’t the only way to take in the sites! Hit those windy roads for a scenic drive in your toad the next time you’re itching for a view beyond your RV windows. Check out our friends at RoadsLessTraveled for inspiration on scenic drives.
Fishing: Seeking a quiet, peaceful moment in nature? Fishing might be the perfect option for you! This hobby requires patience and a bit of planning, but can make for the perfect afternoon activity. Be sure to check out permit requirements at your local body of water, and get out there!
2) Capturing the Moment
You know that moment when you arrive in a new place for the first time and simply want to capture the moment? Take your RV memories with you by taking up photography and videography! Sure, we all have cell phone cameras on us at all time, but they don’t always do the trick.
Start by finding a digital or DSLR camera, and spend some time getting to know your new toy. There are a variety of settings, lenses, and accessories to learn about, and becoming familiar with your camera can be half the fun. Once you’ve figured out how the camera works, consider doing some research on how to frame the type of shots you’ll be taking. There’s a lot to learn about capturing a great picture, whether it’s of landscapes, your traveling buddies, your RV in scenic spots and more! Check out this blog for more details.
Another great way to capture your travels is journaling. Write down details of the day’s events, your favorite thing about the campground you stayed at, or that special smell or sound from your current location. Consider journaling publicly with a blog! Sharing your RV travel stories and photos with friends back home is a great way to create a collection of great memories while staying in touch with your loved ones.
3) Rainy Day Fun
No matter how carefully you plan your RV trips, there are going to be boring days. Days you just don’t’ feel like heading out, days where you have to get a little work done, or even days when the weather prevents you from leaving your home-on-wheels. Luckily, there’s plenty to do inside the rig to help you make the most of your vacation!
Games: Board games, card games, and even computer games can be a fun way to pass the time during a rainstorm or sleepy day. Gathering around for a classic card or board game can be the perfect way to bring everyone together. Plus, a competitive game of Monopoly can really help you get to know your traveling companions!
Cooking: Been dying to try a new recipe? Don’t let that small RV kitchen scare you! Spend a rainy day testing out a new cookie or muffin recipe, and put that little oven to good use. There’s nothing like a freshly baked sweet to spice up even the gloomiest afternoon.
Knitting, Crafts, Art: RV life doesn’t have to mean giving up your other hobbies! You may have to condense your collection, but bringing along the tools for knitting, crocheting, crafting, or painting will make a home out of your home-on-wheels. Plus, these pastimes can be enjoyed in and outside of the RV, making them available during any type of weather or at any destination!
4) Sports Fans Unite
We know that not everyone is hitting the road just for the nature… and we haven’t forgotten you, tailgate RVers!
Traveling with a sporting event in mind makes for the perfect travel activity to look forward to! Tailgating is a major pastime for RVers, and we can certainly see why: bringing the comforts of home to the stadium of your favorite sports team sounds like absolute perfection to us. This activity definitely takes a bit of planning ahead, so make sure you have the appropriate tickets, times, and locations for a successful tailgate Sunday.
The sports craze doesn’t stop with tailgating. Are you a big baseball fan? College sports? Plan your travels around visiting new stadiums or following your alma mater’s schedule. This type of travel is the ultimate pastime for the RVing sports fan.
5) RV Rally Life
Are you more of a social butterfly? RV rallies, shows, and meet-ups should be on the top of your RV activities list! These RV rallies are held by a variety of different groups with different focuses, so there’s sure to be a meet-up that suits your interests.
Joining an RV club like Escapees is a great place to start. In additional to a yearly national rally, there are sub-sections of the group for RVers with similar coach styles, travel patterns, and more. Another great resource can be found on the iRV2 forums, and in smaller communities based around travel blogs like RV-Dreams.
These RV rallies are the perfect opportunity to share your love of RVing with others. Not to mention the awesome food, entertainment, and education opportunities most of them offer.
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What is your favorite pastime while traveling in your RV? Share in the comments section below, and help others make the most of their time on the road!
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