9 RV Park Mistakes to Avoid This Summer

The open road, a ribbon of asphalt unspooling beneath the wheels of your RV, beckons with the promise of adventure, freedom, and the kind of memories that linger long after the campfire has dwindled to embers. Summer, with its endless days and balmy nights, is the season when RV travel reaches its zenith—a time when families, retirees, and intrepid solo travelers alike take to the highways in pursuit of the perfect park, the ideal campsite, the quintessential escape.

Yet, for all its allure, RV camping is an endeavor fraught with potential missteps, particularly for the uninitiated or the overly cavalier. A single oversight can transform a dream getaway into a logistical nightmare, leaving you stranded in a poorly chosen park or grappling with a malfunctioning rig under an unforgiving sun.

To ensure your summer RV sojourn is as sublime as the vistas you seek, we’ve compiled a definitive guide to the nine most common mistakes RV park campers make—and how to sidestep them with the finesse of a seasoned road warrior.

1. Failing to Research RV Parks Thoroughly

The romance of RV travel lies in its spontaneity, but winging it when selecting an RV park is a recipe for disappointment. Not all parks are created equal, and the glossy photos on a website can mask a multitude of sins—think cramped sites, noisy neighbors, or amenities that exist only in the imagination of a clever marketer. Failing to dig deeper than a cursory Google search can land you in a park that’s more truck stop than tranquil retreat.

The Fix: Approach RV park selection with the diligence of a sommelier choosing a vintage. Start with trusted platforms like Good Sam, Campendium, or RV Park Reviews, which aggregate user feedback and provide unfiltered insights into a park’s strengths and shortcomings. Cross-reference these with social media groups or forums like iRV2, where RVers share candid experiences. Pay attention to specifics: Is the park big-rig friendly?

Are there shade trees or just a sun-scorched lot? Does it cater to families, or is it a haven for retirees? Call the park directly to confirm availability, site dimensions, and any hidden fees—some charge extra for electricity, Wi-Fi, or even sewer hookups. Finally, check the park’s proximity to your planned activities. A stunning park 50 miles from that national park trailhead might not be worth the daily commute.

Pro Tip: Use satellite views on Google Maps to assess the layout of the park. A bird’s-eye view can reveal whether sites are packed like sardines or generously spaced, saving you from a claustrophobic stay.

2. Overlooking Reservation Policies

In the halcyon days of yore, RVers could roll into a park and snag a prime spot on a whim. Those days are gone, especially during the summer high season when parks from Acadia to Yosemite are booked months in advance. Assuming you’ll find a spot without a reservation is akin to expecting a table at Le Bernardin on a Saturday night without calling ahead.

The Fix: Plan your itinerary and book sites as early as possible—six months in advance for popular destinations like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. Many parks open their booking windows a year out, so mark your calendar. Be mindful of cancellation policies; some parks offer full refunds if you cancel 30 days in advance, while others are less forgiving.

If your plans are fluid, look for parks with flexible policies or consider apps like RoverPass, which streamline the booking process across multiple campgrounds. For last-minute travelers, state parks or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites often have first-come, first-served spots, but arrive early—think dawn, not noon.

Pro Tip: Keep a list of backup parks within a 50-mile radius of your primary destination. If your first choice is full, you’ll have options without scrambling.

3. Ignoring Your RV’s Specifications

Your RV is your home on wheels, but it’s also a complex machine with specific needs that not every park can accommodate. A 40-foot Class A motorhome won’t fit in a site designed for a pop-up camper, and a low-clearance rig might struggle on a rutted gravel road. Ignoring your RV’s dimensions, weight, and utility requirements can lead to awkward (or impossible) parking situations, damaged equipment, or a site without the necessary hookups.

The Fix: Know your RV inside and out—length, height, width, weight, and whether it requires 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service. When booking, confirm that the site can handle your rig’s size and power needs. Ask about road conditions leading to the park; some rustic campgrounds have narrow, winding access roads that can spell disaster for larger vehicles.

If you’re towing a car or trailer, ensure there’s space to park it without blocking other campers. For older RVs, double-check that the park’s utilities (like sewer or water connections) are compatible with your setup.

Pro Tip: Invest in a good RV GPS, like the Garmin RV 1090, which accounts for your vehicle’s dimensions and avoids routes with low bridges or tight turns. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

4. Skimping on Pre-Trip Maintenance

Nothing derails a summer RV trip faster than a mechanical failure, yet many campers hit the road without so much as a glance under the hood. A blown tire, a faulty generator, or a leaking propane line can turn your idyllic getaway into a roadside ordeal, especially in the heat of July.

The Fix: Treat your RV to a thorough pre-trip inspection, either by a professional or, if you’re handy, yourself. Check tire pressure and tread depth—RV tires should be replaced every 5-7 years, regardless of mileage. Inspect the battery, brakes, and fluid levels, and test all systems: water, propane, electrical, and HVAC. Ensure your generator is in working order, as some parks lack full hookups, and summer heat makes air conditioning a necessity.

Pack a basic toolkit, spare fuses, and a tire repair kit for minor emergencies. Finally, confirm that your roadside assistance plan (like Good Sam or AAA RV) is active and covers your travel area.

Pro Tip: Create a pre-departure checklist and laminate it. Run through it methodically before every trip to avoid overlooking critical tasks like securing awnings or disconnecting shore power.

5. Misjudging Site Setup and Etiquette

Arriving at your RV park after a long drive, only to realize you don’t know how to level your rig or connect to the sewer, is a humbling experience. Worse still is committing a faux pas—like dumping gray water on the ground or blasting music at midnight—that earns you the ire of fellow campers. RV parks operate on an unspoken code of conduct, and ignorance is no excuse.

The Fix: Practice setting up and breaking down your RV at home or in an empty lot before your trip. Learn how to use leveling blocks, connect utilities, and operate your slide-outs without hitting a neighbor’s picnic table. When you arrive, take a moment to assess the site: Is it level? Where are the hookups? Are there obstacles like trees or rocks? Follow park rules to the letter—most prohibit open fires, excessive noise, or parking on grass. Be considerate: keep your site tidy, control pets, and avoid walking through others’ campsites. If you’re unsure about a rule, ask the camp host.

Pro Tip: Invest in quality sewer hoses and connectors, like the Camco RhinoFLEX, to avoid leaks or spills. A clear elbow connector lets you monitor flow and prevent clogs.

6. Underestimating Summer Weather

Summer’s warmth is a draw for RV campers, but it can also be a liability. Extreme heat can strain your RV’s systems, while sudden storms—common in places like the Midwest or Southeast—can turn a peaceful site into a muddy quagmire. Failing to prepare for weather extremes can leave you sweltering, soaked, or stuck.

The Fix: Check the forecast for your destination and route, using apps like AccuWeather or Weather Underground for detailed, location-specific predictions. Pack for versatility: lightweight clothing for hot days, rain gear for storms, and layers for chilly nights in high-altitude parks. Ensure your RV’s air conditioning is in top shape, and consider portable fans or reflective window covers to keep the interior cool. For storm-prone areas, choose parks with sturdy infrastructure—paved sites, good drainage, and storm shelters. If severe weather is forecast, have a plan to move to a safer location or hunker down with ample supplies.

Pro Tip: A weather radio, like the Midland WR120, can provide real-time alerts for tornadoes, flash floods, or other hazards, giving you precious minutes to act.

7. Overpacking or Underpacking Supplies

The temptation to treat your RV like a rolling storage unit is strong, but overloading it with unnecessary gear can strain your chassis, reduce fuel efficiency, and clutter your living space. Conversely, forgetting essentials—like a first-aid kit or enough potable water—can leave you stranded in a remote park with no easy fix.

The Fix: Strike a balance by creating a curated packing list tailored to your trip’s length, destination, and activities. Prioritize multipurpose items: a cast-iron skillet for cooking over a fire or stove, a multi-tool for repairs, and collapsible storage bins to save space. Stock enough food and water for at least three days beyond your planned stay, as rural parks may lack nearby stores.

Include a comprehensive first-aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen, especially for summer’s intense rays. Weigh your RV fully loaded to ensure you’re within its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and distribute weight evenly to avoid handling issues.

Pro Tip: Use a packing app like PackPoint, which generates customized lists based on your trip parameters, ensuring you don’t forget the essentials—or bring three extra coolers.

8. Neglecting Connectivity Needs

In an era when remote work and digital nomadism are as much a part of RV life as campfire s’mores, assuming every park offers reliable Wi-Fi or cell service is a gamble. Summer crowds can overwhelm park networks, and rural locations often have spotty coverage, leaving you disconnected when you need to check emails, stream a movie, or navigate to your next stop.

The Fix: Research connectivity before you book. Check park websites for Wi-Fi details, but temper expectations—most campground Wi-Fi is slow and unreliable. Use apps like Coverage? or OpenSignal to map cell service strength for major carriers at your destination. If connectivity is critical, invest in a mobile hotspot (like Verizon’s Jetpack) and a signal booster (like weBoost’s Drive Reach RV). For off-grid adventures, a satellite internet system like Starlink RV can provide high-speed access, though it requires a clear view of the sky. Always have offline backups: paper maps, downloaded entertainment, and a notebook for work tasks.

Pro Tip: Position your RV strategically within the site to maximize signal strength—closer to the park’s Wi-Fi router or with fewer trees blocking cell towers.

9. Rushing the Experience

The allure of RV travel is its pace—slow, deliberate, attuned to the rhythm of the road and the landscape. Yet too many campers fall into the trap of overplanning, cramming multiple parks, attractions, and activities into a single trip. The result? Exhaustion, a frazzled family, and a nagging sense that you’ve seen everything but experienced nothing.

The Fix: Embrace the art of slow travel. Limit your itinerary to one or two major destinations per week, allowing ample time to savor each park’s unique offerings—whether it’s a sunrise hike, a lazy afternoon by the lake, or a conversation with fellow campers around the firepit.

Build in rest days to recharge, especially after long drives. If you’re traveling with kids or pets, factor in their needs for downtime and play. Use your RV as a basecamp to explore nearby towns, trails, or cultural sites, but don’t feel pressured to check every box on your list. The beauty of RV life lies in its flexibility—let serendipity guide you.

Pro Tip: Keep a travel journal to jot down fleeting moments—a stunning sunset, a quirky roadside diner, a stranger’s story. It’s a tangible reminder that the journey, not the checklist, is the destination.

You’ll Thank Us For Avoiding These RV Park Mistakes!

RV camping in the summer is an invitation to rediscover the world—and yourself—in its most unfiltered form. It’s the crunch of gravel underfoot, the scent of pine mingling with campfire smoke, the quiet thrill of waking up somewhere new. But like any great adventure, it demands preparation, respect, and a willingness to learn from those who’ve gone before.

By avoiding these nine common mistakes, you’ll not only safeguard your trip but elevate it, transforming a simple getaway into a tapestry of moments that linger long after you’ve parked the rig for the season.

So, as the days lengthen and the road calls, arm yourself with knowledge, pack your sense of wonder, and set forth. The perfect RV park is out there, waiting to welcome you—just be sure to reserve your spot