What kind of trip?
Camping trips can be classified in two basic types: destination camping and transient camping. Destination camping means your camping vacation will be spent at one or two campsites, while transient camping covers many miles and usually involves staying at a different campsite each night.

Develop an itinerary.
Now that you've decided what kind of camping trip you're going to take, the next step is to plan what you're going to see and do while camping. It's good to plan a schedule for getting from one place to another and determine length of stay at each site. Having your trip planned beforehand will result in an efficient and enjoyable trip.
Reservations. If you're planning a one- or two-stop camping trip, make reservations as early as possible. Getting reservations during holidays, such as Fourth of July and Labor Day, are is recommended as many campgrounds fill up quickly. Record the date of the reservation and contact person.

Freedom is the beauty of RV travel.
You can go where and when you want to go, and take your home with you. Just make sure you have a place to park when you’re ready to stay overnight.

If you're planning a multi-stop camping trip, unexpected events could throw you off schedule. Using a campground directory is the best way to plan your campsite stops. With a directory, you'll be able to call a day in advance to check for space availability at private campgrounds. And always have a couple of alternative campgrounds picked out.

Camping costs.
Consider the following when budgeting for a trip.
Gas for an average of 250 miles covered per day
Campground fees
Food
Road or bridge tolls
LP gas for cooking and heating needs
Campground directory and road atlas
Activities: fishing license, boat rental, tourist attractions
Emergency allowance
Water and electrical hookups at campsite (may be separate from campground fee)

Shopping.
Shop for items you need according to the climate or climates where you'll be camping. Special clothing may be needed for some activities.

Pre-camping checklist.
The one thing that can ruin your camping trip is forgetting important equipment. This RV travel checklist will help you in preparing for your camping trip.

Bedding
Pillows
Plastic cover for pillow
Sleeping bag(s) if desired
Carrying cases for sleeping bags

Camp Tools
Broom/brush/dustpan
Clothesline
Clothespins
Basic tool kit (including hammer, screwdriver, pliers)
Knife
Lanterns
Shovel
Flashlights
First aid kit and manual

Kitchen Supplies
Can opener
Measuring cup
Spatula
Tongs
Skillets
Grill
Charcoal/lighter fluid
Liquid propane
Matches
Long-handled fork and spoon
Mixing bowls
Coffee pot
Dutch oven
Plastic food containers/lids
Eating utensils
Paper cups, plates and napkins
Paper towels
Aluminum foil
Tablecloth
Miscellaneous saucepans
Hot pads or mitts
Litterbags
Ice

PersonaL
Soap and soap dish
Toilet tissue
Towels
Insect repellent
Sunscreen

Cleaning
Detergent
Sponges/dish cloth/scouring pads
Cleanser
Dishtowels
Dish rack
Hot pads

Recreation
Binoculars
Camera/batteries
Film/flashbulbs
Cards
Fishing tackle
Games
Swimsuit
Portable radio/batteries
Stamps and stationery
Notebooks and pencils
Daypack or backpack
Life preservers

Useful Extras
Swiss Army knife
Small sewing kit
Nail clippers/scissors
Aspirin

Clothing. It is recommended that you pack both light and heavier clothing so you're prepared for warm days and cold nights. Most RV campgrounds have laundry facilities so you don’t have to take everything from your entire closet with you. Rain gear is also a wise purchase. If you're not sure about the weather forecast where you're camping, call ahead or check the Internet for weather conditions. Now, you're ready to go.


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