Select the right RV for your group

At Cruise America, we have different sizes of RVs to suit the needs of your group. It’s important to select the one that most fits your requirements. Factors to be considered are how many are in your group, and how much extra luggage and recreational items you plan to take. Fortunately, extra room is never an issue with our top-of-the-line class C motorhomes.

Plan your activities wisely

There is a myriad of ideal camping spots in the United States, and each of them offer a wide variety of fun activities. As you plan your trip, it’s important to match your activity level and physical fitness requirements with the capability of all of those who will be traveling with you.

For instance, there are those who prefer the relaxed-type activities like bird watching or mild hikes, while others prefer the more aggressive style of adventure. The latter of the two groups lean more towards extreme mountain climbing and whitewater rafting. If you plan on having a good time, do your own thing! If you are not used to doing the more physical activities, don’t push it. The last thing you want on your trip is an injury.

Also, it’s important to list any special equipment you may need and make sure it gets packed. Are you planning on barbequing outside? Or, are you going to be cooking in the kitchen of your Cruise America rental RV? Will you need trekking poles and hiking sticks? How about snowshoes or cross country skis? Or maybe binoculars for your wildlife spotting.

Where will you go?

Once you have determined what kinds of activities you will tackle, decide where you can go to do it, and what the options are for overnight RV camping. Select a campsite that is going to serve your needs. Decide what type of environment you want. Will it be desert, a beach or a forest?

Make sure that the time of year during which you will be traveling is congruent with your plans. Is it going to be hot and humid or cold and snowy? This will also help you decide on an appropriate wardrobe for your trip.

How long will you be gone?

It’s important to determine how long you will be away. The longer you stay, the more supplies you will need. Remember that it never hurts to pack a little extra in the event that your trip must be extended. It is a big challenge when you run out of supplies before the trip is over. And speaking of modifying your trip, be sure to always have a backup plan. Sometimes, no matter how meticulously you make plans, there are things that are out of your control that can occur. It could be weather concerns, health issues, forest fires, or poor site conditions. Don’t ever feel obligated to push on with your plans if it is not in your best interest, or it jeopardizes your safety. Trips can always be rescheduled or rerouted. That is one of the beauties of renting an RV from Cruise America; the versatility and freedom to camp wherever you choose.

Know the park rules
Before you leave home, be sure to look at the “Plan Your Visit” section of the RV park’s website.

You need to know:

-What kind of permits you must have to camp, along with any group restrictions or regulations they may have.

-The conditions of the trails and site. Be aware of anything that could pose any hazards, such as rockslides, inclement weather, aggressive wildlife, extremely high altitude, etc.

-How to store and dispose of food properly for the area. You may be required to bring a bear box, or there may be a designated place to dispose of leftover food. This is especially true in some of the more remote areas.

-If there are any fire regulations. If so, where are fires allowed, and when you can have one. Be aware that there are some parks that do not allow any open fires, especially in the drier parts of the year. If this is the case, you may want to bring a camping stove for cooking if you prefer to prepare your food outside of the RV.

-If there are any restrictions for pets. Check to be sure what the rules are before you load up Fido and leave. This may influence your decision of where to stay.

Like any other activity, your trip is always better if you put a little advance preparation into your tentative camping plans. Once you have decided where to go, how to get there, and how long you will be staying, you will be all ready to enjoy the best camping trip you’ve ever had!