Every camper has their own system when it comes to set up on arrival day, a series of steps they repeat at every campsite to create their ideal get-away. New RV owners who have yet to set up their first campsite may find the idea daunting, but fear not! Our guide will make campsite setup simple and quick, so you can relax and enjoy some s’mores!
Preparation is key! Have a clear route to your campground before leaving home. Arrive during the day so it is easy to see and set up your site. Arriving during the day is also one of the things on our Campground Etiquette blog!
Locate the check-in lane on arrival, and see the registration office to get your campsite details and check in.
Roll down your windows while driving through the campground to listen for kids, bikes or people that might jump into your path. It is also a good idea to listen for tree branches that may scrape your tow vehicle or RV.
Once you have located your site put your vehicle in park, and don’t forget the E-brake! Walk around your site before backing in. Check if there is anything on the ground, if there is enough space for your RV, if there is room for your slides to go out, and where the hook ups are located. Once you have decided where to put your RV, back into your site with another set of eyes outside the vehicle to help guide you.
Next, get your chocks and levelers! Level your RV side to side by driving up onto leveling blocks if needed. Once you are satisfied, chock your tires to prevent it from rolling anywhere.
Now you can unhook your trailer and level your RV front to back if needed. Don’t forget to put the stabilizer jacks down!
Power and Hook Up’s
Make sure the electric pole breakers are switched to OFF, then plug in your surge protector and the RV’s power cable.
Flip the breaker ON, and then pull your RV stairs down and head inside. Put out the slides, turn on the fridge, AC, and anything else you want to run.
To connect to city water, start by cleaning the water spigot. Then connect your splitter, if you have one, and connect your pressure regulator to the splitter. Run water through your hose to clean it out and remove any air. If it is your first time using a water filter, flush it now until the water is running clear.
Connect your hose to the fresh water inlet on the side of your RV. Turn the water on and check for any leaks or drips, and then head inside your RV and run the cold water until it stops spitting, and then repeat with the hot water.
To connect the sewer hose, verify the black and grey tank release valves are closed. Remove the RV sewer outlet safety cap, and the cap on your sewer hose if you have one. Connect the sewer hose to the RV sewer outlet, turning to lock it securely.
Screw your sewer adaptor into the campground sewer hookup, and insert the elbow end of the sewer hose into the adaptor. Set out the sewer hose supports so that it slopes downhill into the sewer hookup. You can test your sewer run with a little grey water.
Make Yourself At Home
Now it is time to decorate your campsite!
Extend your RV awning, set up any pop up tents and mosquito screens, place a door mat at the entrance of the RV and put patio mats outside.
You can bring a folding table for more outdoor table space, hang solar lanterns for an added ambiance, and of course, you cant forget your comfy camping chairs!
If there is a fire ban in effect, you may be allowed to bring a propane fire instead. Click here to learn more about fire bans and fire safety.
Enjoy your campsite and have fun!
Campground Etiquette
We asked campers about their campground pet peeves to help you avoid being “That Guy” at your next campground!
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