Family camping trips have a magical way of encouraging kids to swap their gadgets for nature’s wonders, trading lightsabers for sticks and cozy beds for inflatable mattresses beneath a starlit sky. Watching those joyful faces smeared with marshmallows and caked in dirt is a delight, especially when it means they’re far from my pristine home. However, the nightly cacophony of campfire chats and waking up stiff and sore is becoming less appealing, not to mention those freezing showers that require a quarter just to warm up. After struggling with a “one-minute pop-up tent” that took far longer to set up—often resulting in frustration—we decided to embrace the RV lifestyle for our summer adventure through the Pacific Northwest.
Here are the 15 lessons we learned during our week-long RV experience:
- The Initial Drive is Terrifying. Starting the RV with all our gear inside was nerve-wracking. As we hit the gas, the clattering of pots, pans, and dishes was enough to make anyone anxious. Thankfully, we adapted quickly, although there was that one time the fridge flung open on a sharp turn and sent its contents flying—thankfully, the wine survived unscathed.
- Bathroom Anxiety is Real. While the idea of having a bathroom on board was comforting, the reality of disposing of waste was far less appealing. Using the RV toilet felt akin to using the kitchen sink, so we opted to find public restrooms whenever nature called, turning each stop into a frantic rush to the nearest facility.
- Dumping Takes on a New Meaning. RVs come with multiple tanks: one for gas, one for fresh water, one for grey water, and one for black water. The latter is particularly unpleasant and is why disposal stations are equipped with gloves. The first time we emptied our tanks, we felt like champions, albeit slightly traumatized.
- Showers Never Feel Clean. Despite warm water and good pressure, showering in an RV that’s mere inches from the toilet leaves a lingering sense of uncleanliness. Still, it beat the public campground showers, which often harbor unsavory surprises.
- Cooking Can Be Chaotic. Our RV had a fully equipped kitchen, allowing us to whip up most meals we would at home. However, I quickly learned the importance of the hood fan—forgetting to turn it on resulted in frequent smoke alarm blaring, announcing our rookie status to the entire RV park.
- TV Troubles Aren’t Catastrophic. The RV’s TV setup was supposedly foolproof, yet when we couldn’t get any channels, we quickly deemed it an emergency. After a call to roadside assistance, we discovered it was a common issue. Fortunately, the kids thrived without screens for an entire week.
- Embrace Temperature Control. Camping in the Pacific Northwest often means braving the cold, so having heat and air conditioning in the RV felt like a luxury. We even turned on the A/C a few nights due to unseasonably warm weather.
- Benadryl Is Your Friend. When my son caught a cold, we resorted to Benadryl to help him—and us—get some sleep. It became a nightly ritual, ensuring we all caught up on much-needed rest.
- Slow Lane Appreciation. Driving the RV at a modest 70 mph felt like a safe haven amidst the chaos of rattling utensils. Staying in the slow lane felt natural, especially when merging was a challenge.
- Movement is Limited While Driving. We imagined a carefree environment where we could move about the RV freely, but the reality was more like a wild ride—any movement turned into a precarious balancing act.
- Filling Up Is a Shock. At a full-service gas station in Oregon, I nearly fainted when I saw the $170 total on the pump. Thankfully, we used less gas than anticipated, but it was a stark reminder of the costs involved.
- Designated RV Parking Exists for a Reason. RVs are challenging to maneuver, especially in reverse. You either need a guide or a lot of trust in fate. This is why dedicated RV parking spots are so crucial—they save you from unnecessary stress.
- U-Turns Are a Challenge. Occasionally, we found ourselves needing to turn around. During one such episode, I prayed fervently that no one would come around the bend as I executed a U-turn on a narrow road.
- Having Shelter is Priceless. During a thunderstorm at Crater Lake National Park, we were cozy inside the RV with warm drinks while nature unleashed its fury outside. It was a comforting thought not to rely solely on a flimsy tent.
- We Can’t Wait to Do It Again! I expected disasters, but they never materialized. We managed to avoid any major mishaps, though we did leave one child behind at a gift shop for a brief moment—20 minutes of sheer panic later, we found him.
As we reflect on this trip, we look forward to the next adventure. If you’re considering embarking on a journey like ours, you might find the Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit useful as you navigate your own family planning. For a healthy journey, check out Fertility Nutrition Guide, and don’t forget to explore CDC’s pregnancy resources for additional guidance.
In summary, our RV adventure was filled with laughter, learning, and a few unexpected challenges. Each lesson learned has made us even more excited for our next journey on the road.