RV Trip Planning
Practical RV Trip Planning for Real Life on the Road
RV trip planning doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. After all, one of the best things about RV life is that it’s more than just getting to some intriguing destination. Instead, RV travel allows us to fully enjoy the journey including all the interesting stops along the way. Learning to relax without a rigid itinerary was a learning curve for me, but over years of road trips, I’ve learned that keeping plans flexible and being well prepared are key to planning memorable, stressless adventures.
This page brings together my best RV trip planning resources, covering everything from choosing destinations and routes to packing, prep, and travel-day tips. That said, It serves as an information hub where you’ll find practical, guidance for RV road trips across Canada and the United States. In fact, whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or mapping out an epic journey, these resources focus on how to plan RV adventures in the real world.
Not only that but, all of the information here is written from lived experience by a full-time RV traveler and RV writer who’s learned a lot about destinations and trip planning through years on the road.
What You’ll Find in the RV Trip Planning Guide
Route & Campground Planning
Planning RV routes and campgrounds is about more than just getting from point A to point B. Rest stops, road grades, weather, fuel access, and RV size restrictions can all affect how smooth your travel day feels. For me, planning an RV adventure includes including some interesting stops along the way.
I always approach route planning with a rough plan and a lot of flexibility. That way I can balance campground reservations with overnight stops, so I’m not locked into a rigid schedule. After all, life doesn’t go according to our plans. Being in a self contained RV makes it simple to overnight at rest areas, wineries, and even parking lots along the way when conditions change – and they often do.
Helpful RV Route & Campground Planning Guides And Handy Checklists:
- RV Trip Planning Checklist
- How To Find Free Camping
- Plan the Perfect Adventure With These RV Trip Planning Apps
- How To Find Perfect RV Campgrounds
- Tips That Make RV. Travel Days A Breeze
Choosing Destinations & Timing
Choosing where and when to travel sets the tone for your entire RV trip. Weather patterns, seasonal crowds, and travel pace all play a role in how enjoyable your experience will be. I’ve found that being realistic about timing — and leaving room to adjust — makes RV travel far more enjoyable than trying to hit too many places at once.
Before locking anything in, I consider how long I want to be on the road, how busy an area might be, and whether the conditions suit both the RV and the style of travel I want.
Helpful destination & timing guides:
- Western Canada RV Destinations
- Camping in Alberta: What to Know Before You Go
- Seasonal RV Travel Tips for Canada & the U.S.
Route & Campground Planning
Planning RV routes and campgrounds is about more than simply getting from point A to point B. Road grades, weather conditions, fuel access, and RV size restrictions can all impact how smooth your travel day feels.
I approach route planning with flexibility in mind, balancing campground reservations with backup options so I’m not locked into a rigid schedule. A little thoughtful planning upfront makes it easier to adapt when plans change — and they often do.
Helpful route & campground planning resources:
- RV Trip Planning Checklist
- How I Plan RV Routes (What I Avoid)
- Best RV Trip Planning Apps
- How Far Should You Drive in an RV Per Day?
RV Prep, Gear & Packing
Proper RV preparation can prevent many common travel-day frustrations. Checking systems, packing intentionally, and making sure your RV is road-ready helps you start each trip with confidence instead of stress.
Over time, I’ve developed a simple prep routine that covers the essentials without overpacking or overthinking. Having the right gear — and knowing where everything is — makes life on the road easier and safer.
Helpful RV prep & packing guides:
- RV Gear & Setup Essentials
- Pre-Departure Checklist
- RV Trip Packing Checklist
Travel Day & On-the-Road Tips
Travel days can go smoothly with good planning and a careful and consistent departure routine. I’m a big fan of checklists when it comes to packing and other pre-departure chores. Checklists help keep everything from food and supplies to the final walkaround organized so nothing gets forgotten. The result is smoother departures, safer driving, and a better experience overall. In addition, it’s a good idea to factor in extra time for unexpected stops for coffee breaks, whether changes, or traffic conditions for a low-stress travel experience.
Helpful travel-day resources:
- RV Trip-Planning Checklist
- RV Departure Day Checklist
- RV Safety Tips for Long Drives
- Managing Travel Days as a Solo RVer
Free RV Trip Planning Checklist
If you’d like a simple system you can use before every trip, I’ve put together a Free RV Trip Planning Checklist based on how I actually plan my own travels.
It walks you through every phase of planning — from choosing a destination to your final walk-around before pulling out.
👉 Download the Free RV Trip Planning Checklist (Printable PDF)
Final Thoughts
RV trip planning should be simple, fun and easy. The links on this page are designed to do just that, creating a starting point, whether you’re going on a bucket list road trip or camping close to home. Explore the guides linked above, and let me know your thoughts in the comments.