family camping on a tight budget

Taking an RV camping trip in a national forest will allow you to connect with nature while enjoying activities that don't require the use of technical savvy gadgets. Your first camping trip may involve camping within an established campground or outside the bounds of a developed area. Choose a forest of interest and research potential overnight accommodations.

The Location And Access Roads

Access information about a particular forest, through the United States Forest Service or a ranger station. Many developed campgrounds may be located within a forest, each with its own list of rules, amenities, and overnight fees.

During your research, take note of what is featured at each campground and the access roads that you will need to drive down to enter a particular campground. Since some national forests are located in mountainous regions or along remote roadways, you will need to be prepared to drive or tow your RV across surfaces that may not be paved or up steep inclines. If you want to enjoy a solitary camping experience, you can camp within a forested area for free, as long as the chosen spot is not within a developed campground's bounds.

Essentials That You May Need

Internet access may not be available within a campground. Print any maps that you locate online, prior to your trip. If you are going to be staying in a campground, you will often have access to electricity and water. Trash receptacles, a small onsite store, and bathing facilities may also be supplied.

Take inventory within your RV to determine what essentials you are lacking. Cooking gear, food products, beverages, tools to make minor repairs to your RV, and a first-aid kit should be at your disposal, both during the drive to the campsite and while you are actively staying within the forest. If you choose to have a solitary camping experience without the campsite, you will need to furnish your own drinking water and will need to determine how you are going to heat up any food you bring along with you.

Purchase bottled water and consider bringing along a small grill, lighter fluid, a tarp, and battery-operated lights. A primitive camping experience that relies upon your survival skills can seem like a true adventure. Have your RV serviced before your camping trip. Depending upon the types of activities that you plan on adding to your travel plans, you can pick a remote forest region that features geographical regions that are supportive of the chosen activities.

For more information about RV camping, talk to a local campground service near you.