RV travel doesn’t need to be solely for mountain escapes and lakeside retreats. You can also use your rig for some urban camping!
But before you hit the pavement and head to any city in your RV, there are some dos and don’ts you should keep in mind:
DO find a campsite that suits your needs.
Whether you opt for an urban campground or a suburban oasis outside of city limits will depend on what you’d like to accomplish during your vacation. If you want to be as close to the hustle and bustle as possible, look for campgrounds that are close to your host city, or at the very least, close to public transportation. The Liberty Park RV Campground in Jersey City, New Jersey, is a perfect example of an urban campground. Located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, the campground offers views of the Statue of Liberty and not only makes NYC quite accessible, but also is close to excellent restaurants and nightlife on the Jersey side.
If being too close to the city is not your thing, look for campgrounds located 30 to 60 minutes outside of city limits. There will likely be more camping options and you’ll have a chance to escape the city when you’re done sightseeing for each day. In either scenario, be prepared to boondock if you need to, especially during the winter in northern locations.
DON’T rule out other non-campsite spots
Many cities cater to RVers in ways you may not have thought possible. Certain big box stores such as Walmart offer overnight parking for RVs. Other businesses, such as casinos, local government offices, stadiums, and parks may allow rigs to park for a few hours up to several days. Always check with management before parking at any of these places.
DON’T drive your rig in the city.
It’s not a good idea to drive your RV, especially if it’s large, through the city. Trying to navigate through traffic and narrow streets could spell trouble for you and others around you. Plan your route so that you can avoid driving in downtown or other congested areas. Better yet, arrive at your destination in the middle of the day, when you can easily avoid rush hour traffic.
DO take time to explore the local culture and cuisine.
If you opt to camp in or near a city, you should take advantage of the things the location has to offer. Cities of all sizes have something unique for locals and guests alike, so figure out what that thing is. Are you a craft beer aficionado? Check out local breweries in town. Are you obsessed with museums? FInd and visit the museums and related events in the area. Are you a music buff? Ask around about the live music scene and catch a show or two.
With the right planning, RV camping in the city can be a great experience. Have you ever camped near a city in your RV? What did you like or dislike about it? Leave us a comment or contact us today!
