Urban Camping in an RV
When people think RV camping, they often picture heading to the quiet of the woods as a retreat from the bustle of the city. But there's a form of camping that does just the opposite - urban camping! This means that you take your RV into the heart of a thriving city, such as New York or Los Angeles. This type of camping has an appeal of its own. Ready to experience the activity, diversity, and thrills of a big city? Read through the following tips for a successful trip, then make your plans! For all your RV needs, visit 47 West Trailers. We are located in Troy, Missouri, and also serve those in Columbia and St. Louis.
Plan Your Trip
Any camping trip requires some planning and it's no different when camping in a city. Once you figure out your destination, you'll want to figure out how to get there. As you build your route, keep in mind that big cities tend to have more obstacles that can be difficult for an RV. Avoid low bridges, narrow streets, construction zones, and any other obstacle that makes travel harder.
You'll also want to coordinate somewhere to park your RV for the night. One approach is to find an RV site close to the city for convenience's sake. You'll have a quick ride to the heart of the city, but you may end up with loud traffic noise at night. Another approach is to park farther out for a quieter night. It'll also allow you to explore a cute local area you might not have otherwise! Wherever you go, try to book your spot in advance. This gives you peace of mind and you could even save money with an early bird discount.
As for packing, you'll still need all the essentials. Bring along clothing, toiletries, and any medications. Since you'll be in a big city, you'll have plenty of access to grocery stores and restaurants. You can bring less food than normal since the option of dining out is much more readily available.
Parking
Parking your RV in the city is a different beast than parking at a campsite. If you plan on driving your RV anywhere other than the campsite, keep in mind that you can't just take any street parking spot you like. Always look for signs surrounding a potential parking spot to ensure you can indeed park there without getting a fine. You'll also need to make sure you leave plenty of space for the cars parked next to you. Their drivers need to be able to open their doors and pull out without scratching your RV.
When it comes time to settle in for the night, you'll need somewhere to situate your RV. Finding a spot in a city may be easier than you think. Look for convention centers, parks, casinos, truck stops, visitor centers, and Walmarts for available parking.
Navigating Through the City
If you decide to drive your RV into the city, it's crucial that you know the exact height of your RV. That'll help you know whether you can fit through overpasses and tunnels. Keep in mind that there may be rush hour traffic and try to avoid this if you can. Nominate a co-captain to assist you with navigation and to be a second set of eyes. Driving or towing an RV is already hard, so adding in the complexity of a new environment packed full of other motorists and it can become extremely stressful! Your co-captain can help you safely navigate through the city.
Most travelers, though, choose to leave their RV at the campsite. Since you are in a big city, public transportation should be pretty well-developed. Look for buses, trains, park and rides, and other options to get around. Some cities even have apps to help you keep track of routes and departure times.
Places to Consider
There are so many bustling cities in the US to consider. If you choose New York City, you can stay at Liberty Harbor RV Park. While it's located in Jersey City, it's close to the train that will take you into the heart of the Big Apple. If you choose Los Angeles, you can pick Dockweiler RV Park. It's off the 405 freeway and provides views of the ocean. If you pick Las Vegas, you can actually park on the strip! Another option is a casino parking lot. For Washington DC, you can visit Cherry Hill Park. It's about half an hour north of the city. If Chicago is your destination, consider the McCormick Place Convention Center. There are plenty of amazing cities and comfortable RV parks just waiting to be experienced!
We hope you found our guide helpful! For all your RV needs, visit 47 West Trailers. Our friendly staff is happy to answer questions and provide advice. Visit our dealership for a wide range of models for sale. We proudly serve those in Troy, Columbia, and St. Louis, Missouri.