Summer is winding to an end, but there is still enough good weather left this year to take the RV out for one last camping trip. If this is the first time you’ve been able to go camping in your RV for the summer, rest assured that some camp sites will still be open and you and your family will get to enjoy crisp fall air and the changing of the leaves. Camping with the family can, of course, be very stressful. Here is a basic three part RV camping checklist to get your planning started.

Make sure the RV is in good shape
The first thing you need to do to prepare for RV camping is making sure that the RV itself is in good shape. Check the engine and the fluids to make sure that everything is in working order and full before leaving. You don’t want to get on the road only to be stranded or have to cancel the trip while the RV is in the shop. Check the appliances to make sure that they work. If something doesn’t work, this way you can get it repaired or plan ahead to make other arrangements.

Find out what amenities prospective campgrounds have
When you’re checking out potential campgrounds, you should take note of what each of them has to offer because this will help you plan and pack better. Some RV parks have built in barbecues pits which means that you don’t have to bring your own. If the campground has bathrooms or certain recreational opportunities for example, that will have an effect on what you need to pack.

Pack well
Packing well for RV camping is essential. You should make a checklist for yourself and everyone in the family to ensure that everyone is well prepared. Help the kids pack their bags to ensure that they have everything. Make sure that you don’t double up on items that you only need one of to save space, but pack extras of essentials like clean socks and toiletries like toilet paper — just in case.

Planning a camping trip can be just as stressful as the trip is fun. Making sure that your RV is set to go, find out as much as you can about potential campgrounds, and packing well should make the planning fairly hassle free. Do you have any other tips for planning a camping trip? Let us know in the comments.