Urban Camping in an RV

Ever thought about taking your RV on a city vacation? Urban camping has a unique allure, allowing you to experience the excitement of the big city without paying high hotel prices. You can use your RV as lodging at night and as your "home base" throughout the day. 

We've rounded up our favorite tips for taking your RV on a big city trip below. If you have any questions or want to look at models for sale, visit Broadmoor RV. We are located in the Tri-Cities, proudly serving Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. We also proudly serve those in Seattle and Spokane, Washington.

Plan Your Trip

Camping in a city requires planning, just like camping in the great outdoors does. Start by figuring out your destination. Then you can build your path to get there. Remember that big cities can pose obstacles to driving or towing an RV. Low bridges, narrow streets, and construction zones should be avoided whenever possible.

Next, think about where you will park your RV. Some travelers choose to find an RV park within the city. This allows you to take a quick ride into the bustling downtown via public transit or rideshares. But you also may need to deal with road noise, which can make it harder to sleep.

Other travelers park father out of town. This helps reduce the road noise issue and can allow you to explore cute suburbs or towns outside the big city. But you may end up dealing with more traffic while trying to get into the city. Both options work great—it's just a matter of personal preference.

Whichever approach you take, try to book your RV spot as far in advance as possible. Many sites fill up quick! Plus, some sites will even give you an early-bird discount, helping you save money.

Build Your Packing List

One great benefit of urban camping is it can make packing easier. You'll be in a big city with easy access to a wide range of businesses. You'll be able to go to grocery stores and restaurants with ease, so you won't need to bring as much food at the start. You can simply get more milk and eggs one day a few minutes from your campsite. Or you can eat more meals in the city, saving time on home cooking. If any family member forgets a key toiletry item, it'll be easy to stop into a grocery store to pick it up. You can even get clothing items in case the weather takes a sudden turn, such as an extra rain jacket or sweater. 

Urban RV camping requires some basic necessities. Every passenger will want to bring along clothing, toiletries, and any medications. Try to pack toiletries in travel-sized containers to help make the most of limited internal space.

Parking Your RV

If you plan on taking your RV outside the campsite, you'll need to be strategic about parking it. You can't just nab any street parking spot. Keep a lookout for signs to ensure you'll be able to park somewhere without getting a fine. You'll also need to leave plenty of room for the cars next to you. They should be able to open their doors and pull out without scratching your RV.

Navigating the City

If you take your RV into the city, it's important you know your RV's exact height. That way, you'll know which overpasses and tunnels you can fit through. Try to avoid rush hour traffic if you can to help keep stress lowered. Appoint a co-captain to help be a second set of eyes and help you navigate the city. Practice good defensive driving tactics and you can enjoy a fun and safe RV ride!

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you are looking to buy an RV, visit Broadmoor RV for a wide range of models. We are located in the Tri-Cities area. We also proudly serve those in Seattle and Spokane, Washington.