RV traveling during COVID? RVers have the advantage of taking a home wherever they go, but you still need to take precautions.

COVID has changed all of our lives in one way or another. Everything from leisure time to how we conduct business has been affected.

The good news is that most RVers are already prepared for national emergencies like this. Our community is full of resilient folks who are problem-solvers and like to take action to support our neighbors and fellow RVers.

With that being said, we do understand that travel and camping guidelines have become stricter over the past year. So, take a few minutes and review our top tips for RV traveling during COVID. 

7 Best Tips for RV Traveling During COVID

#1 – Create A Plan

There’s nothing better for the wife and me than just hitting the road and seeing where we end up.

However, since some campgrounds closed and other restrictions have been in place, it’s very important to create a travel plan. Be sure to call or check each park’s website beforehand to check availability and that they’re open.

You can also use sites such as The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) or Reserve America for updated lists of park closures and other information for RV traveling during COVID. 

Here are a few more resources we use when planning our RV trips:

• ONLINE PLANNING RV Trip Wizard – https://rvlifestyle.com/rvtripwizard
• BOOKS National Geographic Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways, the 275 Best Drives in the US – https://amzn.to/39DLzL0
• National Geographic Guide to State Parks of the United States and Canadian Provincial Parks – https://amzn.to/2FCP6f3
• Fodor’s Complete Guide to National Parks of the West – https://amzn.to/37HHYK4
• Amazing Festivals 100s of Hometown Celebrations – https://amzn.to/37JC0s2
• MAPS Rand McNally 2020 Large Scale Road Atlas – https://amzn.to/2upsqwm
• Rand McNally Folded Paper Map of U.S. – https://amzn.to/39LcYL5
• APPS AND WEBSITES Harvest Hosts – https://rvlifestyle.com/hh
• Boondockers Welcome – https://rvlifestyle.com/boondockerswelcome
• Overnight RV Parking – https://rvlifestyle.com/overnight
• Free Campsites – https://freecampsites.net/ 

 

#2 – Clean Your RV Regularly

It’s always a great idea to regularly clean your RV, but this is even more important during the pandemic. The good news is that there’s no such thing as over-cleaning, so take it up a notch, turn on some music, and have fun while scrubbing!

The Centers for Disease Control put forth some disinfecting and cleaning guidelines that we feel are excellent to follow. Here’s a brief overview: 

Hard Surfaces

This includes the sink, toilet, countertops, etc.

• Clean all surfaces with soap and water before using a disinfectant.
• For proper disinfectant, find one that the CDC approves. If none are readily available, you can use diluted bleach or an alcohol-based solution that contains at least 70% alcohol.
• You may want to keep wipeable covers over all of your electronics or simply use alcohol-based sprays or wipes to clean them. 

Fabric Items

Fabric items include clothing, linens, furniture, and such. 

• Use a spray disinfectant such as Lysol for couches, chairs, and other fabric-covered seating. 
• Do not shake your dirty laundry. This will reduce the chances of dispersing virus germs through the air. 
• Use hot/warm water for all laundry cycles.
• Don’t forget to disinfect your clothes hampers too!

Porous Surfaces

In this section focus will turn to drapes, rugs, carpeting, etc. 

• Try to vacuum daily and clean the RV floors often.
• Clean surfaces with a soapy rag and some water
• Launder every item you can

To reduce your risk of spreading or contracting the virus, it’s best to clean daily.

RV traveling during COVID can subject you to many germs if you make a lot of stops. So, wipe down doorknobs, phones, tablets, tables, light switches, the steering wheel, and other high-traffic areas in your RV often. 

 

#3 Beware of Shared Showers and Bathrooms

Shared showers and bathrooms can facilitate the spread of COVID. If you don’t have a bathroom or shower in your RV, you’ll want to use extra caution when using these places in public.

Some experts even suggest avoiding public restrooms because the virus is known to spread through ventilation systems and shoddy plumbing. As an alternative, you may consider buying your own portable shower and toilet. 

 

#4 Remember that Campground Etiquette is Different

One of the things we love most about RVing is that the campgrounds are usually very friendly with pets and children running around free and neighbors inviting each other over for game nights and such.

However, this is one of the main ways that RV traveling during COVID has changed. 

What one would consider appropriate behavior in the old world is not the same as today. Don’t get me wrong, people are still friendly, but there’s much more social distancing.

The good news is that most campgrounds have already come up with practical solutions for helping with this, like more spacing between campsites or activity areas.

 

#5 Maintain Social Distancing Guidelines Everywhere

Though you may think a road trip will help you avoid people more, this isn’t always true. Especially when you opt to stay at campgrounds.

As we mentioned, most places have rules in place that are effective at maintaining social distancing. 

Just remember that you will encounter staff and other travelers each time you stop. Do your best to remain at least 6 feet away from them, and wear a mask when needed. 

 

#6 Understand How Your RV Works

Before COVID-19 took hold, RV owners didn’t worry much when they didn’t know how specific systems in their RV worked. When this occurred, it was easy to walk around the campground and find someone who could help.

Yet, with so many RVers maintaining distance and with your own safety in mind, it’s probably not the best time to invite a stranger into your van. 

Instead, take time before you travel to learn how to hook up the water, troubleshoot systems, repair small electrical problems, and so on.

Taking the proper time to learn the ins and outs before RV traveling during COVID will make you better prepared and provide peace of mind. 

 

#7 Join Groups on Social Media

All this talk of social distancing makes me lonely just thinking about it.

If you are a solo RVer or someone looking to join a community of other like-minded people, then check out groups on social media sites, such as Facebook. The best part is there is a group for every person. And if you aren’t a member of our Group yet, you can request to join right here. 

In terms of the RV world, you’ll find groups full of RV enthusiasts who love to share tips and other information, as well as some people looking to make new friends. There are groups for full-time retired RVers, RV tips, RV resources, and more. 

So, these groups aren’t just good for socializing, but it’s also a great place to ask questions pertaining to RV life. 

There are also loads of groups for people who like to fish, hunt, cycle, golf, and basically anything you can think of! A great resource for meeting people and connecting with local groups is MeetUp.

 

Your Experience RV Traveling During COVID

In the end, RV traveling during COVID is still a great deal of fun so long as you take the right safety precautions. Please share your experience with and tips for RV traveling during COVID below!

Looking for Expert RV Trip Ideas and RV Travel suggestions?

We’ve written a library of RV Travel books that lay out seven-day guided explorations of scenic areas of the US that we’’ve explored and think would make an excellent RV trip for you.

In each location, we provide a suggested route and itinerary (7 stops in each guide, one for each day of a week trip!) as well as links to multiple campgrounds and boondocking spots, local tips, and interesting things to do at each location.

You can hit everything in seven days, do a whirlwind weekend tour, or you can take your time and explore the area over a 2+ week period.

Planning an RV trip can be very time-consuming so that’s why we’ve done the research for you! Just take our guides and use them, we’re sure you’ll have an RV trip for the ages! Instant download. CLICK HERE for information on our RV Travel Guides