I assume you’ve landed on this article because you’re considering taking your baby on the road and you want validation that it’s possible, and furthermore, some guidance on how to do it. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not only possible, but enjoyable and special, too!

My husband and I spent two and a half years on the road full-time, living, working, and adventuring in our RV while traveling all across the U.S. We absolutely loved it and had no plans of stopping. But when we decided it was time to grow our family through adoption, our circumstances required us to take some time off the road in order to do so.

Not long after our son was born and in our arms, we started to get the itch to get back into RV traveling. We wondered if people would think we were crazy, or even worse, irresponsible parents, for wanting to take a five-week-old baby on an extended road trip in a tiny home on wheels! But we went for it anyway and our first trip was so successful and memorable that there’s no stopping us now.

I certainly hope that if you’re on the fence about RVing with your baby, that I can convince you to go for it. I’ve put together this helpful, 3-part Ready, Set, Go! guide to ensure you feel as prepared as you can be. So, let’s dive in.

The author and family on the road at Fire State Park.

Part 1: Get Ready for the Baby

What is your baby like?

You’ll likely have a good sense of whether or not your baby will be comfortable or able to adjust to being in the RV. But you’ll definitely want to consider the factors that may influence how your baby handles it. Is he healthy or does he need special medical care or frequent doctors visits? Is she generally a content baby or is she sensitive to loud noises and other stimuli? Does your baby thrive on a routine?

This Father’s Day (June 20), treat the dad in your life like he’s a camping VIP. Give him a gift that satisfies his craving for comfort, or consider an item that takes him out of his comfort zone and into new outdoor experiences.

Every camping dad is different. What do you give the dad who took you on your very first camping trip? What about that cagey father-in-law who’s nearly impossible to buy for? If you’re stumped about what to give pops, check out the gifts below for inspiration. 

Each of the following will help improve his RVing and glamping experience. Help Dad achieve true camping VIP status. 

KING WiFi Max

You wouldn’t deprive your dad of his favorite streaming content, would you? KING WiFi Max helps campers stay connected by providing a gateway between all your web-enabled devices and the local Wi-Fi source. The compact design requires no installation and the device can be set up in less than a minute. There’s no monthly service fee or contract, and no impact on bandwidth speed. Watch the big game with confidence at the campsite or set it up at the tailgate party so you can catch the pregame show. Don’t be vexed by weak Wi-Fi sources that thwart your ability to watch what you want. 

A record number of travelers are taking to the road these days, exploring America’s highways and byways and camping in RVs. But you don’t have to spend months or even weeks away from home to experience the RV life. It’s a unique form of travel that’s accessible to every kind of adventurer — even if you only have a weekend.

For working couples, busy families, or anyone on a budget, a shorter trip can offer all the benefits of a longer getaway without using up all your vacation days or breaking the bank. In fact, shorter trips can have some serious advantages over an extended stint on the road: They’re easier to plan and cheaper to execute, so you can afford to take them more often. Not only that, but when you’re gone for less time you won’t be coming back to piles of work and the stress that accompanies it.

When a weekend’s all you’ve got, you have to make the most of every minute. Traveling via airplane, for example, can mean wasting a big chunk of your vacation sitting in airport lounges and uncomfortable airline seats. In an RV, there’s none of that — when the clock strikes 5 on Friday, the adventure begins. Here’s how to make the most out of a weekend RV trip.

How to Make a Quick Trip Feel Like a Proper Vacation

Comprehensive planning and preparation will have you spending less of your precious trip time on logistics and more on the fun of the adventure. For instance, choose a destination within a few hours of home to minimize your driving time. It’s also a good idea to practice setting up camp before you leave—especially if you’re new to RVing—so when you reach your site there’s ample opportunity to relax.

Having the right accessories can ensure a weekend trip is exciting and rejuvenating, even if you’re staying in familiar territory. Turn your outdoor space into an oasis with comfortable furniture, lighting, perhaps even an outdoor fireplace. It’s amazing how simple it can be to make a basic campsite feel like a resort.

We can’t think of a better way to spend the summer than to hit the road and explore the outdoors after months of home isolation. Whether a minimalist camper that is searching for a small campsite in the mountains or a glamper that prefers parking your RV at parks with plenty of amenities, it’s easy to find your ideal outdoor destination and the right rig!

Summer is just around the corner as the U.S. is getting back to regular operations, and people are extra antsy. More than ever, it’s important to get as many useful tips for renting an RV this summer, especially with some campgrounds still complying to social distancing and sanitation orders.

Renting an RV this summer vacation

Large companies have said that this can be a unique way to experience the outdoors. Bookings have surged at large rental sites.

Booking a rental

Rental agencies might require you to be over 21 years old and have held your driver’s license for at least two years. Other than that, you can legally rent and drive a motorhome in the United States.

Book in advance. Booking one day before the scheduled trip will not impress the agencies. A lot of people are scrambling to book for one on the spot, and it takes a lot of preparation for packing up. Not to mention, you must consider inspecting and familiarizing yourself with the vehicle before heading out.

There’s nothing like the iconic Highway 1 road trip, especially when you do it by camper. Whether you know it as PCH or Highway 1, the scenic route snakes along undiscovered beaches, rolling green hills and quaint communities in SLO CAL. This bucket-list journey can’t be made in one day so don’t miss out and plan your multi-day stop in SLO CAL to see it all.

While you drive through Ragged Point, take time to enjoy the stunning coastal views and listen to the waves crashing below. As you head south, you’ll find the beaches occupied by a SLO CAL favorite, elephant seals. These mighty animals claim the beaches of San Simeon. The elephant seal viewing area has plenty of parking, accommodating vehicles of all sizes, no matter your RV’s size.

Next, it’s time to set up camp. There’s an array of coastal RV Parks waiting for you to check-in. Morro Strand RV Park has sites ranging from 20×30 all the way up to 40×70 to best accommodate whatever your needs may be. Enjoy fire pits and BBQs with Morro Rock standing tall as a backdrop. Forget the firewood? There is also a convenient general store onsite, stocked with all your needs to make your stay as stress-free as possible.

Welcome, Bionca and Carter Smith! Thanks for sharing your RV story with Camping World.

Q. Tell us a little about your various full-time rolling homes? How have you made it feel like home wherever you roam? 

A. We have a Campervan and a Travel Trailer. We make it feel like home, by always camping where campfires are allowed. A fire pit is must have at any campground since we cook meals outside on it.

Bionca and Carter cook over a fire almost everywhere they go.

Q. Describe your travel style in five words or less?! 

A. Fun, educational, engaging, spontaneous, and inspiring.

“From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam…”

We all know this common lyric from “God Bless America,” but what the song forgets to mention is the bayou. Though America’s Rocky Mountains and Midwestern prairie are majestic, there’s a certain romance, charm, and haunting beauty to bayou country.

A bayou is a body of water, commonly found in the southeast United States. Bayous may look like standing water, but they’re usually slow-moving rivers or streams composed of brackish water (a mix of saltwater and freshwater). These marshlands are home to shrimp and crawfish, but also alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and hundreds of species of birds.

This southern swamp country has a diverse immigration history with influences from Native American, French, Canadian, European, and African ancestry. Today, these cultures live on in Cajun and Creole culture, and the lively characteristics of this heritage are what bring visitors to Louisiana year after year. There’s nothing quite like the smell of a spicy crawfish boil sprawled over a picnic table. Or, the sound of Zydeco music drifting down cobblestoned streets.

Bayou country is full of sites, sounds, and flavors. To truly experience it, you’ll need several days to sink into the culture and scenery. The best way to get comfortable? In an RV. Park it under the shade of a live oak draped in Spanish moss and set out to explore the best of Bayou country.

In honor of American diversity, travel down to the South to immerse yourself in the cultural melting pot that offers so much heritage and history. The beauty of a road trip not only lies in the destination, but also the journey. In this list, we’ve included beautiful drives to 5 must-see RV destinations in the American South.

Overseas Highway – Florida Keys

Down the Overseas Highway, you can revel in the marine monuments like shipwrecks, coral and limestone islands, and seascapes sequestered by palm trees and mangroves under the setting sun.

For a more tropical travel trip, the Overseas Highway will take you to your dream destination, which is rivaled only by the drive to get there, with a stunning 113-mile series of roads and bridges connecting the mainland to the southernmost point, Key West.

Cherokee Casino Grove is the number one choice for Grand Lake NIGHTLIFE. Nestled near Tom Cat Corner and Shangri-La Golf Club Resort & Marina at Monkey Island, Cherokee Casino Grove is the only place better than the lake!

Our 39,000-square-foot, lakeside casino sits on a 24-acre site and offers a beautiful lodge-style feel. We house more than 390 electronic games, a full-service restaurant complete with a bar featuring live music and a great dance floor.

Whether you LOVE GAMING or this will be your FIRST GAMING EXPERIENCE, Cherokee Casino has everything you need to LIVE YOUR LIFE GRAND.

Guests who walk in our doors have come to expect EXCELLENCE. We opened our doors in January 2017 and offer a clean, new and exciting place to play. Our gaming floor features many of the MOST POPULAR GAMES IN THE INDUSTRY. Some of our fan-favorites include our theme-based options, such as “Walking Dead,” Red Ruby and Harley Davidson’s Cycles. Anyone can play with game denominations from a penny up to $25.

We have earned a place as a favorite with the local lake crowd because of our wide array of dining options at Grove Springs Restaurant and their favorite specially crafted drinks from 1897 Bar.

If your family is ready for something that will make vacations together more luxurious and accessible than ever, you won’t want to miss the bunkhouse class A motorhomes for sale today. Many families choose class A motorhomes for their RV because they are easy to drive, park, and provide high-quality interiors that help you feel right at home. Learn more about five of our favorite family-friendly class A motorhomes below.

2021 Forest River RV Berkshire XL 40C Motor Home Class A

This Forest River Berkshire XL 40C class A diesel motorhome is on sale today, and you could save over $98,000 on your purchase! Take home luxury at your fingertips with the bath and a half design that makes it easy for everyone to get ready in the morning. The bunk beds are equipped with Teddy-Bear mattresses and feature 22″ LED TVs!

Additional Features:

Bath and a HalfBunk BedsFireplaceHide-A-Bed-SofaStainless Steel DishwasherDresser Base with Full WardrobeFireplaceStackable Washer/DryerThree 15K BTU A/CTire Pressure Monitoring System

Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas? The answer depends on the state you are traveling through. Some states allow overnight parking at rest areas ... Read more

From late February to September, you’ll find spectacular wildflower displays up and down the West Coast. The wildflower season begins in late winter throughout the Southern California desert and works its way up to the PNW when the snow melts and gives way to flowers in the Cascade’s higher elevations. One of the best ways to experience this explosion of color is by taking a hike, so put the pedal to the metal and plan a road trip to some of the best wildflower destinations on the West Coast.

Sheep Lake to Sourdough Gap, Washington

For those visiting Mount Rainier with pets, the hike to Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap is a fantastic Fido-friendly alternative since it’s situated just outside of the park boundary along Chinook Pass. The 6-mile roundtrip out-and-back trail presents breathtaking views of the Cascades, giving hikers a glimpse of Mt Rainier and the nearby Naches Peak. The picturesque Sheep Lake is nestled in a sub-alpine area that showcases a dazzling display of wildflowers in July and August. After passing the lake, the trail slowly climbs for about a mile until you reach Sourdough Gap, a small saddle in a rocky ridge that provides spectacular aerial views of Sheep Lake and the Crystal Lake Basin.

Stay: Rainier Wings Packwood RV Park in Packwood puts guests close to Mt. Rainier National Park.

Lower Table Rock, Medford, Oregon

Fathers Day in June follows closely behind Mother’s Day, and this year we celebrate father figures on June 20, 2021.

Dads can be some of the trickiest people to shop for. After all, fathers seem to be folks of simple pleasures. What do you get the man who doesn’t need much and claims to have it all?

This Fathers Day, treat dad to a gift that will spark his taste for trying new things, animate his inner child, or reignite his fondness for getting his hands dirty outdoors.

Use these gift ideas to inspire your own surprises for dad. Though it doesn’t take much to put a smile on dad’s face, a dad glowing with pride is like nothing else. So whether you treat dad to something small, or you go in on something big, remember to celebrate the father figures in your life on Sunday. Treat them to something they wouldn’t get for themselves.

Hunting Knives and Tools

There’s nothing like having the right tool to get the job done. A specialty knife is a thing of beauty and a source of pride. Add to dad’s collection with a knife he’ll use and treasure for years. For hunting dads, look at Gander’s hunting knife collection. For explorer dads, a machete or hatchet will come in handy for clearing new paths. For angler dads, a sharp gutting filet knife is never a bad idea. If dad has a full collection of knives already, consider a knife sharpener.

Load up the RV and venture to a land of serene and breathtaking beauty. Beautiful Bryce Canyon Country in Garfield County s an adventurers paradise filled with two national parks, one national monument, one national forest and three state parks. Encounter the towering Ponderosa pines, be impressed by the majestic red-rock hoodoos or experience the magnificent colors of a sunset resting across the sky.

As you plan your summer trip, make time to venture through Bryce Canyon Country. Families of all ages, young travelers and anyone itching for adventure and unforgettable memories will enjoy this destination.

Here’s how anyone can make their time in Bryce Canyon Country unforgettable:

The Adventurers

With hundreds of beautiful sights scattered across beautiful Bryce Canyon Country, you’ll never run out of things to do. Hike through the spectacular hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park or ride the mountain bike trails of Red Canyon. Discover the excavated prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan village at Anasazi State Park or sit under the night sky of Kodachrome Basin State Park. Visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and see the red, yellow, white and black petrified wood. Venture out to Grand Staircase-Escalante and hike to incredible rock formations like Grosvenor Arch or beautiful waterfalls like Calf Creek Falls.

Visiting Maine is a great way to get out of the city and away from home. There is plenty to do and see in this northeast state, and we are going to focus on providing helpful tips and attractions for those of you visiting Maine this coming camping season.

When to Visit Maine

As you might imagine, most people visit Maine during the summer months. To be more specific, June through August is an incredibly popular time to visit Maine. The actual best time of year, however, can be debated.

If you are looking to avoid the majority of the crowds, it is recommended to visit Maine in the early spring or late fall. Late August through mid-September is a great time in Maine because you can enjoy the beautiful fall colors and you will not have to fight large crowds to find places to camp.

Maine National Park Service Attractions

Acadia National Park is the only true national park in Maine. There are, however, four other natural attractions managed by the National Park Service here. Those destinations include Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine Acadian Culture Center, Roosevelt Campobello International Park, and Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.

Cody Yellowstone is one of the least-populated places in the country’s least-populated state. If you want to experience big sky, big wildlife herds, big rivers and big valleys rather than big crowds this year, plan your days carefully. But bear in mind that Cody Yellowstone Country will be tremendously popular this year, and reservations for RV spaces are already booming.

Gather and Review Resources Soon

For starters, download or request a free copy of the 2021 Cody Yellowstone Vacation Guide for at-a-glance information and use online resources to find out about lodging and camping in Cody and Yellowstone National Park. You can also find out about attractions, maps, park road conditions, entrance fees, parking and Cody and Yellowstone dining options.

Like to have your information online? Download the free Yellowstone National Park app for interactive maps, itinerary suggestions, wildlife watching safety recommendations, history, stories and more.

Time it Right

If possible, visit during the shoulder season to avoid peak-season crowds. The last two weeks in May, first two weeks in June, last two weeks in August and first week in September typically see fewer visitors than peak summer periods.

Summer’s here and that means we’re never far from water. Long days at the lake are the hallmark of Summertime, and they deserve to be celebrated. Picture it: family and friends are gathering ‘round sharing stories by the fire, tubing behind the boat, eating food fresh off the grill, and playing yard games while the fireflies light up at dusk.

If you’re planning on kicking back at the lake this Summer at a cabin, on the boat, or in your RV, you’ll want to plan for a crowd. Be the talk of the shoreline with these items you’ll need to gear up for the Summer’s best lake party.

Towables and Tubes

Be the ultimate party boat with the watersport towables that have the whole lake pointing and talking. Multi-person tubes are great for large groups and family reunions. Get tubes that hold several passengers, so everyone has the opportunity for a high-speed ride. Whoever can hold on the longest gets to drive the boat!

Large Smoker

The sun stays up late on long summer days. This provides ample time to tend to a feast. Start smoking meat in the morning so by late afternoon folks will be showing up at your shores. Instead of bland hot dogs, upgrade to savory smoked meats to serve at your party. The Masterbuilt digital smoker makes all day smoking a mostly hands-off experience. A side wood chip loader contributes to the flavor. Monitor the meat’s internal temperature from your phone. A digital internal thermometer maintains an even temperature, great for tender brisket or melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork sandwiches. The four chrome-coated racks are adjustable and have plenty of room to smoke up to 16 chickens, 4 turkeys, 8 racks of ribs, or 8 pork butts. Rest assured, no one will be leaving with empty bellies.

Hands down, the 4th of July is the busiest camping day of the year. There are so many wonderful, historic spots in the U.S. that are perfect for celebrating our nation’s heritage. But with those locations, come crowds and campsites that book up well in advance.

If you’re looking for some last minute spots to camp and enjoy Independence day, consider these destinations and the scenic campgrounds nearby.

Whitefish, Montana

Fourth of July fireworks display over Skidoo Bay on Flathead Lake, Montana. Image: Shutterstock.

Whitefish, Montana is an ideal camping location all summer long, with Whitefish Lake and nearby Glacier National Park. The area has everything you could want for a camping trip—mountains and water with endless outdoor recreational activities. Whether you spend the day exploring one of the nation’s favorite national parks, walking around the charming downtown area, or fishing the Flathead river, you’ll find plenty to love about Whitefish.

A camping trip there is especially memorable for celebrating the Fourth of July, because you simply just have to kick back and relax. You can choose to join to the crowds at City Beach for the fireworks display, or find your own private spot right on the lake in a boat or kayak to view them from a different vantage point. Either way, they are spectacular and the area offers a wonderful laid-back way to enjoy the holiday.

If Whitefish is already booked, try Missoula, Montana.

Traveling the country in your very own RV is a dream for many of us; that’s why we’re highlighting some of our favorite class C motorhomes on sale today. You’ll love these incredible RVs that are ideal for couples or families that are craving a way to get away. Learn more about the best class C motorhomes available for long-term stays below. 

Dynamax Isata 3 24FW

Get an incredible deal on this Dynamax Isata 3 24FW class C motorhome, a model year closeout with a huge price reduction. You’ll find features inside that are ideal for your adventure, like the full wall slide that gives you maximum livable space. The queen-sized bed in the rear gives you the perfect space to rest and recuperate after a day at the campground. 

Additional Features:

Full-Wall SlideSleeps ThreeShower SkylightQueen-Size Bed

Going on a trip in your RV can mean anything from a long weekend to an extended road trip. The items on your RV pre-trip checklist depend on where you are going and the duration of the trip you are planning. That said, there are essential mechanical preparation checks and RVing basics that everyone should review before setting out in their RV.

Let’s take a look at what those are and when you should do them. Use this prioritized checklist to prep your RV for travel.

1+ Months Before RV Road Trip

Make unforgettable memories traveling in a well-maintained RV (Image from Getty).

Start with a Roadworthy Check-up (ideally, 3-6 months before your trip). Before you even think about heading out on the road, you need to check your RV’s condition and ensure it is safe and ready for travel. The last thing you want to do is end up stranded and have to deal with mechanical or electrical issues instead of enjoying your vacation. Consider having your RV inspected by a certified technician at least annually while you perform regular preventative and condition-based maintenance. Remember, an ounce of prevention outweighs a pound of cure.

The Big 4 in RV Trip Preparation

These top four checks will go a long way in avoiding costly repairs down the road. So, allow for plenty of time, a month or more, to check these items in case you find issues.

RV Roof

Check the roof. UV and water deteriorate the roof sealant coating over time. Regular care, preventative maintenance, and periodic inspection can maximize your RV roof lifespan. RV roof replacement can cost $300+ per linear foot (labor and materials) while resealing your RV roof can cost $250-$500 total.