Go RV Camping with Teens, and Have Fun Doing It!

As an RV owner and parent of teenagers, I think teens often get a bad rap. Yes, there are struggles between parents and teens as the power balance shifts, teens want more of it and parents feel they are losing it. Naturally, there are going to be some challenging moments. But alas, there is a great escape from this sometimes intense life experience, and that is the great outdoors. RV camping with teens is a place where they can be more autonomous. Let them take a few adult responsibilities on the trip so they feel empowered. Here’s how I do it.

A Recipe for RV Camping with Teens

Exploring nature and getting some quiet time to connect with your kids is a wonderful recipe for peace. Since many locations do not have cell service, it’s also the perfect excuse for everyone to put away their cell phones and BE PRESENT to strengthen bonds.

If you’re just making the switch from tent camping to RVing, or are taking teenagers or older grandkids along for the first time, these ideas can get them excited about RV camping adventures with you.

Pick the Destination Together

There are so many magnificent places to visit. Before you start researching your RV trip, determine how much time you have and how far you want to drive.

• National parks are always a safe bet, as they are guaranteed to be beautiful and they have built-in activities, from ranger talks around the campfire, to guided hikes and great visitor centers, cute camp stores and some even have museums. There is usually something for all campers at a national park. 
• If a national park is too far from you and you’re planning to go somewhere closer, choose a place with outdoor activities that your teens will enjoy from biking to hiking, rock climbing to kayaking, and other waterfront activities. We also love to spend time on lakes and rivers. 

Define the Technology Rules Before You Leave on the Trip

A clearly defined technology policy is best for the whole family. Every family has a different view of how much technology is too much or too little. Compromises are usually necessary. A suggested policy when you’re RV camping with teens is to allow technology on the ride to the destination, but once you arrive, all phones are put away.  

Invite their Friends 

Nothing makes teens happier than traveling with their buddies. Invite friends and families that also love camping experiences. Our favorite family camping trips have always been the ones when we are traveling with other families who have kids the same age. The teens and tweens have a great time doing outdoor activities together (even when parents also tag along for the fun).

Plan Fun Camping Meals 

Food is a great way to deliver happiness to hungry active teens on family RV trips. Stock up on their favorite snacks. It’s also fun if the teens have one night where they are in charge of the meal for the group, even if it’s just hot dogs cooked over the fire. Create a food packing checklist together.

Set Up a Cool Campsite

Before you leave, talk about decorations and see if they have any ideas. Maybe visit a few RV camping gear websites with cute camping stuff. Involve your teen in decorating the campsite, let them be creative in setting up their comforts around the campsite.

Hang a few hammocks, string lanterns, set up solar lights, use an outdoor rug, a pretty waterproof tablecloth  and whatever fun decorations you like to make your campsite stand out.  A decorated campsite is also easy for teens to spot when they are walking or biking around the campground and need to find their home. 

Bring Games and Activities 

We like to bring board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, chess, checkers, cards, backgammon, etc.  Let the teens choose what games they want to play. After dinner, wipe off your camping tablecloth, gather everyone around the table and play games. Sitting under the stars and playing games is a blast.

Active outdoor games like cornhole, horseshoes, bocce ball, croquet, frisbee or even badminton are also fun activities to bring for RV camping with teens. 

Bring Your Dog 

Camping dogs and kids go hand in hand when it comes to an RV camping trip. Dogs are great hiking buddies and all around companions. Just be sure to check if the location allows dogs before you leave the house.

If you do bring your dog camping, make sure you pack their favorite amenities like their doggie bed, a collapsible water bowl, a long light-up leash to keep them safe and secure around the campsite as well as a light-up collar. Just don’t forget their dog essentials, like poop bags!

Plan Activities 

Each location will have its outdoor calling card – from hiking trails to swimming to river rafting or just floating down the river. Plan your itinerary ahead so that you have a variety of activities everyone wants to do each day. A planned trip is a fun trip. That doesn’t mean you have to do everything, but at least you have clear choices.

Let your teens be involved in this process before you leave (or at least on the way to the destination). Oftentimes campsites are near towns, so taking a day to explore the nearby town on the trip mixes it up.

RVing with Teens Leads to Lasting Memories

One of our favorite RV trips with our teens was to Zion National Park. We stayed at the Zion Canyon Campground on the river. It was incredible!

The river was low that year, so on days we didn’t explore the park, we planted chairs in the river and spent the day picnicking in the river. We all took turns (adults and kids) floating down the river in an inner tube.

There is also a lovely short hike along the river from the campground to small hidden beach spots where you can spend the day. The campground is right next to the Zion National Park entrance, so it’s incredibly convenient to either walk, bike or drive to catch the Zion shuttle. 

Our most favorite hike is the Narrows, which is a walk up the river through a beautiful canyon. Pack a picnic lunch, towels, sunblock and water. Plan to spend most of the day walking up and picnicking along the Virgin River. There are tiny beach spots where you can have lunch. 

Wherever you take a family RV vacation with your kids, nature has a wonderful way of reminding us about the most important things in life: family, friends, and immersing ourselves in the playground called nature.