SEQUOIAS & YOSEMITE RV FAMILY TRIP: TIPS for a successful RV TRIP
I’m finally getting around to sharing some memories and tips we learned on our family RV trip to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks! COVID has caused a big come-back in the popularity of good ole’ American RV and camping trips. We made some amazing memories on this trip, all while cramming 2 kids, 2 teenagers, and 2 adults into one 30ft C-class motorhome. It may have been tight quarters, but it sure was a blast!
I grew up playing in the woods behind my house, and those are some of the most memorable moments of my adolescent years. My friends and I would hike out into the forest collecting rocks, floating flowers and leaves down the babbling brooks, and weave grasses and honeysuckle into bracelets, necklaces and crowns. This trip brought back vivid memories of those times, and I found myself feeling deep joy and excitement witnessing our kids create the same nature magic. Nature is healing and nature is the best teacher. I’m so thankful for the good times and connection we shared on this epic RV trip!
Tip #1:
Make sure you have a good food plan and grocery ship accordingly.
So RV fridges and freezers are super small and once you fill it up with drinks there isn’t room for too much else. I had big plans to pre-cook casseroles and other meals, only to find out there was no room to bring them. (Worked out ok in the end because I froze them and ate them when we got back, when I wanted to do nothing more that chill out and watch a movie) So, make sure you bring things like canned tuna, pasta, and other shelf-stable meals. There is a great deal more cabinet space than fridge space!
Tip 2:
Plan your route, and book RV camping spots and plan excursions ahead of time, keeping in mind how big your RV is (and where it will fit)
RVs are great on the highway. I mean you’re rolling down the freeway goin’ 65 and still have full access to TV, food, cold drinks, couch and a bed! Major upside. BUT the major downside is that you can’t fit that 30 footer into just any place. The solution- make sure you plan ahead. Book RV camp spots that accommodate an RV of the appropriate size. Check out all the stops and sites you want to see and make sure they have RV parking. I must say, national parks are pretty well set up for RVs so we didn’t have too many issues. The one stop that we did make that was super tricky to navigate the boat was Rainbow Falls. (It’s definitely worth the stop- you can swim to a waterfall and climb right in behind it!) This place gets packed and parking is limited and tight. Either get there early to grab one of the few RV- compatible spots, or park outside and hoof it in.
TIP 3:
Bring family games.
Camping is fun but kids need entertainment. Board and card games were a fun way to pass the time, connect and have a laugh with each other. Heads Up was a hit with our family.
TIP 4:
Plan where to DUMP (eek!) and fill up with water.
With a large family like ours the holding tank would fill up fast and went through water quickly as well. Make sure you know where you can dump the tank and fill up with water nearby or at every stop along the way.
TIP 5:
Go with the flow.
Despite all the planning, life always throws us curve balls, so adapt and go with the flow. When we embrace this perspective we make the most out of every moment.
I grew up playing in the woods behind my house, and those are some of the most memorable moments of my adolescent years. My friends and I would hike out into the forest collecting rocks, floating flowers and leaves down the babbling brooks, and weave grasses and honeysuckle into bracelets, necklaces and crowns. This trip reminded me of those times, and I found myself feeling joy and excitement witnessing our kids have those special nature-connected moments.
