The RVing and camping movement is more popular than ever! Florida is the number one destination and has over 1,260 parks statewide. Over 6 million campers and RVers vacation in Florida every year. What a great idea to take a few mini vacations with everything you need on wheels. If you don’t have an RV of your own, many RV parks and campgrounds offer accommodations for every traveler – including luxury and natural camping sites, cabin and cottage rentals, tree houses, yurts, and glamping tents. When you pick your destination, you will have to decide if you want to stay at a resort style park, which includes a pool, playground, and entertainment and family activities. You might decide on an RV campground where you can relax and get in touch with nature, fish, hike or boat. When traveling with your RV, your home away from home has everything you need. RVs include bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, a TV and storage. Just make sure you have a check list of items you want to bring with you. Everyone’s checklist will vary. Some items can remain in the RV home so that you just have to bring some extra things for each trip.
Our checklist varies depending on our destination. Still, it seems as though we forget something or realize we need something extra. One good thing is there is always a grocery store nearby or, better yet, a camp store right at the RV park. See the list of some things you may want to add to your checklist to the right.
Things you may want to add to your checklist
- Paper products (plates, napkins, towels)
- Bowls
- Drinkware
- Utensils
- Pots & pans
- Coffee pot
- Toaster
- Colander
- Food and drinks (especially water)
- Food storage
- Trash bags
- Pet waste bags
- Matches/ lighter
- Flashlights
- Bedding and pillows
- Soap (dish and hand)
- Towels (bath, hand, extra)
- Toilet paper
- Each person’s own toiletry kits and hair products
- Each person’s own clothes
- Medicines (prescriptions, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Phone chargers
- Books and games
- Sports gear
- Pet supplies (if you have a pet)
RV camping allows you to have your “stuff” and your “home” with you. You can go out on a road trip or just a weekend getaway. We love the quality time with friends and family. There is just something about gathering around a campfire at the end of the night that brings back memories of good times and the American Dream!
You can visit www.campflorida.com for a list of the RV parks and campgrounds in Florida, or you can call 850-562-7151 to order a free printed copy of the official Camp Florida Directory that will be mailed to you. 
Pat Radtke
Florida/Alabama Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
