The United States has some of the finest public land in the world, featuring natural wonders, open spaces, and great views of unforgettable skies. Naturally, you’ll want to take your RV to some of these astounding destinations! But it helps to know your way around these vast opportunities for RV camping, as well as some pointers for having a great trip. This is your ultimate guide to camping on public land!
How to Find the Best Public Land
You first need to research some great public land that’s suitable for your RV. We recommend that you visit Recreation.gov to discover all of the public land available in your area. The site also features tools like trip builders, digital passes, and other shortcuts to ensure that you’ll always have somewhere to park when you take your next RV trip.
Bring the Supplies You Need
Given that public land is—well, public—it only makes sense to have everything you need to make sure you clean up after yourself. The goal is to leave the site exactly as you found it. With that in mind, in addition to your usual hookups for RV sewage and water, you’ll want to make sure that you have the following:
- Large trash bags for both indoor and outdoor use
- Reusable plates, silverware, and cups to reduce waste overall
- Personal water supply and/or water filters
- Environmentally safe RV cleaners—be sure to check on local RV cleaning policy before the trip
Safety Tips
Of course, no guide to camping on public land is complete without mentioning safety. The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) includes several safety tips when preparing for an RV trip. This includes everything from handling wildlife like snakes and bears to identifying poison ivy.
You’ll also want to be highly conscious of your effect on the land around you, particularly when it comes to forest fires. The BLM recommends that you remove any “burnable material” within a 5-foot radius if you’re planning on having a fire, as well as never leaving a fire unattended.
Maintain Your RV
We hope this guide to camping on public land has helped you plan your next trip! It’s all about identifying the best lands in your area, preparing for a clean trip, and being aware of the safety concerns that can arise. If you’re well-equipped and considerate of the land, you’re sure to have a trip of a lifetime. However, make sure the RV is in top shape beforehand by using our RV cleaning and sealing products at RV by LIFE. Having a well-maintained RV will only help your trip run even more smoothly. Browse our vast selection of products today!