24 Tips for Being a Happy Camper in 2024 (With Phil Travaglia)

Are you a happy camper? Or do you find yourself getting cranky over some of the challenges that are related to the RV and camping lifestyle? Reservations can be hard to get--and prices for campsites have gone up--and so have the prices of RVs. There are some legitimate issues and concerns out there--but camping is still awesome, right?

We think there are still an abundance of things to love about the RV and camping lifestyle--and there always will be. In fact, we think camping and RVing are good for the mind, good for the body, and good for the soul! We want YOU to be a happy camper in 2024.

It's all about having the right mindset.

On this week's episode of The RV Atlas podcast we welcome our friend and camping buddy Phil Travaglia back on to the show to discuss tips for being a happy camper in 2024. Phil is the perfect person for this topic because he is the happiest camper we know. On this episode Phil shares 8 tips, Jeremy shares 8 tips, and we share 8 tips from the RV Atlas Group on Facebook--for a total of 24 tips for being a happy camper in 2024.

To listen to this episode of The RV Atlas please click on the media player above--or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows.

Or just read on right below for Phil's 8 tips for being a happy camper in 2024!

Phil's Tips for Being a Happy Camper

Tip #1 Do your homework - When you go camping, whether it be in an RV or a tent; spend some time looking into the area where you will be staying.  Getting a sense of the weather, the stores and amenities nearby (in case of an emergency) and having an idea about the wildlife are important.  They will help you avoid unexpected situations that may negatively impact your overall experience.  A little research (and I really mean a little) can mean the difference between a great trip and wanting a “do over”.

For example: When we go camping in Montauk, knowing the weather and especially, the wind conditions will greatly affect the trip.  If you plan for a windy weekend, the things you bring will be useful and not a hindrance i.e. portable canopies or shelters that will end up on the other side of the campground. Another example would be if the surf is too rough, I won’t bring my fishing gear.  Which can be cumbersome to have to cart around; just to not use it.

Tip #2 Take inventory - We all know that a big part of the fun of camping is picking up gear along the way.  However, this gear can really negatively impact your experiences if you are constantly shuffling it and rearranging it in the RV.  As you camp during the season, take inventory.  Keep a mental tally of the things you use regularly and the things you regularly shuffle around.  Don’t be afraid to take the cluttering items out of the RV.  Having more room in the RV and having to manage less stuff makes a huge difference in the happiness meter on a trip.  For example: cooking accessories that are not going to be used take up so much space in the RV and are a constant source of frustration.  It is no fun to have to play a camping version of tetris under the sink every time you need to get a pot or pan! If you are not planning any crock pot or Dutch oven meals during the trip… leave them home.  They’ll still be there for you when you get back. Another example is board games.  How many board games do you actually need in the camper!  Bring one or two that you know will be fun for the group on your trip.  Free up some space and have less to manage.

Tip #3 Be flexible - One of the biggest things to remember about camping is a lot of unplanned things happen.  The weather is bad, traffic on the way causes major delays… I could go on forever.  The thing to help get through these events is to be flexible.  Having the ability to modify your plans is essential in being a happy camper.