We might still be in the middle of winter, but that definitely doesn’t stop me or my friends from daydreaming about the spring and all the amazing adventures we hope to have. Ready to start planning your spring RV travels? Here are some tips for making top-notch plans that the whole family is sure to love.
Why Spring Is Ideal for Full-Time RV Families
I adore our spring travels. I appreciate that winter is gone, meaning we can travel to more places without dealing with snow and ice, but the heat of summer has yet to set in, so outdoor adventures are comfortable. On top of that, summer season crowds haven’t hit the campgrounds and attractions yet, making booking easier and meaning we don’t have to fight crowds to see and do what we like.
Yes, spring is an ideal travel season and I like to take full advantage of it by carefully planning our spring travels.
Choosing Spring Destinations: Follow the Weather
For the most part, we plan our RV travels around the weather. We spend the winter months as far south as we can in places like Florida, South Texas, SoCal, and Baja. As the weather warms, we head north. Here are some spots you migh consider hitting in the spring.
Southern Regions (Early Spring)
In March and early Spring, consider leaving your warm winter spot visiting one of the following places:
- Texas Hill Country
New Mexico - Gulf Coast states
These regions allow kids to play outside comfortably, something that is super important when living in an RV if you ask me.
Transition Zones (Mid to Late Spring)
In mid-April, we like to keep moving north. Some of our favorite late spring spots include:
- Tennessee and the Smokies
- Virginia and the Carolinas
- Northern California coast
These spots are lovely during the spring. They are warm enough to be enjoyable, but not super hot yet, meaning hanging out outdoors is wonderful.
Avoid Moving Too Fast
We learned early on that fast travel is not sustainable when RVing full time. I find that spring is a good time to move slowly, as long-term reservations are relatively easy to come by since peak season hasn’t hit and really, you don’t want to get too far north too early in the season anyway. Personally, I like at least a couple of weeks in each location, so we can explore it thoroughly.
Spring Route Planning for Full-Time Families
The locations above are great picks, but how will you get there? Choosing the right route and travel pace is crucial. Here are my tips for doing that.
- Avoid high mountain passes early in spring
- Stick to major highways when possible
- Research weather-prone regions (plains wind corridors, flood zones)
- Plan routes that allow you to reroute easily if weather turns bad.
- Limit travel to 150–200 miles when possible
- Schedule “no-drive” days after moving
- Avoid back-to-back travel days
Using these tips will help keep everyone safe and happy as you get back into the swing of things.
Spring Rig Prep for Families Living Full-Time
Before you hit the road for spring adventures, you will want to make sure your rig is in tip-top shape and ready to go. I recommend using the next few weeks to take care of the following, so you’re ready to hit the road as soon as the weather allows.
De-Winterizing and Safety Checks
- De-winterize the water system
- Inspect plumbing for freeze damage
- Test the water heater and furnace
- Check propane levels and regulators
- Verify smoke, CO, and propane detectors
- Check for leaks and water damage
Tires and Undercarriage Matter More Than You Think
Mud, road salt, and temperature swings can impact:
- Tires (pressure fluctuations are common in spring)
- Suspension components
- Brake systems
Check all of these things to be sure they are travel-ready after the harsh winter conditions they have endured.
Managing Spring Weather With Kids in a Small Space
Spring weather is unpredictable, and kids feel cabin stress faster than adults.
Be Ready for Mud and Rain
Spring and rain go hand in hand and that means you’re bound to have some mud to deal with. I like to use outdoor mats to keep mud outside. It also helps to keep extra towels near the door and designate a “mud corner” for shoes and jackets.
Combat Condensation and Dampness
Spring humidity plus cooler nights equals condensation. We use vent fans regularly and crack windows when possible. We also run a small dehumidifier. Dry air means fewer colds, less mold risk, and better sleep.
Be Storm-Ready
If you will travel through an area that tends to see spring time tornadoes, make sure to choose campgrounds with storm shelters. Additionally, it is a good idea to pack a go bag and pay close attention to the weather forecast.
Campground Strategy for Full-Time Families
Depending on where in the country you happen to be, campgrounds may or may not be fully open in the spring. Make sure you check that all needed amenities are available before booking any campsites. In many campgrounds water may be turned off, sump stations may be closed, and campsites may be limited. Often, we have more luck with private campgrounds rather than public ones during the early spring.
Boondocking With Kids: Choose Carefully
We also love boondocking during the spring because the weather is perfect for it. That said, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind. Soft ground from lots of rain can be an issue, as your rig may sink in. Always check the ground before driving on it, especially if you see lots of mud or puddles. Additionally, it is important to pay careful attention to the weather, as storms crop up often during the spring and being caught in the middle of nowhere with no suitable shelter or getting stuck because of flash flooding would be terrible.
Spring Health Considerations
With spring comes a few extra health considerations. Allergies are a big problem for my family, especially in certain parts of the country. I always head into spring with a new bottle of allergy medication. We also try to keep the window closed on high pollen days and clean our air filters at least once a week.
On top of allergies, you’ll also have to deal with the bugs that like to make themselves known during the spring season. Wear bug spray to keep mosquitos at bay and watch out for ticks, making sure to do a thorough tick check at the end of each day.
Budgeting Spring Travel as a Full-Time Family
I find that we always spend the least money during the winter when we are sitting still for the most part. In the spring, our costs go up again, but because I have gotten so good at budgeting, I am still able to keep our costs incredibly low while still planning tons of amazing adventures for our crews.
I like to take advantage of slow season rates at campgrounds and non-peak admission prices at attractions before the summer sets in. We also make use of our memberships and reciprocal programs, so we can see a lot of cool museums, parks, and other attractions without spending a dime. We plan routes carefully to avoid backtracking and as I mentioned above, I like to plan for slower travels, which helps reduce stress, but also helps reduce our overall living costs each month.
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into planning safe and exciting springtime RV adventures. Fortunately, you have all the information you need right here, so you can start planning right now and rest easy knowing you’re going to have an amazing spring travel season.
Source: Planning Your Spring RV Travels
