7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Taking My Kids on an RV Road Trip
Updated: Sep 23
This trip was part of a partnership with Outdoorsy. All opinions are my own.
We recently spent 8 nights exploring Florida in an RV with our two young kids, and it quickly became one of our favorite family adventures. (Want the full route? Check out The Ultimate Florida Panhandle Family RV Road Trip for every stop, from Rainbow Springs to our Miramar Beach basecamp.)
If you're considering an RV trip with kids, here are a few things I wish I knew before we hit the road.
Our RV Setup
We rented a Class C motorhome, the kind you sit in to drive, with a loft over the driver's cab.
We'd never driven this type of RV before. James has tons of experience towing, though. We built our own off-road, off-grid travel trailer and pulled it behind our truck all over Colorado. But riding inside the RV while it's moving was a whole different experience...and we loved it.
Is a smaller RV good for beginners? Yes! A smaller RV like ours is very doable for first-timers. The trade-off is space. If your kids are little and you don't mind being cozy together, a smaller rig is a great place to start.
1. The RV Becomes Part of the Adventure
I expected the destinations to be the highlight.
What surprised me was how much fun happened inside the RV itself. Instead of being buckled into car seats staring out a window, the kids sat at the dinette table doing puzzles, playing games and coloring while we drove. There were seat belts at the dinette and on the couch, which made me feel so much better. (And no, we did not let them roam free while we were moving!)
At night, it turned into our cozy little movie theater. The TV was mounted by the loft, so two of us sat at the dinette and two on the couch, AC on, blankets out, all cuddled up together.
The RV wasn't just transportation. It became part of the experience.
2. Flexibility Is the Biggest Perk
Plans change when you're traveling with kids.
Having an RV meant we could stop when we needed to, take breaks, eat lunch anywhere, and adjust our schedule without stress.
That flexibility was priceless.
3. Weather Doesn't Have to Ruin the Trip
One afternoon we got hit with a major thunderstorm.
Instead of being stuck in a hotel room or scrambling for something to do, we played games, relaxed inside, and waited it out.
The rain passed. A rainbow appeared. The adventure continued.
4. Having Your Own Bathroom Is a Game Changer
Parents already know.
Need I say more?
That said, we also used the campground bathhouses a lot. It's one less thing to clean and maintain in your RV. My bathhouse tips are below.
5. Keep Meals Simple
We packed easy breakfasts, sandwiches, snacks, and simple dinners.
Nobody remembers the fancy meals.
Everyone remembers the adventures...like cooking outside, making s'mores, chasing bugs and watching the sunset together.
6. Don't Overschedule
One mistake would have been trying to see too much.
Leave room for playground stops, swimming holes, unexpected discoveries, and downtime.
Some of our favorite memories weren't planned.
7. The Memories Are Worth the Chaos
Was every moment magical?
Definitely not.
There were messes, meltdowns, forgotten items, and moments when we questioned our life choices.
But there were also incredible adventures, quality family time, and memories we'll be talking about for years.
And that's what we'll remember most.
Where the Kids Slept (Their Favorite Part!)
The kids slept in the loft above the driver's cab, with a little ladder to climb up and down, and they thought it was the coolest thing ever.
But they didn't stay put. A couple of nights they slept on the couch, which folded out into a little bed. The dinette table folds down into a bed too. I think they just loved the novelty of switching spots.
It felt like we were all camping out in one big fort together.
Packing Hacks That Saved Us
A foot-washing bucket. Keep a small bucket of water right outside the door so everyone can dip sandy, muddy feet before coming inside. This was a huge hack for us.
A tiny broom. Small space plus sand and dirt means you'll be sweeping constantly. A mini broom makes it quick.
Magnetic or stick-on hooks. There's not a lot of storage in an RV. Hooks for purses, binoculars, little backpacks and hats kept everything off the floor.
A bathhouse bag. I used a simple, lightweight duffel for my towel, toiletries and a change of clothes so I could carry everything to the bathhouse in one trip.
Water shoes or rubber flip-flops. Wear them in the campground bathhouse. You'll just feel cleaner.
What We'd Do Differently
Pack lighter. Way lighter.
We covered a ton of different terrain on this trip, from springs and state parks to kayaking, paddleboarding, beaches and sandy trails. I packed for every possible scenario.
The reality? We only needed a core set of comfy clothes we could mix and match. RV storage is tiny, and you need a lot less than you think.
RV Trip With Kids FAQs
What size RV is best for a family with young kids?
A smaller Class C motorhome was a great fit for our family of four with young kids. It's easier to drive and park, as long as you don't mind a cozy space.
Can kids ride in an RV while it's moving?
Only in seats with seat belts. Ours had seat belts at the dinette and on the couch, and the kids stayed buckled any time we were driving.
Should you use the campground bathhouses or the RV bathroom?
Both! The RV bathroom is great for quick trips and middle-of-the-night emergencies. Bathhouses mean less cleaning and a roomier shower.
What's the one thing you shouldn't forget?
A small bucket for rinsing feet outside the door. It keeps so much sand and dirt out of your tiny living space.
Final Thoughts
If you've been dreaming about taking an RV trip with your family, consider this your sign!
You don't need to be experienced RV travelers.
You don't need the perfect route.
You just need a sense of adventure and a willingness to try something new.
Our family can't wait for the next one.
Plan your own trip: See our full Florida Panhandle Family RV Road Trip itinerary, and don't miss our Florida Adventure Safety Checklist before you go.
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