Setting Up Camp

You’ve arrived at your destination – hooray! Now, how do you turn that site into a cozy, efficient camp? A smooth setup not only makes your stay more comfortable, it also helps when it’s time to pack up and leave. Let’s walk through key setup steps:

Parking and Leveling Your Rig

Positioning

Center your RV or trailer in the site (if designated) to give yourself space on all sides.
If you have slide-outs, account for them – you might park slightly to one side of the pad to ensure a slide clears that picnic table or tree.
Think about your door orientation: do you want it facing the fire ring or a view?
If the site is uneven, sometimes parking at a slight diagonal on it can reduce how much you need to level.

Leveling

Use your level (many RVs have bubble levels attached; if not, a small level on floor or smartphone app works) to check side-to-side and front-to-back levelness.

For Trailers

Side-to-side is adjusted by driving wheels onto blocks: carry sturdy leveling blocks or boards.
Pull forward, place blocks under the low side wheels, then back onto them (or use Andersen ramp levelers for finer adjustment).
Once side-to-side is good, chock the wheels securely (do this before unhitching!).
Then use the tongue jack to level front-to-back (raise or lower as needed).

For Motorhomes

Many have auto-level hydraulic jacks – simply engage them and let them do the work (ensure you’re roughly level to start and on reasonably solid ground or use jack pads so they don’t sink).
If no auto system, you may need to drive up on blocks similar to a trailer until level side/side, then use built-in bubble levels and perhaps add blocks under front tires if needed for front/back.
Always consult your manual for jack placement or whether the fridge needs to be turned off until level (absorption fridges can be damaged if run off-level).

Stability

After leveling, deploy stabilizers.
Trailers have scissor jacks or stabilizer jacks at corners – crank or extend them until they contact ground (or pads), then a bit more pressure to steady the rig. These aren’t for lifting, just stabilizing.
If on soft ground, use wood or block under each jack.
Motorhomes with leveling jacks double as stabilizers – once down, you’re set.
If you have slide-outs, most recommend leveling first then extending slides (so the frame is stable).

Slide-outs and Awnings

Once level, pop out those slides (make sure nothing is in the way – double-check those compartments or trees!).
Listen and watch – if a slide sounds strained, stop and investigate (you might be uneven or an object is blocking).
After slides out, your rig will wiggle a bit – check if stabilizers need a little re-tighten.
For awning, only deploy if you’ll use it and conditions permit (calm weather).
Never leave awning out unattended – wind gusts come out of nowhere and can rip it.
Stake it or use deflappers if light breeze, but even then be cautious.

Hooking Up Utilities

If you’re at hookups, connect in this order:

Electric:
- Turn off the campground pedestal breaker.
- Plug in your surge protector to pedestal, then your RV cord to it.
- Turn pedestal breaker on.
- Verify power (your EMS might show voltage, or something inside like microwave display comes on).
- If you have 50A and a detachable cord, ensure it’s fully twisted and locked at your RV inlet (loose connection = heat risk).
Water:
- Connect your potable water hose to the spigot (use a splitter if you want to keep one outlet for rinsing).
- Attach your pressure regulator either at spigot or RV end (at spigot is best).
- Flush the hose a bit, then connect to your RV’s city water inlet.
- Turn on spigot and check RV interior faucets for flow and leaks at connections.
- If you have a water filter, attach that inline as well (between spigot and hose or hose and RV, doesn’t matter).
Sewer:
- If you have a sewer hookup at site, you can connect your sewer hose.
- Do not leave black tank valve open.
- It’s fine to leave grey open (some do, though I prefer to keep it closed and dump when near full to flush solids better and to keep any sewer odors from possibly coming back).
- Definitely keep black closed until ready to dump, or you risk solid buildup (the liquid drains and solids pile – the “poo pyramid”).
- When tank is 2/3 or more, dump black, then dump grey to rinse hose.
- Use a sewer ring to seal and avoid odors.
- If no sewer at site, ensure your tank valves are closed and functioning (some folks accidentally leave a valve slightly open – messy surprise later).
Cable TV:
- If offered and you want it, hook up coax to the camp’s post and your RV’s input.

After all hookups, turn on appliances as needed (water heater, fridge to electric, etc.).
Note: Some like to connect water before electric, in case of any electric water heater being on with empty tank – which can burn it out. So either ensure your water heater is off until you have water in tank, or do water first. It’s a small detail, but worth mentioning to avoid “dry firing” a water heater element.

Deploying Outdoor Gear

Now your rig is set, make the campsite yours:

Rugs & Mats:
Lay out a patio mat or ground tarp by your door. This helps keep dirt out and creates a nice sitting area. It’s okay on most surfaces but if on delicate grass, consider not covering too much for too long (might kill the grass – some parks ask to limit mat size for this reason).
Chairs & Tables:
Set up your camp chairs, maybe a folding table or the picnic table for meals. If wind is an issue, secure chairs when not in use (I’ve had a chair blow into a fire once – not fun). If rain is possible, maybe keep them under awning or stow at night.
Camp Kitchen:
If you plan to cook outside (grill, stove), set up your grill on the provided pad or in a safe spot (away from awning and not on top of flammable grass). Connect to your propane quick-connect if your rig has one, or use small propane bottles. Have water or extinguisher handy for any flare-ups.
Lighting:
Hang a soft light or string lights around your site if you like ambiance – but avoid super bright flood lights (neighbors appreciate darkness in nature). Some use solar stake lights to mark trip hazards (like that one tent stake or the step).
Trash Setup:
Set out a trash bag tied to the picnic table, or a lidded can, so it’s easy to use. Just be vigilant about critters – raccoons will invade open cans. If at night, bring trash inside or secure (I sometimes put the whole trash bag in my tow vehicle overnight).
Hammock:
If trees exist and permitted, set up a hammock for afternoon naps! Use tree-friendly straps (wider ones).
Privacy & Comfort:
In close campgrounds, you might deploy a privacy screen (like a hanging sheet on awning side or small freestanding screen) if you want to block the view between sites. Also, set up any bug deterrents: citronella candles on table, a Thermacell device, or mosquito coils around perimeter, if bugs are noted.
Safety Check:
Locate the nearest water source (for fires), nearest ranger/hospital info (have that noted). Check cell signal strength now that you’re settled – if zero and you expected some, maybe your booster needs adjusting or you might warn family “I’ll be out of touch here.” Also test that smoke/CO detectors are functioning (campfire smoke drifting in can set them off – you may want to keep windows upwind open, downwind closed).
Fire Pit:
If you’ll have a campfire and it’s allowed, prepare the pit: clear away extra pine needles or debris around it (a few feet at least). Set up your chair circle at a safe distance. Have your firewood and ignition ready. But don’t actually light until you’re ready to attend it – never leave it smoldering unattended or overnight. Keep an eye on local fire danger levels.

Stewardship Setup

Consider placing a ground tarp under any areas that might cause impact – e.g., under where you’ll do dishes or your outdoor shower, to catch gray water drips and prevent soil erosion or soap infiltration.
Identify a spot to dump dishpan water away from stream and camps (as per Leave No Trace).
Set up a recycling bag separate from garbage so you can easily drop recyclables when available.
Essentially, arrange your site to minimize your footprint and make it easy to do the right thing (like having a bag for microtrash).

Security Setup

Lock your vehicle and RV when away or at night.
If you have motion lights or cameras, position them (some use a Blink or Ring camera in RV window for security when away – optional but it’s peace of mind).
If in bear country, set up food storage properly – e.g., have a plastic bin to put all smelly items in and stow in vehicle or provided bear locker each night.
For humans, camping is chill, but petty theft can occur – keep expensive portable gear (generators, solar panels, bikes) locked up when not in use.
Use cable locks on generators/panels and lock bikes or store them inside at night.
Your site doesn’t need to look like Fort Knox, but some basic deterrents (a cable lock through chair frames at night, etc.) can prevent crimes of opportunity.

Comfort Setup

Little touches make camp feel like home – maybe set out a tablecloth on the picnic table, a few throw pillows on your camp chair, a wind chime (if not too noisy), or a jack-o-lantern if it’s Halloween (lots of campers decorate for fun).
Ensure you have a camp shoe strategy – a mat and perhaps a shoe basket by the door so dirt doesn’t track in.

Outdoor Shower or Latrine

If you plan to use an outdoor shower, set a privacy tent or pick a discreet corner (and ensure you collect grey water if required).
If you use a portable toilet or wag bags, have a system to store used bags in a secure container until disposal (a locking ammo can or something to contain odor).

Check Neighbors & Boundaries

Introduce yourself to neighbors if in campgrounds – a friendly hi can make later interactions easy (like if you need help or they do).
Also you can coordinate little things (“I have extra firewood, feel free to grab some” – goodwill goes a long way).
Note where their site ends and yours begins (don’t inadvertently spread into others’ area).
In open boondocking, give plenty of space as addressed.

Review Rules

Glance over campground or area rules again now that you’re set – quiet hours, pet rules, any site-specific notes like “don’t park on grass”.
Make sure you’re in compliance (move your truck off grass if needed, etc.).

Relax

Once everything is set and double-checked, it’s time to enjoy! Pop a chair in that patch of shade, grab a cold beverage from the fridge you so expertly powered with solar, and soak in the reason you came. Setting up might take 20–30 minutes initially, but with practice, many can do it in 10–15. Take your time to ensure it’s done right (it’s harder to re-level after you’ve connected everything, so get it right first).

A well-set camp keeps you safe (no tripping over un-stabilized steps at night, no awning flying away) and makes life easier (water flows, power is on, nothing is attracting animals). It also means when it’s time to leave, teardown is straightforward because everything has its place.

Throughout setup, maintain a bit of situational awareness: notice if any potential hazards exist (like dead tree overhead, or evidence of prior flooding like debris line around trees). If something concerns you, it’s much easier to adjust early (maybe you park slightly away from that precarious tree, etc.).

Now camp is established, the final pieces are about maintaining it and enjoying responsibly throughout your stay. In the next section (Safety & Responsibility), we’ll cover how to stay safe, handle wildlife, and be a good steward and neighbor during your camping experience – essentially how to keep your great setup great until the day you depart (and even leave it better than you found it).

You’ve put in the work to plan and set up – let’s keep everything running smoothly and ethically.

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