How to Get Started Camping with a Camper: The Complete Beginner’s Guide for Families

When we first started dreaming about buying a camper, otherwise known as a travel trailer, I thought it was going to be as simple as picking one out, hooking it up, and hitting the road. Oh, how wrong I was! Between shopping, towing, set-up, and figuring out the endless accessories, I quickly realized there’s a lot more to owning a camper than I expected.

But here’s the thing—it’s worth it. Camping with a camper has given our family freedom, flexibility, and so many memories we’ll never forget. If you’re new to this world, I’ve pulled together everything we learned (sometimes the hard way!) so you can skip the stress and jump straight into the fun.

Shopping for a Camper: New vs. Used

The first decision is whether to buy new or used. Both options have pros and cons:

• New campers – Warranty coverage, no hidden damage, modern layouts. But you’ll pay top dollar, and campers depreciate fast.

• Used campers – Huge savings upfront, but you need to inspect carefully.

When buying used, always check:

• Rodent damage – Look for droppings, urine stains, or chewed wires.

• Water damage – Soft spots in corners (floor to ceiling), stains, or bubbling.

• Sealant – Inspect seams and silicone; ask when it was last replaced (should be every 1–2 years).

• Tires – Check age as well as tread; old tires can blow even if they “look fine.”

• Roof & ladder – Know the weight rating (most ladders are only 200 lbs static load rated).

👉 Bring an RV inspection checklist so you don’t miss anything! I've created a free download for you to take the guesswork out of knowing what to look for!

Fifth Wheel vs. Bumper Pull: Which is Right for You?

You’ll also need to decide between a fifth wheel or a bumper pull (travel trailer):

• Fifth wheels – Larger, more storage, smoother towing, but generally require a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup truck with a special bed mounted hitch, and are generally taller so you'll need to potentially consider bridge height when you're traveling.

• Bumper pulls – Lighter, can be towed with many SUVs or trucks, easier entry-level option.

For families just starting out, a bumper pull is often the simplest and most affordable way to go.

Features That Matter for Families

Think about what will truly make camping comfortable for your family:

• Sleeping space – We chose a bunkhouse so our kids had their own beds.

• Outdoor kitchen – Perfect if you cook a lot, and want to keep the heat outside.

• Bathroom size – A larger shower feels like luxury after a long hike.

• All-seasons vs. 3 season campers – Four-season rigs have better insulation, heated tanks, and can handle colder weather.

Tip: Write your family’s “must-have” list before shopping so you don’t get distracted by shiny extras you don’t really need.

Our Family Camper: A 2018 Crossroads Volante

When we were shopping for our first camper, we knew right away that a bumper pull would be the best fit for us. With two kids and a love for road trips, we wanted something that was big enough to feel comfortable but still manageable to tow with our vehicle.

That’s how we ended up with our 2018 Crossroads Volante—and it’s been the perfect home-on-wheels for our family!

Here’s why we love it:

• Bunkhouse layout – Our kids each have their own cozy bed, which makes bedtime so much easier on the road.

• Kitchen island – It gives us extra counter space for cooking and makes the camper feel more like a “real” home.

• Lots of storage – We can stash away toys, camping gear, food, and kitchen supplies without tripping over them.

• Two bathrooms – This has been a game changer! We don’t have to share with the kids.

• Spacious living area – Even on rainy days, we don’t feel cramped inside.

• Tow-friendly – As a bumper pull, it’s easier to hitch up and more affordable than a fifth wheel, while still giving us plenty of space.

We looked at a lot of campers before choosing this one, and honestly, the Volante checked all the boxes on our “must-have” list without breaking the budget. It’s not perfect (no camper is), but it’s been a reliable and comfortable choice for our family adventures!

Towing Capacity, Payload, and Safety

This part confused me the most at first, but it’s so important.

• Towing capacity – The max weight your vehicle can pull (check your owner’s manual). Compare it to the trailer’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating).

• Payload capacity – How much weight your vehicle can carry, including passengers, luggage, and tongue weight.

  • Example: If your SUV has a 1,500 lb payload capacity, and the trailer’s tongue weight is 900 lbs, that leaves only 600 lbs for your family, pets, food, drinks, and gear.

• Brakes – Does your trailer have its own braking system? Does your tow vehicle have a brake controller?

• Weight distribution & sway control – Even if your trailer is within towing capacity, a weight distribution hitch with sway control makes driving safer on winding roads and in high winds.

Loading & Water Tank Tips

How you load your camper affects towing:

• Keep heavy items low and over the axles.

• Balance weight evenly; avoid front- or back-heavy loading.

• Fill water tanks as close to your destination as possible if you’re boondocking (to avoid towing unnecessary weight).

• Always dump tanks at a legal station before driving home (again, to avoid towing unnecessary weight).

Tank Use & Maintenance

Your camper will have fresh, gray, and black water tanks. Here’s what beginners need to know:

• Empty in the right order – Black tank first, then gray (so the gray water rinses the hose).

• Rinse regularly – Use a rinser hose and black tank treatment to keep things clean.

• Toilet paper – Use Septic-safe options like bamboo toilet paper that break down easily. Don't fall for the gimmick of "rv toilet paper" any toilet paper that is septic tank safe will break down in the black tank properly for less cost.

Easy-to-Miss Maintenance Details

A few things we learned the hard way:

• Grease your hitch ball – Otherwise the coupler wears out quickly.

• Don’t hang things off your ladder or bumper – They aren’t weight-rated for accessories.

• Check roof sealant often – Small cracks can cause huge leaks.

• Tire safety – A tire pressure monitoring system is worth every penny. We've seen our tires rise more than 15psi after a few hours on the road in summer temps. This can cause a blow out very quickly.

Must-Have Camper Accessories

Now for the fun part—stocking your camper! Here’s a breakdown of the gear we actually use (and love), plus a few fun extras to make camping with kids even more enjoyable!

Operation & Maintenance

• RV drinking water hose + inline water filter – A dedicated RV hose keeps your water safe to drink (regular garden hoses can leach chemicals). Pair it with an NSF-certified water filter so campground water tastes clean and fresh.

• Leveling blocks + wireless leveling system – Campsites aren’t always flat. These keep your camper steady so doors close right, the fridge works properly, and nobody rolls out of bed at night.

• Camper wheel chock stabilizer – Prevents the camper from shifting when parked. A must-have for peace of mind.

• Propane tank gauge – Nothing ruins taco night like running out of propane halfway through cooking! A gauge tells you how much you have left.

• Back-up camera – Absolute game changer for parking in tight spots at campgrounds, and for making lane changes on the highway.

• Tire pressure monitoring system – Keeps you safe on the road by warning you if a tire is low or overheating.

Kitchen & Interior Essentials

• Collapsible colander – Space is tight in a camper kitchen, so collapsible tools are your best friend!

• Cast iron skillet + stainless steel pots – Durable, versatile, non-toxic, and perfect for cooking inside or over the fire.

• Spice containers – Keeps your favorite seasonings handy without taking up cabinet space. Magnetic ones help limit the possibility of spillage while traveling.

• Drying rack – Counter space is limited, and this over the sink rack helps keep dishes tidy.

• Paper towel holder + soap pumps – Small touches that are often overlooked when packing.

• Compact shoe storage – Shoes multiply like rabbits in a camper; this keeps them organized by the door.

• Rechargeable fans – Great for hot nights when A/C doesn’t quite reach every bunk.

• Battery night lights + toothbrush holders – Perfect for the kids’ bunk area so they can find the bathroom at night without waking everyone.

• RV-friendly toilet paper (like bamboo RV toilet paper) – Breaks down easily and keeps your tanks happy.

Family Fun & Comfort

• Glow sticks – Instant entertainment for kids after dark, and they double as night lights inside the camper.

• Sand toys + nets – Perfect for beach campsites, streams, or even just digging at the campground.

• Roasting sticks + pudgy pie makers – Because camping isn’t complete without s’mores and campfire sandwiches.

• Board games for rainy days – The best way to survive when you’re all stuck inside.

• Playdough – Simple fun that kids can enjoy at the table.

• Outdoor rug + Camp Chairs – Keeps dirt from getting tracked inside and makes your campsite feel cozy.

• Camping storybooks – Perfect for winding down around the fire.

• Yard games – Cornhole, ladder toss, or giant Jenga—great for family time or making campground friends.

👉 With these essentials, you’ll cover the basics (like safe water and leveling) while also setting up a camper that feels cozy, organized, and fun for the kids. Think of it as building your own little rolling home that’s road-trip ready anytime.

Camping with a Camper Is Worth Every Penny

Yes, there’s a lot to learn in the beginning, but don’t let it scare you! Once you’re set up, camping with a camper gives you freedom you just can’t get from hotels or even cabins. You’ll have your own space, your own beds, your own kitchen—and endless adventures waiting at every campsite.

If you’re ready to dive in, make your checklist, find the camper that fits your family, and stock up on the essentials. Then hook up, hit the road, and start making memories. Trust me—there’s nothing better.

👉 Ready to get started? Check out my Amazon Camper Must-Haves List to make your first trip a breeze.