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The Ultimate Guide to RV Wi-Fi

For many RVers, having a reliable internet connection while camping is crucial. Here’s what you need to know to find the best RV Wi-Fi solution for you

With the right setup and gear, you can have internet access almost anywhere whether boondocking or relaxing poolside at an RV resort. If you’re working remotely or roadschooling the kids, you can power through Zoom calls or stream videos while camping just about anywhere.

First things first: What is RV Wi-Fi? As far as the internet goes, Wi-Fi in your RV works just like Wi-Fi anywhere else. You have a phone, tablet, computer, or any other Wi-Fi-enabled device; you connect it to the Wi-Fi and then browse or stream like you would at home.

The biggest difference is where the original signal comes from. Internet solutions for an RV are a little more complicated than a stationary home and need careful consideration.

White Tank Mountains Regional Park, Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

There are several different ways you can stay connected during your travels. The two primary options are using cellular data from a provider like AT&T or a signal pulled from a local Wi-Fi network. This guide will explain how these options work, what the confusing internet terms mean, the gear you need to maximize your connection, and which Wi-Fi setup is right for you and your RV.

How will you use the internet?

The first step in determining the best RV Wi-Fi solution is to think about the level of connectivity you will need. Deciding how you’re going to use the internet while on the road is one of the most important considerations before you purchase anything.

Will you just be using your email and checking in with friends via Facebook? Will you be working from your RV? Do you have obligatory video conferences? Do your kids enjoy playing video games? Are video calls with family and friends from home a must?

If you use the internet only occasionally like checking email or online shopping then you probably only need a minimal internet setup. Depending on where you want to camp and your cell phone provider, you can probably get by by using campground Wi-Fi or your phone as a mobile hotspot.

However, if you plan on streaming movies or music you’ll need some more gear—and data—for a reliable internet connection. Most people are surprised at how quickly they use up data when they’re streaming.

If you’re working on the road or need internet access for homeschooling then you should be prepared to use at least 100GBs of data per month which is why an unlimited data plan is likely the best option. This way, you don’t have to worry about the amount of data you’re using throughout the month.

You also need to consider where you’ll be camping as your Wi-Fi needs will vary depending on if you’re staying at campgrounds or boondocking.

Pala Casino RV Resort, Pala, California *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Do RV parks and campgrounds have Wi-Fi?

You might be wondering why you can’t just use the Wi-Fi network at RV parks and campgrounds. Most RV parks will have Wi-Fi and many RV parks offer free internet but getting a strong signal can be a different story.

We do not rely solely on Wi-Fi at RV parks. While we view it as a bonus if it works well, campground Wi-Fi networks don’t have the best reputation.

RV park Wi-Fi is slow for a few reasons:

The other metal RVs in between your device and the Wi-Fi router weaken the signal
The more people who are using the network, the slower the signal
Rural and remote campground locations may rely on satellite internet, DSL, or fixed wireless internet which tend to be slower

Generally, you can expect campground and RV park Wi-Fi to be a lot slower than your home Wi-Fi or even other public Wi-Fi sources like coffee shops. If you need a reliable internet signal you need to invest in a little extra gear.

You can make the most of campground Wi-Fi by purchasing a Wi-Fi extender or repeater. The extender helps by rebroadcasting the campground’s internet signal throughout your rig. Most likely the signal weakens before it reaches your RV so a reliable Wi-Fi repeater will give your internet speed a boost.

Boondocking along Utah Scenic Byway 24 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Internet access while boondocking

Don’t expect to find a public Wi-Fi network when boondocking. Instead, you can stay connected with cellular data. You’ll need to keep an eye on your power consumption if you’re dry camping as many internet signal devices (i.e. boosters, satellites, routers, hotspots) will need to be charged or plugged in to get a signal.

Wi-Fi can vary greatly whether you’re boondocking or staying in an RV park. There are a few ways to check your connection even before you pick a campsite like Campendium for reviews on cell phone coverage. These resources give an estimation of the cell phone signal in a destination. For remote work, you’ll generally want at least two bars of signal.

If the signal isn’t quite as strong as you need it to be, check the settings of your apps to make sure you’re using as little data as possible. For example, with video players like YouTube or Netflix, you can choose a lower resolution. Or, if your email is loading slowly, select the option to load it as basic HTML.

Sea Wind RV Resort, Riviera, Texas *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Internet terms you should know for RV Wi-Fi solutions

To help you understand the terminology around RV Wi-Fi, here is an explanation of common internet terms and gear options.

Speed test: No matter the source, how fast your internet is running ultimately determines what you can do on it. Since internet speed doesn’t necessarily relate to the number of bars of cell phone signal or the level of your Wi-Fi connection, it’s helpful to know how to test it.

Google has a speed test function. To use it, type “Speed Test” into the Google search bar and click the blue “Run Speed Test” button on the results page. You can also use a speed testing website such as Ookla. You’ll need 1 Mbps (megabit per second) down for basic internet needs like checking email but you’ll want between 4 and 5 Mbps down for streaming.

If you’re uploading files or doing video calls you should pay attention to your upload speed as well. Upload speeds are typically slower than download speeds so don’t be surprised if your results say 10 Mbps down and less than 1 Mbps up.

Hotspot: This is the device that creates an internet connection from cellular data. Just like at home, you’ll have a password-protected WiFi network to connect to.

Companies use the term “hotspot” differently: T Mobile refers to its devices as mobile hotspots, Verizon calls its version Jetpack, AT&T uses the term Unite, and Netgear calls its hotspot device Nighthawk. While they have different names, they do the same job of supplying an internet signal. Most of these devices cost $100 or more.

Your smartphone can also be used as a hotspot. This is often referred to as tethering. Tethering your phone for Wi-Fi tends to be slower than using a dedicated hotspot device for your internet. It can work in a pinch but if you’re planning on boondocking or streaming regularly, tethering isn’t a practical long-term solution and you’ll most likely need a hotspot device.

Booster: Typically referring to boosting cellular data, these devices are designed to increase your signal from one bar of service to two. Cell phone boosters enhance a signal and increase internet speeds. This can mean the difference between getting 3 and 5 Mbps down. These devices range from $30 to upwards of $500.

Jekyll Island Campground, Jekyll Island, Georgia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Repeater, Extender, or Ranger: These three terms are essentially interchangeable. A Wi-Fi ranger rebroadcasts by repeating and extending the existing WiFi signal inside your RV. This solves a common connectivity problem when you’re too far away from the campground’s Wi-Fi router or there’s too much interference between your RV and the router. A repeater device can significantly enhance your internet speeds when using campground WiFi.

Some newer RVs may have these devices already built-in.

Router: Most people use a router and a modem connected to a professionally installed cable for their at-home Wi-Fi. And while this isn’t the typical internet setup you see on the road, you can use a router in your RV Wi-Fi setup as well. Wi-Fi repeaters, for example, use an antenna on the roof as well as a router inside the rig that broadcasts your RV Wi-Fi connection.

Unlimited Data: If you don’t have an unlimited data plan, you have limits on how much internet you can use. Most RVers will find that unlimited data is a more economical option than limited data where you pay for usage in addition to other fees like a protection fee that prevents you from going over your data limit.

If you plan on using cellular data as your source for an internet connection, consider an unlimited data plan so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of your usage.

Throttling: Throttling is when a cell phone provider slows down your signal. This can happen when you’ve reached a certain data threshold or if a tower is overloaded (for example, when there are a lot of people connected at once like at a festival or a concert). Throttling can be difficult to avoid. To help alleviate this problem, you can use two different carriers so you can hop on another network if one slows down.

Cedar Pass Campground, Badlands National Park, South Dakota *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Common RV Wi-Fi solutions

Once you understand where and how you plan to use the internet, it’s time to decide what type of RV Wi-Fi solution is best for you. Let’s walk through the different options for getting internet access in your RV.

Cellular data

This is by far the most popular internet connection option for full-time RVers. For this RV Wi-Fi option, purchase a hotspot from your data provider of choice.

Verizon and AT&T are considered to have the best coverage nationwide. You can opt to use one provider for your cell phones and the other for a hotspot. That way, if you don’t have a signal with one network somewhere, there’s a chance that we will have service with the other provider.

If you plan on boondocking or spending time in national parks and on public lands, you will need to rely on cellular data. While some remote campsites have decent Verizon and AT&T coverage, other remote areas will not. This is where a cell phone booster comes in handy.

The Netgear MIMO cell phone booster has a directional antenna meaning that it needs to face in the direction of a cell tower in order to boost a signal. For a higher price, you can install an omnidirectional antenna.

Best for: Boondocking, campgrounds without Wi-Fi, streaming, and staying connected while driving

Cons: Unlimited data plans can be costly but for many RVers it’s worth the price for having reliable connectivity on the road

Edisto Island State Park, South Carolina *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Public WiFi

For basic internet needs, you can use RV park Wi-Fi. Sometimes you’ll find a strong enough connection for using streaming services but it isn’t always reliable or predictable.

If you want to use campground Wi-Fi but need faster speeds install a Wi-Fi extender in your RV. Installation takes a few hours and the devices will cost a few hundred dollars.

In addition to RV parks, you can often find free, public Wi-Fi in parking lots of businesses like Lowes, McDonald’s, and Starbucks.

Best for: If you plan on staying in RV parks and campgrounds with amenities.

Cons: Public Wi-Fi can be less secure and easily hacked which makes your identity and information vulnerable. If using public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into online banking or any other accounts you wouldn’t want to be hacked. Public Wi-Fi is also unreliable, particularly at campgrounds.

7 Feathers Casino RV Resort, Canyonville, Oregon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Starlink and satellite options

Like most new technologies, Starlink’s satellite internet services continue to change and advance. For RVers using Starlink (now called Starlink Mobile) or those considering equipping their rigs with this system, here are the latest updates you should know about Starlink’s satellite internet system.

HughesNet is another satellite internet option that requires a dish to be installed on your RV. If you plan on staying at an RV park for weeks or months at a time, this could be a good option for you.

Best for: Long-term stays where Wi-Fi networks or cellular data is not available. Also, full-time RVers who like to camp in remote areas.

Cons: Starlink’s initial setup costs and Priority-based plans are expensive. Also, speed is affected by population density so can be slower if you’re in more populated regions.

Frog City RV Park, Duson. Louisiana *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Global Internet

If you’re planning on crossing borders with your RV, a Skyroam device might be the best option for you. This global internet plan is similar to a cellular data plan and designed for international travelers. You can buy unlimited data for a 24-hour period, a monthly subscription, or pay per gigabyte of data.

When compared with AT&T or Verizon hotspots, the Skyroam device isn’t as powerful. Plus, most U.S.-based cellular networks work in Canada and Mexico.

Best for: International travelers particularly outside of North America.

Cons: Cell phone data plans based in the U.S. offer better coverage and signal than global options.

Tips for installing RV Wi-Fi

Professional installation is available (and sometimes recommended) for any Wi-Fi device you decide to buy. Before you start tackling installation on your own, make sure you read the manufacturer’s installation guide and that you have all the required tools and accessories.

Your router and antennae (which may come housed in one unit depending on what you select) should attach to the roof of your rig to maximize your signal. There will be a few screws plus you’ll need to run a cable inside. Since that means drilling holes into your roof be sure to seal the holes with a manufacturer-approved sealant.

Different Wi-Fi product manufacturers may recommend different mounting locations on the roof. Make sure it has a clear line of sight as anything that may interfere with a signal will impede your Wi-Fi.

Then there’s the power switch. Your product will come with instructions for installing the power switch but a professional can also install it for you. Also, note that adding the router or antennae to the roof of your RV will raise the height of your rig.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, Kentucky *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

How to stay connected anywhere

Since no single internet option will cover you 100 percent of the time, to stay fully connected consider using a combination of the above options for increased reliability.

Mix and match these options to best fit your needs. If you’re planning on spending most of your time boondocking, you could skip the investment of a Wi-Fi extender. If you don’t need a constant internet connection, you can choose between a cell phone booster or unlimited data on a hotspot device.

Taking the time to properly set up an internet connection makes traveling in an RV full-time possible. In the age of remote work and virtual schooling, the ability to stay connected almost anywhere allows you to see the world and still support your families.

Depending on your needs, your RV Wi-Fi will come with an upfront cost but it’s all worth it when you can take a work-related video call from your hammock while boondocking in a scenic location.

Worth Pondering…

We are all now connected by the Internet, like neurons in a giant brain.

—Stephen Hawking

UNWRITTEN Rules for RVers Parking Overnight at Walmart

Parking overnight at Walmart is a well-known trick among RVers but there are unwritten rules you should also know and abide by

You’d be hard-pressed to find an RVer who hasn’t parked overnight at Walmart at least once. It’s a free, convenient, and (usually) safe place to sleep while traveling from one destination to another.

As campers we have parked overnight at Walmart and we’re certainly not the minority. It’s so common that there’s even a name for it in RV terminology: Wallydocking!

We are all very thankful Walmart extends this courtesy to RVers but we have to remember that it’s exactly that: a courtesy! To ensure wallydocking continues to be offered, we need to follow the unwritten rules of parking overnight at Walmart.

So then, what are those rules?

According to their website “Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers.”

Walmart doesn’t ask anything in return for their free parking spaces but there are some unspoken expectations.

Foley, Alabama © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

By the way, this is one article in a series of UNWRITTEN Rules. You should also read:

UNWRITTEN Rules for Camping with a Dog
UNWRITTEN Rules for RV Parking Overnight at Truck Stops (coming soon)
UNWRITTEN Rules for Parking Overnight at Cracker Barrel (coming soon)
UNWRITTEN Boondocking Etiquette Tips (coming soon)

1. Check each location for overnight parking

Not all Walmarts allow overnight parking! In fact, only about 50 percent of them do. This number has been declining as zoning laws and city ordinances are increasingly banning overnight parking.

Store managers may also not allow it. According to Walmart’s website “Permission to park is extended by individual store managers based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.”

You can either call management before you arrive. Or, you can use your Allstays app to filter Walmarts that might allow overnight parking. In the app’s review section of individual stores, you can get a better understanding if it’s allowed.

Goodyear, Arizona © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Park out-of-the-way (but not too far)

It’s considered bad boondocking etiquette to take prime parking. You don’t want to take parking spots right up front that customers who are going in and out can use.

At the same time, you need to park strategically for safety. Parking near lights and away from back alleys is always recommended. I also recommend keeping your day/night shades closed.

So, basically, this rule is to park SAFELY out-of-the-way.

3. Take up as little space as possible

Try to take up as few parking spaces as possible. For instance, you shouldn’t park perpendicular and take up several spaces when you can just pull through and take up two.

If your RV requires you to extend a slide to reach the sleeping quarters, try to find an end spot where you won’t overlap into the next parking space and/or only extend it the minimum amount to get through.

Lodi, California © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Don’t set up camp

It’s very important to note that Walmart allows overnight parking, not camping! You should not extend your awning, set out your favorite camping chairs, or even extend your slides if you can help it.

You certainly don’t want to bust out your grill. Just relax inside your RV and get a good night’s rest before the next leg of your journey.

5. Arrive late and leave early

There isn’t a set arrival and departure time for wallydocking. However, the rule of thumb is to arrive later in the day and leave in the morning. That doesn’t mean you have to arrive at 10 pm and be out at the crack of dawn. It just means you shouldn’t linger unnecessarily.

Savannah, Georgia © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Only stay one night

Speaking of lingering, parking overnight at Walmart is meant to be overnight. As in one night!

Staying a prolonged time is one of the surest ways to hurt all boondockers because Walmart management and the city don’t want to deal with squatters. The more people abuse this courtesy, the more it will become regulated.

So, only stay one night whenever you’re parking overnight at Walmart or any other form of lot docking.

Midway, Kentucky © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Buy something

Last but not least, you should always buy something at Walmart when you stay overnight in their parking lot. It’s a way of paying and saying thank you for a free place to stay overnight.

Chances are you need to buy something anyway. Since they have so much from groceries to clothes to entertainment, this is probably one of the easiest UNWRITTEN rules to follow! Besides, who doesn’t shop Walmart, anyway?

That covers all the rules for parking overnight at Walmart specifically but I want to leave you with some more tips.

Worth Pondering…

I love Wal-Mart. You can put that down. I love Wal-Mart. My husband and I hang out there.

—Viola Davis

RV Road Trip or Hotel Stay: Which is Better?

Here’s why an RV wins (almost) every time

As a longtime RVer and RV blogger, you may think I’m unfairly biased toward staying in an RV vs. a hotel. But, before you decide to devalue my opinion, let me share with you that I have also traveled to to numerous foreign vacation spots including Barbados and St. Lucia, Mexico and Peru, Tokyo and Hong Kong, United Kingdom and Portugal, London and Paris. I’ve also stayed in hotels at Chicago, Atlanta, San Antonio, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

So, believe me, I’m well-acquainted with both travel options.

In my experienced opinion, staying in an RV wins (almost) every time. I will tell you the top reasons why and the exceptions when hotels win.

Camping at Padre Island National Seashore, Texas © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10 reasons why an RV is better than a hotel stay

RVing is often cheaper, easier, and more comfortable than staying in a hotel. There are always exceptions, of course, which I’ll discuss at the end.

But first, let’s jump into the benefits of RV vs. a hotel stay.

1. Campgrounds and RV parks are cheaper

Campgrounds (especially at state and national parks) tend to be significantly cheaper than hotel rooms. A night at a state or national park usually runs $30-$50 whereas a nearby hotel to such natural attractions usually runs $150-$250 or more.

Even private RV parks are usually significantly cheaper than hotels. This is especially true near major attractions, like theme parks or other busy destinations.

Granted, some RV parks and RV resorts with high-end amenities can be about the same price. But campgrounds and RV parks are cheaper than hotels for the most part.

2. Boondocking is even cheaper (and often free)

Boondocking is a self-contained camping style that doesn’t require hookups. So, you can camp anywhere you’re allowed to park.

When boondocking, you have numerous cheap or free camping options available to you.

Plus, you get to explore more secluded areas and be away from the sometimes noisy campgrounds and RV parks.

3. No living out of a suitcase

Not having to unpack, repack, and lug suitcases around is a big plus.

When you stay in an RV, you can neatly organize and KEEP your stuff in drawers and closet spaces. You don’t even have to repack for every road trip within the same season.

Camping with your dog © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. More pet-friendly

Taking your dog is a huge plus for many RVers. It’s hard to find pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals which make pet lovers less interested in hotel stays.

You can stock your RV with dog camping accessories and enjoy all the perks of traveling with a dog.

This advantage of RVs over hotels is particularly beneficial to cat owners. While some hotels and vacation rentals do allow dogs, most do not allow cats! In an RV, you can get these purrrfect cat travel accessories and bring your kitty along for the trip.

5. Sleep in your own bed

Every new hotel you stay at has different bedding and pillows. There’s no guarantee of their quality and cleaniness or the quality of sleep you’ll get. When you RV, you take your bed and all your favorite linens wherever you go.

Eating at Boone Tavern Hotel, Berea, Kentucky © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Save money with your own kitchen

One of the biggest expenses of staying in a hotel is not the cost of the hotel itself. Rather, it’s the cost of eating at restaurants.

Traveling with a stocked kitchen in your RV saves a lot of money. Your travel budget will stretch farther and you’ll get to travel longer.

You’re essentially eating the same as you would at home. So, you don’t have to figure food costs into your travel budget other than special restaurant stops and any excess beyond your home food budget.

Driving and hiking the Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. More travel flexibility

RVers have the unique opportunity of adopting their own travel pace.

I like to think most travelers fall into one of three categories: the wanderers, the explorers, the bucket-listers.

First, we have wanderers. They’re slow-moving and thorough in the experience of a place, state, or region. When we’re not rushed for time, I find that my travel style naturally falls into this category. Wanderers enjoy spending anywhere from several days to multiple weeks in one spot (and even call the same locale home for a month or more). They’re generally intentional about building flexibility into their travel plans.

Next, we have explorers. Explorers are the travelers who aren’t on hard and fast timelines but also don’t stick around long enough for folks to start asking if they’re locals to the area. Explorers are either on the move (or planning to be) at least once a week. These travelers are driven by adventure and are firm believers in sticking to an itinerary and often have seasonal interests (such as leaf peeping) or hobbies like hiking or birding that help shape their travel schedules. They also tend to leave room in the schedule for the potential of sticking around for an extra day or even another week.

The last category of travelers is what I call bucket-listers. These are the folks who have a mission and a plan and rarely deviate from it. These folks may stay in one spot for a week or so at a time but not often. They’ve got a bunch of places to be and a whole lot of motivation to get there.

Camping at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona/Utah © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. No bed bugs

There’s been a lot of chatter about bed bugs in recent years and it’s more than just social media gossip. Bed bugs have been on the rise globally for the past decade. They are now found in every U.S. state with Washington DC, Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles being the most plagued.

With an RV, you don’t have to worry about other people bringing bed bugs into your sleeping space. You can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and more easily avoid a bed bug infestation.

This is something to consider, as well, if deciding whether or not to rent out your RV.

Las Cruces (New Mexico) Farmers Market © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Better entertainment

Staying in an RV is more enjoyable than a hotel. For one, you get to take your favorite entertainment with you without being limited to a suitcase. Instead of flipping through channels on a hotel TV or paying exorbitant fees for pay-per-view movies, you have your own TV, DVDs, etc. You can even have your own outdoor movie theater.

You can also easily bring varied entertainment with you such as board games, hobbies, and arts and crafts. And, you don’t have to fret over which books to lug around. There’s more room for your favorite books to read while camping. And many RV parks offer a book exchange.

And let’s not forget about sitting around the campfire or putting your stargazing kit to use! Both those activities sure beat sitting in a hotel room at night.

10. You meet more people (or avoid them entirely)

I know some people might consider being around more people a con rather than a pro. But meeting other travelers and learning about where they’re from and where they’re headed can add to your travel experience.

You don’t have to meet other people while camping, but if want to, then you easily can. Campers are, by and large, a friendly and helpful lot. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make friends while camping if you so desire.

Check this out to learn more: 11 Ways RVing Beats Flying

However, the opposite can also be true. If you don’t want to be around other people then RVing is still the better option over a hotel. If you boondock, you can stay in remote locations where there are NO people. Just you and nature! You can’t get that at a hotel.

Corpus Christi, Texas © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The exceptions (when hotels are better than RVs)

There are, of course, exceptions to RVing being better than staying in an RV. In some cases, it is better to stay in a hotel than in an RV.

Let’s take a look at a few of those cases…

1. You’ve on a short timeline

It may be better to stay in a hotel if you’re traveling to a destination that’s far away for a short duration. Driving to a distant destination takes longer than flying, of course.

So, if you live in Idaho and want to go to Boston or San Antonio on your one-week vacation from work, you better fly.

Fly or RV to Boston © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Your destination is far

If traveling far, fuel may cost more than airfare. At time of writing the national average price for a gallon of gas was $3.57 and diesel was $3.85 per gallon ($4.81 in California). If you drive a diesel pusher and get 10 mpg (which is generous) and you drive 300 miles in one day, that’s up to $144 a day.

The average domestic flight from a major airport is around $300. Depending on the number of plane tickets you need to buy, flying may be cheaper. Although, don’t forget to account for local transportation costs and additional fees.

Now, keep in mind, that the journey is usually as important to RVers as the destination. But if you drive straight through without enjoying sites along the way then flying is probably better especially if you don’t plan to stay long.

3. You don’t want to clean

Another exception is when you don’t feel up to doing cleaning and maintenance. Having maid service is certainly a big mark in favor of hotels.

Sometimes, you can get really great deals on all-inclusive hotel resorts. This type of full-service can be comparable cost-wise to RV resorts with similar amenities.

Fly or RV to Mobile, Alabama © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. You don’t want to risk breaking down

RVs run the risk of breaking down in the middle of a road trip. Granted, if you do preventative maintenance and check your tire pressure every travel day, you’re far less likely to encounter problems.

But RVs are vehicles and vehicles do break down. It’s a risk you have to be willing to take, a risk you can weigh based on the age of your RV, the age of your RV tires, and how well it’s been maintained.

5. You don’t want to set up camp

RVers have to setup and tear down camp which can be more work than some people are willing to do. Experienced RVers get it down to a science and can quickly do both.

But, if you’re new to RVing, it can take a couple of hours to set up and tear down. It can really eat into your fun time until you get the hang of it. Here are 11 tips for getting started.

It helps to use a departure and setup checklist.

There are other exceptions, of course, but the above tend to be the main reasons people opt for hotels over RVs. And some are hesitant to to make the leap into the unknown, a new and different lifestyle.

Worth Pondering…

No matter where we go in our motorhome, that sense of independence is satisfying. We have our own facilities, from comfortable bed to a fridge full of our favorite foods. We set the thermostat the way we like it and go to bed and get up in our usual routine.

The RV Phenomenon That Is Quartzsite

A place in the desert not to be missed

Every January something happens that is hard to believe unless you have seen it!

Quartzsite **© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved**

They come in motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers, converted buses and vans, and even in tents. There are rugged individualists, small groups banded together (circling the wagons, in a modern way), and large groups, all parked in the desert to feel the Quartzsite vibe. Some have been coming for years, returning to a favorite site which they have marked with rock-lined drives (although “saving” unoccupied sites are not allowed under BLM rules). Long-term visitors often expand their domains to include screened “porches” and massive solar panel arrays.

Quartzsite has become a mecca to visitors and exhibitors for rocks, gems, mineral specimens, and fossils during the town’s famous two-month-long gem and mineral shows and flea markets meet every January and February. From its humble beginnings, the now-massive Quartzsite show has grown to epic proportions with vendors offering everything under the Quartzsite sun.

Being close to town means being close to Interstate 10—the basic amenities that Quartzsite provides and giant flea markets which are the center of attention. Going by names such as Rice Ranch, Tyson Wells, The Main Event, and Desert Gardens, the open-air marketplaces host a variety of “shows.”

Related Article: Woodstock in the Desert

These are actually a series of events that run through the winter, specializing in hobbies and crafts, gems and minerals, jewelry, classic cars, and RVs. Most are riddled with an indescribable variation of new and old products far beyond their title, plus all the snack foods of a county fair. A lot of annual visitors simply say, “We’re going to the show,” and their RV friends know they mean Quartzsite.

The town itself features all the basic services of a southwestern desert highway stop: gas stations, barbecue restaurants, and seedy little grocery stores (several of which are run from tent-sided buildings during the season). Owing to the heavy RV emphasis there are also several places to get propane, RV supplies, and used or cheap tools.

Be warned, though. Don’t come in the summer when nothing much happens. The gypsy-like encampment will have long disappeared. Vendors start packing up in mid-February and are long gone before the snowbirds migrate north and the intense desert heat becomes unbearable.

But come winter, everything changes as the small desert community bustles with activity. RVs by the tens of thousands camp helter-skelter on the BLM land.

Originally built by Charles Tyson, Quartzsite began in 1856 as Fort Tyson, then became a stagecoach stopover called Tyson Wells and this name still echoes in the annual Tyson Wells Rock and Gem show. A mini mining boom led to its renaming as Quartzsite.

What started as a small-town mineral show in the late ’60s in western Arizona has developed into a phenomenon that peaks in January by bringing more than 1 million people to the town of Quartzsite, where a huge RV show greets them.

The 2022 Quartzsite Sports, Vacation, and RV Show (called “The Big Tent”) will run from January 22-30. In 39 years, the event has evolved into the largest consumer RV show in the US. The show is heaven on earth for RVers. It’s a ton of fun with hundreds of exhibits, live shows, bargain products, and fellow RV enthusiasts. The fact that the desert is gorgeous and the temperature is in the low-to-mid 70s in mid-January doesn’t hurt either!

Related Article: RV Shows: One-Stop RV Shopping

The show is heaven on earth for RVers. It’s a ton of fun with hundreds of exhibits, live shows, bargain products, and fellow RV enthusiasts. The fact that the desert is gorgeous and the temperature is in the low-to-mid 70s in mid-January doesn’t hurt either!

Quartzsite is a popular destination for snowbirds on its own but many come for a week or two during the RV Show. When the gates open on the first day, people are lined up for a quarter-mile at each of the two main entrances to get in. It fills the tent and creates gridlock.

If you’re an RVer, Quartzsite in January is on your bucket list.

Quartzsite is a phenomenon, a gathering place.

Let the shows begin!

See you at the Q!

Worth Pondering…

Nowhere on earth will you find such an assortment of “stuff” as you will at Quartzsite from mid-December to mid-February. As the saying goes, “If you can’t find it in Quartzsite, you won’t find it anywhere.”

Woodstock in the Desert

Every January and February, the small desert town of Quartzsite is transformed by the addition of a gargantuan tent city and an influx of people in thousands of recreation vehicles

Anyone who travels a lot by RV eventually hears about Quartzsite, Arizona. Reputedly the biggest RV phenomenon in North America—may be in the entire world—started with a small-town rock and mineral show in the late ’60s and grew into a massive snowbird pilgrimage.

To those who have only heard of Quartzsite as an RV phenomenon, it may appear as mysterious as the Bermuda Triangle. The dusty little Arizona outpost is north of Yuma, two hours west of Phoenix, 20 miles west of the Colorado River, and not really near anything. Rumors about Quartzsite border on legend. Various sources claim anywhere from one to four million visitors every winter which is often exaggerated to a million RVs parked in the desert.

While there certainly aren’t a million RVs at any given time, there’s no question hundreds of thousands come to park in one of the 30-odd RV parks and enormous open Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping areas that surround the town of Quartzsite.

It has been variously called a Senior Citizen Pow-Wow, Burning Man for Boomers, Woodstock in the Desert, The World’s Largest Flea Market, and The RV Boondocking Capital of the World.

Related Article: Snowbirding in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert

The term boondocking, also known to RV enthusiasts as dispersed camping, dry camping, or coyote camping, is used to describe camping in the midst of nature without the use of commercial campgrounds and hookups.

As you approach Quartzsite from any point on the compass, you begin seeing them approximately 20 miles away from town: clumps, groups, and temporary communities of RVs circled around common campfire rings like wagon trains of old. The Quartzsite Valley appears as you top the hills, revealing a panorama of RVs of all sizes and shapes scattered throughout a 15-mile-diameter circle around town.

The best view of Quartzsite’s metamorphosis is from the crest of small hills a few miles west of town along Interstate 10. Many solo units also are scattered among the sagebrush. In the early morning and late afternoon, you will see tall, straight fingers of campfire smoke pointing upward from these campsites.

Hundreds of thousands of RV owners, enthusiasts, and dreamers descend on the flat, rocky desert fields surrounding the town. Folks come from all over the U.S. and Canada to behold the wonder that happens in Quartzsite every January and February. They come for the warm sunny weather, and great deals—what more can you ask for?

At its core, Quartzsite is a boondocker’s paradise. In the BLM-administered La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA), you can pay just $180 for a seven-month season of camping from September 15 to April 15.

There are no assigned spaces, no hookups, and hardly any roads. For your money, you get access to potable water, sparsely scattered pit toilets, a dump station, and trash bins. Pick a site from the 11,400 acres of open land and you’re home.

The desert landscape is transformed into make-shift RV parks, little cities within a city. The streets have no name, but the purpose is the same—to boondock in the desert, rendezvous with old and new friends, visit the rock and gem shows and flea market vendors, participate in the Sell-A-Rama, wander the RV show under the Big Tent, and soak in the wonder of it all.

Quartzsite RV Show © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The 2022 Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show (called “The Big Tent”) will run January 22-30. In 39 years, the event has evolved into the largest consumer RV show in the US. The show is heaven on earth for RVers. It’s a ton of fun with hundreds of exhibits, live shows, bargain products, and fellow RV enthusiasts. The fact that the desert is gorgeous and the temperature is in the low-to-mid 70s in mid-January doesn’t hurt either!

If you are really on a budget, you can park for free a few miles from town in non-LTVA areas administered by BLM. The only catch here is that the amenities are miles away, and technically you are supposed to stay only 14 days. No doubt many hardy souls hang around longer, commuting back and forth to town for what they need and hoping the BLM staff don’t notice.

Related Article: What Makes Arizona Such a Hotspot for Snowbirds?

No doubt also that many could afford to pay for a full-service campground for the entire season if they wanted to, but they seem to get a thrill from staying somewhere for virtually nothing. As one desert boondocker snorted when another visitor said he was going to buy a short-term permit to stay at South La Posa LTVA for two weeks (a whopping $2.85 per day): “Sure, if you want to waste money!”

No matter which option you choose, once you’ve chosen your own little spot in the desert, surrounded by creosote bushes and an occasional saguaro cactus, you are the king of your domain, free from real estate taxes, utility bills, campground fees, fuel prices, neighborhood associations, and snow.

There is something to be savored in the feeling of having very little civilization around you. It is an exercise in self-sufficiency and perhaps stubborn nature to stay the entire season, but thousands do it and thrive on the experience.

Woodstock in the Desert is an experience not to be missed—and we think you’ll like it too!

See you at the Q!

Worth Pondering…

Quartzsite = $400,000 diesel pusher motorhomes towing $40,000 SUVs looking for free camping.

The Real Story of Nomadland (aka Quartzsite, Arizona)

RV snowbirds have turned this Arizona town into a yearly destination

Based on a 2017 book by Jessica Bruder, Nomadland follows the journey of Fern, a 61-year-old woman who turns to van life after she loses everything in the wake of the 2008 recession. While Fern is a fictional character played by actress Frances McDormand, the places she visits and many of the people she meets exist in real life. Quartzsite, Arizona, is one of the main filming locations for the Golden Globe best picture and a real-life nomads’ stomping ground.

Boondocking at Quartzsite © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Director Chloe Zhao called Quartzsite “one of the wildest towns” she’s ever been to in a recent interview with Conde Nast Traveler. It’s “the place that nomads gather once a year—you really want to see what it’s like. It’s special,” Zhao said.

Boondocking in Quartzsite © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

“Now, if you go every winter, you have the largest gem and mineral show in the country and also one of the largest RV shows. You could be walking into a store that has an ocean of gemstones. Those stores are just everywhere in Quartzsite,” she added.

“Quartzsite, Arizona, is a town and a meeting place,” traveler Thomas Farley wrote in Rock & Gem magazine in 2017. “In winter it is a gathering of the clan for recreational vehicle snowbirds, flea market enthusiasts, ham radio operators, off-road motorists, geo-cachers, and rockhounds.”

From the purported largest RV gathering in the world to gem and mineral shows to a man known as the naked bookseller, here is the real-life story of Quartzsite.

Quartzsite Flea Market © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Quartzsite is a small town in the Sonoran Desert 130 miles west of Phoenix on Interstate 10 with a permanent population of roughly 3,700 people. Quartzsite has a classic low desert climate with extremely low relative humidity and very high summer temperatures. On average, it receives less than 4 inches of precipitation a year. Stores, shops, restaurants, theaters, and homes are air-conditioned year-round in Quartzsite. June, July, August, and September temperatures are in the 100 plus ranges.

Each winter, Quartzsite attracts more than a million visitors. It’s particularly popular with RV snowbirds that flock to its trade shows, numerous RV parks, and boondocking areas on federal lands surrounding the town. The term boondocking, also known to RV enthusiasts as dispersed camping, dry camping, or coyote camping, is used to describe camping in the midst of nature without the use of commercial campgrounds and hookups.

Many RV groupings resemble old wagon train circles, others are in rectangular camps, and still, other vehicles are parked solo. Numerous flags flutter high above the little settlements and handwritten signs point the direction to RV cadres, some with quirky names. Of course, regular RV parks are in town, too, as are several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) locations. But it appears that most people prefer to find an open space somewhere and just settle in.

In 1856, settler Charles Tyson built a fort at the present site of Quartzsite to protect his water supply from attacks by Native Americans. Fort Tyson soon became a stopover on the Ehrenburg-to-Prescott stagecoach route eventually becoming known as Tyson’s Wells. After the stage stopped running, it became a ghost town.

Related: The Snowbirds Have Landed

A small mining boom revitalized the town and it became known as Quartzsite in 1897. It remained a mining town until 1965 when the Pow Wow Rock, Gem & Mineral Show initiated the rockhound winter migration to Quartzsite each year. Quartzsite has become a mecca to visitors and exhibitors for rocks, gems, mineral specimens, and fossils during the town’s famous two-month-long gem show and swap meet every January and February. From its humble beginnings, the now-massive Quartzsite show has grown to RV-epic proportions with vendors offering everything under the Quartzsite sun.

What brings so many RVers to Quartzsite? A combination of warm winter weather and good marketing!

During those months, Quartzsite hosts a variety of sales shows. They attract RVers who are searching for a destination, have some (or lots) of change rattling in their pockets, or simply enjoy looking at stuff. What started as a small-town mineral show in the late ’60s has developed into a phenomenon that peaks in January by bringing more than 1 million people to the town of Quartzsite where a huge RV show greets them.

Related: RV Shows: One-Stop RV Shopping

The Big Tent © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

If you’re an RVer, Quartzsite in January is on your bucket list.

Quartzsite is a phenomenon, a gathering place.

Let the shows begin!

See you at the Q!

Worth Pondering…