Summer RVing Tips for Handling Heat, Humidity, Bugs, and Busy Campgrounds

Summer RVing Tips for Handling Heat, Humidity, Bugs, and Busy Campgrounds
Practical ideas for overcoming common peak RV season challenges.

By: Brooke Baum

With warmer temperatures and kids on break from school, summer is by far the most popular season of the year for RV trips. However, intense heat and humidity, invading insects, and crowded campgrounds can put a damper on your summer fun. Here are some practical tips for handling these stressors so you can focus on enjoying the great outdoors on your summer RV vacation!

1. Cooling Down Your RV in the Summer Heat

Of course, adjusting your route to find cooler weather is always the ideal choice when the temperatures begin to rise. It may even be as simple as going to a higher elevation or finding a campsite near a large body of water. But if you will end up camping in hot weather, it is important to plan ahead to make sure you can maintain a safe and comfortable temperature in your RV. 

Tips to keep you and your RV cooler:

• Plan to have full hookups, when possible, in order to be able to run your A/C as much as you need to and shower often to cool off after being outside.
• Reserve campsites with shade and park with your bedroom facing away from the sun.
• Close all the blinds as soon as possible once parked.
• Consider thermal window covers to block out heat and a thermal cab divider or curtains to keep the living area cooler (some Winnebago RVs already have these!).
• Use vent fans to promote airflow and consider battery-powered or USB fans in sleeping areas for additional cooling.
• Clean your RV’s A/C filter regularly and get it serviced when needed for it to run more efficiently.
• If water is limited, try cooling towels, misting yourself with spray bottles, or using pre-moistened wipes.
• Consider cooling bedding (Read this full list of other gear one camper van owner swears by for summer travel.)
• Crack windows or roof vents slightly at night to release built-up heat.
• If boondocking, make sure you have enough fuel in your generator to run the A/C if you need to cool down your RV.
• Avoid using your oven or stove inside, which raises temperatures quickly. Cook outdoors using a portable grill, camp stove, or electric skillet.

Here is an additional strategy from Kathy Holcombe on how she keeps her Winnebago Revel cool when boondocking:

“If we know we are going to have a hot night, we turn on both the chassis air conditioner as well as the house A/C (which runs off of our house batteries) well in advance of our arrival. This brings down the temperature for the entirety of our interior (clothes, cabinets, cushions, bedding, etc.). They in turn, act as a buffer that tempers how fast the interior heats up once we stop. Even the clothes inside your closet can hold either heat or cold, so make sure to use that temperature holding capacity to your advantage.”

Read more of Kathy’s tips in her article on beating the heat in your RV. 

2. Limiting Humidity in Your RV

High humidity can lead to condensation, mold growth, and damage to the RV's interior. Making sure you manage the humidity inside your RV is important to avoid issues and keep your living environment comfortable.

Tips for limiting RV humidity in the summer:

• Running your A/C is actually a great way to reduce humidity, so if you are doing that this summer, it will already help!
• Make sure you are properly ventilating your RV, especially when cooking or showering.
• Avoid parking over muddy or wet surfaces when camping.
• Consider using a small dehumidifier as needed to prevent mold and reduce that muggy feeling.
• Moisture absorbers (like Damp Rid) can also help remove humidity in tight spaces like closets or under sinks. Be sure to check these areas for signs of condensation regularly, especially when in highly humid environments. 
• Use quick-dry towels and don’t keep wet clothes or gear inside
• Cook outdoors when possible since indoor cooking can increase humidity.
• Avoid long, hot showers. Use campground facilities or your outdoor shower when possible.
• If your mattress sits on a solid surface, consider adding an RV box spring or other solution to allow air to circulate under it to prevent mold. Of course, Winnebago’s WinnSleep RV mattress with the FROLI sleep system was made with this in mind!

Learn more about keeping humidity out of your RV.

3. Keeping Bugs Out of Your RV

With warmer weather, unfortunately, comes more bugs. While you can’t completely avoid these pests, there are some things you can do to keep them out of your RV …

• Avoid parking near stagnant water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitos.
• Use screens on windows, doors, and vents to keep bugs out.
• Inspect your RV and resolve any gaps in seals to keep bugs from getting in.
• Burn citronella candles, use a Thermacell, or apply bug spray when spending time outdoors in areas with lots of bugs.
• Turn off exterior lights in the evening to discourage bugs from trying to get into your RV. There are also yellow “bug lights” that you can use instead.
• Be sure to also keep your RV and campsite clean to avoid attracting bugs or other pests.

Read more tips for keeping bugs out of your RV and campsite.

4. Adjusting for Crowded Campgrounds & Roads

It is no secret that finding a last-minute campsite during the summer months can be nearly impossible in some very popular areas. Many national park campgrounds fill up months in advance, and other top destinations tend to book up early as well. If you didn’t book ahead, you may have to get creative or travel a bit further to find a place to park your RV for the night, but there are a few tactics that can help you increase your chances of success!

Tips for finding a campsite during the busy summer season:

• If you have certain campgrounds in mind, it is ideal to reserve those ahead of time whenever possible during summer travel.
• When you can’t pre-book your campsites, or if you plan to dry camp during your travels, make sure you have multiple backup options just in case your top choice is not available.
• Check multiple apps (such as Campendium and iOverlander) when searching for a place to camp. It may also help to call the campground office directly to enquire about cancellations.
• Sign up for apps that notify you of cancellations in popular parks. CampScanner and Campnab are both popular options.
• Consider non-campground options, like boondocking in Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas or county/state parks. Harvest Hosts and Boondocker’s Welcome can be other great alternatives, if you don’t mind dry camping. (Did you know GoLife Perks members can save on these memberships?! Learn more.)
• Plan to arrive before 10 a.m. if hoping to snag a first-come site at a campground or popular BLM site.

Other helpful tips for traveling in the busy summer season:

• Explore popular destinations, like national parks, on weekdays and earlier in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the busier times. 
• Visit fuel stations and dump stations early in the day to beat lines and avoid having your rig heat up while waiting in the sun. 
• Be sure to check for road construction or other potential delays before choosing your route on travel days.
• If you already have your campsites booked in popular areas, don’t forget to prebook your activities and dinner reservations to avoid delays and disappointments. 
• Bring earplugs, a fan for white noise, and a positive attitude if camping in busier campgrounds and boondocking spots. 

The most important tip of all for having a good experience when traveling during peak times is to have a flexible mindset and realistic expectations. If you acknowledge the challenges and prepare for them as best you can before you hit the road, it can make a big difference!

What are your tips for a successful summer RV trip? Please share them in the comments.