7 Great Tips for RV Camping Close to Home

In this final episode of Let’s Go Camping with Go RVing, Jeremy Puglisi, host of The RV Atlas podcast, explores the joys of RV camping close to home. While long-distance adventures to national parks or epic road trips across the country are unforgettable, sometimes your best camping memories can be made just a few miles from your front door.

Whether you're short on time, want to save money, or just picked up a new RV and want to ease into things, camping locally is a low-stress, high-reward way to enjoy the RV lifestyle. Jeremy shares seven tips to make your close-to-home RV adventure feel like a true getaway.

1. Enjoy Some Classic Camp Cooking

When you're not rushing off to a big destination or long hike, take the time to enjoy a classic camping breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs cooked on the griddle or camp stove set the tone for a slow, relaxing day. It’s a nostalgic tradition for many campers and a great way to kick off the morning.

On big national park trips, mornings are often packed with itineraries. But when you're camping close to home, there's time to slow down and savor the start of the day.

2. Take Your New RV on a Shakedown Trip

If you just bought your first RV—or a new-to-you upgrade—a close-to-home trip is the perfect opportunity for a shakedown. Test all the systems, make sure everything is working correctly, and learn the ins and outs of your rig. Should you need to stock up on anything or organize your gear, you have the time to do that. 

This kind of practice trip can give you peace of mind and confidence before heading out on longer journeys.

3. Pack the Fishing Poles (and other gear!)

When you’re staying local, it’s easier to bring extra gear—like fishing poles. Jeremy and his son Theo, joined by a friend, spent their morning fishing in a nearby pond. Local camping gives you the luxury of enjoying slow-paced, simple pleasures like casting a line.

It’s the kind of memory that can turn into a lifelong tradition.

4. Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard

So many people live near beautiful parks, trails, and attractions they’ve never taken the time to explore. When you plan an RV trip nearby, think like a tourist: what would you do if you were visiting your own hometown? Jeremy brought along a new e-bike and explored local trails around his favorite campground close to home. He finally explored places he had driven past for years. A close-to-home camping trip can unlock new adventures you didn’t even know were waiting.

5. Create a Campsite Made for Relaxation

When you're not feeling the pressure to hit a big checklist of activities, you can build your site around comfort and relaxation. Set up your hammock, bring cozy chairs, and maybe even a book or two. Jeremy set up his hammock and appreciated the time to unwind and enjoy the peaceful setting. It's one of the biggest perks of local camping: more time to rest, less pressure to explore.

6. Try Out New Camping Gear

Camping close to home is the perfect opportunity to experiment with new gear. Whether it's a stovetop oven, a portable grill, or a new fire pit setup, you can test it out without high stakes. Jeremy brought along a stovetop oven and baked cinnamon rolls right on his two-burner camp stove. It was the perfect late-afternoon snack, and a fun way to make the most of their campsite.

7. Practice Building the Perfect Campfire

Jeremy has some strong opinions on campfire styles, and he proudly builds his fires in the log cabin style. This method creates good airflow and burns evenly—ideal for a cozy evening under the stars. Whether you prefer teepee, lean-to, or log cabin, a camping trip close to home is a great time to sharpen your fire-building skills. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

Why Close-to-Home Camping Just Works

Not every RV trip needs to be an epic, bucket-list road trip. Some of the most memorable camping experiences happen just down the road. When you skip the long drive and focus on enjoying nature, family, and fun, you might be surprised how fulfilling a short trip can be.

Camping close to home is great for beginners, families, busy folks, or anyone looking to reconnect with the outdoors without a big investment of time or money. It’s also the perfect way to test new gear or a new rig before heading farther afield.

So don’t wait for a big vacation window—look at your local campgrounds and plan a weekend trip soon.

Want More RV Tips and Travel Ideas?

This episode wraps up the first season of Let’s Go Camping with Go RVing. If you missed any episodes, make sure to go back and watch all eight in the series. We covered a wide range of RV experiences—from boondocking to KOAs, Jellystone Parks, beach camping, and more.