RV camping gives you the chance to explore the great outdoors during the day, then return to your cozy travel trailer or motorhome to fall asleep under the stars. Getting into nature is good for physical and mental health, and RVing is a great way to experience camping with some of the comforts of home. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, camping might be a new activity that raises specific concerns and questions. June is both Pride Month and National Camping Month, so if you’re ready to blaze a new trail, check out RV Trader’s five tips for LGBTQ-friendly RV camping.
1. Do Your Research
To start planning your RV camping getaway, think about where you want to go. Do you want to set out on a cross-country adventure? Or, you can journey right outside your city for a camping experience that’s closer to home.
Think about the type of backdrop you want for your camping trip. You could park your RV beneath a mountain range, along a shimmering lake, or between the trees in a towering forest. Your destination will play a key part in the type of activities you do while you’re there.
You should also consider the type of camping experience you want to have. There are RV parks and campgrounds, as well as luxury RV resorts, where you can stay. If you’re looking for off-the-grid camping, boondocking is also an option.
2. Find LGBTQ-Friendly Campgrounds
Once you determine where you want to go and how you want to camp, you can start looking for welcoming campgrounds or RV parks. There are many campgrounds across the country that cater specifically to the LGBTQ community, and more that are known for being inclusive environments. Find resources, such as RainbowRV, and queer travel websites to locate LGBTQ-friendly campsites.
As a general rule for all campers, make sure you carefully read the campground rules and regulations before you book so you know what is and isn’t allowed while you’re there. If this is your first time camping, you should also research basic RV park and campground etiquette. Those tips can help you be a courteous neighbor and make it easier to get along with your fellow campers.
There are also websites like Refuge Restrooms that provide a database of safe public bathrooms for transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming people. This will be helpful for when you’re traveling, away from your camper van, or if you’ve unhitched your tow vehicle from your fifth wheel.
3. Plan Your Activities
Camping gives you the opportunity to set out on your own adventure with your travel partner, or find other campers to share experiences with. Many outdoor enthusiasts and organizations have been working to create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ campers.
Before you hit the road, look up LGBTQ-dedicated hiking groups and adventure organizations to really make the most of your time in the great outdoors. These groups can help fill your travel itinerary with organized outings and activities with like-minded people.
4. Connect with the Local LGBTQ Community
In addition to joining groups for queer nature lovers and adventurers, you can also use social media to connect with your destination’s local LGBTQ community. Locals are always the best resource for finding area attractions, activities, restaurants, and more. The local community can also give you the inside scoop on which businesses are the most welcoming and inclusive, as well as ones to avoid.
5. Get Ready for Your Trip
Once you’ve done your research and booked your campground, you can focus on getting ready for your trip. Make sure you test out any camping supplies before you leave. You’ll also want to make sure your RV is up-to-date on any regular maintenance. If you need additional tips, read our previous article on planning an RV trip.
If you’re still nervous about being immersed in nature, there are programs like Wild Diversity to help the LGBTQ+ community experience the outdoors through skills workshops. The Venture Out Project also offers guided trips and events, along with workshops and resources, for anyone who identifies as queer, transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex, as well as their allies and family members.
Braving the wild can be intimidating, but with the right resources, you can set yourself up for a worry-free RV excursion. You won’t miss the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life when you’re taking in the scenery from your RV’s windows or hiking a picturesque mountain. Before you know it, you’ll be planning your next RV camping trip.
Ready to hit the road? Shop the nationwide inventory of new and used RVs on RVTrader.com to make adventure happen.
