RV camping is having a moment. Whether you've rented a rig for a long weekend or just bought your first travel trailer, the learning curve can feel steep at first. After years of hosting guests at Camp Everyday, we've seen every type of arrival — the ultra-prepared veterans and the folks who show up with an extension cord and a prayer. Here's what actually matters.
Know Your Hookups
Most campgrounds, including ours, offer some combination of water, electric, and sewer hookups. A full-hookup site gives you all three. Here's a quick primer:
- Electric: We offer 30-amp and 50-amp sites. Most smaller RVs run on 30-amp; larger Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels often need 50-amp. Check your rig's requirements before booking.
- Water: A standard garden-hose connection to your RV's city water inlet. Bring a pressure regulator — campground water pressure can spike and damage your lines.
- Sewer: Connect your sewer hose to the site's sewer inlet. Always use a hose support to keep things sloped correctly, and keep your gray and black tank valves closed until you're ready to dump.
Essential Gear to Bring
Beyond the basics your RV should already have, these items make a huge difference:
- A quality surge protector (30-amp or 50-amp, matching your rig)
- A water pressure regulator and a drinking-water-safe hose
- Leveling blocks and wheel chocks
- A 10-gallon fresh water jug for backup
- Extension cord (a 30-foot, 30-amp is worth carrying)
- Basic tools: a rubber mallet, adjustable wrench, and a multimeter
Arriving at Your Site
Pull past your site so you can back in — it's much easier than pulling forward in most situations. Use a spotter if you have one. Once parked, level your rig side-to-side first (using leveling blocks under your tires), then front-to-back using your tongue jack or leveling system. Slide-outs should only be extended after you're level.
Water and Sewer Best Practices
Never dump your black tank until it's at least two-thirds full — the volume helps flush the tank properly. Always dump black before gray so the gray water rinses the sewer hose. Keep your black tank valve closed between dumps. If you're staying a week or more, dump every 3–4 days.
Power Management
If you're on electric hookup, you have basically unlimited power (within your amp rating). If you're dry camping or in a situation where you're drawing from batteries, be mindful of your loads. A residential refrigerator and air conditioning are the two biggest draws — both require shore power or a generator to run sustainably.
The Campground Etiquette Stuff
A few things that make everyone's stay better:
- Quiet hours are real — our guests pay for the peace and quiet of bluff country
- Keep pets leashed and clean up after them
- Your awning lights are probably brighter than you realize at 11pm
- Generator use: check each campground's policy — at Camp Everyday, generators are allowed during daytime hours in designated areas
You'll Figure the Rest Out
Every experienced RVer has a story about something going wrong on their first trip — a sewer hose mishap, a slide-out left open on departure, a leveling job so bad the coffee pot slid off the counter overnight. It happens to everyone. The important thing is to go, make some memories, and not take yourself too seriously.
We're always happy to help new arrivals get set up at Camp Everyday — just come by the office and ask.
Plan Your Stay
Ready to experience the bluffs for yourself? Book your site at Camp Everyday Winona.
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