There’s something magical about the start of camping season. We opened the 2025 camping season with a short trip to 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peter's, Missouri. It's quiet here. The air smells fresher. The birds seem louder. The itch to pack up your RV and roll into a quiet forest or lakeside retreat is real—and deeply rooted.
Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newly minted weekend explorer, kicking off your camping season the right way sets the tone for all the adventures ahead. Here's how I ease into a new season of RV camping with joy, intention, and a little bit of wildflower whimsy. And in case of rain....
Winter can be tough on a camper, so start by giving your RV a gentle wake-up.
Do a full inspection:
Check for leaks, cracks, and critter stowaways.
Test the battery and electrical systems.
Refill propane tanks.
Inspect tires for wear and proper inflation.
Make sure the water system is de-winterized and clean.
If you’re like me, this is also the perfect time to open the windows, sweep away the cobwebs, and let the fresh spring air rush in. A clean camper feels like a blank canvas, ready for memory-making.
You don’t need a lot to camp happily, but a few good tools and touches of comfort make a big difference.
Check your basics:
Cookware and utensils
Dish soap and towels
Flashlights or headlamps
First aid kit
Water jugs or filters
Firewood or camp stove fuel
Then the fun stuff:
S’mores kit (because obviously)
Outdoor blanket or picnic cloth
Binoculars, sketchbook, nature journal
Favorite games or card decks
Cozy layers for chilly mornings
This is also a good time to take inventory of your pantry staples: spices, oils, and those magic instant coffee packets that make sunrise extra special.
If you camp often, it helps to keep certain bins packed all season long. I keep separate bins for:
Cooking gear + dish supplies
Outdoor fun (bocce ball, bug spray, camp chairs)
Rainy day gear (ponchos, books, puzzles)
Personal care (toiletries, extra towels, sunscreen)
Take a few minutes to go through each bin, toss what’s expired, and refill what’s low. It saves so much time when it’s go-time.
Don’t overcomplicate your first meals of the season. Keep it nostalgic, nourishing, and easy to prep. A few of my favorites:
Campfire Scramble Wraps: eggs + sausage + cheese in a tortilla
Hummus Picnic Plates: veggies, crackers, cheese cubes, trail mix
Foil Packet Dinners: chicken or sausage + veggies + seasoning, wrapped in foil and roasted over coals
Campfire Banana Boats: bananas, chocolate chips, marshmallows in foil for dessert
Make it even easier by prepping some ingredients at home so you can do more relaxing and less chopping.
👉 I have a full camping weekend menu!
Your first trip out doesn’t need to be a cross-country trek. In fact, I recommend starting with a short, familiar trip—especially if it’s been a few months since your last RV adventure.
Look for:
State parks with easy access and great amenities
Campgrounds near home in case you forget something
Peaceful spots by lakes or rivers where you can walk, birdwatch, or just sit and exhale
In Missouri, I love starting the season with a weekend trip to places like Bennett Spring, Cuivre River, or 370 Lakeside Park—close enough to feel safe, far enough to feel free.
I like to keep a small travel journal just for our camping adventures. It includes:
Where we stayed
What the weather was like
What we ate
One highlight and one “oops” moment (because there’s always at least one!)
Over time, these journals become a treasure trove of memories, silly mishaps, and stories to pass down.
Want a printable memory page for your first trip?
Something small and soulful to mark the start of each trip. For us, it’s putting out the welcome mat, lighting a citronella candle, and making our traditional charcuterie tray while watching the trees sway.
Other simple rituals:
✓Take a “we made it” selfie with your RV
✓Walk the campground loop and wave at neighbors
✓Make a toast around the fire—“Here’s to the season ahead!”
✓Tradition creates rhythm, and rhythm creates joy.
Your first camping trip of the season isn’t about packing it all in—it’s about remembering why you do this. The sky. The trees. The quiet. The crackle of a fire. The first bite of something warm after a long hike.
Let this first trip be about settling in, slowing down, and falling in love with camping all over again.
Opening your camping season isn’t just a checklist—it’s a homecoming. You’re stepping into a space where less is more, time stretches wider, and connection deepens. Whether you’re solo, with family, or traveling with a pet who hogs the blankets, I hope your season begins with beauty, ease, and a little bit of campfire magic.
From one wildflower soul to another—see you at the picnic table.
Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newly minted weekend explorer, kicking off your camping season the right way sets the tone for all the adventures ahead. Here's how I ease into a new season of RV camping with joy, intention, and a little bit of wildflower whimsy. And in case of rain....
🧼 1. Give Your RV a Little TLC
Winter can be tough on a camper, so start by giving your RV a gentle wake-up.
Do a full inspection:
Check for leaks, cracks, and critter stowaways.
Test the battery and electrical systems.
Refill propane tanks.
Inspect tires for wear and proper inflation.
Make sure the water system is de-winterized and clean.
If you’re like me, this is also the perfect time to open the windows, sweep away the cobwebs, and let the fresh spring air rush in. A clean camper feels like a blank canvas, ready for memory-making.
🪴 2. Refresh Your Camping Supplies
You don’t need a lot to camp happily, but a few good tools and touches of comfort make a big difference.
Check your basics:
Cookware and utensils
Dish soap and towels
Flashlights or headlamps
First aid kit
Water jugs or filters
Firewood or camp stove fuel
Then the fun stuff:
S’mores kit (because obviously)
Outdoor blanket or picnic cloth
Binoculars, sketchbook, nature journal
Favorite games or card decks
Cozy layers for chilly mornings
This is also a good time to take inventory of your pantry staples: spices, oils, and those magic instant coffee packets that make sunrise extra special.
🧺 3. Restock Your Ready-to-Go Bins
If you camp often, it helps to keep certain bins packed all season long. I keep separate bins for:
Cooking gear + dish supplies
Outdoor fun (bocce ball, bug spray, camp chairs)
Rainy day gear (ponchos, books, puzzles)
Personal care (toiletries, extra towels, sunscreen)
Take a few minutes to go through each bin, toss what’s expired, and refill what’s low. It saves so much time when it’s go-time.
🍳 4. Plan a Simple Kick-Off Menu
Don’t overcomplicate your first meals of the season. Keep it nostalgic, nourishing, and easy to prep. A few of my favorites:
Campfire Scramble Wraps: eggs + sausage + cheese in a tortilla
Hummus Picnic Plates: veggies, crackers, cheese cubes, trail mix
Foil Packet Dinners: chicken or sausage + veggies + seasoning, wrapped in foil and roasted over coals
Campfire Banana Boats: bananas, chocolate chips, marshmallows in foil for dessert
Make it even easier by prepping some ingredients at home so you can do more relaxing and less chopping.
👉 I have a full camping weekend menu!
🗺 5. Choose a Low-Key Destination
Your first trip out doesn’t need to be a cross-country trek. In fact, I recommend starting with a short, familiar trip—especially if it’s been a few months since your last RV adventure.
Look for:
State parks with easy access and great amenities
Campgrounds near home in case you forget something
Peaceful spots by lakes or rivers where you can walk, birdwatch, or just sit and exhale
In Missouri, I love starting the season with a weekend trip to places like Bennett Spring, Cuivre River, or 370 Lakeside Park—close enough to feel safe, far enough to feel free.
📸 6. Start Your Camping Memory Book
I like to keep a small travel journal just for our camping adventures. It includes:
Where we stayed
What the weather was like
What we ate
One highlight and one “oops” moment (because there’s always at least one!)
Over time, these journals become a treasure trove of memories, silly mishaps, and stories to pass down.
Want a printable memory page for your first trip?
🧘 7. Create a Campground Ritual
Something small and soulful to mark the start of each trip. For us, it’s putting out the welcome mat, lighting a citronella candle, and making our traditional charcuterie tray while watching the trees sway.
Other simple rituals:
✓Take a “we made it” selfie with your RV
✓Walk the campground loop and wave at neighbors
✓Make a toast around the fire—“Here’s to the season ahead!”
✓Tradition creates rhythm, and rhythm creates joy.
🌼 8. Leave Room for Wonder
Your first camping trip of the season isn’t about packing it all in—it’s about remembering why you do this. The sky. The trees. The quiet. The crackle of a fire. The first bite of something warm after a long hike.
Let this first trip be about settling in, slowing down, and falling in love with camping all over again.
💛 Ready to Roll?
Opening your camping season isn’t just a checklist—it’s a homecoming. You’re stepping into a space where less is more, time stretches wider, and connection deepens. Whether you’re solo, with family, or traveling with a pet who hogs the blankets, I hope your season begins with beauty, ease, and a little bit of campfire magic.
From one wildflower soul to another—see you at the picnic table.
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