It may still be hot summer weather right now, but winter will be here before you know it, and it’ll be time to take your RV to warmer places. And one of the best options for this? Camping in the desert!
Yes, camping in the desert is a wonderful thing when the weather in most of the rest of the country is chilly and gray. That said, there are some things you should know before you go. If you’re planning a desert camping trip this winter season, be sure to keep the tips below in mind.
Know When to Go
First, it’s important to note that the time of year you go camping in the desert is key. As mentioned above, the desert is a wonderful place to be in the winter, when it is sunny and wonderfully warm compared to the vast majority of other places. On the flip side, the hot summer months are far from comfortable, and camping in the desert during that time of year could even be downright dangerous.
For this reason, we highly recommend planning your trip for wintertime. If you must visit in summer, make sure you book a site with electrical hookups so you can run your A/C.
Drink Lots of Water
Even in the winter, the desert is a very dry place. This, coupled with the warmer weather, can easily lead to dehydration.
Since nobody wants to feel the effects of dehydrating while trying to enjoy an RV getaway, we suggest always carrying a bottle of water and keeping a way to refill your bottle close at hand. Sipping water throughout the day (rather than drinking it only when you’re thirsty) is absolutely the way to go.
Wear Sunscreen
Camping in the desert during the cooler winter months does not mean you’re safe from the sun’s rays. These rays are especially powerful in the desert where shade is hard to find and the terrain often reflects the light back up at you.
For this reason, sunscreen and sunglasses are desert camping essentials that you should wear every single day you’re there.
Bring the Right Clothing
The right clothing can also make all the difference in the world. Lightweight, light-colored clothing is best. A good hat with a wide brim will provide you with shade when there is no natural shade to be found, and dressing in layers will ensure you stay warm when the temperature drops suddenly as soon as the sun goes down.
Protect Those Feet
If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a huge percentage of your time barefoot. It’s supposed to be healthy for your feet and it certainly is more comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also a bit hazardous when you’re camping in the desert.
This is because the desert is home to all kinds of prickly plants as well as plenty of snakes and other critters. Stepping on these plants and animals at all wouldn’t be good, but doing so without shoes on is even worse.
Be Aware of Critters
Speaking of snakes, it’s important that you are aware of what kinds of animals you might find while camping in the desert so you can be properly prepared.
For instance, the desert is home to rattlesnakes. Generally speaking, these snakes will leave you alone as long as you don’t bother them, but you definitely want to watch your step so you don’t disturb them. Coyotes, cougars, and scorpions are other creatures you’ll want to watch out for.
Pack a Source of Shade
As mentioned above, shade is hard to come by in the desert. Therefore, we recommend packing your own source of shade so you can enjoy the outdoors without sitting in full sun. Your RV awning should work nicely for this, but if you don’t have an awning on your RV, a stand-alone canopy can do the same job.
Prepare for Dust
Last but not least, we must mention the dust. The desert is probably the dustiest place you will ever camp, and that dust likes to get into everything.
Put your electronics into cases to protect them. You’ll also want to put out an outdoor rug—as well as a tub of water for rinsing your feet before entering the RV—to try to reduce the amount of dust that gets tracked inside. When you’re finished with your desert camping adventure, make sure to replace the air filters on your vehicle(s) and your generator, as well as your air conditioner filter.
Hopefully, these tips for camping in the desert help you have a safe and wonderful time exploring one of the most beautiful parts of the USA. Now pack up the camper and get ready to make some great memories!
About the author: Chelsea Gonzales
Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.
You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.
~Ralph Playdon ~ “This is my first time using your services and I am blown away.”
