An RV adventure in the mountains is an absolutely amazing thing! There’s nothing quite like fresh mountain air, and the altitude allows you to escape the summer heat. Additionally, the scenery up on a mountain really can’t be beat.

Yes, if you’re considering camping in the mountains, we highly recommend it. That said, we also recommend you do a bit of research and preparations beforehand.

Here’s what you need to know before you go RV camping in the mountains.

Know Your Rig’s Abilities

First, it’s important that you make sure your RV can safely make it up the mountain you intend to climb (and back down again). Generally, this shouldn’t be a problem, but if you have an older gas truck or weighed-down motorhome that struggles even on flat roads, taking it up a steep mountain road may not be your best bet.

Time It Right

Higher-elevation campsites are extremely cold and snowy during the winter months and can even stay cold well into the spring. For this reason, we think summer is the very best time to go camping in the mountains. The nights will still be chilly even in July, but you’ll have beautiful daytime temperatures and we find the weather is perfect for dry camping.

Download a Map

Because cell service can be spotty when in the mountains, you’ll also want to download your GPS map for the entire area to avoid getting lost as you wind your way down the mountain roads. It doesn’t hurt to carry an old-fashioned road map as well, just in case the GPS somehow fails you. Being lost in a rural area is no joke and something you will absolutely want to avoid.

Go In with Tools

Ensuring you have adequate directions to your campsite is one way to prepare for camping in the mountains, but it’s far from the only step you should take. We also recommend packing plenty of tools in case of a breakdown or broken parts. Carrying extra parts can be helpful if you know acquiring those parts will be difficult in the area you plan to visit.

We also recommend taking a book of matches, as lighters do not always want to cooperate at higher elevations.

Get Roadside Assistance

While it isn’t likely that you go in prepared, it is still possible that you will experience vehicle issues you can’t deal with on your own while camping in the mountains. In these cases, Coach-Net roadside assistance is incredibly valuable. Be sure you sign up for the program before you hit the road so you can travel with ease of mind.

Carry Water

It’s easy to become dehydrated when at higher altitudes. To avoid this problem, be sure you take plenty of drinking water when you head out, especially if you’ll be dry camping, as you may not have easy access to potable water. Carrying a water bottle as you drive through the mountains—and when you go hiking or enjoy other outdoor adventures—is also recommended.

Take Alternatives to Appliances

We mentioned above that lighters have a tough time lighting at higher elevations. The same is true for propane appliances. Therefore, those who will be boondocking and plan on using their RV fridge in propane mode might want to grab a cooler in case the fridge decides not to work properly.

It’s also a good idea to take an alternative way to cook in case the stove and oven won’t light. A charcoal grill is good for this, as is cooking over an open fire. Just know you might have a harder time keeping the campfire going.

Go Easy on Yourself

Lower oxygen levels at high altitudes can make it really difficult to participate in strenuous outdoor activities. Top that off with a bout of altitude sickness and you won’t be able to do anything for a couple of days.

For this reason, we recommend avoiding making plans for the first couple of days of your trip into the mountains in case you need to rest and let your body adjust. While resting, be sure to drink plenty of water and take acetaminophen and anti-nausea medicine as needed.

Despite the challenges it brings, we truly do believe camping in the mountains is a worthwhile adventure. Simply heed the advice above and you should be able to enjoy a safe and wonderful trip into the beautiful mountains of North America.

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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.

Debra R. ~ “I wouldn’t be back on the road without Coach-Net!”