My Camper Friend
Journal
Practical guides, honest gear reviews, and road-tested tips for camping and RV adventures.
Sep 30, 2026
How to Plan an RV Trip Through the Southwest
Red rock canyons, endless desert highways, and some of the most iconic national parks in the country. Here is how to plan a Southwest RV trip that covers the best of it without burning out.
Sep 14, 2026
How to Find Last-Minute Campsite Reservations
That campground showing 'fully booked' is not always the end of the story. These strategies have helped us grab campsites that seemed impossible to get.
Sep 4, 2026
Off-Grid Camping Checklist: Everything You Need to Pack
Boondocking means no hookups, no services, and no running to the store. This is the complete checklist we use to make sure we have everything before heading off-grid.
Aug 21, 2026
Budgeting a Month-Long Summer RV Road Trip
A month on the road sounds expensive, but with real numbers and honest planning it is more affordable than it looks. Here is how the costs break down.
Aug 17, 2026
Best Scenic Byways for an RV Road Trip
Highways get you there fast. Scenic byways make the drive the destination. These are the routes we keep coming back to and the ones on our bucket list.
Aug 5, 2026
7 Campground Red Flags to Watch For Before Booking
Not every campground with a 4-star rating deserves your money. These are the warning signs I have learned to spot before I hand over my credit card.
Jul 20, 2026
Best Free Camping Apps That Actually Work in 2026
There are dozens of camping apps out there, but most are bloated with ads or hidden paywalls. These are the ones I actually keep on my phone and use on every trip.
Jul 13, 2026
How to Choose the Right Campsite: Shade, Views, and Avoiding the Highway
Not all campsites are created equal. Learn how to scout for shade, score the best views, dodge highway noise, and land a spot that makes your whole trip better.
Jul 6, 2026
8 Fall Camping Destinations That Beat Summer Crowds
Skip the summer mob scene. These eight camping destinations are at their absolute best in September, October, and November — with fewer people, cooler temps, and stunning fall color.
May 25, 2026
Summer RV Trip Checklist: Everything Before You Hit the Road
A thorough pre-trip checklist turns a potentially stressful departure into a smooth, confident start. Here is everything we check before every summer RV trip, organized by system.