My Camper Friend

Journal

Practical guides, honest gear reviews, and road-tested tips for camping and RV adventures.

How to Level Your RV at Any Campsite (With or Without Leveling Blocks)

Jun 5, 2026

How to Level Your RV at Any Campsite (With or Without Leveling Blocks)

A level RV means a working fridge, comfortable sleep, and no rolling cans. Here is exactly how to do it on any surface, with or without fancy gear.

rv setupbeginnercampsite
RV Water Filtration: Which Filter Do You Actually Need?

Jun 3, 2026

RV Water Filtration: Which Filter Do You Actually Need?

Campground water quality varies wildly. A simple inline filter protects your health and your plumbing. Here is what to buy and how to set it up.

water systemgearhealth
RV Gray Water: Managing the Tank Nobody Talks About

Jun 1, 2026

RV Gray Water: Managing the Tank Nobody Talks About

Your gray water tank collects sink and shower water. Learn how to manage it properly, prevent odors, and dump responsibly whether you are at a campground or boondocking.

water systemmaintenanceboondocking
RV Shore Power Hookups Explained in 5 Minutes

May 27, 2026

RV Shore Power Hookups Explained in 5 Minutes

Shore power can feel intimidating when you first pull into a campground. Here is what the different amp ratings mean and how to plug in safely every time.

electricalbeginnercampgrounds
Summer RV Trip Checklist: Everything Before You Hit the Road

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.

rvchecklistsummer
RV Towing for Beginners: Weight Ratings, Hitches, and Safety

May 15, 2026

RV Towing for Beginners: Weight Ratings, Hitches, and Safety

Towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel safely starts with understanding weight ratings, choosing the right hitch, and mastering a few critical driving techniques that keep you and everyone else on the road safe.

rvtowingsafety
Campfire Cooking: 15 Easy Recipes Beyond Hot Dogs

May 11, 2026

Campfire Cooking: 15 Easy Recipes Beyond Hot Dogs

Hot dogs and s’mores are great, but campfire cooking can be so much more. Here are 15 tested recipes that use simple ingredients and basic gear to make amazing meals over an open fire.

cookingrecipescamping
RV Toilets and Black Tanks: The No-Nonsense Guide

Apr 20, 2026

RV Toilets and Black Tanks: The No-Nonsense Guide

Nobody’s favorite RV topic, but everyone needs to understand it. Here’s how RV toilets and black tanks actually work, how to dump without drama, and how to prevent the dreaded smells.

rvmaintenanceblack tank
RV Propane System: Safety Checks Every Camper Should Know

Apr 11, 2026

RV Propane System: Safety Checks Every Camper Should Know

Propane powers your RV fridge, stove, furnace, and water heater — but leaks can be dangerous. Here’s how to inspect, maintain, and stay safe with your propane system.

rvsafetypropane
RV Water System Basics: Tanks, Pumps, and Keeping Everything Clean

Apr 8, 2026

RV Water System Basics: Tanks, Pumps, and Keeping Everything Clean

Understanding your RV’s water system doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how your tanks, pump, and water heater work together, plus how to keep everything fresh and clean.

rvmaintenancewater system