Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and the leaves have started to turn all of the stunning fall shades — yellow, orange, and red. Not only is it the perfect time to get out on the water, it also happens to be one of the best times of the year for some camping adventures. Whether you own an RV, travel trailer, van, or you have been on the fence about renting one for some amazing adventures in nature, we’re here to tell you — do it. Read on for our tips and tricks on how to plan the perfect RV kayak trip this fall, and get ready to conquer some idyllic kayaking spots you’ve dreamed of.

Why The Fall Season?

The fall is the perfect time to take your trailer or RV out for some serious cozy vibes and jaw-dropping scenery. Not only are the campgrounds and RV parks not as busy during the fall, there’s just something about having a home-base to go back to after a day of paddling in cooler weather.

Can I Tent Camp? 

If you’re going for it in the fall, a van or RV is the way to go. You can easily check out different waterways and park it exactly where you want to be. You’ll also want to easily be able to transport your gear, and that you can do in an RV with ease. And like we stated above, having a warmer spot to chill out after a day on the water… it doesn’t get better than that.

Choose Your Kayak & Gear Wisely

The last thing you want to bring on a camping adventure is clunky, heavy gear that takes up prime space in your rig. And having to deal with roof racks can be cumbersome. Inflatable kayaks and SUPs are perfect for camping adventures due to their ease of portability. Simply inflate them when ready to use, and deflate once you’re off the water. You can easily stow the deflated boat or board inside your RV, tucked nicely inside it’s transport bag.

Research The Area You Plan to Visit

While spontaneous trips are sometimes fun, it’s best to have a bit of a plan, keeping your boating adventures top of mind. Know what type of waterways you will be dealing with. Are they for advanced kayakers? Or can novice users handle the splash? Really get to know the waters, because even if you’re an experienced individual, when you encounter a new space it’s a little bit different. Do your research, and be safe.

Layer Up, Stay Warm

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices.” Make sure you pack the gear you need that’s fit for fall weather paddling. Need some ideas? We’ve got a blog post that covers six tips for keeping warm during a fall or winter paddle.

Safety First

It’s always important to consider safety as a top priority, but especially during an RV trip. Make sure to pack the proper personal flotation devices (PFDs) for everyone who will be kayaking. There are many, many types of PFDs to choose from today, so make sure to find the one that works for you.

Inquire With The Locals

Wherever you plan to camp and paddle, it’s always best to get firsthand advice from a local about the water tendencies, camp guidelines, and more. In addition to doing some online research, make sure you’re able to connect with a local and pick their brain.

Be a Steward of The Land

Pack it in, pack it out! When you’re camping, it’s of the utmost importance to take care of the land you’re visiting. Take this time to connect with nature. Learn about the native species that live there. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll catch some cool animal sightings. Just know that whatever you do, treat mother nature like, well, your mother. With kindness and respect.

Now that you’ve got the recipe for how to plan a perfect RV kayaking trip, it’s time to get to scheming up the grand plans. Having the comforts of a “home base” nearby your favorite paddling destinations makes for an excellent vacation. For more paddle trip ideas, check out our blog.