Planning an RV trip can be as spontaneous as a midnight snack run or as meticulously organized as a military operation. We recently asked our readers, “How far in advance do you plan your RV trips?”—and the responses were as varied as the types of RVs on the road.
From the ultra-prepared planners to the “let’s hit the road right now” crowd, the results reveal some fascinating trends in how RVers approach their adventures.
This poll was taken in our newsletter, and if you missed it, don’t worry—there will be more! Make sure to vote next time so your voice can be part of the results. After all, we can’t let the “last-minute” crew have all the fun, right?
The Poll Results: Are You a Planner or a Free Spirit?
Here’s how our adventurous readers responded:
| Planning Timeframe | Percentage of RVers |
|---|---|
| More than 6 months | 20% |
| 3 to 6 months | 28% |
| 1 to 3 months | 44% |
| Last Minute | 8% |
The “More Than 6 Months” Crew: The RVing Overachievers
These folks probably have next year’s camping reservations booked before this year’s trip even starts. They’re the ones with color-coded spreadsheets, backup itineraries, and a satellite phone—just in case. If you ever need to know the best site at a national park 367 days from now, they’ve got the answer (and already reserved it).
The “3 to 6 Months” Planners: The Sweet Spot of Preparedness
This group strikes a balance between spontaneity and sanity. They’re not quite mapping out every rest stop a year in advance, but they’re also not rolling into a campground on a holiday weekend hoping for a miracle. They’ve got a plan—just one that still allows for a little flexibility (and maybe a last-minute detour to the world’s largest ball of twine).
The “1 to 3 Months” Majority: The Go-With-the-Flow RVers
Nearly half of you fall into this category, proving that most RVers like to keep things relaxed. These folks start thinking about their trip just far enough ahead to book a decent spot but not so early that they feel locked in. They’re the ones saying, “Hey, summer’s coming—maybe we should figure out where we’re going?”
The “Last Minute” Gang: The Wild Cards
At 8%, these are the rebels of the RV world. They wake up on a Saturday morning, decide they want to hit the road, and just go. No reservations? No problem. They thrive on the thrill of the unknown—whether that means finding a hidden gem or parking in a Walmart lot for the night. We salute their bravery (and also wonder how they always manage to snag a cancellation spot).
Why Do the Results Look Like This?
The majority of RVers (72%) plan their trips between 1 and 6 months out, which makes sense—it’s enough time to secure good spots without feeling overwhelmed. The smaller “last-minute” group likely includes weekend warriors and boondockers who don’t need reservations. Meanwhile, the 20% planning more than six months ahead are likely big-trip takers (cross-country journeys, seasonal snowbirds) who have to plan early to get the best spots.
So, which type of RVer are you? Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants adventurer, one thing’s for sure: the open road is calling—and we can’t wait to see where you end up next!
