Your bags are packed, your itinerary is set and you are ready to embark on an adventure. If you are a first-time RVer, you are probably filled with passion and excitement about hitting the open road — but it is easy to get overly ambitious in your trip planning.
Learn how to manage life on the road with the RV 333 rule. This golden rule is the key to making your RV experience stress-free and more enjoyable.
What Is the 333 Rule for RVing?
The RV rule of 3 is simple and sensible for relaxed and more enjoyable RV living. Each rule of 3 corresponds to the main elements of RVing — hours on the road, arrival time at your destination and duration at every camping spot.
3 Hours of Driving
Before hitting the road, set limits to your driving time. Drive up to three hours or up to 300 miles per day to prevent fatigue. Long hours on the road can build up stress over time, making you dread RVing instead of looking forward to every adventure.
It is all about setting a reasonable pace and driving with scheduled breaks. When on the road, you can get exhausted or encounter road challenges. Listen to your body and always have a backup plan.
3 p.m. Arrival at Your Destination
In addition to limiting daily driving to three hours, many seasoned RVers aim to arrive at their destination by a specific time. Ideally, arriving by about 3 p.m. gives you time to check out the campground and your RV Site. Daylight arrivals give you plenty of time to set up your RV and get help from the campground staff if needed.
3 Days at Each Location
Spend at least three days at every destination to slow down and soak up your surroundings. This duration allows you to make the most of your travel and get adequate rest between trips.
The night of your arrival is often busy with lots of setting up and some guesswork in between, and the day you leave is also taken up with repacking your RV. That is why having at least two full days makes your trip more worthwhile. You can explore during the day and leave your RV at the campsite, giving yourself more time to experience the area. At night, you can indulge in s’mores around the fire or stargaze in the great outdoors.
Advantages of Following the RV 333 Rule
The RV 333 rule makes every adventure more enjoyable by:
- Limiting stress: You are not forcing yourself to drive for long hours and hit every attraction.
- Giving enough time to relax: You have enough time to do what you love without risking burnout.
- Offering more family bonding time: Extended stays encourage more outdoor fun and bonding experiences.
Common Misconceptions About the RV 333 Rule
Since every road trip is special and different, you might come across the other 3s of RVing. Some campers take three days off the road weekly to catch up on life or unwind from the nomadic lifestyle. It is up to you to include your own rule that fits your RV lifestyle. Here are other common misconceptions when it comes to the RV 333 rule.
Flexibility vs. Rigidity
Knowing how to manage your time on the road prevents burnout, so you enjoy every adventure better. Even if the RV 333 rule is the established rule among many RVers, you may adjust it accordingly. You can still have flexible travel plans while adhering to general principles.
Perceived Limitations
If you use this rule as a framework for all your RV trips instead of a strict guideline, you will quickly become a seasoned RVer. Use the rules as your guide to make the most of every RV camping excursion.
Why Trust Us for RV Information?
With extensive expertise in the RV lifestyle, Kampgrounds of America is your most trusted source of RV information and tips. Their passion for the outdoors gives you peace of mind, knowing you get the latest and most relevant insights for every adventure.
KOA leverages years of industry experience and outdoor enthusiasm to offer you reliable guidance every step of the way. With KOA, you are getting information that lets you navigate the RV world with ease and comfort. Discover more about how to make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free with comprehensive RV reference guides and blogs. More than your trusted source of RV information, KOA is your nationwide campground provider with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada.
Learn More About Successful RV Camping With KOA
Before you hit the road, use the RV 333 rule as your base principle. Check out other tips on how to camp successfully with your RV. Count on KOA to provide you with campground options near your preferred location.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
