According to a 2024 survey, Americans prefer tailgating to actually attending a sporting event. 24% of tailgaters surveyed did not even have tickets to the game. Of those surveyed, 22% of tailgaters who had tickets decided to stay at the tailgate instead of going to watch the game in the stadium.
RV tailgating elevates your game day experience and brings the comforts of home to your pre-game festivities. You can even turn your tailgating trip into a full-blown vacation weekend.
In this guide, you will find key considerations to get your RV ready for a memorable tailgating adventure!
Elevate Game Day with Your Home on Wheels
With an RV, you can stay at a tailgate longer, go to sleep in more comfort and have access to plenty of food and snacks throughout the day. Tailgating can get hot, and your RV is the perfect place to cool down during the day.
You will have a private bathroom, access to plenty of water, and a soft place to sit down when you need a break. When the tailgate is over, your fun will not end. You can plan to enjoy the rest of your weekend at a nearby campground, stretching your tailgating experience into a richer experience that allows for multiple stops during your trip. Taking your RV is the premier way to enjoy tailgating!
Football Tailgate Checklist | Pre-Trip Prep for a Winning Weekend
Before you start compiling a packing list, there are a few things you should check. Here are three practical steps you can take to prepare and make this tailgating trip the best one yet.
Stadium Rules
Every stadium has different rules that govern tailgating. Before you pack for your trip, look up the stadium’s website and find out about:
- Parking requirements for RVs
- Rules about generator use
- Alcohol policies
- Arrival and departure times
- Additional restrictions
Once you have looked at the requirements, do some quick research to learn about special tailgating traditions. While some traditions are specific to fans of a specific team, others may be local to a certain area. Understanding restrictions and traditions prepares you to have the smoothest, most enjoyable experience.
RV Pre-Game Must-Haves
To enjoy football tailgating in your RV, check that your RV is functioning well and ready for a party. Here are some quick steps that will help you catch any major problems before game day:
- Test your generator to make sure it is working
- Check propane, fuel and oil levels for your RV
- Clean your RV inside and out before your trip
If you are having any trouble with your air conditioning, plumbing, electrical or other systems, get that fixed before your trip. Check your tires to see if they need to be filled with air or replaced. Make sure you have directions for your destination, and invest in a paper map backup just in case. Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic or dangerous roads.
A Menu Fit For Champions
Good food is one of the highlights of a great tailgating experience. Thankfully, there are many delicious meals you can prep ahead of time to enjoy on the road and while you celebrate.
Some incredible tailgate recipe ideas to check out include:
Your ideal menu will depend on factors like food allergies, your budget and how much space you have to store food. Do a grocery shop and prep as much as you can before hitting the road. Cut up veggies, pre-form burger patties and do not forget to take a small cooler so you can keep your drinks cold while outside.
Game Day Logistics and Setup
The day of the game, getting the right setup is key to enjoying your tailgating experience. Follow these tips to set yourself up for success, whether or not your team wins.
Arrive Early, Relax More
If you can, you should always arrive at the stadium or nearby tailgating location early. When you get there before the crowd, you can secure a better spot that is near shade or your friends who are also tailgating. Depending on the sports event, you may need to get there significantly early to avoid traffic. Sometimes people arrive the day before to set up.
An early arrival also gives you time to set up without rushing. Hurrying almost always creates a sense of stress, so you can reduce a lot of your travel anxiety by planning to arrive before you need to be there.
On top of these benefits, getting set up early means you can start tailgating and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere for longer.
Creating Your Ultimate Tailgate Zone
Tailgating is often a full-day event, so prepare to be comfortable. Some ideas for setting up an inviting space include:
- Have an awning for shade
- Put down an outdoor rug
- Bring camp chairs or even bean bags for soft seats
- Set out food and drinks for easy snacking
In addition to comfort, your tailgating space should be fun. Organize areas for games, seating and cooking so people can easily move between spaces. Staying organized can encourage participation, since everyone can see what they are meant to do in a specific space.
Consider putting up team-themed decorations and wearing themed clothing to create a celebratory atmosphere.
Enjoy Fun and Games With Friends
Although you tailgate to watch a football game, what most people really enjoy is the sense of community. Seeing old friends, making new ones, laughing together and sharing your passion for a team is what makes tailgating so special.
To build community, start by making the game easy to see and hear with a good Wi-Fi connection. Plan to play with your yard games before the game starts. Ideas include classics like cornhole and ladder toss — extra points if your tailgate games are color-coded to match your team.
Other entertainment ideas include card games, ring toss, bucket ball and horseshoes. Ideally, you need games that do not take up much room and can be played on repeat for maximum fun.
Turn Game Day into a Getaway With Kampgrounds of America
There is no better place to stay for a football RV tailgating weekend than at KOA. With campgrounds across the country, KOA has locations near many high-profile stadiums. Turn your tailgating trip into a full-blown holiday and spend the rest of your weekend enjoying the many amenities KOA has to offer.
KOA sites are inexpensive, family-friendly and practical, with laundry facilities and clean bathrooms. Many KOA campgrounds offer full-hookup sites and clean water, perfect for getting your RV ready the day of a tailgate party. With KOA, you can enjoy a peaceful refuge both before and after a tailgate.
Find a campground near you and book your RV Site today!
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.
