Planning an RV getaway to Jellystone Park Akron-Canton? These RV camping hacks will help you save space, speed up setup, and keep your family organized. You’ll find 15 practical tips and simple gadgets for leveling, kitchen storage, safety, moisture control, and pest prevention, so you spend more time enjoying the park and less time dealing with RV hassles.
TL;DR: Quick-Fire RV Camping Tips
- Save setup time with smart tools and simple gear upgrades.
- Use space-saving kitchen and bathroom hacks for a clutter-free RV.
- Prioritize safety, pest control, and campground rules for a hassle-free stay.
- Book your RV campsite at Jellystone Park Akron-Canton!
Top RV Camping Hacks
1. The Cordless Drill Jack Trick
Cranking stabilizer jacks by hand can be a pain, literally. Ditch the hand crank and bring a cordless drill with a socket adapter (usually ¾” works for most jacks). Just fit the adapter onto the crank bolt for lightning-fast, painless leveling at your site. It’s the kind of RV hack your wrists will thank you for!
Pro Tip: Keep the battery charged and use a variable speed setting for more control.
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Tape for Steps
Avoid stubbed toes and after-dark tumbles by adding strips of glow-in-the-dark tape to your RV’s steps. It’s a tiny tweak that offers major nighttime safety for kids and adults running in from the campfire.
Why it works: No need for harsh porch lights, and it works even on foggy, moonless nights.
3. Pool Noodle Bump Guards
Metal awning struts and slide-out corners are just waiting for heads to collide, especially after dusk. Cut a cheap pool noodle down one side, slip it over any bump hazard, and you’ve instantly “kid-proofed” your camp setup.
4. Metal Pastry Scrapers for Outdoor Cooking
Love a griddle breakfast outside? Wind can be a real foe. Use dollar store metal pastry bench scrapers to shield the flame on your Blackstone or camp griddle. Just prop them along the sides. Bonus: they do double duty as spatulas!
Don’t miss: Our campfire recipes, perfect for groups.
5. Peppermint Cotton Balls for Pest Control
Peppermint extract (or diluted peppermint oil) on cotton balls can help deter ants and mice, and it can also discourage spiders around entry points and exterior storage areas. Refresh every few days. Place them where kids and pets cannot reach them
6. Use a Smart Surge Protector (SSP)
Electrical mishaps can ruin an RV trip. Plugging into campground power? Always use a Smart Surge Protector (portable models are best), which checks for unsafe voltage before it affects your electronics.
Pro tip: Pack a waterproof extension cord for rainy days.
7. Baking Stone for Even Oven Heat
RV ovens often cook unevenly, meaning burnt bottoms and raw-topped cookies. Place a round baking stone or an unglazed terra cotta tile on the oven rack to help evenly distribute heat for foolproof meals.
Works for: Pizza, cookies, and casseroles. No more rotating halfway through!
8. Nesting Cookware Sets
Kitchen storage in RVs is gold. Invest in a quality nesting cookware set (think Magma or GSI brands), which stacks into one tidy bundle. You’ll have plenty of room for snacks, groceries, and s’mores supplies.
Nerd out: Toss in a collapsible colander or bowl for easy clean-up.
9. Omnia Stovetop Oven
No RV oven? No problem. The Omnia oven turns a stovetop burner into a mini bakery, perfect for homemade pizza or muffins without cranking up the indoor heat. It’s a favorite among RV kitchen hacks lovers.
Pro tip: Pre-mix dry goods at home for quick baking at camp.
10. Mason Jar Storage Hack
Running low on kitchen or pantry space? Screw the lids of mason jars to the underside of a cabinet shelf, then twist the jars into the lids. Your spices, snacks, or coffee stay secure, even on bumpy roads.
11. Turkish Towels for Tiny Bathrooms
Traditional towels are bulky and never seem to dry. Flat-weave Turkish towels are absorbent, dry in minutes, and take up a quarter of the space. You’ll wonder why you waited so long to switch.
- Fit four Turkish towels where one bath towel goes.
- They double as picnic blankets or light throws.
12. Tension Rod Dividers
Turn any RV cabinet into a custom organizer using cheap tension rods. Position rods vertically for upright storage of pans, baking sheets, and cutting boards. No more avalanche every time you open a cupboard.
13. Moisture Control with Silica Packets
Place silica gel packets in poorly ventilated areas, like corners, closets, and storage compartments, to reduce humidity and prevent mold and mildew growth. Save these packets from product packaging or purchase them in bulk online.
14. Awning Track Paracord Hangers
Use paracord to create custom hangers that slide into your awning track. These can hold everything from string lights to drying towels without damaging your awning or requiring additional hardware.
15. Irish Spring Soap for Rodent Control
Keep unwanted mice and critters away with a few bars of Irish Spring soap or scented dryer sheets in cabinets and under sinks. Strong scents work wonders for RV pest control, especially in early spring or fall.
For more tips on keeping your RV critter-free, see the EPA rodent infestations guide.
RV Packing & Gear Checklist
Prepare for a stress-free RV adventure at Jellystone Park Akron-Canton with these essentials:
- Cordless drill & socket adapter (¾”)
- Smart Surge Protector (portable)
- Pool noodles (2–4)
- Glow-in-the-dark tape
- Metal baking stone
- Nesting cookware set
- Omnia oven
- Turkish towels (2+ per person)
- Mason jars & spare lids
- Tension rods
- Flea collar (pest control)
- Irish Spring soap or dryer sheets
- Extension cords & waterproof plug covers
Add snacks, your favorite board games, and your swimsuit, and you’re set!
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Armed with these 15 RV camping hacks, from setup shortcuts to clever kitchen tips, you’re all set for the best, most family-friendly camping adventure at Jellystone Park Akron-Canton. With less time spent on problems and more time on memory-making, your next RV trip will be smoother than ever.Why wait? Book your RV site at Jellystone Park Akron-Canton now and enjoy easy access to RV campsites, pools, and fun family activities. Your stress-free RV camping adventure starts here!