A Guide to RV Tailgating

Contributor

Lindsay McKenzie

Favorite Trip

Our favorite trip was when we first hit the road full-time and drove all the way up the coast of California and into Oregon. Our first 3 months as full-time RVers we drove the entire Pacific Coast Highway and camped at different beautiful beaches along the way. We then drove through the towering redwoods in Redwood National Forest and continued on through Oregon and Idaho on our way to Glacier National Park in Montana. There was so much stunning scenery and adventure around every corner that entire trip.

Home Base

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Favorite RV

We loved our Winnebago Navion 24D. It was nimble so we could park it pretty much anywhere but it still gave us a comfortable living space with the Murphy bed. We drove it all over the country!

About Contributor

Lindsay McKenzie travels full-time in her Winnebago Navion with her husband Dan and their 2 dogs. Originally from Colorado, they have been seeking adventure together for 10 years now and have done a lot of international traveling, including living in Costa Rica. They took the leap into full time RVing after experiencing life-altering news. They viewed the news as a life “detour” and started a travel and inspirational blog called Follow Your Detour. Lindsay has grown more passionate about pursuing her dreams and a leading a fulfilling life, while inspiring others to do the same. She loves that RVing allows her to be in nature and do more of what she loves. You can usually find her on the river fly fishing, hiking to sunset spots, or at a local brewery. (All photos by Lindsay McKenzie, except where noted.)

Tailgating in an RV is one of the best ways to enjoy the sports or racing seasons. Whether it’s a home game or away, we can all agree that RVs tend to take things to the next level! Many people only associate tailgating with football, but RV tailgating is much more than that — it’s a lifestyle. NASCAR has quite the tailgating scene as well, and tailgating at a race is a thrilling community event. With the sound of cars racing by, the smell of rubber on the pavement, and the excitement that only comes with speed and competition, it should be no surprise that an RV tailgate party would be part of the environment, too.

Tailgating in an RV means you have all the amenities and comforts of home. Here’s how to use your RV to amp up your next tailgating event.

Tips for Your RV Tailgate

RV Tailgating at NHR in Concord, NC
RV Tailgating at NHR in Concord, NC (Image: Camping World)

Regarding RV tailgating, the only real rule is to have fun. However, here are a few tips to remember to achieve that goal.

  • Check ahead. You’ll want to call or check online to ensure that the stadium/arena allows RVs and understand any parking costs. You may be charged extra for needing more space than a regular vehicle.
  • Get there early. Depending on the size of your RV, you might need to take up a few spots, so arriving a few hours before the crowds is an absolute must. While you wait for other tailgaters to arrive, you’ll have the comforts of home to do whatever you choose to pass the time.
  • Choose a great spot. Avoid areas in the parking lot that attract crowds, such as the port-a-potties or entrances. Try to find a spot near the grass so you can have extra space to spread out. It’s also helpful to be near trash cans for convenient clean-up when the party is over.
  • Meal plan. There are tons of great camping recipes for tasty tailgating food! Plan ahead so you have all the ingredients you need, and be sure to bring extra because – the smell will likely attract visitors. The fun of tailgating is meeting other fans, and it’s always nice to have plenty of extra food to offer.
  • Decorate your RV. Show your spirit by creating a flag, window paint, streamers, and balloons representing your team. After all, tailgating is essentially the pregame leading up to the main event. It’s fun to upgrade your RV to show your team spirit before the game is officially underway.

Items to Bring For RV Tailgating

NHR Tailgating in Concord, NC
NHR Tailgating in Concord, NC (Image: Camping World)

While you’ll likely have everything you need in your RV, there are a few items to stock up on before you begin tailgating. Doing so ensures that you’ll not only enjoy the experience yourself but that everyone around you will too. Plus, when you have that one thing everyone is looking for, you’ll be the real MVP.

  • Folding chairs
  • Sunscreen, bug spray, and insect repellent
  • Ponchos, towels, and umbrellas in case of rain (although you can escape inside the RV, not everyone will)
  • Outdoor games for fun and to help pass the time (cornhole, a frisbee, a football, etc.)
  • Plenty of food, snacks, and beverages
  • A cooler full of ice for drinks or extra food storage space
  • Your fan attire (jersey, face paint, foam finger, etc.)
  • A portable grill
  • Trash bags. If you can’t find a proper way to dispose of trash at the site, pack it up and take it with you.
  • A table and tablecloth to set out the food.

How To Use Your RV for Tailgating

The RV Kitchen

Pack up the coolers, utensils, and condiments, and start dreaming up the ultimate tailgating menu. You can use your tailgating grill outside or use a gas oven range to bake inside — your meal and preparation options are nearly endless thanks to your RV’s indoor and outdoor kitchen setups.

Tailgating and Grilling Burgers
Image: Camping World

The RV Bathroom

If you’ve tailgated before, you know how valuable having a personal RV bathroom nearby is. No more missing out on the fun while standing in line for 30 minutes at the port-a-potties. But beware of others wanting to use your RV bathroom, too. If you plan to allow it, have hand sanitizer available and a patio mat or rug so people don’t track mud, sand, or dirt on your RV flooring.

The RV as Shelter

RV Tailgating at Country Jam Music Festival
RV Tailgating at Country Jam Music Festival (Image: Camping World)

You can bring the party inside when inclement weather crashes the parking lot party. Inside the RV, you’ll have a TV that allows you to watch other games before the big game starts. Many people even decide to watch the game from their RV versus buying expensive stadium tickets.

If this is the option you’re aiming for—it sounds like a winner—check out RV antennas. Camping World carries satellite antennas, local broadcast antennas, and plenty of other TV hookup essentials. Make your RV the ultimate entertainment hub.


Whether you’re a sports fan or not, tailgating is fun nonetheless. The tailgating party is often more entertaining than the game itself. With the comforts of home within reach and the game literally in your backyard, you’re able to get the best of both worlds. This guide aims to help you get your RV ready for game day — win or lose, an RV tailgate is always a great time.

Score more information about all things tailgating:

What do you enjoy most about RV tailgating? Tell us in the comments below!

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