Stay Cool This Summer: Best Water Activities for RV Travelers

Summer is in full swing, and that means we’re all on the lookout for ways to keep cool. The air conditioning in our RV is nice, of course, but sometimes in the middle of the day it has a hard time keeping up. This is when we turn to water activities. 

Finding ways to play in the water while RVing during the summer months can make a camping trip even more fun! Fortunately, there are many ways to go about this. 

Water Fun While RVing

Not sure where to look for water fun while out RV camping? Below are some of my favorite options. 

Inflatable Fun: Kayaks, SUPs, and Floats

Kayaking is one of my favorite ways to take advantage of bodies of water that we visit or camp near. In fact, kayaking was one of the most fun things we did while visiting the Florida Keys. 

Unfortunately carrying kayaks in our RV is a pain. For this reason, many of us RVers turn to inflatable kayaks. Not only that, we’ve also met people who travel with inflatable paddle boards. Of course, you could also choose to invest in some simple inner tubes for floating the river, which is something we had a blast doing while in Bend, Oregon. 

No matter which of these inflatable, easy-to-store options you choose, you’re sure to enjoy getting out on the water and doing some exploring or relaxing.

Campground Pools

While most state parks and county parks do not offer swimming pools, a lot of the private RV parks we visit do have swimming pools, and some are pretty darn nice if you ask me. My kids absolutely adore a good pool day, and that means you can often find us taking advantage of the campground pool wherever we happen to be during the summer months. 

While the vast majority of the private RV parks we visit only have pools, we have come across campgrounds with splash pads, lazy rivers, and water slides. If water play in the campground is important to you, you might look for these features. 

Beach Days

One of my favorite places in the world is the beach. I absolutely adore the sun, the cand, and the sound of the waves. For this reason, we take every opportunity to visit the beach while traveling and we have seen many, many amazing beaches. 

I highly recommend planning at least one beach day anytime you travel near the coast. Honestly, even if you spend a lot of time at the beach near your home, you might be surprised by how different beaches can be from one place to the next. 

Make sure to pack beach towels, sunscreen, and sand toys to make the day as comfortable and fun as possible!

Stream and River Play

I mentioned tubing in Bend above. In my son’s opinion, this was one of the most fun things we’ve ever done, and we didn’t even have to leave the campground since the river ran right by the campsites. We also really, really enjoy hiking anywhere that we can be near a creek or stream, as the kids absolutely adore wading in the water, playing in small rapids, and looking for cool rocks in creek beds. 

Just remember: Always check for depth, current speed, and safety warnings.

Water Activities at the Campsite

Sometimes we end up camped in spots with no access to lakes, rivers, streams, the ocean, or even a pool. In these cases, we have had to make our own water fun in order to cool off on the hottest days. Fortunately, there are several ways to go about doing that. 

My kids absolutely adore playing with water guns, and I have yet to find a campground that won’t allow it on your own site. We’ve also had luck with putting containers of water out with toys or dishes in them for some fun water play for the littles. Friends of ours have an inflatable kiddie pool that they sometimes fill up, but that is frowned upon in many campgrounds. There’s also the option of hooking up a sprinkler if that is allowed in the campground you’re visiting. 

Having the water fun on your campsite is especially nice because it means you can simply relax in your favorite chair while the kids have a blast!

Practicing Water Safety

While splashing around is all part of the summer fun, water safety should always come first—especially when you’re RVing in unfamiliar areas. Here are some essential tips to keep everyone safe and worry-free:

Know the Water Conditions

Check for local warnings, currents, water depth, and temperature. Lakes, rivers, and oceans all pose different risks, from hidden rocks to sudden drop-offs to strong undertows. We have experienced some scary moments with super deep waters—as well as strong currents—so I beg you to check on these things before hopping in!

Supervise Children at All Times

I know it’s tempting to sit back and chat with a friend while the kids play in the pool, but it is so, so important that you are paying attention to your kids at all times. Whether at a pool, a beach, or a creek, children should always be within arm’s reach. Remember, even shallow water can be dangerous.

Wear Life Jackets

When boating, kayaking, or tubing, always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket—especially for kids and weaker swimmers. Inner tubes do not count as life-saving devices, and in many cases it is actually illegal for kids to be out on the water without a life jacket. 

Watch the Weather

Sudden storms can create dangerous water conditions, particularly on open water. Always check the forecast before heading out and reschedule if it doesn’t look great. It’s also important to be prepared to pack up quickly if the weather turns.

Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected

It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re surrounded by it, and I often forget to apply sunscreen when my skin feels cool because I’m in the water. Remember to stay well hydrated and wear SPF 30+ sunscreen. It’s important to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially because swimming will cause it to wash away. 

Respect Local Wildlife

Some lakes and rivers are home to snakes, leeches, or even alligators in certain regions. Obviously, these aren’t critters you’ll want to find yourself swimming with. Make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and follow posted wildlife warnings.

Don’t Swim Alone

Nobody should ever swim alone. Even confident swimmers can have problems and should follow the buddy system. Accidents can happen quickly, and having someone nearby can be lifesaving.

Clean Up After Yourself

“Leave no trace” applies to bodies of water as much as it does to hiking trails and other natural areas. Do what you can to keep water areas clean and safe for everyone. Dispose of trash properly, wear reef-safe sunscreen where necessary, and avoid using soaps or detergents in natural water sources.

As you can see, there are tons of awesome ways to enjoy the water while RVing this summer. There are also plenty of things to keep in mind in order to ensure you stay safe while doing so. Choose one of the water play ideas above, grab what you need to be safe and comfortable, and have an awesome time enjoying the water this hot camping season!