Green Camping Tips for a Green RV

By Renee Nicole

RV with solar panels on roof

Going on a camping trip is a lot of fun, and a great way to get out of town and into nature. Many people today go camping in their RV, which is more comfortable and convenient than tent camping. But if you’re concerned about the environment, can you do green camping in an RV? While tent camping definitely has a much smaller impact on the environment than RV camping, there are some easy ways to have a green RV.

Go solar. If you can add solar panels to the roof of your RV, you can use renewable energy for almost all of your electrical amenities. This is a much greener option than gas powered generators, which are noisy, polluting, and nonrenewable.

If you can’t go solar, or want a backup system, convert your onboard gas generator to green RV propane kits. Kits can be purchased in almost any RV parts store. Propane is cleaner burning and emits less CO. If your generator is diesel, use bio-diesel fuel instead.

Don’t use plastics if it’s avoidable. Instead of plastic dinnerware, purchase a green camping dinnerware set for your RV. If you must use disposable plates and bowls, go with paper.

Install a propane catalytic heater. Most RV furnaces use both propane and electricity to work. Catalytic heaters use no electricity, which will save you battery life and reduce your electrical use. Turn the water heater off when you don’t plan on using it. Most RV water heaters can heat the water up in a half hour, so just flip it on when you need it.

Instead of heavy chemicals, use the GEO method for your holding tanks. The GEO method is a simple combination of biodegradable laundry detergent and water softener, which is friendly to both septic tanks and the environment. For a full layout of the GEO method, go here.

Replace your light bulbs with LED lights. They use a lot less energy and last a lot longer than regular bulbs.

These are just some basic green RV tips that you can do yourself at home. Older RVs are heavy, use a lot of gas, and aren’t very green, but implementing some, or all, of these tips will take you that much closer to green camping. Also, many RV manufacturers have recognized the interest in green camping and are coming out with new designs to make their RVs greener.

Read more articles about green RV camping.

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