RV Activity Ideas for May 2025

Things to Do in Your RV in May 2025

Spring is in full swing by May, making it the perfect month to hit the road in your RV—whether you’re planning a family getaway or living full-time on wheels. From blooming wildflower trails to community festivals and essential maintenance chores, May offers a wealth of opportunities to make memories and keep your home-on-wheels running smoothly. Here’s a detailed guide to inspire your May RV adventures.

1. Chase the Wildflowers

Texas Hill Country Bluebonnets
In early May, central Texas erupts in fields of bluebonnets along Highway 290 between Austin and Fredericksburg. Many RV-friendly campgrounds along the Pedernales River provide prime viewing spots. Remember to stay off private property and stick to public viewing areas.
California Poppy Blooms
Head to Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (Lancaster) or the Carrizo Plain National Monument east of Paso Robles for vivid orange carpets of poppies. Camp at nearby BLM sites and take guided wildflower hikes.
Great Smoky Mountains
Late spring in the Smokies brings trilliums, violets, and mountain laurel. Cades Cove Campground fills fast, so book early. Enjoy morning wildlife drives before the crowds arrive.

2. Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

Campground Cook-off
Many state parks host Memorial Day cook-off competitions or potluck grills. Bring your family’s favorite recipes and challenge fellow campers to a friendly “taste test.”
Patriotic Parades and Ceremonies
Small towns across the country hold Memorial Day parades. Plan to park nearby in an RV-friendly lot and take in local history through ceremonies at veterans’ memorials.
Beach Bonfires
In coastal regions like Cape May, NJ or Ocean City, MD, evening beach bonfires (where permitted) are a great way to wind down after a day of seaside fun.

3. Explore National and State Parks

Grand Canyon’s North Rim
Reopening in mid-May after the winter closure, the North Rim is less crowded than the South Rim. Ten-X Campground accommodates RVs up to 35'. Enjoy cooler temperatures and wildflower–lined trails.
Acadia National Park
Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula Campground opens May 15. Take the Family Nature Thanksgiving Loop for views of coastal blossoms.
Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive begins to green up in May. Big Meadows Campground hosts ranger-led wildflower walks—perfect for families with curious kids.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Stargazing Nights
May’s mild evenings are ideal for backyard astronomy. Pack a simple telescope or smartphone adapter and visit a designated Dark Sky Park such as Cherry Springs (PA).
Educational Nature Scavenger Hunts
Create checklists of local flora and fauna to engage kids on hikes. State park visitor centers often have brochures you can adapt.
DIY Outdoor Movie
Set up a portable projector against your RV or on a white sheet. Plan a family movie night under the stars with popcorn and cozy blankets.

5. Maintenance and Upkeep

Spring Deep-Clean
May is the time to give your RV a thorough interior scrub: wipe down cabinets, empty and sanitize the fridge, and clear out winter cobwebs.
Roof and Seal Inspection
Check seams around vents, skylights, and the roof itself for any cracks or wear. Reseal as needed to prevent summer rain leaks.
Tire Health Check
Cold temperatures can hide developing cracks. Inspect for sidewall damage, uneven wear, and verify proper inflation before long drives.

6. Community and Socializing

RV Rally Meet-Ups
Join a local Good Sam or Escapees chapter for a May rally. These gatherings often feature potlucks, craft workshops, and guided tours.
Online Full-Timer Forums
If you live full-time in your RV, participate in Facebook groups or apps like Harvest Hosts to swap boondocking tips and coordinate impromptu meetups.
Skill-Swap Workshops
Offer to teach fellow RVers a skill you excel at—photography, yoga, or guitar—and learn something new in return.

7. Regional Festivals and Fairs

New Mexico Balloon Fiesta Pre-Event
While the main Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is in October, May brings smaller field lifts—check local news for “lofting” events that allow spectators.
Tulip Festivals in Washington State
Though peak is in April, some farms in Skagit Valley extend into early May. Many offer RV parking and on-site farm-to-table lunches.
Maine Lobster Fest
Maine’s annual lobster festival in Rockland occurs toward the end of May. Book a parking spot at nearby Rockport-Forest Beach KOA and indulge in fresh seafood.

8. Off-Season Boondocking

Desert Dispersed Camping
Places like BLM lands around Quartzsite, AZ remain uncrowded in May before the summer heat peaks. Bring plenty of water and shade.
Forest Service Roads
Numerous gravel roads in National Forests (e.g., Angeles NF, CA; Ouachita NF, AR/OK) allow free primitive camping. Check local ranger districts for fire restrictions.

9. Creative On-Board Projects

Travel Journals and Scrapbooking
Dedicate rainy May afternoons to crafting scrapbook pages of your spring travels, complete with pressed flowers and Polaroid snapshots.
Mobile Cookbook Development
Experiment with four-ingredient, camp-friendly recipes, then compile your own “RV Family Favorites” PDF to share with friends.
DIY Décor Upgrades
Use modular peel-and-stick tiles or fabric decals to refresh living areas. May’s pleasant weather makes it easy to roll out a drop cloth and tackle small refurb projects.

10. Plan Ahead for Summer Travels

Route Mapping for June–August
Review road conditions and campground availability for high-demand summer destinations like Glacier, Yellowstone, and the Oregon Coast.
Annual Permits and Passes
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass for national sites you plan to visit. Consider state park annual passes for frequent stops.
Tune-Up Appointments
Schedule maintenance for your tow vehicle or motorhome engine before peak summer heat and travel seasons.

May open the door to a perfect blend of natural beauty, community gatherings, hands-on RV care, and family fun. Whether you’re chasing wildflowers in a state park, teaching your kids the constellations at a Dark Sky preserve, or joining an RV rally, there’s no shortage of ways to make your RV life richer and more memorable this month. Happy travels!

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