Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and most importantly, food. For full-time RVers, celebrating Thanksgiving on the road comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Whether you’re parked at a full-service RV park or boondocking in a scenic remote location, you can still enjoy a bountiful feast with all the fixings. Let’s explore how to make Thanksgiving in your RV a memorable experience.
- Making the Most of Your Cooking Space
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner in an RV is all about being strategic with your limited space—both inside and outside. RV kitchens, also known as galleys, tend to be compact with small countertops, limited burners, and an oven that is much smaller than what you might have in a traditional home. But with some planning, you can make it work perfectly.
Inside Cooking Setup: Start by organizing your galley to maximize countertop space. Use cutting boards that fit over the sink or stove burners to create extra workspace. Collapsible bowls and stacking mixing bowls are great tools to save space. Plan dishes that can be cooked in stages rather than needing all your burners or appliances at once. Utilize your microwave, stovetop, and oven efficiently—maybe roast the turkey breast in the oven while cooking mashed potatoes on the stove and preparing cranberry sauce in the microwave.
Outside Cooking Setup: Take advantage of outdoor cooking options as well. Setting up a camp kitchen outside your RV can make all the difference. A portable grill or smoker can be used to cook your turkey or sides like roasted vegetables. You can also use a camp stove for additional cooking space. A folding table is handy for extra prep space, and setting up an outdoor buffet lets everyone help themselves without crowding the interior of your RV. Outdoor cooking also helps keep the inside of your RV cooler and reduces the stress on your limited cooking area.
- Food Prep Tips
When you’re working with limited space, preparation is key. Do as much prep work as you can ahead of time. Chop vegetables, measure out spices, and prepare sauces the day before. Prepping ingredients in advance can save precious time and counter space on the big day. If you’re in an RV park, you may have access to a community kitchen that can be helpful for larger prep tasks.
Consider simplifying the menu to make things more manageable. Instead of a whole turkey, which may not fit in your RV oven, you could opt for a turkey breast or even turkey legs. Alternatively, using a slow cooker or Instant Pot can be a great way to free up stove space and still cook delicious sides like stuffing or mashed potatoes.
- Essential Equipment for RV Thanksgiving
To pull off Thanksgiving in an RV, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-haves:
- Instant Pot or Slow Cooker: These multi-use appliances are lifesavers for cooking everything from mashed potatoes to stuffing.
- Portable Grill or Smoker: Great for cooking a turkey breast or grilling vegetables, and it keeps the cooking heat outside.
- Collapsible Cookware: Space-saving collapsible bowls and colanders are perfect for RV living.
- Stackable Cookware: Pots and pans that stack easily help conserve cabinet space.
- Folding Table: This is a game-changer for outdoor prep and serving space, giving you much-needed extra surface area.
- What to Do with Leftovers
Leftovers are a classic part of Thanksgiving, and you don’t want to miss out just because you’re in an RV. The key is to plan for storage. Use stackable containers to store leftovers in your RV’s compact refrigerator. If fridge space is tight, consider making smaller portions or sharing leftovers with friends and neighbors at the RV park. If you have a freezer, you can even freeze some of the leftovers for a future meal.
Another great idea is to repurpose leftovers into new meals to save space. Turkey sandwiches, turkey and vegetable soup, or even a breakfast hash are all great ways to use up your Thanksgiving feast without letting anything go to waste.
- Celebrating with Family and Friends
Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, and being on the road doesn’t mean you have to be alone. If you’re at an RV park, you may find that many other full-timers are also celebrating, making it the perfect opportunity for a potluck-style Thanksgiving. Everyone can contribute a dish, which makes the meal easier to manage and brings a sense of community to the holiday.
If you’re boondocking or in a more secluded spot, you can still connect with family and friends virtually. Set up a video call to share your Thanksgiving meal “together” and make the holiday feel more special. Setting up an outdoor dining area can also create a festive atmosphere, with string lights, fold-out tables, and camp chairs to bring everyone together.
- Boondocking vs. RV Park Thanksgiving
Boondocking Thanksgiving: If you’re boondocking (camping off-grid), you’ll need to be more mindful of your power and water usage. Consider using propane for cooking to save electricity and prepare dishes that don’t require too much water for cleanup. Solar panels can help keep small appliances running, but cooking outside as much as possible will conserve your energy reserves. Also, keep in mind that leftovers will need proper storage if you’re without electric hookups—an ice chest can be handy for this purpose.
RV Park Thanksgiving: Celebrating at an RV park typically offers more conveniences like hookups for water, electricity, and even a community kitchen. Take advantage of these amenities to make cooking and cleanup easier. Some RV parks may also host communal Thanksgiving dinners, which can be a great way to meet other travelers and share the holiday spirit.
Thanksgiving in your RV may not be the traditional sit-down dinner you’d have in a big house, but it can be just as meaningful and delicious. With some creativity, preparation, and the right equipment, you can create a memorable feast that brings the warmth of the holiday to your home on wheels. Whether you’re boondocking under a canopy of stars or enjoying the camaraderie of an RV park, Thanksgiving on the road is a special experience that celebrates freedom, connection, and gratitude. So, embrace the adventure, cook up a storm, and give thanks for the incredible journey you’re on.
