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How Do I Hook Up Power to My RV at an RV Park?

RV electrical power cord hooked up to the side of the RV
RV Motorhome Electric Hookup Closeup. Camping Feature.
Resources for RV Living How Do I Hook Up Power to My RV at an RV Park?

The Basics of RV Electrical Hookup

When you arrive at an RV site within an RV park, you’ll likely want to connect your RV to power first thing – after parking, leveling, and stabilizing, of course. This will allow your appliances like your refrigerator and air conditioner to cool while you get the rest of your RV site set up. 

First, you’ll need to know a bit about your RV’s electrical system. The electrical hookup for your RV is referred to as shore power, which is any power source provided by the RV park or campground. Read this article on AC vs DC Power Supply and Your RV’s Electrical System written by an RV expert at Camping World for a deeper understanding of how your trailer or RV electrical system works.

RV electrical hookup at an RV park. Power source stand with electrical cord connected
AC power sockets at a camping site, Full service campground electricity with RV camper motor home in background

30-Amp vs. 50-Amp Shore Power Connection

Next, determine whether you have a 30-amp or 50-amp shore power connection. The majority of RVs require a 30-amp or 50-amp connection. To determine which electrical service your RV needs, look on the shore power cord at the number of prongs; 30-amp plugs have three prongs, and 50-amp plugs have four prongs. 

It is possible to connect a 50-amp RV into a 30-amp plug or a 30-amp RV into a 110 VAC outlet, but you’ll need to be strategic and limit your power usage to ensure you don’t trip a breaker or an outlet, or, at worst, damage the electrical system in your RV.

RV adapters are available, but you won’t get the full amperage your RV is intended to run on if you connect to a lower-rated power source. Check with the RV park or trailer park first to determine what type of shore power connection they offer.

RV electrical power cord hooked up to the side of the RV
RV Motorhome Electric Hookup Closeup

How to Hook Up Your RV to Electricity at an RV Site

Now comes the fun part: connecting your RV to the power source at your site. There are a few steps we mentioned earlier you’ll want to tick off your checklist prior to connecting your RV to electricity (steps 1-3):

  1. Park, Level, and Stabilize Your RV: Ensure you’ve parked your RV where you want it and that the power cord can reach the power source (skip ahead to step two if you don’t know the length of your power cord). Here is an additional resource on How to Back a Trailer into Your Campsite. Then, level and stabilize the RV. Here is an article on how to level and stabilize your RV.
  2. Locate Your Surge Protector and Power Cord: Next, locate your surge protector and power cord. If you are not sure where these are, consult your owner’s manual. You can connect to power without a surge protector, but we recommend you use one so you can know the quality of the electrical hookup. 
  3. Ensure Appliances Are Turned Off: Go through your RV or trailer and check to be sure all the appliances are turned off.
  4. Turn off Breaker and Connect the Surge Protector: First, check to make sure the breaker for your corresponding (50-amp or 30-amp) electrical service is switched off. Then, plug in the surge protector to the site’s electrical stand and turn on the breaker. The display on the surge protector will inform you about the quality of the electrical service and any issues that might be present.
  5. Plug in the Power Cord: Once the surge protector is connected and there are no issues detected, you can then plug in the power cord. In some RVs the cord is hardwired and so you just pull it out and plug it in. If the cord is not hardwired, plug it into the surge protector first, then to your RV.
  6. Check to See If It Is Working: Turn on an appliance, like the microwave, to see if the electricity is working. If it’s not working, check another appliance and if that too does not work, take a look at your RV’s internal circut breakers. If you are still having issues connecting to power, ask the park’s staff to assist.

For more tips on connecting your RV to electrical service and for steps on how to disconnect electricity from your RV, read this article by RVShare.

RV motorhome parked at a site at night with its inside lights on and a small campfire outside
RV motorhome parked at site at night with campfire outside

RV Sites for Rent With 30-Amp and 50-Amp Services

If you are looking for your next RV site – whether you’ll be calling it home for the long haul, using it as a launch pad for adventure, or posting up in a location close to new work – check out our available RV sites for rent here. Our RV Parks offer long-term stays and some also offer short-term stays. Monte Christo Communities operates RV parks on the West Coast of the U.S. 

Notable RV Parks in the West with Available RV Sites for Rent*

Pepper Ridge RV Park in Reno, NV

Driftwood RV Park in Brookings, OR

Parkway Lakes RV Park in Morgan Hill, CA

Vallejo MHC and RV Park in Vallejo, CA

Pleasant Valley MHC and RV Park in Oroville, CA

*At the time of publishing this article, the RV parks listed had RV spaces available for rent. RV site availability is subject to change.

Search current RV site availability here.

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RV Parks

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Road Trip by RV

Woman looking out the open window of an RV at Pacific Coast view
Road trip concept, woman living the RV life experience watching stunning view while lying on the bed of the back of her camper
The Ultimate Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Road Trip by RV

This Drive Beckons for a Leisurely Pace and Long Stays at Coastal RV Parks

We think the best RV road trips are ones that you can take at a leisurely pace. And by leisurely, we mean long-term RV reservations – 1 month to several months – at scenic RV parks you can use as a jumping off point for further adventure, relaxation, and exploration. One of the top west coast RV road trips we recommend is the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway stretches border to border along Oregon’s breathtaking coast.

This stretch of highway in Oregon is open to the public, giving it the nickname “The People’s Coast.” This is a popular road trip route for ample reasons, especially if you take it at a laid-back pace in your RV. RVs afford you the ability to stay in short-term and long-term RV parks along the coast with no pressure on your itinerary, or, should we say, “What itinerary?” 

 

Scenic Overlooks, Rocky Tide Pools, Sandy Beaches, Coastal Communities and More

From Astoria to Newport to Coos Bay to Brookings, you’ll discover a bounty of natural wonders and coastal communities brimming with character. Starting in Astoria in northern Oregon will ensure you and your RV are cruising on the coast-side of the road, affording you prime views.

Oregon’s Pacific coastline stretches for 363 miles, which makes drive time about 10-12 hours for the full route. But of course, we hope you’ll make many stops and stays along the way to fully immerse your senses in all the Pacific Coast has to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll want to stay for the long haul?

 

Recommended RV Road Trip Itinerary for the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

Days 1-2: Astoria to Garibaldi (55.5 mi)

Kick off your RV road trip in Astoria where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific. 

Where to stay: Nehalem Bay State Park

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Columbia River Maritime Museum – Astoria’s intertwined heritage with the sea

Fort Stevens State Park – Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific

Seaside, OR – 1920s-era promenade and boardwalk games

Cannon Beach – Galleries, boutiques and views of 235-foot Haystack Rock offshore

Ecola State Park – Sandy coves, forested trails and the cape of Tillamook Head

Nehalem Bay – Forested bike path with views of the bay

Sunset on Sea stack formations off the town of Cannon
Sunset on Sea stack formations off the town of Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast

Days 2-3: Garibaldi to Newport (78.3 mi)

With this stretch of the road trip, take some extra time to detour inland along the Trees to Sea Scenic Byway to the Cape Meares Lighthouse.

Where to stay: 

Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort in Newport, OR

Port of Newport RV Park and Marina in Newport, OR

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Garibaldi – A hub for fishing and kayaking

Tillamook – Sample cheeses at the Tillamook Creamery

Trees to Sea Scenic Byway to the Cape Meares Lighthouse

Three Capes Scenic Loop to Cape Lookout State Park

Pacific City – Little beach town touting the massive sand dune of Cape Kiwanda

Cascade Head Preserve – Trails through old-growth forests

Cape Meares Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast State Park

Days 3-5: Newport to Coos Bay (97.9 mi)

Consider extending your stay in Newport to spend an afternoon at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and take in the lighthouse and abundant natural beauty found in Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

Where to stay: Sun Outdoors RV Park in Coos Bay, OR

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Newport – Marine life and science at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – Marine gardens and Oregon’s tallest lighthouse

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – 800 feet high and trails lead through old-growth forest

Heceta Head Lighthouse – Oregon’s brightest beacon

Sea Lion Caves – Ride the elevator down 208 ft to an observation area in a large natural cavern to see Steller sea lions and more wildlife

Florence – Fishing boats and historic buildings filled with shops

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – Dune buggy tours, sandboarding, ATVing

Stop at Cape Perpetua on your RV road trip to check out this view: High angle view of Highway 101 on the Oregon coast, seen from Cape Perpetua.
High angle view of Highway 101 on the Oregon coast, seen from Cape Perpetua

Days 5, 6, 7 (and beyond!): Coos Bay to Brookings (107 mi)

Where to stay: 

Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages in Gold Beach, OR (details below)

Driftwood RV Park in Harbor/Brookings, OR (details below)

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Coos Bay – Recreational fishing, crabbing, clamming

Bandon – World class golf, art, and sandy beaches

Port Orford – Scenic fishing harbor and the start of the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway

Gold Beach (stay a while!) – Where the Rogue River, a Wild and Scenic River known for its rafting and fishing, meets the Pacific

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – Overlooks, hiking trails, beach access

Harbor and Brookings (stay a while!) – Known for its temperate “banana belt” climate and largest stand of coastal redwoods in the state. These seaside towns are sure to charm! 

Beach near Driftwood RV Park in Harbor, OR at sunset
Beach near Driftwood RV Park in Harbor, OR at sunset

Where to Stay (for more than a day or two) on Oregon’s Southwest Coast

Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages image of Pacific Coast beach at sunset. RV sites for rent and cottages for rent in Gold Beach, OR
Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages image of Pacific Coast beach at sunset. RV sites for rent and cottages for rent in Gold Beach, OR

Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages in Gold Beach, OR

What this RV Park Offers:

  • Long-term RV site reservations
  • Ocean views
  • Pet friendly (and pet area)
  • Full hook-ups (utilities available for purchase)
  • 30 or 50 amp services
  • Back-in spaces
  • Welcomes all ages
  • Long-term ocean-view cottage rentals

Make an RV Site Reservation at Rogue Pacific RV Park

 

Driftwood RV Park view of RVs and ocean in Harbor, OR with long-term RV site reservations and short-term RV site reservations
Driftwood RV Park in Harbor, OR with RVs parked at sites and ocean view

Driftwood RV Park in Harbor/Brookings, OR

What this RV Park Offers:

  • Short-term RV site reservations
  • Long-term RV site reservations
  • Pet friendly
  • Welcomes all ages
  • On-site laundry
  • Gathering space (banquet room and kitchen)
  • Full hook-ups (water/sewer/trash/cable TV/electricity available for purchase)
  • 30 or 50 amp electric services
  • Picnic tables in sites
  • Pull-through and back-in spaces
  • On-site laundry
  • 2 pet areas
  • Sundeck along Tuttle Creek
  • 1 block to the beach
  • Redwood forest trailheads a short drive away
  • Hot and clean complimentary showers
  • 2 sets of restrooms

Make an RV Site Reservation at Driftwood RV Park

 

Bonus for RV Lifers

For those of you looking to settle into a new place for the long haul, spending a month or more in a handful of these coastal towns to “test” them out affords you a good sense of what it would be like to live there. By spending more than a few nights in an RV park, you’ll get to know local places, people, climate, and more to see if it’s a good fit for you. 

Happy travels!

Looking to retire in an RV Park? Check out this article: “5 Reasons to Retire to a Long-term RV Park”

Featured Communities

Clear Creek Estates 13905 Trinity Mountain Road French Gulch, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
Rio Vista Estates 500 Rio Vista Avenue Red Bluff, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
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RV Parks

5 Reasons to Retire to an RV Park

Senior Couple on Road Trip
Living the Dream: 5 Reasons to Retire to a Long-term RV Park

5 Reasons to Retire to a Long-term RV Park

After decades of clocking into a shift, putting in a 9-to-5, running a business, or following the winding path of your career, most people look ahead to the calm and ease of one thing—The Golden Years. The average American hopes to retire by the age 62, with each generation carrying their own idea of the perfect way to spend their time in their new work-free lifestyle. Boomers look forward to spending more time with family while Gen Xers are mostly excited for traveling around the US.
Despite visions of care-free days and tossing hectic schedules to the wind, the thought of retirement does carry more serious concerns for some. One in four Americans worry about feeling lonesome or bored in retirement, and almost one-third worry about dragging too much debt with them (notably with a mortgage).

Thankfully, there’s a solution that helps alleviate the stress of a mortgage while empowering retirees to live the life they dream about—RV retirement. It’s a chance to carve new paths, downsize your home, and meet new friends in long-term RV communities. But how do you know if settling into the RV lifestyle is right for you in your next chapter? Check out the top five reasons long-term RV retirement is like living the dream.

1. Save Money and Fit Any Budget

The way we think about money and retirement has been shifting for a while. Baby Boomers, for instance, typically head into retirement owning their homes, and 65% count on social security and pensions to fund retirement. Just over half of millennials, on the other hand, are counting on a 401(k) and personal savings to fuel their Golden Years, with more expected to bring a mortgage bill into retirement than their Boomer counterparts.

No matter the strategy for saving up, there are always going to be questions like “How much money am I going to need?” and “How long will I need to make that money last?” running through the minds of retirees-to-be.

Full-time RV retirement could be just the money-saving solution you’re looking for no matter your budget. Without the expenses of home ownership, especially big-dollar maintenance as the decades roll by in retirement, you could find yourself living freely without worrying about financing the next new roof or foundation repair. Plus, there are many ways to stay within even modest budgets.

Some cost-conscious tips include:

  • Invest in a used RV that doesn’t come with the big price tag of one fresh off the production line.
  • Plan extended stays in long-term RV parks and communities. Many times, a weekly or monthly rate is going to be less expensive than paying nightly rates.
  • Join an RV membership that comes with discounts across campgrounds, roadside service, insurance, RV service plans, and even discounted fuel.
  • Create a new RV budget. While you may feel like you’ve been budgeting your whole life in order to save for retirement, it doesn’t hurt to create and stick to a new budget for your RV retirement. This will help you stay on track and sock away extra money for peace of mind.

2. Sell Your Home and Reap the Investment

If you’re on the cusp of retirement, now is the best time to sell your home and reap the investment. According to the Home Price Index, the average home went up 18% in price from October 2020 to October 2021. That’s a record-setting increase and the biggest the market has seen in 45 years.

This is incredible news for homeowners who may now be able to reap more return for their home than ever expected. A move like this could eliminate your debt as you head into retirement, release the burden of a mortgage, or add some extra change to your piggy bank.

3. Live Wherever the Road Takes You

The most desired destination for retirees in the US is their own backyard. Forty-percent of retirees looking forward to traveling want to spend that time traversing the country, and 66.5% crave a more rural residence. Both the itch to travel and to experience rural America can be scratched with RV retirement.

In an RV, you’re never bound to one destination, one community, or one predictable life. Instead, set your sights on any state, park, or coastline and just go. Enjoy the solitude of a rural setting in your day-to-day life all while knowing you’re just a drive away from the bustle of a city if that’s what you want. Plus, every new RV community is a new opportunity to meet people, make friends, and enjoy camaraderie on the road. The life of an RV retiree is seldom boring or lonely (but if that’s what you want, just head off to any isolated park that’s just you and the towering pines).

4. Balance the Cozy Indoors with the Great Outdoors

Full-time RV living is the ultimate balance of indoor comfort with outdoor adventure. Unlike living in a stationary suburban home, the freedom of an RV empowers you to continuously turn the dial to fit your needs. If more amenities or urban comforts are what you want, explore the nearest metro. But if the mountains are calling, well, you have the freedom to answer.

The amenities of modern RV make it possible to enjoy lounging on the couch, cozying up with a book on your queen-sized bed, or working on your passion project from your designated office setup. Once you’re ready to get a breath of fresh air, simply step out your front door to the crashing ocean waves, awe-inspiring redwoods, or wide-open prairies. Change your scenery as often as you like. It’s the perfect way to tailor your indoor and outdoor living.

5. Host Family and Friends

If you’re most looking forward to spending time with family in retirement, the RV is the perfect vessel. Host reunions in a new place every year or simply drive yourself to your loved ones. Never miss another milestone or celebration again. With the power of mobility in your hands, you can control your schedule and travel without stressing about caring for your home, boarding your pets, hotel costs, and more while you’re away.

And when you’re staying at scenic destinations or just minutes from national parks and oceans, your schedule will be stacked with family and friends wanting to visit you. RV retirement happens anywhere you want, which means the opportunity to make more new memories with your kids, grandkids, and friends than you ever thought possible.

5 Reasons to Pick RV Retirement, Unlimited Adventures Ahead

Your retirement should be a chapter of life that’s just as thrilling as every one before it. Despite the feelings of stress surrounding financial planning, budgeting, and restrictions in retirement, there are ways to live a life free from all of those anxieties. With full-time RV retirement, your journey is up to you instead of being bound to one home, city, or lifestyle.

While these are just five reasons RV retirement is an exciting option, life on the road is truly full of endless possibilities, experiences, and environments waiting for you at any stage of life. If you’re retired or still weighing your options before taking the next step, remember that your path isn’t set in stone. Let the open road help you decide.

Featured Communities

Clear Creek Estates 13905 Trinity Mountain Road French Gulch, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
Rio Vista Estates 500 Rio Vista Avenue Red Bluff, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
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Working Remotely from an RV

Person sitting at a table in an RV looking out the window with a laptop on the table
The Benefits of Working Remotely from an RV

WFRV: Working From RV

When you imagine the American Dream, it’s not unusual for images of lush green lawns, white picket fences, and two-story Tudors spread across a sprawling suburb to flash through your mind. While that vision was the dream in the1950s, it’s time to fast-forward and realize the new dream taking modern Americans by storm.

One particular housing trend today is long-term RV living and all the luxuries inherent to life on the road. Recreational vehicles, or RVs, aren’t just wooing people because of their mobility, but it’s becoming more apparent that RVs are perfect for climbing career ladders remotely. Instead of “working from home,” it’s not unusual to see more people “working from RV” on the road.

What are the factors fueling this new remote working trend? What are the impacts WFRV could have on your life? Learn about the benefits of working while RVing and get inspired to make the next big move in your life.

Working Remotely from Your RV: The Big Idea Behind This Housing Trend

Thrive in your career, work from the comfort of home, and explore the US? This dream scenario seems like a no-brainer for most, and it’s becoming a reality as modern Americans explore housing options that fit their life and goals.

Remote work had been steadily growing in popularity for years before becoming the “new normal” due to the coronavirus pandemic. Modern technology made working from home a simple and accessible possibility while stay-at-home safety measures rendered it a necessity.

Remote work is here to stay and by 2025, it’s forecasted that more than 36 million Americans will be taking advantage of it—an 87% increase from pre-pandemic levels. With this newfound ability to work from anywhere at anytime, it leaves many people considering long-term RV living as a new and attainable possibility.

After all, RV life empowers people to explore new corners of the nation, customize their lifestyle and create the experiences they crave, and save more money than if they owned a more traditional home.

Long-term RVing Is an Opportunity to Save Money

While the coronavirus pandemic boosted work-from-home rates, it also caused a jump in something else—the cost to buy a home. Fewer homes were available for sale in 2020 just as a wave of millennials reached prime home-buying age, which created a hyper-competitive market across the US.

This perfect storm of remote work and a housing shortage pushed people to reconsider where they live. It’s simply no longer a requirement to pay exorbitant prices for homes in a big city in order to have access to popular or high-paying careers. In lieu of going house poor, there’s another option: long-term RVing.

Living in an RV gives people the perfect opportunity to pick a home that fits their lifestyle, goals, and adventures ahead. In January 2021, the typical US home had a price tag of $269,039. That’s up nearly 10% from January 2020 (and double the median home price in 1999). The price of buying a home is only getting steeper, but the price of purchasing a reliable RV is incredibly flexible and can be adapted to the needs of the individual buyer.

Similar to the rising appeal of tiny home living, long-term RVing inherently means also saving money on furniture, food, utilities, and beyond. (For instance, you’re much less likely to invest in that massive collection of porcelain dolls when you’re living in an RV.) Many full-time RVers report saving thousands per year compared with living in that stuck-in-one-place Tudor.

This promise for saving becomes even more real when you consider the costs of many metropolitan areas. For example, landing your dream job in Silicon Valley isn’t a mandatory sentence of jaw-dropping rent prices. Instead, work remotely from your RV in Fresno while fully realizing your career and savings goals.

Long-term RV Living Is Efficient and Adventurous

When selecting your new home-on-the-go, you have the freedom to tailor the space entirely. Keep your layout simple with a cozy studio-style RV, or opt for amenities like pop-outs or fold-out porches that create dream office spaces during your workday. Or stay curled up with your laptop, favorite coffee mug, and stylish ZOOM background as long as your heart desires. No matter where you choose to work, one fact remains: Making the perfect space to work from in your RV adds efficiency to your life in ways you might not have expected.

Wherever you’re most productive in your RV—whether that’s sitting at a desk or taking in the breathtaking views wherever you’re currently parked—your office is always just steps away. Eliminating an hour (or more) of commuting to and from a dreary office building means you get that time back in your day to do whatever you want. Have more time for new hobbies, meeting neighbors, side hustles, or exploring the excitement of your current homebase.

Investing in a home in a suburb ties you to one location, schedule, and experience. The culmination of remote work and RV living blows open those boundaries and makes seemingly anything possible.

Live the Life You’ve Dreamed of When Working from an RV

Without the confines of rigid schedules, commutes, working environments, and brick-and-mortar homes, your life becomes any adventure you choose. Dodge the pitfalls of being financially tied to an expensive home in an unpredictable market, and start customizing your day-to-day.

The freedom of RV living and working remotely means no experience is off limits. Spend your time settling into your pick of hundreds of RV parks and communities of manufactured homes across the US. Live amongst redwoods, oversee mountainsides, or listen to the lull of ocean waves all while answering emails and completing career-changing projects. All you need is a place to park, an internet connection, and a sense to live life to its fullest wherever you land.

The New American Dream Has Arrived

The suburbs will always be around for those eyeing a more traditional home-owning experience. But for those looking to take advantage of today’s remote-first workplaces and seeking an opportunity to own a home without going broke, a new American dream is catching on.

There’s never been a better time to live and work outside the box. Join the RV revolution and get ahead of the trend today. What are you waiting for?

Work from Anywhere. Experience Everything.

Find your next landing spot with Monte Christo Communities.

Featured Communities

Clear Creek Estates 13905 Trinity Mountain Road French Gulch, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
Rio Vista Estates 500 Rio Vista Avenue Red Bluff, CA VIEW COMMUNITY