Pulling into an RV campground for the first time can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Between lining up your site and getting your RV leveled, you’ve also got to figure out how to connect power, water, and sewer systems properly. That’s where this newbie’s guide to RV hookups at campgrounds comes in handy. I’ll walk you through everything step by step, with tips from my own learning curve so you can avoid rookie mistakes and get settled in with ease.

Types of RV Hookups You’ll Encounter

Most campgrounds offer a range of hookup options depending on the site. Full hookups typically include electricity, fresh water, and sewer. Partial hookups usually offer just electricity and water, while some primitive sites may have no hookups at all.

Each of these requires a different level of setup. If you’re staying at a full-service RV park, you’ll want to take full advantage of those amenities. If you’re boondocking or staying at a rustic campground, you’ll need to be more self-sufficient.

Electrical Hookups: Amps and Adapters

The first thing I always look for is the electrical pedestal at my site. It usually has breakers and outlets labeled by amperage 30 amp or 50 amp are the most common. Some also have a standard 110-volt outlet for tent campers.

Make sure your RV is compatible with the site’s power. If you’re running a 30-amp RV and the pedestal only has a 50-amp outlet, you’ll need a 50-to-30 amp adapter. I keep one in my storage bay at all times. Just plug in your surge protector first, then connect the adapter to your RV’s power cord.

Once everything is plugged in, flip the breaker on. I always test the power with a plug-in tester or let my surge protector check it first, just to be safe. Electrical damage isn’t something I want to mess with.

Water Hookups: Clean, Reliable, and Pressurized

Hooking up water seems simple, but it’s easy to miss a few important steps. I always connect a drinking water-safe hose between the campground spigot and my RV’s water inlet. But before I attach it, I screw on a water pressure regulator.

Some campgrounds have high water pressure, which can damage your RV’s plumbing. The regulator helps keep it consistent. I also run the hose briefly to flush out any bugs or debris before screwing it into the inlet.

Adding an inline water filter is a smart move too, especially if you’re staying in places with questionable water quality. Once you’re connected and your RV water pump is off, you’re ready to use the campground’s fresh water supply directly.

Sewer Hookups: Managing Waste the Right Way

Full hookups mean you’ll have access to a sewer inlet right at your site. This is where things get a little messy if you’re not prepared. I always carry a high-quality RV sewer hose with a clear elbow, sewer hose support, and disposable gloves.

First, connect the hose to your RV’s waste outlet and secure the elbow in the sewer drain at the campsite. I use a support track to keep the hose sloped downward it helps everything flow properly.

The key is to keep your black tank valve closed until it’s two-thirds full. That way, solids break down better and don’t pile up. The gray tank can be left open if you’re staying for a while, but I usually keep it closed too until I’m ready to dump both tanks and rinse the hose.

Cable and Wi-Fi Hookups

Not every campground offers cable or strong Wi-Fi, but when they do, I take advantage. If the site has a cable TV hookup, connect a coaxial cable from the pedestal to your RV’s cable input. Don’t forget to switch your TV settings to “Cable” instead of “Antenna.”

Wi-Fi is hit or miss, depending on how close you are to the campground’s main office or router. I use a Wi-Fi booster to help pick up weak signals when I’m camped out farther away. For work or streaming, having a backup hotspot is a lifesaver.

Setting Up Safely and Efficiently

My routine after parking is pretty straightforward. I level the RV first, then chock the wheels. Once that’s done, I go in this order for hookups: electric, water, then sewer. Doing it this way ensures the power is stabilized first and the water system is clean before anything else.

Using the tips in this newbie’s guide to RV hookups at campgrounds helps me avoid stress at setup. I double-check all connections and always carry backups extra hose washers, power adapters, and gloves come in handy more often than you’d expect.

Hookups for Winter Camping

If you’re camping in cold weather, hookups get a bit more complicated. Water hoses can freeze, so I use a heated drinking water hose and wrap the spigot with insulation. I also place heat tape around exposed pipes and tank valves if temperatures are dipping below freezing.

Sewer hoses can freeze too. I only hook up the sewer hose when I need to dump tanks in cold conditions, and then I disconnect and store it again. That way, I avoid the nightmare of frozen waste inside the hose.

Winter camping adds a layer of planning, but with the right gear, you can stay comfortable and avoid damage.

What to Do When Hookups Aren’t Available

Not every campground will offer full hookups. At dry sites, I rely on my fresh water tank, battery bank, and a generator or solar panel system. I conserve water by taking shorter showers, washing dishes with minimal soap, and using campground restrooms when available.

For sewer, I use my black and gray tanks and dump them at a designated station once they’re nearing full. Knowing how to function without hookups is part of what makes the newbie’s guide to RV hookups at campgrounds so useful you’ve got to adapt to every situation.

Troubleshooting Common Hookup Problems

Even when I think I’ve done everything right, problems can pop up. Here are a few common issues I’ve run into:

Low or No Power

Check your surge protector and breakers. If your pedestal breaker is tripped, reset it and try again. If it still doesn’t work, talk to campground staff. You may be assigned a faulty pedestal.

Low Water Pressure

Some campgrounds have weak water flow. In that case, I use my onboard water pump and fill the fresh tank if needed. It’s a good workaround when the spigot pressure isn’t enough.

Sewer Smells

If your RV starts to smell like a sewer, it could mean your vent is blocked or your black tank needs flushing. Use a black tank flush system and keep vents clear to reduce odors.

Leaking Hoses

Inspect the washers inside the hose ends. Replacing them usually fixes leaks. Always carry a few extras because campground spigots aren’t always in the best shape.

Helpful Gear for Easy Hookups

Over time, I’ve collected a few must-haves that make the hookup process smoother:

  • Surge protector – Protects your RV’s electrical system from power surges.
  • Water pressure regulator – Keeps high water pressure from damaging pipes.
  • Drinking water hose (heated for winter) – Supplies clean water safely.
  • Inline water filter – Improves taste and reduces contaminants.
  • Sewer hose with elbow and support – Ensures efficient and sanitary waste dumping.
  • Gloves and hand sanitizer – Essential for sewer tasks.
  • Power adapters (30-to-50 amp and vice versa) – Adds flexibility at any campsite.
  • Wi-Fi booster or cell signal amplifier – Enhances connectivity in remote areas.

I keep all of this gear in dedicated bins so setup and breakdown go quickly. Having the right tools on hand makes every campground feel like home.

Etiquette at Shared Hookup Sites

At some older campgrounds or state parks, you might find shared hookups especially for sewer. In that case, take turns and communicate with your neighbors. Never block access or let your hose stretch across another site.

Keep the area clean, secure your connections, and avoid dumping gray water on the ground. Good etiquette goes a long way toward making friends and avoiding campground drama.

Breaking Down When Leaving the Site

When it’s time to leave, I reverse my setup process. I disconnect sewer first, making sure everything is drained and rinsed. Then I stow the water hose and remove the power cord. Finally, I check the site for anything I might have left behind.

The final step is a walkaround to ensure all caps and hatches are secure, tires are chocked properly (if needed for slope), and steps are retracted. Having a checklist helps me avoid forgetting something important.

Conclusion

Getting comfortable with hookups is a crucial part of RV travel. It might seem daunting on your first few trips, but after a couple of campground stays, the routine becomes second nature. This newbie’s guide to RV hookups at campgrounds lays out everything I wish I’d known starting out.

With the right gear, a little patience, and a solid plan, you’ll be hooked up, leveled, and relaxing in no time. Whether you’re spending a weekend in the woods or a month at a full-service resort, knowing how to manage your connections lets you focus on the fun part of RV life exploring the open road.