How to Meal Plan for The Best RV Trip Ever

Heading for the best RV parks in Salem, Oregon, and feeling hungry? Traveling in an RV is a great way to experience the great outdoors. Cooking in an RV can present unique challenges. Kitchen space is limited. You might have to make do with just one stovetop burner. If you have an oven, it can be tricky to light. And you’re lucky if you have a dishwasher. But of course, you can also take advantage of beautiful outdoor space to grill and relax. 

 

One of the major advantages of RVing is the ability to cook meals while on the road. A little planning goes a long way toward saving time and money. Plus, what’s better than eating your favorite meal in the fresh air?

 

RV Meal Planning 

 

Meal planning for a long RV trip can be a challenge. But with careful preparation, you can ensure that you and your family have tasty, easy, nutritious meals while on the road.

 

Make a master list of your favorite meals: Before you hit the road, think about the types of meals you and your family enjoy. Make a list of your favorite meals that are easy to prepare in an RV or outdoor kitchen. What can be stored and transported easily? Keep counter space and dishwashing in mind.

 

Plan your meals in advance: Once you have your list of favorite meals, plan out your meals for the trip. This will help you know exactly what you need to buy and what ingredients to bring with you. For especially long trips, you might plan out one or two weeks’ worth of meals and repeat. (Don’t forget the condiments! Who could have Taco Tuesday without the salsa?)

 

Shop for non-perishable items: Shop your cupboards first to see what you already have. Then stock up on non-perishable items such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and other staples. These items can be stored easily and will help you save time and money on the road. Shopping every once in a while is great. Stopping by the store twice a day because you forgot something gets old. Luckily, Phoenix is one of the RV parks in Salem, Oregon, that’s very close to a grocery store.

 

Invest in a few time-and-space-saving items: Crockpots can be lifesavers on busy RV camping trips. You’ll have meals ready in advance, and if you choose your recipes carefully, you’ll save on cleanup, too.  Vertical storage containers squeak out the most efficient use of space in your cabinets. And if you don’t have a fridge or freezer, a good cooler is a must.

 

Be flexible: Make a plan that allows for flexibility. Not everything will go as planned. There will be nights your hotdog cookout gets rained out, or your RV oven won’t light. Maybe it’s particularly beautiful outside, and you can’t stand the idea of being inside for one moment. Choosing meals and cookware that work inside and out gives you options and happy eaters.

 

RV parks near Salem, Oregon

 

While it’s great to have meals prepped and ready, part of the joy of RV life is enjoying the local food and culture. Eating out occasionally can be a fun way to break up the trip and try new things. In Salem, we love our local taco trucks and Mexican restaurants. A quick 20-minute drive up the road from our RV parks in Salem, Oregon, is Bauman’s Farms, with farm-fresh produce, bakery, farm animals, and playground. We’re lucky to have so much to do in this corner of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Visit Phoenix RV, and you’ll see why people say we’re one of the best RV parks Oregon has to offer.