Lakeshore RV Center
We’re just going to come right out and say that if you already have a toy hauler with a rear garage, it'll be easy to transform your RV into a deer camp. Think about it: you have a huge ramp to load the freshly caught game inside, and you have a big open space out of the elements to clean it and store it, with a rubber or plastic floor that is easily sprayed off with a hose. Any additional beds or sofas just fold or lift out of the way for ultimate flexibility. Those of you who don’t have a toy hauler but want to consider getting one, check out our huge selection of travel trailer toy haulers and fifth wheel toy haulers!
For the rest of us, we have to get a little creative with our RV space. Here are a few tips on how to use your RV to meet your basic hunting needs:
Space To Sleep
A dry and relatively warm place to rest and relax is perhaps one of the most important requirements. Ever hunted without much sleep? It’s not fun (or safe!). Popular RV features often include hide-a-bed sofas and dinettes, which will certainly come in handy. Be warned, those pop-out bunk ends are great as far as saving space, but they aren’t big on warmth. Bring an Eskimo-level sleeping bag or some thick blankets designed for the Arctic.
Space To Clean and Store Meat
This is where it might get a bit tricky. It goes without saying that you’ll want to clean and dress the 10-pointer you just bagged outside. Some folks use a 
Size Only Sort Of Matters
In truth, those toy haulers might have handy garage areas, but as far as RVs go, they tend to be large and heavy. Towing one way back off the beaten path into the boonies would be almost impossible, which is where compact dimensions might win you the day. Generally, anything wider than 7 feet or longer than 18 feet may give you a problem in tight situations.
Element Protection
Here’s where having a heated and enclosed underbelly will really pay off, as well as extra insulation in the walls and ceiling. Those cold winter days and nights can get mighty long without those added layers. If you're out in warmer weather, an A/C unit would certainly bring appreciated cool air inside. Most modern trailers have at least one of these elements, but an older model might need a bit of retrofitting to be comfortable in all conditions.
A heat source is also much appreciated during a frigid period. Portable heaters are popular, just remember to crack a couple of windows if it’s a propane model to keep good cross-ventilation going. And, of course, never fall asleep with any appliances on. Safety first.
Wagon Circle
If you have a larger hunting party, consider bringing two trailers and parking them a short distance apart, with the campfire in between–sort of a “circle the wagons” maneuver. This setup provides a decent windbreak while eating or relaxing outside.
Other Considerations
- If you don’t want to have to worry about freezing water lines and whatnot, you could carry jugs of water in and out as you see fit.
- Some folks simply head outside to use the facilities if they are able to (by building a makeshift outhouse or other means), which would mostly eliminate having to mess around with your black tanks.
- Consider mounting a power strip if you might have access to 120V electrical hookup where your hunting site is, which would open up a whole raft of possibilities, including running a generator, adding a battery charger, and more.
- Think about where your outerwear will be stored when you’re not wearing it. Those filthy wet boots and suspiciously red-stained clothes have to hang and drip somewhere, most likely not on that nice thick carpet. A set of sturdy hooks or enclosed coat closet might be useful here.
Got any tips of your own? Do you use your trailer as a base for hunting? Feel free to share any ideas or stories of your own in the comments below!
