Golfing with an RV: Tips for First-Timers

There is no better sport to compliment RV owners with wanderlust than golf. Whether you are a first-time golfer or first-time RV owner, the two go together like peas in a pod. However, an RV golf road trip requires ample preparation and a flexible itinerary. If you’re new to the scene, these tips should get you on the road and swinging your club in no time.

Where You Should Go

If you’re going to embark on an RV golf excursion, you need a short list of destinations. Below are some of the most popular RV golf parks in North America you need to experience.

TPC Tampa Bay - Florida

Florida isn’t just renowned for its white-sand beaches, casino lifestyle, and yacht parties—it’s also home to some of the most stunning RV golf parks in the country. TPC Tampa Bay is just one of them.

This Tournament Players Club has hosted multiple PGA and Champions Tour events thanks to its rolling hills, lush scenery, and challenging holes. It carefully integrates with its natural surroundings and makes for a picturesque backdrop for budding photographers.

French Lick Resort - Indiana

This once-in-a-lifetime golf course isn’t just RV-friendly—it’s also a haven for frequent campers. The resort is equipped with a Train Trolley that links up with your RV, taking it to and from the main property.

If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous, you can even take a stroll through the Hoosier National Forest, which rests just beside this stunning course.

Cabot Cliffs - Canada

This RV-friendly golf course is situated overlooking Cape Breton, giving it one of the most breathtaking views in the world!

When you’re not taking a swing on the course, you can take a slow drive along the cliffs, snapping picture-perfect Kodak moments for your digital scrapbook or for sharing online. At the end of the day, you can retire in your RV at this site’s RV campground.

Torrey Pines Golf Course - California

When we say golf, most people think of California. After all, there is no better way to give your new designer driver a spin than with a kiss of sunshine and a quick trip to the beach afterward.

You get everything from views at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, a challenging course home to occasional US Open tournaments and lush RV campgrounds.

Bandon Dunes - Oregon

One RV golf course in each state is typically enough to satisfy avid travelers. However, you’ll get the best bang for your buck in Oregon, where Bandon Dunes isn’t just home to two but five distinct RV golf parks.

Reminiscent of European scenery, some say this location is probably the best in the United States!

Things You Should Consider

Now that you have a few destinations in mind, it’s time to kick start your golf-centric RV road trip. Before taking on the open road, don’t forget to note these must-know tips.

What RV is Best for Golfing?

Full-profile fifth-wheel RVs don’t always make the best golfing companions. While they are more luxurious and eye-catching than most, bigger isn’t necessarily better.

No matter the size of your RV, purchasing one that can tow or mount a golf cart can do wonders for your experience. An RV with cart-towing capabilities can make specific locations more accessible for you and your travel group. Plus, they are often time-saving and ideal for taking along only a few essential accessories while on the course.

If you are traveling to multiple destinations with polarizing weather, a high-endurance, all-terrain RV may suit you best.

Don’t want to book a resort while you’re on the go? Consider purchasing a fully-equipped motorhome where you can cook, bathe, and sleep.

RV Maintenance

On a golfing excursion, an RV is your home away from home, meaning you’ll want to keep it in excellent shape at all times. Repairing an RV isn’t just going to cost you a pretty penny, but leaving seemingly innocuous damage to worsen can put your precious golf tools at risk!

As often as possible, check in on your RV’s batteries and brakes maintenance at all costs. Perform an occasional oil change and ensure that your RV’s wastewater system is in tip-top shape. You never know when a leak can devastate your entire collection of golf paraphernalia!

Choosing a Travel Destination

Selecting a travel destination isn’t as simple as pushing pins into a map—traveling with an RV isn’t as simple as you might think!

While there are popular golfing destinations across the United States, you’ll want to curate your route strategically. Where is the highest concentration of top-rated RV golf parks? How long will it take you to travel from one RV golf park to another?

It’ll pay off to get local knowledge. You can contact a travel agent or friends and family members who live in the area. What destinations do they suggest? Do they recommend that you avoid specific places?

You’ll also have to account for incidents like refueling, oil changes, or even replacing golf accessories that you may have damaged along the way. Plan a route that is both exciting and practical—you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Essentials to Pack

When we say essentials, we don’t just mean your fanciest clubs and drivers—though we do recommend taking your most forgiving ones—we mean tools that’ll make your road trip as seamless as possible.

Especially if you are taking a golf cart on your ride-along, you’ll want to take some spare cart batteries—you never know when you’re going to run out. Other non-golf essentials include:

• First aid kit
• Map—analog or digital
• Spare tire and extra fuel
• Basic tool kit for quick fixes
• Water
• Sets of weather-appropriate clothing

The Bottom Line

Taking your first post-Covid trip is both an exciting and daunting process. However, traveling with close friends to take on top golfing destinations in your RV is a unique and safe experience. With ample preparation, you can expect to make the most of your golf-driven excursion—so long as you’re prepared for a few bumps on the road!