What It’s Really Like to RV Full-Time With Kids
What It’s Really Like to RV Full-Time With Kids
The truth about tiny living, homeschooling, and making memories on the move
RVing full-time as a family sounds like a dream: national parks, campfires, quality time, and ultimate freedom. And yes — it can be all of that.
But let’s be real:
It’s also loud, messy, and full of moments where someone’s crying… and it’s not always the kids. 😅
After four years on the road with three daughters, we’ve lived the highs and the hard stuff. So here’s what it’s really like to RV full-time with kids — no sugarcoating, just honesty.
1. You’re Together. A Lot.
One of the biggest perks — and challenges — of RV life is just how much time you spend together.
There’s no upstairs. No separate bedrooms. No escape to the backyard. And while that creates incredible opportunities for connection… it can also create tension.
Kids fight. Parents need space. And personal boundaries are more like guidelines.
But over time, we’ve learned how to communicate better, pick our battles, and turn even the chaotic moments into connection. We take walks or sometimes escape out to our clam for some time alone.
2. Homeschooling Isn’t Always Pinterest-Pretty
We “roadschool,” which means our girls learn as we travel. Some days, that looks like online curriculum, visiting a National Park, or enjoying a museum.
Other days? It’s learning history by walking through Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia or a historical cave tour at Mammoth Cave NP in KY.
The flexibility is amazing — but so is the pressure.
Balancing school, work, and travel in 400 square feet requires serious time management… and a whole lot of grace.
3. They Grow in Ways We Never Expected
Our girls have become more adaptable, more curious, and more engaged with the world around them. We love the Fulltime Families Community for that. We have made many solid friendships as a result.
They’ve learned how to make friends quickly.
They’ve developed confidence in unfamiliar places.
They’ve seen more of the country than most adults ever will.
And best of all? They’re not afraid to ask questions, get uncomfortable, and try new things — because they’ve learned that home is wherever we are together.
4. There’s Still Laundry, Dishes & Attitudes
RV life doesn’t magically remove the everyday stuff. We still have:
-
Dishes piling up in the sink
-
Laundry that always needs done (especially in an RV).
-
Kids with big feelings and big energy in a small space
But living tiny has helped us simplify. We own fewer things, waste less food, and focus more on experiences than stuff.
5. Boredom is a Gift
Without constant Wi-Fi, extracurriculars, or Amazon Prime deliveries, our kids have learned how to get creative.
They learn dances. They bake. They Invent games. They make art.
Sometimes they’re “bored” — and we’ve learned that’s not a bad thing. That’s where imagination lives. Actually, thats the "magic word" to go clean their room! Thye need to know not every day is a vacation.
6. You’ll Never Regret the Memories
Yes, there are hard days. But we wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
We’ve watched our daughters light up at Glacier National Park.
We’ve celebrated birthdays in the mountains and holidays by the beach.
We’ve grown closer, not just as a family — but as friends.
RV life with kids isn’t always easy… but it’s always worth it.
Final Thought:
If you’re thinking about RV life with your kids, just know this — the space gets tight, but the memories are massive.
And if you're willing to grow with your kids, you just might find the freedom you’ve been looking for.
PS If you are seriously looking to go fulltime RVing, we would be happy to personally connect with you! Book a Free call here!
Click an image below to display the larger version.
