How to Plan an RV Camping Writer’s Retreat

Do you belong to a group of writers who meet regularly to encourage each other? Does the idea of retreating back to nature with your writing group get your creative juices flowing? Putting together a writers’ retreat in a beautiful natural setting may be easier than you think. These steps will help you plan and execute a back-to-nature RV camping retreat for you and your fellow writers.

Pick a Stimulating Setting:
To get your plan rolling, you’ll need to decide whether to set up your RV camping retreat nearby, or make the journey part of the retreat. For instance, if your writing group is located in Chicago, and you’d like to kick off an annual “Lake Michigan Writers’ Retreat,” you could research scenic campgrounds in lakeside villages within easy driving distance. If your group can retreat for more than a weekend, why not choose two or three quiet lakeside RV campgrounds and incorporate travel into your retreat plans?

No matter what state your group calls home, you can plan your retreat around seasonal occurrences like fall foliage or spring wildflowers. Pick a location where the beauty of nature is sure to inspire creative writing.

Create Your Retreat:
To create the perfect retreat, incorporate these ingredients:

o Agree on some ground rules to protect the “retreat” nature of the trip.
o Schedule time for writers to be out in nature by themselves to write and reflect.
o Plan easy meals that can be created in your convenient motorhome kitchen.
o Arrange when you’ll meet as a group each day to discuss what you’ve written.
o Plan to take some writing cues to help push past writer’s block!
o Leave time for individuals or groups to explore the area each day.
o Decide how much the “real world” (i.e., cell phones, wifi, etc.) will be allowed to encroach!

Plan and Then Enjoy!
If you’re in charge of planning, work with a local RV rental firm to arrange the perfect RV for your group. They can also help you project your fuel and rental costs. Today’s luxurious motorhomes offer comfortable seating, convenient appliances and lots of extras your group will appreciate.

Choose an RV that’s roomy enough to sleep your group easily. Something to consider-if you have both male and female group members, renting two smaller RVs instead of one large motorhome is a smart choice.

For maximum comfort, choose a campground with full hookups and decide if you’ll also need a location that offers amenities like a campground store and showers. Do some research on campground rules like “mandatory quiet times” so your group will have the best possible experience.

When you call prospective campgrounds, get firm campsite rental rates so you can add them to the retreat total. Add in food and supply costs, and divide by the number of retreat participants to find your cost per person. Once you’ve arrived at that number, and decided who’ll be driving the motorhome, you’re ready to retreat to the woods!

You’re going to be amazed what your group’s stay in the great outdoors brings to your writing. Sharing the cost makes it possible for everyone to enjoy the inspiration of nature without being extravagant. By choosing a location that’s sure to inspire, and treating your group to the comfort of a motorhome, your RV camping writers’ retreat could easily become a cherished annual event.