Is RV WiFi Any Good? RV-ing Experts Dish Out the Truth

RV internet: What works, what doesn't, and what’s next

Preparing to hit the road in your RV is no small task: It takes significant time and energy to research the best options for fuel stops, grocery stores, sights to see, and, if you’re boondocking, safe (and ideally scenic) places to sleep. The planning doesn’t stop there. Figuring out where to park, dump your black and gray tanks, and checking weather and road conditions are all items to check off your to-do list before pulling out of the driveway..

What makes all of that easier? Having WiFi on the go. A reliable internet connection can help with real-time navigation, allow passengers to research locations on the fly, and ensure a backup plan is always within reach if things don’t go as expected—which any seasoned RV-er knows they won’t. The question is: Is RV WiFi any good?

I spoke with Monika Geraci, spokesperson for Go RVing and the RV Industry Association, and peppered in my own experience as a full-time vanlifer, to get the full picture of modern RV WiFi options and what travelers can expect when trying to stay connected on the road.

• Monika Geraci, spokesperson for Go RVing and RV Industry Association, contributed expertise to this article.
• This article was reviewed for accuracy by Jeff Gwinnell, mobile connectivity specialist at TravlFi.

RV Wi-Fi Options: What’s Available?

When it comes to getting internet in your RV, you have a few options:

• Public WiFi: Available at many campgrounds, cafes, and visitor centers, but often slow, unsecured, and unreliable. However, “Many parks are investing in infrastructure upgrades to enhance the user experience for quicker streaming and remote working,” says Geraci. 
• Phones and Mobile hotspots: Uses a phone’s cellular network to provide internet access. Or, a separate battery powered hand held device with its own data plan. Speeds and reliability depend on carrier coverage, but for the most part, they provide “fantastic speed and reliability in a growing number of areas thanks to expanding cellular networks,” according to Geraci. “While data plans are a consideration, convenience and performance often make it a worthwhile choice for staying connected on the go.” 
• Cellular routers: Similar to your router at home, a cellular router is a comprehensive solution that provides more features, faster connectivity, stronger signal and supports more device connections than a hotspot. Cellular routers support wired connections too. (Read also: the difference between a hotspot and a mobile router.)
• Satellite internet: Offers connectivity in off-grid areas but is often more expensive and subject to aerial obstructions like trees and buildings. Satellite options like Starlink “open up a world of connectivity in more remote locations, offering reliability where other options might be limited,” says Geraci. 

Many RVers, myself included, use a combination of these options, choosing the best one based on their location and internet needs. I’ve found that a combined setup—like a cellular hotspot for everyday use and satellite internet for off-grid travel—gives me the best coverage.

Common Misconceptions About RV WiFi

One of the biggest misconceptions about RV WiFi is that it’s inherently unreliable. “While it’s true that RV WiFi operates differently than a fixed home setup, the advancements we're seeing are impressive,” says Geraci. “[There are] a wide range of internet options ensuring that RVers can tailor their connectivity to their specific needs and destinations.” 

Geraci says that, according to RVIA research, 22 percent of today’s RV owners work remotely, with 54 percent of them doing so from their RV. In other words, there’s a lot of motivation for RV internet providers to manufacture good products—staying connected on the road has become more than a nicety. It’s critical for those who live as digital nomads, so the technology has been advancing rapidly.

RV WiFi vs. Residential Internet

Though the mechanisms providing internet access differ, what you experience with RV WiFi can feel more-or-less the same as home internet, particularly if you invest in a mobile router or hotspot device with a substantial data plan. 

Geraci says that most RV owners (56 percent, according to RVIA data) use their phone as a hotspot while traveling in their RV, while 42 percent of RVers use built-in WiFi systems that functionally operate just like residential WiFi. These systems feature the same capabilities to stream entertainment and support remote work. 

“However, RV WiFi offers the unique advantage of portability providing access in remote locations,” Geraci points out. “Plus, with the variety of options available, RVers can often find solutions that perfectly suit their travel style and data needs.”

Unlike home internet, though, there is naturally more instability as far as connection quality. How well your system works at any given time depends on factors like proximity to cell towers, network congestion, and terrain—all things that are more constant in a residential home environment.

How to Get Good Wi-Fi In Your RV

The most important step in optimizing your RV WiFi connection is choosing the setup that makes sense for your travel style. If you plan to camp exclusively in resorts and established campgrounds, you may not need to invest in a setup at all. 

“In many campgrounds, WiFi infrastructure is constantly being upgraded, offering more robust connections for those 32 percent of RVers using campground WiFi when traveling,” says Geraci. 

“For those venturing further afield, cellular hotspots provide reliable internet in many areas, and satellite technology is expanding its reach and improving its performance,” she continues. If you’re unsure whether cellular-based internet or satellite internet is best for you, read our guide to hotspots versus Starlink.

Additionally, purchasing a data plan that makes sense for your usage is key. If you’re a remote worker who also loves Netflix nights in or you’ve gotta watch the big game every week, an unlimited plan is likely best for you. An RV WiFi booster helps with cellular signal when you’re on the fringes of civilization, too.

“Optimizing your setup can be as easy as strategically placing your router for better signal distribution within your RV,” says Geraci. “For cellular hotspot users, understanding the direction of the nearest cell tower can sometimes make a difference.” 

Sometimes, placing it outside (if the weather is nice) can make an even bigger difference. For satellite internet, be sure to check the alignment and park in an area free from obstructions. 

The Future of RV Internet

Good news: With more and more people purchasing RVs—and living in them full-time—we can only expect the technology to get better. 

“We anticipate significant advancements on several fronts, making it even easier to stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors,” says Geraci. The continued expansion and increased affordability of 5G cellular networks will be transformative for RVers, bringing much faster speeds and lower latency to more locations across the country.

According to Geraci, this will make activities like streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming smoother than ever. 

“We're also very optimistic about the progress in low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services, like Starlink. These are poised to offer broader coverage and improved performance, particularly in more remote areas where traditional cellular signals may be weaker,” Geraci continues. 

Notably, Geraci expects to see more RVs equipped with integrated multi-network solutions that can seamlessly switch between cellular, WiFi, and satellite for the best available connection. 

And if you don’t want to invest in an RV WiFi setup, you’ll be pleased to hear that “campground owners are increasingly recognizing the demand for reliable internet access and are investing in upgrades to their systems,” according to Geraci. 

“We anticipate more campgrounds offering higher bandwidth and more robust WiFi networks to better serve their guests,” she says. “Similarly, there's a growing awareness of the need for connectivity in national and state parks.”

FAQs

What is the best WiFi for campers?

It really depends on your travel style and needs. Someone who travels in their RV part-time and stays in established campgrounds may not need a WiFi system at all. For someone who boondocks in remote areas and needs to stay connected for work, multiple systems might be necessary. For me, a full-time boondocker, three systems (phone hotspot, cellular router, and Starlink) allow me to work all over the continent regardless of terrain and region. 

How does portable internet work?

For the most part, portable internet devices (mobile hotspots and routers) use cellular network signals and convert them into usable WiFi over a local area network (LAN). Aside from such devices, there is also satellite internet, which works by communicating with a network of satellites in Earth’s orbit. 

How much does RV WiFi cost?

Your wallet need not suffer to get good Wi-Fi in your RV. A membership-free, pay-as-you-go option is the best route because you have full control of how often you use and pay for Wi-Fi in your RV. Many RV internet providers, including TravlFi and Starlink, offer no-contract plans. Actual costs vary based on the hardware you buy and how much data you need per month. For part-time travelers, data plans can cost as low as $10 per month, while unlimited plans can reach upward of $200 per month.

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Wherever your travels take you, TravlFi’s flexible data plans and powerful hotspot devices will keep you connected.