Spotting wildlife near your campsite or on a leisurely drive through beautiful, natural areas is one of the joys of RV camping. Watching animals in the wild guarantees peace, exhilaration and a direct connection with nature. 

Whether you are a photographer, lover of wildlife, or just someone who loves outdoor adventures themselves, learning how to spot them is sure to add some wonderful and unforgettable memories to your RV trip.

Spotting wildlife from the comfort of your campsite or while driving around beautiful natural areas is one of the most exciting parts about RV camping. Observing animals in the wild is peaceful and exciting, allowing for a deeper connection to nature. 

Whether you are photographer, occasional board-watcher or someone headed on short adventure like a Weekend Itinerary: 48 Hours in the Smokies, learning how to spot wildlife in the best way possible will ensure you never forget your time spent outdoors RVing.

1. Choose the Best Times of Day for Spotting Wildlife

If you’re hoping for wildlife viewing, timing is everything. Most animals follow daily rituals that help ensure our ability to see them at some point.

1. Early Morning: Animals such as deer, rabbits and foxes as well as numerous species of birds are very active at sunrise. Colder temperatures and stillness in the early mornings are ideal for spotting wildlife.

2. Late Afternoon and Dusk: Again as dawn breaks into day, the wildlife dynamics pick. It’s another excellent time to see wildlife — raccoons and owls, elk and other animals as they resume their evening habits.

3. Nighttime: Nighttime is when nocturnal animals should get their spotlight. And it’s also perfect to prevent startling animals when keeping your loved ones safe.

Knowing and recognizing how these patterns work is a huge advantage when it comes to spotting wildlife organically.

2. Pick RV Campsites Near Natural Habitats

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If you’re traveling in the mountains, such as the Smokies, a lot of campgrounds naturally attract a variety of animals, so you’ll probably see a fair share of wildlife.

Choosing the right camp is critical for spotting wildlife. Choose RV parks close to:

1. Rivers, lakes, or ponds
2. Forest edges
3. Open meadows
4. Mountain foothills
5. Nature trails

The draw for animals is always food, water and shelter. Being so close to these places makes it easier to see wild animals.

If you are visiting the Smokies or any other scenic drives and locations, most campgrounds tend to draw in all kinds of wildlife by default -and provide plenty of chances for spotting them.

3. Decrease Noise and Movement Near Your RV Animals 

Animals are programmed to run away from loud noises or rapid movements; the quieter your surroundings, the more wildlife you can get close to.

To stay quiet:

1. Don’t be afraid to turn off the RV engine
2. Walk softly near your campsite
3. Speak in low voices
4. Use of outside loudspeakers, amplifiers, or generators should be restricted

A quiet RV park attracts birds, deer and other animals to approach without fear.

4. Use Helpful Gear for Easier Spotting Wildlife

You don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of expensive gear. But a couple of basic tools will make spotting wildlife easier and more fun.

Recommended gear:

1. Binoculars to have sight of animals in far distance
2. Equipped with a camera and zoom lens for safe, beautiful photography
3. Wildlife or bird identification apps
4. Notebook for noting sightings and behaviour patterns

With the right gear, you’ll extend your vision range and gain insight into what you’re seeing as it happens.

5. Attract Wildlife Safely Near Your RV

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If you like to observe birds up close, or if attracting small animals is your goal — as long as it can be done with minimal impact on wildlife behavior — consider these non-invasive approaches that help promote spotting wildlife without disrupting them:

1. Hang seed or nectar feeders for birds
2. Add a shallow water bath for birds
3. You will want to keep your camping area square and garbage-free so as not to attract larger wildlife.
4. Avoid feeding wildlife human food

With just a few simple measures, you can attract lovely songbirds, butterflies and little critters close enough to get real pleasure from seeing them.

6. Stay Patient and Observant

One of the best skills for spotting wildlife is patience. Animals choose their own time, and being vigilant lets you notice tiny hints.

Watch and listen for:

1. Leaves rustling
2. Bird calls or wing flutters
3. Slow movement in tall grass
4. Shades traveling in the morning or afternoon

The more time you spend chilling out and just watching, the more wildlife you will find.

7. Learn About Local Wildlife for Better Spotting

The better you can understand the environment that surrounds your campground, the more successful you are likely to be when it comes to spotting wildlife.

Research before arriving:

1. What animals are found in the area
2. Their diet and daily activity
3. Whether they are night or day-active
4. Local safety rules and social distancing

It helps you find animals more quickly and also encourages responsible observation.

8. Use Scenic Drives as Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

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Your RV is your home away from home, and why should it not also offer the best mobile viewpoint? If you go slowly along the forest roads or open valleys, many animals are seen.

Look for wildlife along:

1. Riverbanks
2. Meadow edges
3. Wooded trails
4. Scenic overlooks

The early morning drives are particularly favorable for spotting wildlife like elk, deer and birds.

9. Always Practice Ethical Wildlife Viewing

When it comes to spotting wildlife, safety should always come first — for you as well as for the animals.

Follow these essential rules:

1. Keep a safe distance
2. Never feed wild animals
3. Do not approach nests or dens too closely
4. Leave no trash behind
5. Remain on established trails and campsites

Doing so promotes happy, healthy and wild animals.

Final Thoughts

RV camping offers you the opportunity to catch a rare glimpse of these animals in their natural habitat. With a little planning, good timing, quiet surroundings and secure attractions, spotting wildlife is as thrilling an addition to your travel itinerary as any hotel or museum. 

And every sunrise or sunset brings a chance to see something unforgettable.

Are you ready to plan your wildlife RV trip? Reserve your stay now at https://gatewayrvc.com/.