Life on the road in an RV with three kids while working might sound like a dream—or a logistical nightmare—depending on who you ask. The truth is, it’s a bit of both. My family and I have embraced this lifestyle, and while it comes with challenges, the rewards far outweigh the struggles. If you’re considering full-time RV life with kids while juggling work and travel, here’s a look at what it’s really like.
The Reality of Long-Term RV Life with Three Kids While Working and Traveling
May 15, 2025
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Why We Chose RV Life
We didn’t just wake up one day and decide to squeeze five people into a rolling home. Like many, we craved freedom—freedom from a rigid routine, from the monotony of a stationary life, and from the financial burden of a traditional home. We wanted to show our kids the world (or at least as much of North America as we could drive through), and we didn’t want to wait until retirement to do it. We have met so many others now doing the same exact thing!
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The Logistics: How We Make It Work
1. Choosing the Right RV
Finding the right RV for a family of five was no small task. We needed space, storage, and a layout that allowed for both privacy and togetherness. Bunkhouses are a lifesaver, and we made modifications to maximize functionality—think collapsible desks, hidden storage, and an outdoor kitchen for extra meal prep space. Our Jayco NorthPoint is perfect for us and it checked all the boxes.
2. Balancing Work and Travel
I work remotely, which means internet connectivity is a non-negotiable. We rely on a combination of Starlink, mobile hotspots, and campground Wi-Fi (when it’s reliable, which isn’t often). I’ve learned to plan workdays around travel days, and I schedule calls and deep-focus tasks when the kids are engaged in activities or asleep.
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3. Homeschooling on the Road
Homeschooling three kids in a small space might sound overwhelming, but we’ve found a rhythm. We use a mix of online resources, hands-on projects, and real-world learning. National parks become science lessons, historical landmarks turn into history class, and budgeting for groceries teaches math. The world is their classroom, and that’s one of the biggest perks of this lifestyle.
4. Managing the Chaos
Let’s be real—RV life with kids is messy, loud, and unpredictable. We’ve had to let go of the idea of a perfectly clean space. We focus on systems that work:
- Everyone has a designated storage space for clothes and toys.
- We use a weekly meal plan to avoid last-minute grocery runs.
- Chore charts keep the kids involved in maintaining the home.
5. Socialization for the Kids
Many worry about kids missing out on friendships. We’ve found that RV life actually expands their social circles. Campgrounds, homeschool meetups, and full-time traveling families provide plenty of opportunities to build lasting friendships.
6. The Rewards
Despite the challenges, long-term RV life is an incredible adventure. Our kids are growing up with a deep appreciation for nature, culture, and adaptability. We’re spending more quality time together than ever before, and we’ve created memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re thinking about hitting the road full-time with kids, know that it won’t always be easy—but it will always be worth it. The key is finding your own balance, embracing the challenges, and remembering why you chose this lifestyle in the first place.
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Are you considering RV life with your family? Or are you already living the dream? Let’s swap stories—I’d love to hear about your journey!
Gwendolyn Call - Chaos Kiddos and Harmony
Gwendolyn, her husband Brittan and kiddos, a family of five plus two four-legged friends, sold it all to live small!
They are traveling the US and Canada in their RV full-time. This amazing family is navigating road schooling, national parks and all the family adventures possible.
Jayco Ambassador: Jayco North Point
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