One of the most fun things to do while camping is host an RV movie night. Whether you choose to keep it intimate with family only or you want to invite the entire campground, this is a relaxing activity absolutely everyone can enjoy.
Of course, everything is more fun when done outdoors. That’s why we recommend hosting your RV movie nights outside whenever possible. This allows you to continue connecting with nature while also enjoying the benefits of modern technology and giving you an excuse to keep the fire burning longer (and maybe even glance up at the stars from time to time).
Not sure where to begin when it comes to hosting an outdoor RV movie night? Here are our top tips.
Setting Up Your Outdoor Movie Projector
First things first: you need a way to play your movie. Sure, some RVs come with outdoor TVs, but let’s be real – there’s nothing quite like the magic of a movie projected on a big outdoor screen.
If you’re aiming for top-notch RV movie night magic, think about investing in a portable outdoor projector like these options. These little gems pack a punch with brilliant picture quality and are just perfect for the great outdoors. You don’t need to worry much about power either. Whether you hook it up to your RV with an extension cord or use a nifty portable power station, you’re all set for a seamless show.
Oh, and a quick tip: if you’re streaming, make sure your internet connection is as strong as your love for movies. Not so strong on the signal front? No problem! Bring along your favorite DVDs or have your films downloaded and ready to go. That way, you’re guaranteed a smooth viewing experience, internet or no internet.
Now, for the DIY enthusiasts out there, how about making your own projector?
It sounds like a crafty challenge, but it’s actually pretty simple and a whole lot of fun. You can whip up a neat little projector using just a smartphone, a shoebox, and a magnifying glass – no kidding! There’s a handy clip below that’ll walk you through every step. Once you’ve got it, project your favorite flicks onto a white sheet or even the side of your RV. It’s a quirky, fun way to enjoy your movies and impress your fellow campers.
While your projector will ensure everyone can see the movie, your smartphone likely won’t be loud enough for everyone to hear it. This is where a Bluetooth speaker comes into play. Simply connect your phone to the speaker for audio the whole audience can enjoy.
So there you have it, movie buffs. With your projector set up, you’re halfway to hosting the most awesome RV movie night ever.
Choosing the Perfect Film for RV Movie Night
With your projector taken care of, the next thing you’ll need to consider is what film to play at your RV movie night. Obviously, you could play one of your family’s favorites, but we think it’s even more fitting to find an RV-related movie to show.
Fortunately, there are plenty of these to choose from, meaning you’re sure to find an awesome movie that your family and friends will love.
Below are some of our favorite movies featuring RVs and RV trips:
- About Smidt
- American Nomads
- Child of Grace
- Darius Goes West
- Dear Mr. President
- Escape to Witch Mountain
- Grandma’s Blessings
- Hollywood to Dollywood
- The Houses October Built
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- RV
- The Leisure Seeker
- The Long, Long Trailer
- Nomadland
- The Wild Thornberrys
- Toy Story 4
Stocking Up on Snacks
Of course, no RV movie night is complete without some good movie snacks. The fact that you’re camping and holding your movie night outdoors makes your snack choices even better. Sure, you could stick with Twizzlers and microwave popcorn, but we’re betting the snacks below will win:
Jiffy Pop — If you’ve never popped Jiffy Pop over an open fire, you’re missing out. Grab a package or two and experience the fun of making popcorn over the campfire before your movie begins.
S’mores — S’mores are the ultimate camping treat, and they are even better when enjoyed with a good movie. If regular s’mores aren’t exciting enough for you, you might consider mixing things up by using A) other types of candy bars in place of the traditional plain milk chocolate, B) cookies instead of graham crackers, or even C) flavored marshmallows in place of regular ones. Get creative with the options you offer and set up a whole s’mores bar so attendees can build their perfect treat!
Walking Tacos — Walking tacos are a super fun meal (or snack) that can be enjoyed outside while watching a movie without much mess or fuss. They’re customizable, making them ideal for large groups of people. Additionally, a walking taco bar is relatively easy to set up.
Other Suggestions for RV Movie Night
Putting together a projector, picking the perfect movie, and stocking up on snacks are the most important aspects of hosting a super fun movie night. However, there are some other things you may want to consider in order to ensure your get-together goes off without a hitch.
Here are our top suggestions:
Bring Your Own Chair — If you’re inviting a large number of people, it’s unlikely that you’ll have enough camping chairs to go around. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have people bring their own.
Keep the Fire Burning — If you’ll be hosting your movie night during the fall, winter, or spring, it’ll likely be pretty chilly out after the sun goes down. Help combat this (and make continuous marshmallow roasting possible) by keeping a campfire going during the movie. Sitting around a campfire while enjoying a movie is the perfect camping memory, and it’s something the kids will think is absolutely amazing.
Wrapping Up RV Movie Nights
That’s a wrap on setting up your ultimate RV movie night! Remember, it’s the shared laughs and starry skies that make these nights truly special. But we’re curious – what are your movie night must-haves?
Share your favorite projectors, top snack picks, and go-to movies in the comments. Let’s keep the ideas rolling and help each other create even more unforgettable camping memories. Can’t wait to hear your tips and tricks!
