We’ve all been there. You pull into a beautiful site in the Muskokas or a provincial park in the Rockies, level the rig, and step out – only to land calf-deep in mud or trip over uneven gravel. Within twenty minutes, the kids have tracked half the campsite into the living room, and your “relaxing” evening is spent scrubbing floors. A pro-level RV patio setup isn’t just about looking good for the “Gram”; it’s about reclaiming your outdoor space from the elements and making sure your campsite feels like a true extension of your home, whether you’re battling BC dampness or Alberta dust.

Why Your RV Patio Setup Starts With the Right Mat

If your RV is your house, the patio mat is your foundation. I’ve camped from the Cabot Trail to Vancouver Island, and I can tell you: a bare campsite is a recipe for a messy RV. Whether it’s the fine silt of the Prairies or the pine needles of Northern Ontario, a high-quality mat keeps the grit outside where it belongs.

I personally swear by the Faulkner 20ft x 8ft Reversible Patio Mat. At 20 feet long, it covers the entire length of most power awnings, giving you a massive, clean “living room” on the grass. If you want something with a bit more flair, the Faulkner Summer Waves Design adds some personality to the rig, while Lippert Patio Mats offer a variety of sizes if you’re working with a smaller footprint.

Why these mats win in Canada:

• Breathability: They won’t kill the grass (most park wardens will thank you).
• UV & Mold Resistance: Essential for those humid Atlantic summers.
• Easy Clean: A quick hose-down and they’re good as new.

Pro Tip: Keep your setup organized from the ground up. Just like you wouldn’t leave your RV sewer hose exposed and messy, a tidy mat defines your “clean zone.”

Comfortable Seating Makes or Breaks the Evening

In Canada, “summer” evenings can get brisk the second the sun dips behind the treeline. If you’re sitting in a saggy, $10 grocery store chair, you’re going to head inside early and miss the best part of the night.

If you really want to level up, the Lippert Big Bear Heated Camping Chair is a total game-changer for shoulder season camping. I’ve sat in this chair during a damp October night in Algonquin, and that built-in heater is pure magic. For couples who like to cozy up by the fire, the Lippert Big Bear Folding Loveseat is surprisingly sturdy, while a Faulkner El Capitan Director’s Chair is my go-to for morning coffee thanks to its rigid back support and side table.

Keep Drinks Cold Without Running Inside Every 10 Minutes

The quickest way to let the bugs inside your RV is by constantly opening and closing the screen door to grab a drink. A dedicated outdoor cooler is a staple of a smart RV patio setup.

For the long weekends when the whole family is over, the Husky Towing BigDog Beverage Cooler (75 Quart) is a beast. It’s got the insulation power to keep ice for days, even in the July heat. If you’re more of the “off-road and rugged” type, a Truck Gear Expedition Beverage Cooler is built like a tank. Having your drinks within arm’s reach of your chair isn’t just lazy- it’s efficient camping.

Building the Perfect RV BBQ Hangout Zone

This is where the magic happens. Picture this: your Faulkner Reversible Mat is swept clean, your Big Bear chair is warming up, and your Truck Gear Expedition cooler is stocked. Now, you need the kitchen.

I recommend the Faulkner Deluxe Gas Grill (12,000 BTU) for its portability and punch. Pair it with a Coleman Compact Roll-Top Aluminum Table for prep space, or go all out with the Faulkner Camp Cuisine Kitchen. Having a dedicated “zone” for grilling keeps the heat and smells outside, keeping your RV interior fresh. It’s about creating that flow where the “cook” is still part of the conversation.

Small Add-Ons That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes it’s the little things that save your sanity.

• Faulkner Trash Can: A collapsible bin keeps the wasps away and the site pristine.
• Patio Mat Carry Bag: Because trying to fold a 20-foot mat back into its original plastic wrap is a losing battle.

Once you’ve mastered your patio, check out our guide on RV Levelling Made Simple: Tools, Tips, and Common Mistakes to make sure the rest of your trip goes just as smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size RV patio mat should I choose?

Go as big as your awning allows. An 8’x20′ mat is the gold standard for most travel trailers, providing enough room for chairs, a table, and a cooler without anyone having to step off into the dirt.

Are RV patio mats safe for grass?

Yes. Look for “breathable” woven polypropylene (like the Faulkner or Lippert models). They allow air and light through so you don’t end up with a rectangular patch of dead yellow grass when you pack up.

Do I really need a heated camping chair in Canada?

Is the maple leaf red? Absolutely. Between June bugs and the Great Canadian Chill, a heated chair extends your outdoor time by hours during the spring and fall.

How do I keep my RV patio setup clean?

Start with a good mat, use a collapsible trash can, and keep a small whisk broom handy to sweep off pine needles or sand before you head inside for the night.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, your RV is your ticket to the great outdoors, but your RV patio setup is where you actually live. By investing in a solid foundation, comfortable (and warm!) seating, and a functional cooking zone, you turn a simple campsite into a five-star outdoor lounge.

What’s the one thing your campsite is missing right now? A better chair, a proper mat, or a cooler that actually keeps up?

Ready to upgrade? Swing by your local RV Care Dealer or shop the full collection online!