RV Sticker Maps: Fun Rules and Traditions

One of the best parts of RV travel is the freedom to roam across the country, exploring new places and making memories along the way. And what better way to capture all those travels than with a sticker map? If you’ve ever hung out at an RV park or cruised down the highway, you’ve probably spotted these colorful maps proudly displayed on the side of an RV. They’re not just decorations—they’re a fun way to share your adventures and a visual reminder of all the places you’ve been.

In this post, we’ll dive into the fun world of RV sticker maps, go over some popular “rules” for when to add a new state, and show you how these maps can bring an extra layer of excitement to your RV travels.

What’s the Deal with RV Sticker Maps?

RVers love to tell the story of their journeys, and while many share photos and blog posts, the good ol’ sticker map remains a favorite. It’s affordable, simple, and a great conversation starter at any campground. If you’ve recently bought an RV, chances are you’ve already thought about getting one. (Psst—if you don’t know where to start, check out our blog post, “The Ultimate RV Bucket List Adventures.“)

So, what are the “rules” for these maps? Well, like many things in RV life, the answer depends on who you ask!

The Great RV Sticker Map Debate: When Do You Get to Add a Sticker?

This is where things get interesting. Every RVer seems to have their own set of rules about when they can add a new state to their map. Here are a few of the most common ones we’ve come across:

1. You drove through the state in your car: Nope, sorry—if you weren’t in your RV, it doesn’t count!
2. Stayed in the state without the RV: While this might explain how some folks manage to get a Hawaii sticker on their map, if the RV wasn’t there, neither was the sticker.
3. Drove through the state in the RV, but didn’t stop: We lean toward saying this doesn’t count either. If you’re just cruising through and don’t actually experience the state, is it really worth a sticker?
4. Drove through the state in the RV and got out for a bit: Maybe you stopped at a rest stop or filled up the gas tank. While that’s technically stepping foot in the state, we don’t think it qualifies for a sticker.
5. Visited something unique in the state, but didn’t stay the night: Now we’re getting somewhere! If you saw something cool—even if it was just a quick stop—this could go either way.
6. Spent at least one night camping in your RV: Ding, ding, ding! This is our preferred rule. If you set up camp and spent the night, the state definitely deserves a sticker.
7. The state was your destination: If you stayed for a week or explored a national park, slap that sticker on with pride!

Personalizing Your RV Sticker Map

Of course, there’s more to RV sticker maps than just adding states. Here are a few fun ideas to make your map uniquely yours:

– One Sticker Per State: A classic way to keep track of your travels. It’s a fun challenge to get all 48 continental states (and maybe even Alaska and Hawaii one day!).

– Mark Milestones: Add special stickers to celebrate big moments, like your first cross-country trip or reaching 25 states.

– Collect Local Stickers: Some RVers like to pick up local stickers from each place they visit—maybe from a favorite brewery or a cool festival.

– Add Special Event Stickers: Did you attend a family reunion or a cool event on your trip? Add a sticker to commemorate the occasion.

– Trade Stickers with Fellow RVers: Meet a fellow traveler on the road? Swap stickers to make your map even more unique.

– Get Creative: Don’t feel limited to just state shapes—add fun designs that reflect your personal style or interests!

Who Gets to Add the Sticker?

Another fun debate: who in the family gets the honor of sticking the new state on the map? In our case, Shane (the driver) usually gets the job, but some families have their own traditions. How about yours?

Where Should You Put Your Map?

The location of your map is another personal choice. Some like to stick it on the back of the RV so others can see it on the road, while others prefer a more protected spot like inside a slide-out. We’ve even seen maps displayed on plexiglass or inside a window using suction cups. There’s no wrong way—just find what works best for you!

Does the Map Belong to You or the RV?

Here’s a question we’ve heard in RV circles: if you sell your RV, does the map stay with it or come with you? We’re still undecided, but what do you think? Should you start fresh with each new RV, or bring your sticker map along for the ride?

There’s No Sticker Map Mafia!

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to do your RV sticker map. Make your own rules and have fun with it! Each sticker represents a memory, a place, or an experience, and as your map fills up, it becomes a visual story of your adventures.

We’d love to hear from you! Do you have a sticker map on your RV? What rules do you follow when adding new states? Share your thoughts in the comments and feel free to post a picture of your map—we can’t wait to see it!

Safe travels and happy sticker collecting!