Tailgating has taken the place of picnics in America.  It's what we do now.

While football games are the standard for tailgaters , Nascar, concerts and even polo matches have large crowds of tailgaters these days . Tailgating can be an unruly affair or a statement of style.  Tailgaters become communities of food lovers and friends as well as friendly rivals.  It's like a great American neighborhood!

Everyone has their own idea of what tailgating is from the set up to the food.  Tailgating can be as simple as a Smokey Joe for grilling or as fancy as a custom built outdoor kitchen with a pig shaped smoker. 

It can be a car with a grill that attaches to the back of the car and swings out for cooking,

          to a RV patio complete with a full bar and big screen TV. 

Food can range from finger foods or simple burgers served on paper plates to an elaborate banquet served on china - and everything in between.

Tailgating in a RV is a whole different world - one that you want to live in!  You don't have to worry about the weather, you have your own bathroom (yes!  No Port-a-Potties!), there's a refrigerator to keep your food and drinks cold and you can sit in comfort while watching the game highlights on a big screen TV!

Play by the rules

Check the home school, or venue website for tailgating rules.  They might have a ban on charcoal grills and some venues have a ban on glass bottles and any alcoholic beverages.  If you're tailgating in a RV call ahead to find out if you will need a parking permit.

Get Organized

Make a list of everything you think you might need.  Have it with you when you go shopping for the party.  Double check the list the night before the party so you will have time to get what you might have missed.  Then, check off the list when you pack the car or RV.  Don't forget a first-aid kit - it might come in very handy!

Timing is Everything

Best to get there early – at least 3 or 4 hours before kick-off or the start of the event.  That will give you plenty of time to enjoy yourself and to take in the fun.  After the game/event, set out leftovers, chairs and drinks and let the traffic clear out some while you review the game, race or concert.

Make it easy for your friends to find you. Attach a unique flag or inflatable item to your car, RV or tent. 

Then you can just tell them to look for the big palm tree on top.

Keeping Stuff Cool

If you freeze water in plastic water, soda or juice bottles it will keep your food and other drinks cold with the danger of soaking anything that should be kept dry.  Plus, when the ice in the bottles melt you will have cold water to drink!  If you're tailgating in a RV be sure to start your refrigerator a few hours beforehand and make sure that your water tank is full.

Consider Finger Foods or a Pot Luck

Think in terms of finger foods especially if your table space and cooler space is limited.  The best solution is to pre-make most of the goodies and put them in plastic storage bags or bowls with lids.  Consider taking meat that’s on the bone like drumsticks or chicken wings so that slicing will be kept to a minimum.  If space isn't an issue and there's going to be a big gathering, think Pot Luck.  It's always fun to see who brings what and discover new dishes for the next time!

Clean Up!

Show respect to others and/or the team by removing all trash and leaving the site like you found it.

Drive Safely

If you're driving a RV to the tailgate party don't over indulge in drinking alcohol.

Have a favorite tailgate recipe you’d like to share?  We will post any and all that we get-so you might find a great recipe by sending us one!

Favorite Tailgate Party Recipe