Planning your getaway to Emerald Springs RV Park promises a relaxing experience nestled in a convenient corner of the Pacific Northwest. Located in Arlington, Washington, just a stone’s throw from Marysville WA and with easy I-5 access, this park offers a peaceful country setting ideal for both short-term accommodations and extended stays. To ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, packing the right gear is crucial. This guide outlines seven essential items you won’t want to forget for your stay at Emerald Springs RV Park, covering everything from utility connections to campsite comfort, helping you make the most of their amenities and the beautiful Puget Sound area surroundings.
Securing Your RV’s Lifelines Utility Essentials
Connecting your RV to the park’s utilities is the first step to settling in. Emerald Springs RV Park provides reliable utility hookups, including city water, direct connect sewer options at many sites, and both 30 amp electric and 50 amp electric service. Bringing the right equipment ensures you can safely and effectively use these essential services throughout your stay, whether you’re enjoying nightly rates or settling in for a long-term stay.
Essential Item 1 The Crucial Water Pressure Regulator
Connecting to city water is a fantastic convenience, but water pressure can vary significantly from one location to another, even within the same RV park. High water pressure can wreak havoc on your RV’s plumbing system, leading to burst pipes, damaged fixtures, and costly repairs. A water pressure regulator is a small, inexpensive device that attaches between the park’s water spigot and your freshwater hose.
Think of it as insurance for your RV’s pipes. It controls the pressure of the water entering your RV, typically keeping it within a safe range (around 40-50 PSI). Using a regulator is highly recommended at any campground, including Emerald Springs RV Park, to prevent unexpected and potentially disastrous plumbing issues. Look for adjustable brass regulators for durability and flexibility.
Essential Item 2 Reliable Water Hose and Filter System?
Yes, a dedicated, high-quality drinking water hose is absolutely essential. Do not use a standard garden hose for your potable water connection, as these are not made from materials safe for drinking water and can leach harmful chemicals or unpleasant tastes into your water supply. Invest in a hose specifically labeled “potable” or “drinking water safe,” often white or blue in color.
Consider the length you might need; a 25-foot hose is often sufficient, but having a 50-foot hose or an additional 25-foot extension provides flexibility for sites where the spigot might be further away. While Emerald Springs RV Park offers city water, adding an external water filter to your setup is a smart move. An inline filter attached to your hose can significantly improve the taste and quality of the water by reducing chlorine, sediment, and other particulates, ensuring fresh-tasting water directly from your tap.
Water Filter Options
There are various types of RV water filters available. Simple inline filters like the Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter are popular and screw directly onto your hose. For more advanced filtration, canister systems can be installed, offering multiple stages of filtration. Choose based on your budget and filtration needs, but even a basic filter enhances the water quality during your stay.
Hose Storage and Maintenance
Properly storing your potable water hose keeps it clean and extends its lifespan. Consider a hose reel or a dedicated storage bag to prevent kinks and keep dirt out. Regularly sanitizing your freshwater tank and hoses, especially after periods of storage, is also a crucial maintenance step for safe water consumption.
Essential Item 3 Proper Sewer Setup Gear Hose and Supports
Managing your RV’s waste tanks (black tank and grey tank) is a necessary part of RV life. A reliable sewer hose is critical for emptying your tanks hygienically at the provided direct connect sewer hookups or the park’s dump station. Don’t skimp here – a cheap hose is prone to leaks and cracks, creating unpleasant and unsanitary situations.
Invest in a sturdy, heavy-duty sewer hose, preferably one that is at least 15-20 feet long. Many RVers carry two shorter hoses with a connector for flexibility. Essential accessories include clear elbow connectors (allowing you to see when the tank is empty) and secure bayonet fittings that attach firmly to your RV’s outlet and the park’s sewer inlet.
Equally important is a sewer hose support system, like the Camco Sidewinder RV Sewer Hose Support. These plastic supports elevate your hose off the ground and create a consistent downward slope from your RV to the sewer connection. This prevents waste from pooling in the hose, ensures complete drainage, and helps keep the campsite tidy and compliant with park regulations often found in the rule book provided upon check-in or via the extended stay application process for those planning a monthly rates stay.
Power Protection and Site Stability Must Haves
Once water and sewer are handled, ensuring a safe electrical connection and a stable RV setup are next. Emerald Springs RV Park offers both 30 amp and 50 amp electric service to accommodate various RV sizes. Protecting your RV’s sensitive electronics and ensuring your rig is level are key steps for a comfortable and trouble-free stay.
Essential Item 4 Why a Surge Protector is Non Negotiable?
Think about all the sensitive electronics in your RV: microwave, refrigerator, television, computers, and more. Power fluctuations, voltage spikes, or incorrectly wired pedestals at any campground (even well-maintained ones) can instantly damage these expensive components. An RV surge protector, technically known as an Electrical Management System (EMS), is designed to protect your entire RV from these electrical hazards.
A basic surge protector offers protection against voltage spikes, while a full EMS provides comprehensive protection against high/low voltage, reverse polarity, open neutral, and open ground conditions. Brands like Progressive Industries or Southwire Surge Guard offer highly-rated EMS units. Plugging one of these into the site pedestal before connecting your RV power cord is arguably one of the most crucial steps you can take to safeguard your investment during your Emerald Springs RV Park stay.
Choosing the Right Amperage
Ensure your surge protector matches your RV’s electrical system – either 30 amp or 50 amp. Using the wrong amperage protector won’t provide adequate protection. These units represent an upfront cost but can save you thousands in potential repair bills, making them essential for peace of mind, especially during longer, extended stay visits where exposure to potential power issues increases.
Essential Item 5 Leveling Blocks for a Stable Foundation
While Emerald Springs RV Park is known for having large spaces and generally level sites, no site is perfectly flat. Parking your RV on an uneven surface isn’t just uncomfortable (think rolling out of bed or liquids sloshing on counters), it can also affect the proper operation of appliances like your absorption refrigerator, which needs to be relatively level to function efficiently.
Leveling blocks are the solution. These interlocking plastic blocks (like Lynx Levelers or Camco FasTen Leveling Blocks) are placed under your tires on the low side of the RV to raise it until it’s level side-to-side. You’ll also use your RV’s stabilizing jacks (after leveling) to prevent rocking, but the blocks do the heavy lifting for achieving a level state. Always level side-to-side first using the blocks, then front-to-back using your tongue jack or landing gear.
Types of Leveling Systems
Beyond basic blocks, Anderson Levelers offer a curved ramp system that can simplify the leveling process. Some larger RVs come equipped with automatic hydraulic or electric leveling systems, but carrying manual blocks is still wise as a backup or for fine-tuning. Having a small level (bubble level or digital) is also handy for checking your progress.
Comfort Convenience and Preparedness Items
With the essential utility and stability items covered, let’s focus on items that enhance your comfort and prepare you for the specifics of staying at Emerald Springs RV Park and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest region. This includes setting up your outdoor space, packing appropriately for the weather, and considering pets and safety.
Essential Item 6 Outdoor Living Comforts Mats and Chairs
One of the joys of RVing is extending your living space outdoors. An outdoor RV mat or rug placed outside your entry door serves multiple purposes. It helps keep dirt, mud, and debris from being tracked inside your RV, defines your patio area, and provides a cleaner, more comfortable surface underfoot than gravel or grass. Look for breathable mats made from polypropylene that won’t kill the grass underneath and are easy to clean.
Comfortable camping chairs are another must-have. After a day exploring nearby attractions, hiking trails nearby, or visiting the Seattle Premium Outlets, you’ll want a cozy spot to relax outside your RV. Whether you prefer zero-gravity recliners, basic folding chairs, or compact backpacking chairs, pack seating that suits your relaxation style. Having comfortable chairs encourages you to enjoy the quiet, peaceful country setting of Emerald Springs RV Park.
Essential Item 7 Gearing Up for Pacific Northwest Weather
The Pacific Northwest, including the Arlington and Marysville WA area, is known for its variable weather. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, and rain is possible any time of year. Packing layers is key to staying comfortable. Bring t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts or fleeces, and a versatile jacket.
Rain gear is absolutely essential. A waterproof (not just water-resistant) jacket with a hood is crucial. Waterproof pants and footwear (like rain boots or waterproof hiking shoes) are also highly recommended, especially if you plan on hiking or spending significant time outdoors. An umbrella can also be useful for quick dashes in the rain. Being prepared for wet weather ensures a little drizzle won’t dampen your spirits during your stay.
Indoor Activities for Rainy Days
While Emerald Springs RV Park offers a great location for outdoor activities, having rainy day activities planned is smart. Books, games, movies, or craft supplies can keep everyone entertained inside the RV. Exploring nearby indoor attractions like the Tulalip Resort Casino or local museums can also be a good backup plan.
Other Considerations for Your Emerald Springs RV Park Visit
Beyond the core seven items, a few other areas warrant consideration to ensure a smooth experience, particularly regarding pets, connectivity, and general safety preparedness while enjoying the amenities and friendly staff at the park.
Packing for Your Pet’s Stay
Emerald Springs RV Park is pet friendly, but it’s vital to understand their specific pet policy before you arrive. Check for details regarding the dog policy, cat policy, any pet weight limit, breed restrictions, and mandatory leash rules. Always pack proof of vaccinations, plenty of food, water/food bowls, waste bags (and always clean up immediately!), familiar bedding or toys, and any necessary medications.
Ensure your pet wears identification tags with your contact information. Knowing the location of nearby vets is also prudent. Respecting the park’s pet rules ensures a pleasant stay for you, your pet, and your neighbors. Adherence to leash rules and designated pet areas contributes to the quiet enjoyment for all guests.
| Pet Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Leash (6 ft max recommended) & Collar/Harness w/ ID | Required by most parks, including Emerald Springs RV Park; safety and identification. |
| Food & Water Bowls | Essential for feeding and hydration. Collapsible bowls save space. |
| Sufficient Food Supply | Avoid sudden diet changes. Ensure you have enough for your stay duration. |
| Waste Bags | Crucial for immediate cleanup, respecting park rules and hygiene. |
| Vaccination Records | May be requested upon check-in or during the application process for extended stays. |
| Bedding/Toys | Provides comfort and familiarity for your pet in a new environment. |
| Medications | Bring an ample supply of any necessary medications. |
| Tie-out Stake/Cable (if allowed & used responsibly) | Allows supervised outdoor time, check park rules first. Never leave unattended. |
Connectivity and Entertainment On the Road
While many RV parks offer Wi-Fi, the quality and speed can vary significantly (Wi-Fi problems are a common RVer complaint). If reliable internet is important for remote work, staying connected with family, or streaming entertainment, consider bringing your own solution. A cellular hotspot or a Wi-Fi booster (which amplifies existing park signals) can be valuable additions. Check cell phone signal strength for major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile at the park’s location (near 51st Ave NE and WA-531/172nd St) if connectivity is critical.
For entertainment, download movies, music, or books before you leave, especially if relying on potentially spotty park Wi-Fi. Satellite dish setup might be an option for long-term stays if TV reception is limited, though you should check park rules regarding external equipment. Don’t forget chargers for all your devices!
Basic Safety Preparedness
Safety should always be a priority. Ensure your RV is equipped with functional smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher (check its expiration date!). Pack a well-stocked first-aid kit suitable for minor injuries and ailments. An emergency roadside kit for your tow vehicle or motorhome is also essential, including items like jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, a basic toolkit, and a tire pressure gauge.
Knowing the park’s emergency procedures and contact information is wise. While Emerald Springs RV Park is situated in a generally safe area with security features like potentially gated entry and 24/7 staff presence or security patrol, basic precautions like locking your RV and securing valuables are always recommended. Having the park’s phone number and email address handy for any issue resolution is also helpful.
