Heading out on an RV camping trip can be an exhilarating experience, blending the comforts of home with the freedom of the open road and the breathtaking beauty of nature. As you embark on this memorable journey, preparation is key if you want your adventure to be smooth-sailing and enjoyable. Packing strategically will maximize your available space and equip you with everything you need for a stress-free excursion. In this article, RV Trader is providing you with a packing list for your RV camping trip. After you read through this guide, you’ll be prepared for every twist and turn on the road ahead.
Basic Camping Gear
Start with the essentials that form the foundation of your RV camping trip. These items will help you set up camp, cook delicious meals, and stay comfortable.
Camping Gear
- Tent: In case you want to enjoy some tent camping during your trip, or you need an extra sleeping space for guests, make sure you have a few sleeping bags on hand. Choose appropriate sleeping bags depending on the season, and consider the climate of your destination.
- Pillows: There are dozens of inflatable pillow options available that can be packed into your travel trailer or other RV easily and provided for guests who choose to camp outside.
- Camping Chairs/Table: In order to relax around the campsite, make sure you have foldable and lightweight chairs, as well as a packable table.
- Lanterns/Flashlights: When natural light fades, make sure you have a way to illuminate your surroundings.
- Campfire Items: Make sure you have firewood (or tinder/kindling gathered from the campsite), matches or a lighter, and firestarter to help the flames ignite. You’ll also need a large bucket to fill with water and properly extinguish the flames when you’re done with it.
Kitchen Essentials
- Portable Stove or Grill: Get ready to prepare and cook delicious meals with a scenic backdrop at your campsite with a portable stove or grill.
- Cooking Utensils: Meal preparation generally requires pots, pans, and other basic kitchen tools. Some other items to consider include a sharp multipurpose knife, can opener, spatula, large mixing spoon, and tongs.
- Plates, Bowls, and Cutlery: In order to avoid disposable waste, invest in durable, reusable sets of plates, bowls, and cutlery. Coffee mugs and wine glasses are also essential.
- Cooler: For food items that require refrigeration, a high-quality cooler will come in handy.
- Other Miscellaneous Kitchen Items: Don’t forget to bring a wine bottle opener, coffee maker, oven mitts, dish towels and soap, aluminum foil, paper towels, trash bags, small tupperware containers, ziploc bags, cutting board, grill lighter, and water bottles. If you want to cook over the fire, bring along a cast iron skillet.
Clothing and Personal Items
Pack clothing suitable for the climate and weather conditions of your destination. Consider versatile and comfortable pieces that can be layered for varying temperatures.
- Clothing: Bring a variety of t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, shorts, pants, jackets, wool socks (great for both hot and cold weather), undergarments, and rain gear.
- Swimwear: If you’re camping near water, bring a bathing suit or two just In case there are opportunities for a lake dip or a river swim.
- Sturdy Footwear: Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring. Make sure you invest in a pair of high-quality shoes. After hiking for several miles, your feet will thank you. If the weather is warm, make sure you have a pair of sturdy hiking sandals to wear around camp.
- Personal Hygiene Products: Make sure to stock up on plenty of toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream and razors, q-tips, ponytail holders, feminine products, and any prescription/over-the-counter medications you might need.
- Outdoor Safety Products: While spending time outside, sunscreen should be a top priority. In addition, camping in the woods can expose you to a variety of bugs. Bug spray/repellant will help you stay comfortable when you’re sitting around the campsite or hiking nearby trails. You might also want to keep an itch relief stick on hand, just in case you end up with mosquito bites.
- Pet Items: If you’re bringing your dog along for the adventure, make sure you pack enough food, toys, poop bags, and medication for them. You’ll also need food and water bowls, a leash, treats, and a crate/dog bed or seat belt harness (for the drive).
RV Essentials
To ensure your Class A RV or other RV functions smoothly during your trip, don’t forget these essential items.
- RV Manuals: Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s operation and maintenance.
- RV Tool Kit: Keep basic tools stocked for minor repairs and adjustments on the road. Some examples include duct tape, WD-40, socket wrenches, screwdrivers, a hammer, headlamp, scissors, pocket knife, rope, and tarp.
- RV Supplies: Some things to keep on hand include hoses for fresh water and sewage, leveling blocks, and wheel chocks.
Safety and Navigation
Prioritize safety and ensure you can navigate efficiently throughout your journey.
- Roadside Emergency Kit: This includes reflective triangles, tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, and a spare tire. You might feel like you’ll never need any of these items, but you’ll be grateful that you have them if something goes wrong during your camping trip.
- GPS: Nowadays, we all use our smartphones for GPS. Make sure you download offline maps in case you lose service while you’re camping.
- Road Map: In case your electronic devices lose connectivity or power, it’s always wise to keep a paper map/atlas in your RV. On that note, always keep a portable battery charger in your RV so you can juice up your phone in an emergency.
- First Aid Kit: Make sure you have bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and other medical essentials.
Entertainment and Recreation
Keep everyone entertained during downtime or in the evenings by packing some fun activities.
- Books and Magazines: For leisurely reading time after a long day of activities and outdoor excursions, keep some books or magazines in your toy hauler or other RV. Coloring books and markers are another great option for young kids.
- Board Games or Card Games: Encourage bonding and friendly competition with family and friends with board games and card games.
- Outdoor Gear: Bikes, kayaks, tubes, paddle boards, hammocks, hiking gear, and fishing gear are a few great examples of outdoor gear that you can pack and utilize during your camping trip.
- Electronics: If you want to fully disconnect from the world for a few days, skip this section. However, if you’d like to bring some electronics with you, consider packing your iPad, Kindle, camera, portable WiFi hotspot, portable speaker, and a DVD player with plenty of movie options.
Bringing your RV on a camping trip is an extraordinary way to explore the world, create lasting memories, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. By packing wisely, you can ensure your journey is both memorable and stress-free. This comprehensive packing list will help you ensure you have all of the essentials for your RV camping adventure. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip that will provide you with memories for years to come.
If you’re ready to purchase a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or another RV for your upcoming camping trip, check out our nationwide inventory of new and used RVs on RVTrader.com.
