RV Checklists: 6 Printable Packing Lists

Rv maintenance & safety checklist, rv camping essentials checklist, rv kitchen checklist, rv grocery checklist, rv bed & bath checklist, make your own rv checklist.

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All RV Checklists

  • Download RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist
  • Download RV Camping Essentials Checklist
  • Download RV Kitchen Checklist
  • Download RV Grocery Checklist
  • Download RV Bed & Bath Checklist
  • Download Blank RV Checklist

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Family RV Camping with Kids sleeping in Camper packing checklist

Your Essential RV Camping Checklist 2023 (+Printable Checklist)

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.   More information: disclosure page .

What do you need for a family RV camping trip?  Here is my best resource for RV packing list for the family. You are getting a sneak peek at my personal RV packing checklist for camping with babies, toddlers, and big kids. You will see a special section just for packing for the baby or toddler.

The first baby we took tent camping at a few weeks old.  Since then we have been tent camping and backpacking with infants and toddlers but now with #5 and #6 we have been enjoying RV camping.  

See our sanity-saving tips for RV camping with a toddler and packing checklist specifically for RV camping with a toddler.

I love to tent camp but RV camping with young children has allowed us to get out and camp more and extend the season.  Plus, we have been able to take very long, 3 week and month road trips, that would have never worked in a tent or car camping.

Our first RV experience was renting a camper. We rented from Canadream on a half-price special. Otherwise, that would have been quite expensive.

You have some great options for renting campers. One option to find the best and most flexible RV rental rates (and lots of insider tips) is Outdoorsy.

A basic Google Doc for you to download a packing list that you can edit is at the end of this article or subscribe to get full access to discounts, checklists, and travel planners . If you want a checklist specific for babies and toddlers, you can read more and download that checklist at our article RV Packing Checklist for Babies and Toddlers

You can get a printable checklist when you sign up for our trip planning kit (it is prettier than the Google file) or download your own copy in a Google file. Click this link for the Google file , choose to make your own copy (on the dropdown on the left), and save to your own Google drive.

I hope you find this checklist helpful for answering all your questions about – What Should I pack in my RV checklist?

Family RV Camping Trip Packing Checklist

Family RV camping checklist with kids - download checklist

Whether you have been tent camping, or are new to camping altogether, RV camping requires some equipment specific to an RV.   

Get this 19-page Travel Planner that I personally use for our family trips

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RV Equipment  and Necessities

  • Weight distribution bar
  • Leveling blocks
  • Wheel chocks
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Fuel for the generator 
  • Surge Protectors
  • Electrical adapters
  • Water pressure regulator
  • Water purifier
  • Drinking water hose
  • Sewer hoses and gloves
  • Battery jumper cables
  • Roadside emergency kit with flares or triangles 
  • Small tool kit with screwdrivers, hammer, wrenches
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hydraulic or scissor jack

A travel trailer and fifth wheel must be towed safely with the correct hitch.  A motorhome is one unit and does not include a hitch – so you can cross that off your list along with the weight distribution bar.

RV Kitchen Checklist

Family RV Kitchen and Cooking Supplies print and download checklist

In an RV you will have the luxury of cooking as you do at home.  Take advantage of this by having a well-stocked kitchen, ready to make, fun meals for the whole family.   When we are boondocking, I use the built-in propane cooktop and oven.  When we are camping at a campground, I pull out all the electric appliances and use the power from the campground.  So I have multiple options when cooking. 

  • Lid- One size fits all
  • Microwavable bowl
  • Pressure cooker (Instapot)
  • Electric griddle
  • Coffee Pot 
  • Water bottles
  • Paper plates
  • Ziplock bags

Cleaning Supplies List for RV

The best and worst thing about an RV is cleaning.  In this small space, you can clean your entire house in just minutes but the mess will also happen in just minutes.  So you can feel like you spend your entire day cleaning small messes.  Be prepared with some cleaning supplies on hand to make the job easier and faster. 

  • Paper towels
  • Rubber gloves
  • Magic Erasers
  • Fabric/upholstery cleaner
  • Carpet cleaner
  • Toilet brush
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Dilute bleach
  • Toilet bowl drop-ins

RV Bedroom and Sleeping Checklist

Family RV Bedroom and Sleeping Supplies print and download checklist

Sleeping in an RV can be as much as camping or home as you would like it to be. You can have the comfort of sleeping at home with sheets and blankets, or the kids can still have a campout and sleeping bags.  

In cold season camping, the bottom of the beds and floor can get cold. So we use wool blankets under the sheets or electric blankets to keep warm. 

  • Waterproof mattress pad
  • Pillowcases
  • Sleeping bags
  • Wool blankets (for under or on top)
  • Electric blanket
  • Air mattress
  • Lovey or stuffed animal for the kids
  • Window coverings
  • Space heater (safe and electric)

RV Bathroom Checklist

I think the most wonderful thing about RV camping is an indoor bathroom.  Especially with kids …. In the middle of the night.  You do need to have some RV bathroom essentials and keep up with the cleanliness in this tiny space though.     This is our RV bathroom packing checklist: 

  • RV toilet paper
  • RV toilet drop-ins
  • Toothbrushes
  • Small paper cups
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Quick-dry towels
  • Brush and comb
  • Laundry soap
  • Dirty clothes bag
  • First aid kit

Other RV Camping Essentials

  • Shade tent 
  • Bug screen tent
  • Portable table 
  • Camp chairs

Hobbies and Camping Activities

Family RV camping with bikes for kids on the activities checklist

RV camping is about having fun and exploring the area around you.  This may mean riding bikes around the campground, swimming in a lake, or hanging out by the campfire.  This is list is likely more comprehensive than what you will need on every trip but it is a start. 

Some of the athletic gear and bikes go on a platform on the back of our travel trailer.  We also have a specific bike rack that we squeeze a couple of extra bikes onto. 

  • Glow sticks
  • Collapsible bucket
  • Butterfly net
  • Sports balls – Soccer, football
  • Drawing and art supplies
  • Playing cards
  • bag for wet suits
  • life jackets

RV First Aid Kit Checklist

Our first aid kit has grown over the years from some basic anti-biotic cream and bandages to include more things for emergencies.  With 6 kids, we have had our share of bumps, bruises, accidents, and the occasional stitches.  Here is our personal checklist for our RV first aid kit. 

  • Triple Antibiotic
  • Anti-itch cream or hydrocortisone cream
  • Absorbent compress dressings
  • Individual eye drops 
  • Thermometer
  • Baby fever medication
  • Fever and cold medication
  • Pain reliever
  • Allergy pills
  • Children’s motion sickness pills
  • Prescription medications
  • Nausea and diarrhea remedies
  • Vitamin and supplements
  • Coconut oil

Camping Clothes Checklist

  • Pants (Hiking pants)
  • Short sleeve shirts
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • sweatshirts 

Camping Outerwear for the Family 

  • Rain Jacket and Pants
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Snow Jacket and Pants
  • Hiking Boots
  • Hand Warmers

 Baby and Toddler Camping Gear Checklist

Camping at Green River campground and hiking Green River Trail at Dinosaur National Monument Utah and Colorado

Traveling with a baby or toddler in tow requires some extra gear.  When we travel in the RV we take along some of the comforts of home.  Taking care of a baby or toddler in the camper is much easier when you have the basics on hand.  Your baby or toddler will be more comfortable and happier also.  See our article here on the blog for a complete checklist for RV camping with a baby or toddler.

  • Diapers or pull-ups
  • Diaper cream
  • Bottles and cleaning supplies
  • Nursing supplies (breastfeeding)
  • Fleece sleep sack
  • Warm hat for sleeping
  • Baby sleeping bag
  • Portable bassinet or sleep tent
  • Small booster seat (at the dinette)
  • Baby monitor
  • Portable High chair

RV Dog Essentials Checklist

A baby and dogs are a big reason that we transferred from tent camping to road tripping in an RV.  The dogs loved tent camping but in order to do long trips with dogs, we chose our travel trailer.  

  • Collar and tags
  • Dog towels (rags)
  • Blankets or pet bed
  • Portable pen
  • Medications

Rounding up the Family RV Camping Packing Checklist

Get the ultimate guide to planning an RV Vacation and the Family RV Packing Checklist (and more RV hacks) by subscribing to our newsletter and get the Family RV Discounts and Packing Checklist

Oh, and one more thing – I have the RV packing checklist set for 3 kids – but you already know I have more than that. So just make more rows or print more copies for more kids.

If you prefer, you can use this live camping checklist by Outdoorsy and click the boxes.

RV rental in Canada for our family RV camping trip

Our first time traveling as a family in an RV was when we flew to Toronto Canada and rented an RV.  The time we had planned to visit downtown Toronto turned into an unforgettable adventure to the surrounding Provential Parks, Niagra Falls, and upstate New York.    

No moving in and out of hotel rooms, traveling with our bathroom and bedroom in tow.  

We all loved the whole time that we came home and started dreaming about an RV.

Then, we went tent camping with 4 kids (including a baby and toddler) in the rain and I was totally sold on an RV. (Psst – you read our article here for 2 7 more pros and cons of RV travel.

We have some great options for renting campers. One option to find the best and most flexible RV rental rates (and lots of insider tips) is through RVShare . Another option in the sharing space which is the largest RV rental marketplace in the US and Canada is Outdoorsy.

We now take short and long road trips in our travel trailers.  Every time we leave, I use this RV camping trip checklist to pack the RV for our trip.

Grab a copy of the checklist and start packing everything you need right into the camper. If you are renting a camper, use this packing list to ask the company what they supply for your trip and what you will need to bring.

I hope this checklist helps you prepare for your next trip too. 

Shauna Kocman founder Family Travel Fever

Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever.  We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug!  I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.

Sign up for our email list for my best travel tips plus get the family travel planner free. 

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Your article Awesome Thanks for this information, very informative as well as Modern.

This is a great checklist for RV camping! I’m looking forward to using it this year!

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Inspired Routes

RV Camping Checklist: Printable Packing Lists for Beginners (Essentials & Must-haves)

Posted on February 19, 2024

RV camping can be so much fun! Soaking in the beauty of the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of home on wheels is like a win-win. This RV camping checklist and free printable will ensure you’re prepared for the adventure ahead!

RV camping checklist with view of motorhome on red rock in front of mountains

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Whether you’re a newbie to RV camping ( in that case, welcome! ), or you just got a new camper and want to ensure you’ve got what you need, this RV camping checklist has the best camper must haves.

From a weekend getaway to your local state park, or an epic adventure like Utah national parks road trip in your rig, these RV camping list essentials will help you create lasting memories along the way, instead of worrying what you forgot!

Grab your free printable RV camping checklist at the bottom of this guide.

Let’s dive in!

RV camping checklist essentials

driving down scenic road with yellow trees camping RV checklist

The first time setting up your RV can be quite a financial surprise. From kitchen items to bedding, activities and tools, it’s like paying for a small house all over again.

I tried to use consignment sales as best as I could so it wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg for supplies when we bought our camper, but it all adds up! My favorite items that I personally use in our motorhome are suggested below in this camping RV checklist as well.

Consider your first trip a test run when it comes to packing for your camping trip! The best part about this RV packing checklist is that you can customize it for your needs.

Be sure to read to the bottom where you’ll find the detailed list on how to get your rig road-ready, too.

RV Camping Checklist

Download the FREE checklist now!

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Ultimate RV packing list: inside your RV

camping RV checklist view of storage tubs in front of motorhome

All the comforts of home inside your RV – kind of! 😉 It’s a good idea to consider using what you already own before buying new to save money for more RV vacations ! Whether you’re going on a long trip or a short weekend getaway, all the little things and details will help make your experience even better.

Personal items

  • Clothing items: enough for each person. Include shoes and sandals. Pack for the weather and any adventures you’re planning. Don’t forget hats and outerwear, too.
  • Clothing storage:  organize clothes in collapsible bins , hanging shelves or over-the-door hooks to maximize space and minimize clutter. Don’t forget to get creative with shoe storage , too.
  • Personal items:  toiletries, towels, medications and first-aid kit . Don’t forget the eco-friendly sunblock and bug spray ! Make sure you have RV toilet paper , too!
  • Laundry essentials: if you’re going on a long trip in your RV camper, pack a laundry bag, soap and quarters for machines, too.

hand holding mini dust pan gray and orange

Home and comfort items

  • Bedding:  pack cozy blankets, sheets and pillows for each person to ensure a restful night’s sleep after a day of adventures. Pack based on the temperatures for your adventure – we had to add lots of layers while on our Banff to Jasper road trip !
  • Collapsible bucket and collapsible stool : two different uses, yet very handy to have both inside your RV when you don’t have as much space as a home. We often use the collapsible bucket for cleaning muddy paws off our dogs.
  • Climate control:  Ensure comfort in all weather with a fan for warm days and extra blankets or a portable heater for chilly nights. My family uses Vornado products, which are compact and perfect for warming or cooling the space!
  • Lighting:  equip your RV with adequate lighting options, such as LED lanterns, for a homey glow after sundown. Battery-powered puck lights are great for dim spaces inside your RV.
  • Window coverings: ensure privacy and help with temperature control. Don’t forget a windshield cover, too.
  • Cleaning supplies:  keep your small space tidy with eco-friendly cleaning products, a mini dust pan and hand-held vacuum (the best thing ever if you have kids or pets).
  • Storage tubs: Keeps items organized and dry with storage bins that fit your space. This RV packing checklist wouldn’t be complete without them!

view of inside of RV with window coverings on front windows RV checklist for camping

Entertainment

  • Entertainment:  include books, board games and a deck of cards to turn rainy days into memorable family moments. Clue and UNO are my family’s favorites!
  • Electronics:  don’t forget chargers for smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets to stay connected and entertained on the go. And take a few back up batteries – you never know when you’ll need them on an RV trip!
  • Wifi device – pack a hot spot if you feel you need connection while camping. Remember most state and national parks don’t have great service. Starlink is also a popular option for many RVers.

Kitchen and cooking checklist for your RV adventure

knives and cutting board with peppers on picnic table with camper in distance

This is probably the area where I was most specific when setting up my RV, and it honestly took a few trips to get it all right!

  • Food and meal plan: create your food list based on easy items that can be thrown together quickly with little fuss. Consider foods that can serve multiple purposes (like tortillas can be breakfast burritos and dinner quesadillas, as example). This is an area it will take some practice but no worries; you can always refine during your next camping trip.
  • Compact cookware:  nesting pots and pans save space and make storage simple. You really just need a few things. A small pot and larger one (that still fits in your space) then a small sheet pan that fits your oven.
  • Durable dinnerware:  plates, bowls and acrylic glasses that won’t break during travel. Please be kind to Mother Earth and don’t pack single use disposable plastics!
  • Utensils:  consider items you’ll actually use based on what you plan to cook. Likely you’ll have limited storage, so consider carefully before buying too much.

kitchen dishes on drying rack free printable rv camping checklist

  • Collapsible kitchenware:  Silicone colanders, measuring cups , and bowls compress for compact storage. I love the sets that save space in my RV!
  • Portable coffee maker:  wake up to your favorite brew with a French press or pour-over that requires minimal space.
  • Knife solution: I love my Cuisinart knife set that includes covers for each blade. And good news too – they fit comfortably in the drawer while keeping my family safe.
  • Drying rack: I love my collapsible dish drying rack , which works perfect when needed and travels nicely.

front of Blackstone grill with chicken fajitas cooking

  • Food storage containers:  stackable and airtight options preserve leftovers. Opt for square or rectangular shapes to maximize every inch in that tiny fridge of yours. I also love our reusable Stasher pouches , which do double-duty and make packing snacks for hikes like at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico.
  • Spices:  small, labeled jars save space and keep seasonings within easy reach. You don’t need full sized equipment for RV camping trips unless you’re planning full-time travel.
  • Water filtration: we decided to invest in a whole-RV water filtration system for our motorhome, but you can also get a filter for a water pitcher. Please avoid single use plastics as much as possible! ♻️
  • Grill: my family loves our Blackstone Grill ! It folds down for storage and quickly assembles when we need it. Don’t forget a scraper, paper towels and extra propane for a smooth grilling experience.

Outdoor living: campsite setup and accessories (a must have on this RV camping checklist)

view of camping chairs and fire at sunset camping RV checklist

Enjoy your campsite with the right setup and accessories. You’ll want to spend plenty of time outdoors on your next adventure, and actually enjoy the beautiful places you go! This section is easy to evaluate what you might need right away and what can wait until your next trip, too.

  • Collapsible chairs : a campsite staple and a welcome haven after a day of exploration.
  • Hammock: this is a fun alternative to chairs. I loved relaxing in mine while exploring all the must-see activities in Grand Teton National Park .
  • Portable table : perfect for meals under the stars or an evening of cards. Also great as a helper for your grill when you need a side table!
  • String of lights or lantern: brighten those tranquil nights, weaving a soft glow around your outdoor sanctuary. Our family also uses head lamps when walking through campgrounds after dark.

two golden retriever dogs staring in distance at wooded campground

  • Outdoor rug: my family actually has 2 sizes, a large rug for creating a comfy space, and a smaller door mat for when the weather isn’t great (to keep the muck out!). Inside, we have an old rug of mine I got in college! 🤣
  • Outdoor games: consider compact yard games, scooters or activities that promise endless entertainment while RV camping. My kids enjoyed chalk and bubbles when they were younger!
  • Kid and pet accessories: remember to bring items that keep everyone happy and safe.

Maintenance and safety: RV checklist for keeping your rig in check

view of campers lined up at a campground on a sunny day

Now that we’ve gone through the essentials on the RV checklist when it pertains to comfort and recreation, let’s get to the basics of keeping your rig ready to go for your outdoor adventure! This part of the camping RV checklist will help you hit the open road with confidence, especially for first-time campers.

  • Tire pressure gauge:  regularly check your tires with a reliable gauge to maintain proper inflation and prevent blowouts. My family invested in a tire pressure monitoring system and it’s been an excellent peace of mind tool!
  • Tools:  stock wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, cordless drill and other handheld tools for on-the-go fixes and adjustments.
  • Leveling system: if your RV doesn’t come with a built-in system, you’ll need to grab leveling blocks and a bubble level to help. You’ll want to keep these somewhere easy to access as this is the first part of your set up. There are also electronic devices, like the LevelMate Pro , to make this step easier and faster. Fun fact: RV sites are rarely exactly level! 🙃
  • RV sewer kit:  carry hoses, fittings and gloves to manage waste disposal cleanly and efficiently. Don’t forget the black tank treatment (liquid or tablets), too.

exterior view of lock system on motorhome

  • RV lock system: not-so-fun-fact: most RV’s have universal keys that work across multiple RV brands. Swapping out our locks for this code lock has been awesome for our family’s security (and bonus – our kids can work the lock without keys, too).
  • Phone mount for GPS: easily mount your phone while you drive so it’s easy to follow but in a safe, distraction-free position.
  • Flashlight and batteries:  keep these handy for inspecting the RV during dark conditions or night-time emergencies.

inside view of medicine cabinet with first aid kit and kids medications RV camping list

  • Fire extinguisher:  equip your vehicle with a fire extinguisher suitable for electrical and fuel fires, keeping it in a handy location.
  • Satellite communicator: pack this 2-way satellite communicator  in case of emergencies, especially when there’s no cell phone reception. It’s portable for hiking too, like the best hikes in Colorado  and so many more places.
  • Emergency roadside kit:  include items like warning triangles, a reflective vest, and jumper cables in case of a breakdown.
  • First aid kit :  have bandages, antiseptics, and over-the-counter medications ready for minor injuries or sudden illness. My family has had to use ours several times over the years, like while visiting Banff in summer .

lot of RVs and motorhomes in with rocky mountains behind RV camping checklist

  • Water pressure regulator:  protect your RV’s plumbing by using a regulator to manage water pressure from campground hookups.
  • Surge protector:  Shield your electronic appliances from unexpected power surges with a robust surge protector.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector:  test these vital alarms before departure and replace batteries each camping season.
  • RV owner’s manual:  familiarize yourself with your RV’s features and keep the manual accessible for troubleshooting and reference.

Getting road-ready: your to-do list

RV road trip view of road and valley between rocky canyon

Before hitting the road, walk through these action items to ensure you’re ready for your RV adventure!

  • Inspect your tires : check for proper inflation, tread depth and signs of wear. This simple step is your first line of defense against roadside troubles.
  • Verify lights and signals : ensure all lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and headlights are functioning correctly. Clear visibility keeps you and others safe during your travels.
  • Check back up camera: test to ensure you can see out of it clearly.

bungee cord holding RV cabinet doors closed camping RV checklist

  • Secure all hatches and storage : doors and compartments must be shut tight. Loose items can lead to damage or issues while driving. We even use bungee cords and rubber bands to pull the cabinets together after our Colorado road trip when a big bump created a huge catastrophe.
  • Test the battery : nothing stops a road trip faster than a dead battery. Make sure it’s fully charged and holding power like it should, especially if you’re RV camping without full hook-ups.

how to get an RV ready to go with view of air pump and tire

  • Review hitch and towing equipment : confirm that they are secure and in good working order. Towing mishaps are the last thing you need.
  • Restock emergency kit : include items such as flares, first aid kit and a spare tire. These preparations could be a lifeline in a pinch.
  • Add water to your tank: just a bit, so that you’ll have enough water to get you to your campsite. When we take road trips, we like to add enough water to the tank to fill up water bottles and use our RV bathroom for breaks along the road. Water is heavy and you’ll use more gas if you fill up completely.

Free printable camping RV checklists

photo of lake with three checklists on top labeled RV camping checklist with items for download

In my journey to streamline the RV setup process, I created a set of comprehensive, free printable RV checklists. Each sheet is key to a stress-free departure and a well organized adventure!

From kitchen essentials to outdoor gear, these RV camping checklists will help you feel confident as you hit the road!

Get the perfect RV camping checklist for your next adventure!

I won’t send you any spam. I hate spam. Unsubscribe at anytime.

I hope you have an absolutely amazing RV camping trip, and that these RV camping checklists are helpful for you!

Related content you might like: 23 Incredible RV Vacations: Scenic RV Road Trips You Need to Take AMAZING Utah National Parks Road Trip (Map, Best Hikes, Scenic Route + More) Banff to Jasper Drive: 12 Must-see Stops on Icefields Parkway

Find this guide helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

two images of RVs with mountains and text that reads free printable RV packing list for beginners exactly what to pack for RV camping

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FREE RV Packing List (PLUS 3 Best RV Checklist Apps)

Packing is the hardest part of rving. so, here is a free rv packing list, the must-have packing categories, and 3 great options for an rv checklist app..

  • 1 Packing is the hardest part of RVing. So, here is a FREE RV packing list, the must-have packing categories, and 3 great options for an RV checklist app.
  • 2 Why You Need an RV Packing List
  • 3.1 1. Cleaning & Hygiene
  • 3.2 2. Clothes, Towels & Bedding
  • 3.3 3. Food & Drinks
  • 3.4 4. Dishes & Utensils
  • 3.5 5. Games & Entertainment
  • 3.6 6. First Aid
  • 3.7 7. Tools & Misc. Supplies
  • 4 Get Your Free RV Packing List
  • 5.1 RV Life Pro
  • 5.2 Packr (Apple)
  • 5.3 PackTeo (Android)
  • 6 Explore Florida's Atlantic Coast with our RV Adventure Guide

When you're hitting the open road in your RV, it's important to be prepared. That's why you need a well-crafted RV packing list!

In this blog post, we'll discuss why you need a list, what should be on it, and the different apps that can help you make your own.

Plus, you can download a FREE printable RV checklist pdf by signing up for our newsletter that provides free perks, discounts and RV travel tips.

If you are reading this because you are already on our email list, you should have already been sent this checklist.

If you're reading this from a search – Just click here to join our list, and I'll send it right out to you.

Get My FREE Printable RV Packing Checklist

If you prefer to make your own, the following list of categories and items will help you get organized. Combined with the helpful RV checklist apps, you'll be well on your way.

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Why You Need an RV Packing List

It doesn't matter how many RV trips you've been on; you're bound to forget something without a list. There's just too much to remember when you're packing for a trip.

You need to think about what clothes you'll need, what food and drinks you'll want to bring, and all of the other practical items you need for a great adventure. Not to mention tools, entertainment, and all the little things you don't remember until it's too late.

The Ultimate RV Checklist (7 Categories)

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With so much to pack, you might be wondering what needs to go on your RV packing list. Well, it's a lot.

Some of it you'll keep in your RV year-round, but you still need to check those items in case they need restocked. Others you'll need to pack for every trip.

We break our list into 7 categories, as follows.

1. Cleaning & Hygiene

RV Packing List for cleaning supplies

Cleaning & hygiene is at the top of ultimate RV packing list for obvious reasons. We don't mind getting dirty in the great outdoors, but we like to get clean, too!

And, of course, we like to keep our RV as clean as possible. We even have an entire Amazon List for this! Explore our RV Cleaning and Maintenance list here.

Some of the cleaning & hygiene items include:

  • Broom & dustpan
  • RV toilet cleaner
  • Sponges & scrub brushes
  • Paper products

2. Clothes, Towels & Bedding

RV Packing List for bedding

The next category on our RV checklist is clothes, towels, and bedding. You'll need to pack for the weather and activities you have planned.

And, of course, you want to be comfortable while you're on the road.

Some items in this category include:

  • Hats & sunglasses
  • Jacket or coat
  • Sweatpants & sweatshirts
  • Shorts & T-shirts
  • Sheets & blankets
  • Various towels

Helpful articles:

  • The 3 Best RV Bedding Solutions [REVIEW and VIDEO]
  • 7 Practical Bedding Storage Ideas for Your RV

3. Food & Drinks

photo of Jennifer showing our make-ahead camping recipes - RV Packing List for cooking

Next we have food and supplies. This includes both food for cooking and food for snacking.

  • Bread & buns
  • Cooking oil
  • Coffee (inc. filters, coffee maker , etc.)
  • Favorite spices
  • and lots more…

For some ideas of what food to pack, check out the following articles:

  • 10 Best crockpot Recipes According to Fellow RVers
  • 10 Easy Campfire Snacks & Treats
  • Various RV Recipes

4. Dishes & Utensils

organize an rv kitchen with an rv packing checklist

Next, you need to make sure your RV kitchen is properly stocked. This includes dishes, utensils, and cookware.

  • Pots & pans
  • Dishes (plates, bowls, cups, etc.)
  • Cooking utensils (spatulas, wooden spoons, etc.)
  • Sharp knives

Here are some helpful articles for this category:

  • Complete Sink Setup For Your RV Kitchen (Shopping List)
  • 7 Great RV Kitchen Gadgets to Save Space
  • 7 Best RV Kitchen Gadgets for Beverages
  • 13 Best Coffee Makers for RV Travel
  • 10 Best Campfire Accessories to Keep in Your RV

5. Games & Entertainment

rv packing list - games

This category is important for those rainy days, long drives, and lounging.

You'll want to make sure you have enough to keep everyone occupied.

  • Camping Puzzles
  • Board games
  • 13 Best Road Trip Movies for RVers and Camping
  • 10 Best Books to Read While Camping
  • Stargazing for Campers Kit (10 Must-Have Items)
  • 13 Best Travel Crafts & Activity Books for Adults
  • 7 Best Outdoor Camping Games for Your RV
  • 19 Best Card Games for Camping

6. First Aid

first aid on the rv packing checklist

This is a very important category that RV owners often forget. First aid (including restocking) should be on all of your RV checklists. Our RV Safety Essentials Amazon list might help!

You never know when you'll need it.

  • First aid kit
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Pain reliever
  • Allergy medication
  • Thermometer

7. Tools & Misc. Supplies

This category is important for those inevitable RV maintenance tasks and roadside emergencies.

You'll want to make sure you're prepared for anything!

  • Jumper cables
  • Tire Pressure Gauge
  • Flashlight & batteries
  • Multi-purpose tool (e.g. Swiss army knife)

For more specifics, check out the following articles:

  • Basics for the RV Toolbox
  • 10 Top Tools Every RVer Needs to Carry
  • 5 Emergency Roadside Kit & Products for Your RV
  • Why RVers Need RV Roadside Assistance Coverage (5 Reasons)

Get Your Free RV Packing List

Do you want all of the above checklist items and more consolidated in a 1-page RV checklist? A free checklist , I might add.

If you are reading this because you are on our email list – you should already have this checklist.

Best RV Checklist App Options

If you want to customize your own ultimate RV checklist, you can download a helpful app. They really do have apps for everything these days!

Here are some of the best ultimate RV checklist app options…

RV Life Pro

FREE RV Packing List (PLUS 3 Best RV Checklist Apps) 1

We love RV Life Pro for many reasons! It is the ultimate app suite for planning entire RV trips. You can read why we say RV Life Pro Is Worth It .

The RV Life Trip Wizard app is very helpful on its own. However, I recommend opting for RV Life Pro instead.

RV Life Pro is a 4-in-1 membership that includes:

  • RV LIFE Trip Wizard
  • RV LIFE Campground Reviews
  • RV LIFE App (RV-Safe GPS)
  • RV LIFE Maintenance Tracker

RV Life Pro provides a ton of resources, including checklists.

Jennifer and I have used RV Life Pro for many years now and continuously find more value in it than it costs. So much so that we became partners so our readers can save on membership.

This is important – if you want to enjoy using all the RV Life Pro tools just add this coupon code: RVLIFESTYLE which gives you 25% off the price! If you already use RV Life Pro – your cost is already low and locked in.

–> Note that discount codes must be entered on a computer  – if you try to sign up with the mobile app, there is no place to put the coupon code.  <–

Packr (Apple)

Packr is a very comprehensive packing list app. You can use it for travel in general, not just RVing.

There are many different trip types already inputted that you can choose from (e.g., camping, business trip, beach vacation). Then you simply check off the items you need to pack.

Best of all, it's a weather-driven packing list apps. When you input your destination(s) and date of travel, it gets the 8-day weather forecast and generates a packing list accordingly.

So, this app is most useful for packing clothing for your RV camping trips.

Packr is available on the  Apple App Store  for free or $2.99 for the premium version.

PackTeo (Android)

PackTeo is one of the most comprehensive packing list apps for Android.

Like Packr, it's a weather-driven packing list app. You simply input your destination and dates of travel and it gets the weather forecast to generate a packing list. It also has a general RV camping packing list that you can use as is or customize.

You can share your packing lists with others and even add notes to items on the list.

PackTeo is free on the Google Play Store  with optional in-app purchases.

Explore Florida's Atlantic Coast with our RV Adventure Guide

FREE RV Packing List (PLUS 3 Best RV Checklist Apps) 2

From  “The Historic Coast”  of  St. Augustine to “The Space Coast” in Cape Canaveral and  “The Treasure Coast”  of  Port St. Lucie  – the Atlantic Coast of Florida has something to offer for everyone.

We cover a variety of areas in this guide, from  sugar-sand beaches along the coast,  inland to  Florida’s magni ficent first-magnitude  springs , to the largest lake in the state and the subtropical wilderness of the Everglades.

Florida’s Atlantic Coast does not disappoint … we hope you’ll take the time to see for yourselves!

rv trip packing list

Published on 2024-03-10

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

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rv trip packing list

rv trip packing list

The Ultimate RV Packing List To Make Your Trip A Success

When you head on your RV trip you want to make sure you have everything you need. Here is our recommended RV packing list so you can get your RV loaded up and ready to go for an amazing trip!

RV Packing List

Check out our RV Checklist To Make Your Trip A Success too!

Table of Contents

Traveling in an RV means you are probably going to be spending a lot of time outside. Take that into account when packing and know it means the kids are probably going to get dirty so don’t bring their fancy clothes. Instead bring outside clothes that they can run and around, play in and get dirty.

With being outside a lot it also means that you will probably want layers. Even if you travel in summer the nights can still get chilly and you will most likely be sitting around a campfire. Since the weather can get colder at night and the bugs can come out having long sleeves and pants for nighttime is a good idea.

Most RV parks do have a laundromat so keep that in mind when packing and know you can go and wash clothes if you need to. If this is a big part of your plan do confirm with the campground that they have a laundromat on site.

Here are the clothes we recommend for each person:

  • A pair of shorts per day
  • A t-shirt/tank top per day
  • 2 pairs of underwear per day (good to have extra)
  • 2 pairs of sweatpants
  • 1 long sleeve shirt
  • 1 sweatshirt
  • Bathing Suit
  • Running/hiking shoes

rv trip packing list

Toiletries/Personal Items

You don’t want to forget all of your toiletries! You will be camping but the beauty of going in an RV means you probably have a shower in your rig. For these pack very similar to what you would if you were going to stay in a hotel:

  • Conditioner
  • Shaving Cream
  • Pony Tail Holders
  • Hair brush/comb

A few other items you don’t want to forget:

  • Prescriptions
  • Suntan Lotion
  • Shower Towels (if you don’t want to use the beach ones)
  • Feminine products if you will need those during your trip

Tools/Utility Items

Things in RV’s break . . . so it is always good to have a basic set of tools along with you. Here is a list of what we recommend having on hand. If you are planning a trip longer then a couple weeks there is definitely more that we would recommend. But for your basic RV road trip this should do.

Please note if you are using an RV rental there is a good chance they may have some of these things already in the RV. Please do check with them and then decide what you want to bring.

  • Set of socket wrenches
  • Screwdrivers (phillips and regular)
  • Pocket Knife

Toys RV Packing List

Don’t forget the fun stuff! The kids will appreciate if you can bring a few toys from home that they can play with when they need some downtime. It is also fun to play board games together as a family and watch movies. Plus you don’t want to forget all your fun toys too!

  • Magna Tiles/Blocks
  • Lego’s/Barbies/Playmobile
  • Board Games
  • Coloring Books
  • Pool Toys (googles)

Click here to sign up for your FREE RV Printables!!

rv trip packing list

Outside Gear

  • Paddle Boards
  • Boogey Boards
  • Fishing Gear
  • Baggo or other outside games
  • Bikes – if you can fit them
  • Scooters – note some campgrounds are all gravel so these won’t work well
  • S’more Sticks

Electronics

  • iPads/Kindle
  • Computer/Laptop
  • Videocamera
  • Phone Chargers – plug with it
  • iPad Charger – plug with it
  • Computer Charger – plug with it
  • WiFi hotspot if you need to be connected
  • Movies – ask if they have a DVD Player – may not be Blue Ray
  • Portable speaker

Food/Cooking Utensils

Food Utensils

A lot of the time rented RV’s come with all of this. If you are renting an RV you should ask them what they are providing and then you can use theirs or bring your own – whatever works for you! If you do bring your own I would recommend telling the RV owner so they can clear out their things from the cabinets.

You really don’t need a lot when it comes to cooking utensils. If you keep your meal planning simple then you only need a few things.

  • Pizza Pan (make sure these fit in the RV oven – ask the RV owner the size)
  • Baking Dish (make sure these fit in the RV oven – ask the RV owner the size)
  • Coffee Maker
  • Dish Towels
  • Water Bottles – nice to have when you go hiking too
  • Water Filter – we highly recommend the Berkey
  • S’more sticks
  • Cutting board
  • Grill lighter – longer lighter for lighting the stove and firepit

If these aren’t supplied (most will be if renting). Then you will also need the following:

  • 1 plate per person
  • 1 cup per person
  • 1 set of silverware per person
  • Coffee cups
  • Wine Glasses
  • Whiskey Tumbler
  • Large mixing spoon
  • Pizza cutter
  • Wine bottle opener
  • Sharp Knife

Here are some of our easy RV Meal ideas to help you with planning your grocery shopping list. Remember keep it simple!

  • Cinnamon Rolls
  • Eggs, bacon and hash browns
  • Grilled Cheese
  • Buttered Pasta and Parmesan Cheese
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly
  • Hummus and Veggies
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Frozen Pizza
  • S’mores stuff
  • Drink Mixes

RV Extras

Here are a few more things that didn’t fit into a specific category but we definitely recommend you have with you.

  • Portable Hammock Stand
  • First Aid Kit
  • Flashlights
  • Hand Soap for bathrooms
  • Clothes Drying Rack – may be good for drying swimsuits and towels – if you have room for it.
  • Folding Chairs
  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towel

Sleeping – If you want you can bring your own pillows and blankets! Everyone may sleep better this way.

  • Sound Machine

If you have pets traveling with you you don’t want to forget all the things they need!

  • Collar (with tags)
  • Longer rope/leash to hook up when you are outside

We hope this RV packing checklist helps you while getting prepared for your RV camping trip!

Another good list to have on hand is an RV checklist to make sure that you do everything you need to do as you are preparing to hit the road. Click here to see our post on RV Checklist To Make Your Trip A Success

If you don’t have an RV yet and are thinking about renting one check out our post: 9 RV Rental Tips You Will Want To Read

We hope you enjoy your RV trip!

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We have a podcast on Full time RV Family Travel! You can check it out here!

Pin This Post For Later:

When you head on your RV trip you want to make sure you have everything you need. Here is our ultimate RV packing list so you can get your RV loaded up and ready to go for an amazing trip!

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Home » Budget Travel » COMPLETE RV Packing List: Pack Your Rig Right in 2024!

COMPLETE RV Packing List: Pack Your Rig Right in 2024!

Sorting out a packing list for an RV trip is just no fun. The RV trip itself? Bleeding fantastic!

The feeling of satisfaction from a neatly Tetris-ed motorhome packed with every RV camping supply and essential imaginable? Absolutely priceless.

But the process of actually writing the packing checklist and getting that fat lotta crap into your RV? It’d probably be more enjoyable to just park your rig on your foot.

And then in swooped The Broke Backpacker with its complete RV packing list. A complete list for all connoisseurs of the RVlife – both newbies and veterans alike.

Today, we’re talking about  how to pack a motorhome!  Every single thing YOU NEED for RV camping… it’s all here. Throw that into the mix with a few RV packing tips-

And you’ve got The Broke Backpacker’s ULTIMATE RV packing list! Read it, print it, write your own – doesn’t matter. Let’s just get the boring crap done so you can get on to the fun stuff.

The adventure. 😉

An RV camped at sunset with a perfectly packed setup of supplies and equipment

Top 21 RV Must-Haves for Newbies

Other rv packing essentials and camping supplies, a few final rv packing tips for beginners.

We’re starting off with what I consider the most essential of the RV packing essentials. Newcomers to the world of RVing are definitely going to want to tune in.

A few of these pieces gear are RV-specific, some are just useful pretty much anytime on the road, but they’re all something you’re going to want in your rig!

1. First Aid Kit

Adventure Medical Kits World Travel First Aid Kit - Essential RV camping supply

Let’s start with the obvious: a first aid kit! No RV packing list is complete without a first aid kit.

Pack it in your rig – somewhere convenient and easily accessible – and leave it stocked and forgotten about until you need it (hopefully, never). A proper travel first aid kit is the literal definition of something “better to have and not need” .

2. Travel Insurance

Annnd speaking of something better to have and not need, this is a piece of essential RV packing that you can’t pack but also never want to leave home without. (You should probably also go ahead and get some additional RV insurance too as Travel Insurance does not cover vehicles)

The sad truth of life is that shit happens. Crashes, broken bones, renegade pigeons flying into the engine… these are the things that put a halt to our grand adventures, and the antidote to life’s little mishaps is insurance!

Do, please, consider getting some solid insurance coverage before you take off. You wouldn’t ever catch a member of The Broke Backpacker team dead (lol) travelling without insurance. Most of these madlads stick with the tried-and-true professionals: World Nomads Travel Insurance. Before you purchase a policy though, do check with them that your RV trip is covered under the policy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

rv trip packing list

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

3. Wheel Chocks

A pair of wheel chocks - necessary item for any RV takeoff checklist

It’s time for something RV-specific on our packing list, no? Wheel chocks (sometimes called wheel blocks) are blocks you stick under your rig’s wheels. Whether you’re crafting a full-time RV packing list or just one for a weekend trip, don’t forget to chock your rig.

RVs are heavy. They can be hard to get rolling, but once they do start rolling, they’re even harder to stop. You don’t want your RV rolling away and instead ending up a flotilla somewhere else… or a submarine.

4. Wheel Levellers

Wheel levelling blocks - essential equipment the bring camping in an RV

The Pokemon Red to wheel chock’s Pokemon Blue: no RV packing checklist is complete without wheel levellers. They do exactly as the name suggests – level your RV.

Sometimes, you won’t have the privilege of parking on perfectly flat ground. And if an RV is in use while on a slope, a lot of things can break down. RV fridges are not fans of minor inclines.

Plus, it’s just uncomfortable sleeping at a 45-degree angle. And sex at a 45-degree angle?

Actually… that’s still pretty dope.

5. Travel Towels

At this point in my career, I’ve written a fair share of packing lists. Somehow, microfibre towels (or their equally sexy counterpart – bamboo towels) ALWAYS make the list. You know why?

Because they’re goddamn spectacular!

A man on an RV trip drying himself at a lake with his microfibre towel

Super compact, super portable, and super insanely quick-drying is the name of the game! Sure, it’s an RV; you could just carry a bunch of normal and boring bath towels. But once you get in on the portable travel towel game , you’ll never look back.

6. Emergency Roadside Kit

All the RV equipment packed into a roadside emrgency kit

Remember how I said that shit happens? Well, in the biz, we call that an emergency. And when emergency strikes, grab your emergency kit! It’s mandatory packing for any road trip .

What actually comes in your emergency roadside kit tends to vary from kit to kit. Often, it’s just some of the other RV gear you’ll find on this packing list, extra equipment ready for a breakdown, and a space blanket along a couple of granola bars or something. Trust me – the last thing you want to have happen in a pinch is to go hungry.

Being hangry never solved an emergency.

7. Portable Generator

Portable generator - recommended item to always keep packed in a motorhome

Your RV is probably already going to have many forms of power. It’ll probably have solar power, a car battery, or a hookup at a powered site. And, sometimes, all of that goes to hell and then there you are thinking-

Why the hell didn’t I bring a portable generator?

Don’t let your lights go dark and your fridge warm: bring a backup generator.

8. Grayl Geopress

Much like my undying fetishisation of microfibre towels, we plug the Grayl Geopress a lot on The Broke Backpacker. And, once more, that’s because it’s the bee’s tits! (Is that how that saying works?)

grayl geopress forest

A Grayl Geopress lets you drink water from quite literally ANYWHERE. A muddy puddle in Cincinnati, a stream in the Himalayas, or even from the goddamn Mama Ganga herself! Parasites, bacteria, viruses; heavy metals, light metals, or even just that gank aftertaste – doesn’t matter! The Grayl Geopress always has your back .

It’s not so much an RV necessity as it is a just a kickass piece of gear for all outdoorsy humans. Some might call it a life necessity… or, at least, it is for those of us without the joys of a home with a tap to drink from.

A toolbox filled with useful equipment for any RV packing list

Don’t even stick a toolbox on your RV packing list – just buy one, put it away in your camper, and may it never leave again. If you’re a tool-sy kinda person, buy a big one filled with all kinda fancy and useless crap. If you’re a smart person, get a small one and only fill with RV-relevant equipment.

But never leave home without your tools. There aren’t many things in this world that can’t be fixed with a screwdriver, spanner, and a roll of duct tape.

Except a broken heart. #2deep4u

10. RV-Friendly Toilet Paper

RV-friendly toilet paper rolls - rv must-have for newbies with an on-boar

Did you know they make RV-friendly toilet paper? Cause I bloody well didn’t!

The deal is that regular ol’ TP is gonna wreak havoc on your rig and your pipes: it clogs them up real good. Some veterans of the RVlife insist that normal dunny paper is fine, but why take the risk?

Instead, make sure one of the things you pack when preparing for an RV trip is RV-friendly toilet paper. It disintegrates quickly and is specially designed for use in all RVs.

And, failing that, just wash your bumhole South Asia style . Here’s a hot take, folks: running out of TP is a true first-world problem.

11. Headtorch

Bro, you should be packing, like, fourteen headtorches in your RV. One lives in the toolbox, one in the glovebox, and 12 others scattered around your rig like an Easter Egg scavenger hunt.

A man RV camping goes hiking at dawn with a headtorch

I don’t care whether you’re backpacking, RVing, or going to the supermarket to buy milk: ALWAYS carr y a headtorch . It’s an indispensable tool that no nomadic soul should ever be venture anywhere without. Make sure it’s on your RV essentials list and never take it off.

I have a tendency to buy a cheap $10 Amazon headlamps which have a tendency to break two months later; the smart members of the team instead buy Petzl-brand headlamps because they’re the cream of the crop and as trusty as any benevolent steed.

And if it’s got rechargeable batteries? Well, that’s just bonus points.

12. Sea To Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag

rv trip packing list

This thing is mean and for one simple reason: it hangs up! All your toiletry packing and other doodads go in the bag (with its multitude of handy organisational pockets) and then the bag hangs on the wall.

When you’re living in a small space driving around the country and constantly packing and unpacking your rig, you’ll quickly see the benefits of this nifty tool.

RV Packing Beginner Tips #1: Have systems and use them well. Everything in its place. And if that place can be hanging and outta your grillz… perfection. 🙂

13. Bug Spray

Herbal and natural mosquito spray - RV packing list essential supply for camping

Bugs are another thing that you want to keep right outta your grillz (and everywhere else). Knowing how to handle mosquitoes and other rascals while travelling is crazy important.

Bug spray, mosquito coils, or one of those pew-pew zappy lantern things – whatever it is, make sure it’s always packed in your RV. Leeches and ticks are other nasties to watch out for when you’re RV camping too.

Something to handle the creepy-crawlies and fly-ie-wilies is one of the necessary things you need for RV camping. In fact, it’s really just a necessary camping supply no matter your style!

14. Fire Extinguisher

I mean, if you need an explanation for this, you’ve got bigger problems than sorting out your RV packing list. Have one in your rig and easily accessible AT ALL TIMES.

rv trip packing list

And probably a fire blanket too.

15. Daypack

Osprey Daylite Plus - Best daypack to pack in a camper or RV

Think of all the wandering you’ll do! Oh, the places you’ll boondock – forests, beaches, prairies, lakes, gorges, your best mate’s cousin’s ex-wife’s driveway (networking is a wonderful thing). For all those random day adventures away from you rig, you’ll need a daypack!

I could stand here and tell you all the pros and cons of the best travel daypacks , or I could just skip the bull and tell you to buy the Osprey Daylite Plus . Osprey makes some of the best backpacks in the goddamn universe and the fact that they come with a near-bulletproof warranty (even though there’s a good chance you’ll never need it) just ties the parcel together.

Ultimately, no RV camping packing list is complete without somewhere to put your packing! …Which in this case is your RV. But you definitely can’t strap that to your back when you go hiking!

Speaking of hiking and outdoor adventures, you’ll need a camera to capture all those outlandish escapades. Hell, stuff that. Sometimes I just park my van on desolate unsealed backroads simply for the photo op!

I’m going to point you towards our roundup of the best travel cameras for aspiring photographers. Choosing the right camera for your adventures is a bit of a quagmire, however, going for a solid action cam – like a GoPro (which have gotten significantly better over the years) – is a pretty reliable choice. They take some rather decent shots with the upside being that you’d be hard-pressed to ever break the damn thing.

A backpacker in Pakistan taking a photo with an action cam

The GoPro Hero9 Black is currently carving up the action cam market space. The quality is sexy and the overall design of the camera is the result of GoPro’s long-standing history of making kickass cams. It’s a nifty little beast that’s going to survive pretty much anything you throw at it all the while capturing some excellent footage of the misadventures.

There are also plenty of alternative action cams to GoPro , but whatever camera you do get, make sure a camera is on your motorhome inventory checklist. It would be a real damn shame to visit all those places in your own motorised house-on-wheels and not take some photos of the experience!

17. Clothing

The next few entrants are going to be what to pack for an RV trip that actually goes on your person – clothes and gear!

A man on an RV trip wearing his winter packing layers on a snowy cliff

Now, a whole list of clothes isn’t really suitable for a packing list for an RV trip; you’re kinda bleeding into a million other packing lists’ territories there. So instead, I’m just linking to a few of The Broke Backpacker buyer’s guides on the topic down below.

If you’re looking for the best of the best travel gear of the wearable sort, you’ll find everthing you need right here!

  • Top Travel Jackets for Backpackers
  • Best Travel Pants for Intrepid Adventurers
  • Best Travel Shoes for Men and Women
  • Quality Hiking Boots for Carving Trails 

18. A Rain Jacket

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - best rain jacket to pack for an RV trip

…Except for a rain jacket – that gets a dedicated entry! Do not go RVing without a rain jacket.

“Oh, but I have an RV,” you say, “Why would I need a rain jacket?”

I dunno, dude. Maybe you break down in the rain. Or you have to go outside for something. Maybe your toilet clogged because you forgot the RV-friendly toilet paper and now you’re chucking a bushpoo in a torrential downpour!

All I’m saying is that I was living the vanlife over New Year’s in the pissing rain and slapping my stellar rain jacket over the top of my dragon onesie was an absolute lifesaver. Speaking of, a onesie – RV packing list essential honourable mention.

19. Sandals

Teva Original Universal Urban Sandals - Essential footwear for an RV packing checklist

Another dedicated entry simply for their utility. In the rain, at the beach, or just for that aforementioned bushpoo, sandals are the way to go. A good pair of travel sandals are light, comfortable, and have plenty of airflow!

Putting on and taking off hiking boots ten times a day ain’t nobody’s idea of a good time. Neither is tracking mud right through your sparkly-clean rig. Instead, get a pair of proper and solid travel sandals .

If they were good enough for Jesus, then they’re good enough for you! We’ll leave it up to you if you want to wear your hiking socks with them!

20. A Security or Money Belt

Pacsafe belt

Is this really an RV camping essential? Honestly, it kinda is.

Whenever I’m out vanning, I keep my money belt right next to me on the centre console. It’s got pockets for my wallet, my digital camera, my headphones, and for my phone whenever I’m not blasting bangers on the open road (which is really all the time). Whenever it’s time for a stopover, I just grab my belt!

Personally, I’d say a strong and well-organised money belt is a total essential for ALL forms of travel. You can opt for a sleek security belt style meant to conceal some secret cash wads or you can just go with the classic Super Dad bum bag, but either way, protect your goods!

Does Batman ever go out without his utility belt?

21. A Guitar (Or Something!)

Toys! You need toys!

An art book, a pair of poi, a Cajon, or a goddamn travel guitar (or ukelele). You’re going RV camping far from the cell towers and WiFi routers – it’s time to play again!

A packed motorhome filled with my favourite essential item for RV camping - instruments

Maybe you already play guitar? Maybe you’re one of those people that only know a G and C-formation and always say “Oh, I really keep meaning to play more…” .

Well then do it, you scrub! Buy a goddamn guitar, git gud, and be the campsite hero bringing the acoustic jams. When you meet your campground neighbour the next morning and they say “Thanks for the music last night; we really appreciated it,” it’ll all be worth it.

audy on top of a mountain in japan with the osprey aether

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Is our RV packing list finished yet? Not even close!

Well, we’re kinda close, however, there’s still a wide net of items that any motorhome inventory checklist really needs. We’ve done the ‘must-haves’ ; now, let’s do the ‘should-gets’ .

RV Equipment

Your equipment is super important packing for an RV. Most of this is the kind of stuff that should live in your rig. An RV is a complex machine (and house) of many moving parts and mechanisms – you need the right gear.

Equipment/RV Necessities

  • Motor oil, transmission fluid, and coolant
  • Extra cotter pins
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Water pressure regulator
  • Drinking water hose
  • Toilet chemicals
  • Sewer kit/tank cleaner
  • Jumper cables
  • Extension cords
  • Surge protector
  • Electrical adapters
  • Spare fuses
  • Spare batteries
  • Battery chargers

Documentation

  • Registration papers
  • Insurance papers
  • Warranty documentation
  • ID/driver’s licence
  • Campground directories (or trip planning apps)
  • Pen and paper
  • Ziplock bag for documents

Extra Tools

  • Electrical and duct tape
  • Pocketknife/multi-tool
  • Rope and bungee cords

rv trip packing list

RV Camping Supplies

Most of this stuff is the kind of gear you’d find on any good camping packing checklist , however, it’s still something that you wouldn’t want to forget when you’re out boondocking the byways of the world.

Camping Gear

  • Camping chairs and table
  • Picnic blanket
  • Outdoor shelter/gazebo
  • Spare towels
  • Travel Hammock
  • Fairy lights (or other ambient lighting)
  • Citronella candles
  • Firewood/kindling
  • Reusable water bottles

Adventure Gear

  • Sleep system (sleeping bag/liner/pad)
  • Hiking gear
  • GPS/compass
  • Fishing Gear
  • Bikes (and helmets)
  • Kayak (or other water gear)

The things you’ll need for RV camping is semi-dictated by  how you like to go camping (and your personal favourite types of adventure). For a more comprehensive breakdown of the adventure essentials, check out our roundup of the best backpacking and outdoor gear .

Personal Effects and Miscellaneous Items

Time to wrap up our RV checklist with some random packing: the best bits! What do you do for fun? How are you gonna keep the ankle-biters occupied? What’s your favourite brand of toothpaste?

A woman brushes here teeth in a neatly packed motorhome

These are the questions that we need to ask the most.

  • Board games
  • Playing cards
  • Frisbee/balls/outdoor games
  • Speaker and tunes (and headphones)
  • Books/Kindle
  • Swimming toys

Miscellaneous

  • Umbrella/beach umbrella
  • Kitchen supplies
  • Matches/lighters
  • Spray cleaner/sponges/soap/cleaning supplies
  • Dustpan and broom
  • Food/groceries
  • Thermos cup

rv trip packing list

Sort out your rental and insurance before you’re stuck somewhere without a vehicle… or home. To get the CHEAPEST price, check out rentalcars.com – they simplify the process at a lower cost and can match you with the right vehicle for your adventure!

Now we’re rally almost finished. I skipped a few things such as an RV food packing list or your toiletry and first aid specifics, however, you’re an adult! I’m sure you can figure out your grocery shopping and shampoos.

Instead, I’d just like to lay down a few extra tips on how to pack an RV well . It’s not an exact science, but then again, neither is brushing your teeth! Yet people still seem to mess that up.

A woman contemplates her RV packing list while organising from the back doors

  • Keep it Light – RV or no… extensive packing checklist or no… Still try to keep your RV minimally packed. The first rule of nomadic living is to lighten your load. Overpacking – even in a beasty house-bus – is still going to result in clutter, disorganisation, and lower gas mileage due to the weight.
  • Distribute Your Load Evenly – Both a safety and a packing tip! While your minimising, make sure you also pack your RV in such a way that it distributes the weight evenly across all four axles. It’s good for gas mileage AND for driving your RV safely .
  • Consider Your Heavy Items – While you’re distributing things evenly, consider where your heavy items are going too. Down low and over the axles is where you want them.
  • Don’t Overdo the Water – Obviously, lots of water is the real number one must-have for RV newbies. BUT… don’t overdo it. Pack water according to your itinerary – it weighs a lot and is going to significantly affect your mileage and fuel costs (which is also why you should empty wastewater tanks regularly).
  • No Breakables – Before you go hooning up and down bumpy, unsealed backroads, leave the bloody crockery behind!
  • Consider Organisation and Accessibility – Frequently used or emergency items should be easily accessible; snow chains, on the other hand, can be tucked away outta sight in summer. And for storage options, always go for clear plastic boxes so you can see what you’re looking at.

Final Item of the RV Packing List… A Smile!

Because you’re going on an adventure! It doesn’t matter if it’s one of the most beautiful road trips in America or a cross-country extravaganza right to the bottom of Argentina.

Guaranteed, it’ll be a bombastic blitz of a journey.

And now you’ve got the RV takeoff checklist you need to go and conquer those unsung horizons!

So check your tires, check your oil, and check your impatience at home because the open road is waiting. Ain’t no need for a restless spirit when you have all the freedom in the world.

Go hard, folks. Whether it’s the swankiness of the RVlife or the spectacular dirtbaggery of the vanlife , living and travelling in a motorhome is pretty grand.

Just, please, don’t forget the RV-friendly TP. Or do. You get used to using your hand – I promise.

A man with a well-packed RV at a beautiful lake contemplates his perfect packing list

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

Ziggy Samuels

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Pack Like a Pro with the Ultimate RV Packing List

Breeze Leonard

An RV trip means you can take just about anything you might need along on the vacation. But should you? Packing for an RV trip is significantly different than packing for any other vacation. Packing too little or too much can be frustrating. Knowing exactly what to pack in your home on wheels is a must! Follow this easy-to-use list of dos and don’t to help guide you. And don’t forget to print out our handy RV packing list.

This post is sponsored by RVshare.com.

Travelers are trading in their tents for campers and their sleeping bags for real beds! The RV life has been growing in popularity over the past few years and the pandemic only increased both RV sales and rentals.

A new survey from the RV Industry Association reveals that 72 million Americans plan to take an RV trip in 2022. More travelers are finding the flexibility and convenience of RV travel as the right fit for them and their families.

Whether you’ve invested in this lifestyle full time or you are RVing for the first time, this comprehensive list will help make this adventure one that you’re adequately prepared for!

https://youtu.be/nbjaL70sWC4

An RV Packing List from the Experts (+ PRINTABLE)

I’ve learned how to pack for an RV trip not only from a 1-week vacation we took from Texas to the Grand Canyon in a rented RV from RVshare.com , but my family and I now live full time in a 5th wheel. Yes, we tried the RV lifestyle and liked it enough that we are living full time in one while we wait for our home to be built.

I’ve learned all about the must-haves for this type of travel and even more importantly, I’ve learned what’s not needed and can be left behind. Organization and simplicity are the keys to packing for an RV camping trip. Don’t worry, I’ll share all the expert tips and tricks with you that I’ve learned along the way.

Don’t forget to download this great RV packing checklist printable for your next road trip adventure in an RV or motorhome.

RV PACKING LIST PRINTABLE CHECKLIST

RV Kitchen Items

Your RV kitchen is going to be smaller than your normal kitchen so you will have to make some adjustments to meal time prep. However, I love to cook and having lived in an RV for the last year I’ve learned a lot of tricks on how to make this small space work for you, not against you.

Instant Pot

This is the No. 1 thing I recommend for your RV kitchen. I brought along my instant pot on our RV trip and it was one of the best decisions I made.

Being able to cook everything in one pot is great because of the limited space. One pot to cook in and one pot to clean!

And I like that I can plug it in outside next to our RV when I want to open up some space in our kitchen. I purchased mine from Amazon and I’ve used it nonstop while living in our RV.

Fewer Seasonings

You may not have room to bring every herb and spice that you’re used to cooking with, but these spice dispensers have allowed me to carry more of my favorite spices without taking up too much valuable space in the kitchen.

The Right Dish Soap

Have you tried Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray yet? This is our go-to dish soap now and I love having it for our RV. This “magic” dish soap removes food from dishes like “magic” which cuts down on the amount of water we have to use, which is important when traveling in an RV.

Paper Towel Holder Stand

I love having a paper towel holder stand both for when we’re inside the RV and also for when we are outside. Mounted paper towel holders seem to get in the way when you already have limited space. I prefer have one that I can move around to use both indoors and outside.

I move it to a picnic table to tend to those hands that are sticky from eating s’mores around a campfire .

Drinking water is an important thing to pack. While most campgrounds have water hookups, we always carry bottled water in an outdoor storage compartment, just in case. Plus, there may be times when you want a free stop overnight and won’t have access to water hookups.

But I also think it’s very important to use refillable water bottles whenever we do have access to running water because they are better for the environment and take up much less room. These are my favorite reusable water bottles from Amazon .

Cleaning Supplies

I keep a small basket  of cleaning supplies so that it travels well. Whenever possible, I choose all-purpose cleaners so I don’t have to have to store and transport a large collection of cleaners.

If you know someone who sells Young Living, I’m obsessed with the company’s Thieves household cleaner. I use it on glass, countertops, toilets and many other things. It smells amazing.

Running out of washcloths is easy when you don’t have a chance to wash clothes for a few days. For this reason, I highly recommend keeping a few sponges with you so that you can wash dishes.

Coffee Maker

I’m a huge coffee drinker! However, I needed to find a coffee maker that would not take up a lot of space on my countertop and could be easily secured in a cabinet or the sink when we were on the road.

I have tried many different Keurig coffee makers but the Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is my absolute favorite. It’s compact and makes a single cup of coffee very quickly. I bought mine from Target so I got 5% off with my RedCard .

Plastic Dinnerware

I’m a huge fan of plastic dinnerware in the RV. When traveling in the RV we spend a great deal of our time eating outdoors so plastic dinnerware is perfect for dinners outside on the picnic table. I also avoid traveling with any glassware. We once had a glass salt shaker fall from a shelf during transit and shatter the glass top on our sink. It was an expensive mistake!

I purchased a set of plastic dinnerware from Target and they work great for both indoor and outdoor dining.

Less is best when the space is small. I have one spatula, one slotted spoon, one ladle and one whisk. You can buy a whole set from Amazon .

I also keep a set of grilling utensils in a case in the outdoor storage compartment on the RV.

Measuring Cups

These compact measuring cups are the way to go!

Silicone Pot Holder and Mats

I love products that have multi uses anyway. And I love them even more when we’re living in an RV! These silicon mats can easily be stored and double as great pot holders .

RV Camping Gear

My days of sleeping on the ground in a tent are over. RV living has taught me so much about making camping a fun and luxurious experience.

Here are a few of the items that you will help you up your camping game, RV-style.

You will need a set of headlamps ! RVing comes with its own set of unpredictable travel issues. There will be times during the night when you have to go outside and check things on the RV.

Plus, SheBuysTravel founder Kim Orlando swears by her headlamp for reading after the kids go to sleep. And, she says, it makes great birth control too!

Hammocks 

We love our hammocks! I bought a couple of hammocks from Walmart and they have been great.

Space in the RV is limited, so creating a nice outdoor space at your campsite will allow everyone more space to spread out.

Reading a book outside on my hammock is one of my favorite things to do on vacation.

Fishing Gear

If you love to fish, bring along your fishing poles and a small tackle box. They can be stored on the outdoor storage compartments on the RV.

Portable Chargers

Invest in a solar charger ! These chargers can be charged either through a wall outlet or the sun. We found that for RV camping, solar chargers were the way to go. This is the one I bought .

Surge Protector Power Strip

If your family is like mine and travels with a ton of devices from laptops to game consoles, you’ll want a surge protector power strip to keep everyone powered up and happy.

Heavy Duty Extension Cords

You never know when you’re going to need another extension cord . We have used ours on so many occasions that now it’s on my must-have list. We use it for hooking up an outdoor fan or lights.

It’s one of those items that’s better to have and never use than to need it and not have it.

An RV mat is so important! If you’re like me you will get tired of sweeping up the entry to the RV so I finally purchased a mat and I was so glad that I did.

When you start to travel to different RV campgrounds you will start to notice that most experienced RVers come with their own outdoor setup which includes an RV mat .

It’s all fun and games until someone gets covered in mosquito bites while outside around the campfire. Come prepared! This is my go-to bug spray because it’s safe for kids.

For a full list of the camping gear you likely will want to carry in your RV, check out our full camping packing list .

Tools You Need to Have in the RV

Small tool kit.

It’s important to have a tool kit on hand when traveling in your RV. You can purchase one from Amazon that comes with a basic set of tools. My husband even purchased me my own set which I carry with my in my car and the RV when we travel.

These tools can come in handy when you need to fix something inside or outside the RV. It’s just a good rule of thumb to always travel with one.

Car Repair Gear

RVs are for driving (or towing ). That means you’ll need to keep some basic car gear on hand. At the very least, you will want a tire pressure gauge and jumper cables.

I can’t imagine going anywhere ever without a full supply of duct tape. We’ve used duct tape for numerous things from securing doors in the RV for travel to hanging up outdoor lights.

Trust us, you need a pair of heavy duty gloves for when it comes time to dump the black water (poop) tank! My husband will tell you that having heavy duty gloves for this event is a must. Dumping that black water tank will likely be the worst part of your RV adventure!

SheBuysTravel Tip: Rent before you buy! RV rental companies like RVshare make it easy for you to try out RVing. We have a complete guide to renting and RV here . 

Toiletries and Personal Items

Toilet Paper

Did you know that they make toilet paper especially designed for RVs? You can buy a pack from Amazon . You really should use this type of toilet paper because it breaks down four times faster than normal toilet paper, keeping your black water tank free of any issues.

First Aid Kit

Any time kids are going to be running around outdoors — as they will be when you’re camping in an RV — it’s important to have a first aid kit on hand like this one .

Personal Items 

  • Conditioner

Hiking Clothes / Warm Layers

I always keep hiking clothes and warm layers in the RV for everyone in the family. Our favorite place to shop for these online is REI.com.

When we were RV camping in the Grand Canyon we woke up to an inch of unexpected snow! I had really only prepared for warm weather so after that trip I started traveling with layers and hiking clothes for those unexpected weather events and spontaneous hikes!

Regardless of the time of year you’re traveling, always pack a swimsuit. You never know when a campsite might have outdoor showers, hot tubs. hot springs or a heated pool. It’s important to come prepared so the kids aren’t begging you to buy them swimsuits so they can jump in.

RVing With Pets

One of the biggest benefits of RVing is the ability to bring along your furry family members. This RV packing list wouldn’t be complete without some tips on how to prepare for RV travel with a pet.

Pet Food Containers

Hauling bags of pet food around was not ideal for us in the RV. We love using these pet food containers . The containers keep the food secure during transit and take up a lot less space in the RV than their food bags.

Portable / Collapsible Bowls

I recommend these collapsible bowls to everyone who travels with their pet, in an RV or not.

But I especially love them for the RV because they collapse. That means they do not take up a lot of space. I use them for both food and water bowls.

Feeding Mat

After a couple of water bowl spills in the RV, I started laying down a water-proof and anti-slip mat before feeding our pets.

Travel Pet Bed

We always travel with a pet bed like this one for use both inside the RV and outside at the campsite. Our dog is an anxious traveler so her bed really keeps her feeling safe and comfortable.

Portable Run for Dogs

After long days traveling in the RV we want to give our pets some space to run and play. These portable runs are great for the campsite.

Foldable Crate

At times you may have to leave your dog alone in the RV when you’re out sightseeing. We found that our dog would go nuts climbing over furniture and tearing up window shades. For this reason we purchased a foldable dog crate to help with her anxiety while we were away.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Learn more about RVing with a pet here . 

Fun Items You’ll Want to Bring

Board games.

Take it from me, do not pack board games that come with a million pieces. Keep it simple and try to find games that have only a few pieces and parts.

Our family’s personal favorite card games are UNO FLIP and Exploding Kittens. These games are great for a variety of ages and keep us laughing for hours. We also love Pictionary and Sequence. If you’re RVing with teens, check out the strategy board game Catan.

MAGNA-TILES

This is THE perfect product for RVing with kids. Keep the kids from bringing a ton of toys with them and just stick to this one product!

My kids love these magnetic tiles, even my 13-year old will spend a ton of time building things. I tell everyone who is RVing to invest in a nice set of the MAGNA-TILES . The best part is, it’s great for kids of all ages and is easy to clean up when they’re done using it.

They are expensive, so I normally purchase them from Target so I can get my 5% off discount with my RedCard .

The more things you can have to entertain everyone outdoors the better! The RV will feel smaller the longer you’re inside, so try to break up the amount of time you spend indoors.

My all-time favorite outdoor games are Yard Yahtzee and Corn Hole. This set is foldable and easy to store.

Outdoor Movie Setup

This may not be a necessity, but a projector and portable movie screen are so much fun! We have spent many nights under the stars watching movies together.

It’s not complicated to set up and you can purchase the whole set here .

Tips for Staying Organized in the RV

As a full time RVer, I can tell you that staying organized in the RV is going to save your sanity. It takes just a little mess in a small space to make you feel overwhelmed and a little claustrophobic.

Here are two ways I’ve found to avoid the mess:

  • Give everyone their own basket! We purchased baskets from Target that would fit into the overhead storage cabinets in the RV so that everyone would have their own basket for clothes and personal items. Each kid has their own basket and their own mess to manage.
  • Use food containers: I was already a fan of food containers, but they became necessary when traveling and living in the RV. They helped us save space and our food traveled well this way.

We hope this list helps you plan and prepare for an amazing RV trip! If you have more questions about RVing you can connect with us on our Facebook Group here . Don’t forget to download our RV packing list here .

One response

Thank you for talking about things like handy tools that can be used when RV-ing during travels. Even if it’s just a rental, I really want to make sure that our RV stays in tip-top condition so that there are no complications when we return it. I’ll definitely keep this in mind when I pack things for our RV rental vacation.

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Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper

Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper

While preparing for an RV adventure is exciting, packing all the gear you’ll need can be overwhelming.

To help reduce your stress, we’ve put together a checklist of camping necessities, including RV accessories, kitchen supplies, clothing, personal items and more that you should bring on every RV trip. And you can download printable versions of our RV Adventure Checklist in E-book form to take with you wherever you go, here !

RV Essentials:

  • Surge protector
  • Electrical adapters
  • Toilet chemicals
  • RV-friendly toilet paper
  • Water pressure regulator
  • Drinking water hose
  • Leveling blocks
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Extension chords
  • Wheel chocks
  • Electrical and duct tape
  • Extra cotter pins
  • Extra motor oil and transmission fluid
  • Battery jumper cables
  • Emergency road kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Large zip close bag for documents, including license, registration, reservations, etc.

Kitchen and cooking supplies:

  • Water bottles
  • Cutting board
  • Utensils/cutting knives
  • Tongs and skewers
  • Camping griddle and pie iron
  • Bowls, plates and cups
  • Paper towels
  • Garbage bags
  • Plastic wrap
  • Zip close bags 
  • Dish towels
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Matches and lighter
  • Food storage container
  • Cooler 

Food staples:

  • Batter mixes
  • Vegetables and fruits
  • Butter or margarine
  • Condiments, including mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.
  • Grill meats, like hot dogs, burgers, brats, etc.
  • Drink mix packets
  • S’more ingredients
  • Freeze dried meals
  • Salt, pepper, herbs and spices
  • Baking items, including flour, cornmeal, sugar, etc.
  • Canned foods
  • Peanut butter and jelly 
  • Snacks, including crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.
  • Cooking spray or oil

Clothing and bedroom items:

  • Shoes, including sneakers, hiking boots, sandals, etc.
  • Bathing suit
  • Sweatshirts and jackets
  • Pants and shorts
  • Short and long sleeve t-shirts
  • Clothes hangers
  • Alarm clock
  • Sheets and blankets

Personal items and toiletries:

  • Phone chargers
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Reservation confirmations
  • First-aid kit
  • Medications and prescriptions
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • Travel map and campground directory
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Brush and comb
  • Shaving gel
  • Nail clippers

Camping and outdoor fun gear:

  • Camping chairs
  • Fishing gear, including rods, tackle, license, etc.
  • Sports equipment, including football, basketball, baseball, mitt, etc.
  • Yard games, including corn hole, horseshoes, hula-hoops, etc.
  • Books and magazines
  • Playing cards
  • Notepad or journal
  • Saw or hatchet
  • Flotation devices
  • Guitar 

Download a printable version of this RV Adventure Checklist here before you start packing to take with you and keep track of what you need!

Now that you are all packed up, download our free checklist for Setting Up and Breaking Down Your Campsite ! Visit our blog for more tips, tricks and advice about RV life.

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rv trip packing list

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Written by Niche Website • May 6, 2021 • 6:36 pm • Camper Essential Items

Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper

1. Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper.

Prepare for your first RV trip with 37 things to pack, 3 things you should never pack, and the ultimate guide to packing well.

Introduction

1. Introduction

There is nothing more exciting than that first night you spend in an RV. Knowing you can go anywhere, surrounded by your family and friends, your own possessions, and even your pets. 

Knowing that you’ve already unpacked for the holiday even though you’ve barely set off yet.  And knowing that you are about to be treated to some of the finest views in the world, from the comfort of your cozy RV passenger seat. 

We’re jealous. We wish we could do it all again, but we’ll settle for making other first-time campers’ experience as stress free as possible.

You’ve Booked Your Trip What Next?

2. You’ve Booked Your Trip What Next

So, you’ve booked your first RVing trip, what next?  RVing isn’t anything like staying in a hotel or static caravan. It’s better. 

You’ll only have to unpack once, there’s no limit to where you can go and what you do on your trip, and there’s nothing easier than setting up your camper after a long day’s drive. 

If you’ve just booked your first RVing holiday, then you’re not alone. In the last two years RVing and camping has seen a huge boom. 28 million people spent time on an RVing holiday in 2018. 

Early data suggests that that number was up to 68% higher in 2020. And that number is set to grow even more this year. RVing around the US frequently pops up on travel bucket lists . 

There has never been a better time to treat yourself to an RVing holiday.  So, how do you prepare for your first RVing trip? Well, there are lots of things you need to plan for: 

  • When you are going
  • Where you are going to stay 
  • How long your trip will take 
  • What you are going to do on your trip 
  • Which route to take 
  • What to pack 

Now, we can’t help you with everything on that list. What we can do, however, is take all the stress out of packing. 

The good news is that packing for your first RV trip is fairly simple. However, there are some things that first time campers never think to pack. 

Today we’re going to cover 37 things you shouldn’t go on your first RVing trip without, 3 things you should never pack, and a guide to packing like a pro. Let’s jump right into that list. 

Essentials for a First Time RV Trip

3. Essentials for a First Time RV Trip

Here are 27 things that you must pack for your first RV trip. These may seem like small items but they are going to make a major difference to your quality of life while on the road. 

You’d be surprised by how many people are so excited to take their first trip that they forget the basic things like toothpaste or matches. 

Cooking Stuff

While it can be tempting to eat off paper plates and drink out of red solo cups for your whole holiday.

You’ll find it a much more relaxing experience if you pack your own cooking things.

Plus it’s way better for the environment. Here are two things that you should definitely make space for in your RV. 

1. Cooking Stuff

1. Crockery and cutlery

As we mentioned before, not only is bringing your own cutlery and crockery a great option for those looking to reduce their waste output and be environmentally friendly. 

But it’s a simple trick to feeling more relaxed on the road.  Being able to surround yourself with home comforts is a huge benefit of RVing. Nothing beats being able to drink your morning coffee in your favorite mug. 

Your bowls will always be just the right size. And you’ll never have to worry about not being able to cut up your brisket when you have your favorite cooking knife to hand. 

2. Takeaway cups

You may be scratching your head at this one. We’re not suggesting you bring takeaway cups so that you can drive your RV through a Starbucks drive-through every 50 miles. However, if that’s what floats your boat, more power to you. 

No, we think takeaway cups are an essential part of RVing for another reason. Have you ever spilled hot coffee on yourself? 

It hurts, doesn’t it? Well, not every road or RV suspension is made equally. You will inevitably experience a bumpy ride. 

Most likely when you’re not expecting it, and most likely when you’ve just made a full cup of coffee. With takeaway cups, you don’t have to worry about spilling a drop, no matter how bad the road turbulence gets. 

2. Food

One of the best things about RV holidays is that you are in complete control of what you eat and when. If you want to get take-out every night you can. 

But you also have the option to cook all of your favorite meals on the road. This can make RVing a really ideal holiday for you if you or anyone in your family has food allergies.

We know many children who have been able to eat the same food as the rest of their family on holiday for the first time, while RVing. It’s an emotional experience all around. 

Bringing your own food also makes RVing the ideal holiday for anyone who is on a budget. If you want to you can meal prep everything you’re going to eat before you leave. 

Then freeze it and store it in the RV. This takes out all the hassle of going on the go and means that you can make huge savings when it comes to mealtimes. Don’t forget to pack snacks. There’s nothing worse than running out of snacks. 

Now that you have planned out all the delicious meals you’re going to have and/or cook on our holiday, it’s time to choose the condiments you’re going to bring along with you. 

Many brands now offer travel size containers of their condiments, but if you’re looking to save money you can just pack what you already have in the fridge.

3. Condiments

One of the great joys of RVing holidays is being able to customize them to your exact tastes.

That means if you want to spend a week sunning yourself on the beach you can. If you want to spend a week hiking around Yellowstone then you can.

You can even plan a weekend away Skiing for yourself.

When it comes to an RVing holiday, the sky’s the limit.  However, it will make you’re packing a lot easier if you decide what you’ll be doing on your holiday before you leave. 

The good news we have for you is that there is no weight or packing limit when it comes to RV holidays. 

You don’t have to worry about trying to fit all your clothes into one tiny suitcase. In fact, most RVs come with built-in clothes storage. 

1. Swimwear

Swimwear and beach towels are essential items if you’re planning to spend any time at a beach or pool on your trip. 

You should bring a set of towels that you only use for the beach, this will help you to avoid filling the RV with sand. Waking up in the middle of the night with sand in your sheets is never fun. 

2. Waterproof jacket

No matter where you’re traveling, never leave home without a waterproof jacket. Having dry, warm clothing can be the difference between a good day and an awful one.

Even in the hottest, driest states – if you’re hiking (or taking part in some kind of other nature-based activity) then you’ll have to be prepared for sudden changes of weather. 

At high altitudes, any location can experience snow, gale-force winds, and torrential downpours. 

3. Warm pajamas

Even in the height of summer, many areas in the country can get really cold at night. Warm pajamas are a simple and cheap alternative to having your heaters blazing all night long. 

When you travel with your RV you don’t have to worry about ending up in the middle of nowhere where the bar only serves your least favorite beer and Appletinis. 

You’ve got a fridge, make the most of it by stocking it like your own, personalized minibar.  Buying your alcohol in advance is another great way to make a saving whilst RVing. 

Head down to a bulk buying store and make the most of their great deals. You can then store the crate in the back of your RV and top the fridge up as you go. 

First Aid Kit

If you pack nothing else for your first RV trip then make sure you pack a First Aid Kit. They quite literally save lives every day .  RVing is not more dangerous than any other type of holiday.

But it does give you the opportunity to try many you normally wouldn’t, often quite far away from a hospital. 

5. First Aid Kit

Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you should have in your first aid kit . The following 5 items are parts of the first aid kit people often forget to pack or don’t see the point in packing. Let us remind you why they are so important. 

1. Sunscreen

Recent research unequivocally shows that we should all be wearing sunscreen every day of the year . It has been discovered that the most harmful parts of UV rays are not actually absorbed by the clouds like was previously thought. 

This means that even on rainy days we are at risk of developing sunburn and skin damage. 

Why is this something you should pay attention to, no matter what color your skin is? Well, UV rays (particularly UVA and UVB rays) have been linked with early aging and skin cancer .

The good news is that by applying sunscreen everyday, you can mitigate a lot of the risks to your skin. When on holiday you should look into purchasing waterproof sunscreen.  

2. Space blankets

First developed by NASA for extraterrestrial travel, space blankets have found themselves a new life on earth. 

They are now used by nearly every emergency service across the globe and have been used to treat many different problems – such as shock, hypothermia, and extreme weather conditions. 

Why do you need a space blanket on an RVing holiday? Well, one of the best things you can do when packing for an RV trip is to prepare for the worst. 

If your RV breakdowns you may be stuck waiting for a while, without a heater. You may also need to break out the space blanket in the event of freak weather changes, like an unexpected snow storm.

3. Burn gel

While this may seem self-explanatory, you’d be surprised by how many people leave home without a pack of burn gel in their first aid kit. 

In the event that anyone on your trip is burnt (by boiling water, by something hot, or even by something extremely cold) burn gel can prevent long-term scarring and short term pain. 

When some is burnt, run the wound under cold water then quickly cover the whole thing with burn gel. 

Allow the gel to absorb and then bandage up the wound. If the burn looks serious or continues to hurt constantly after a couple of days take the person to A&E. 

4. Bandages and band aids

Most of us won’t witness anyone getting seriously burnt on our RVing holiday. However, most of us will find a use for bandages and band aids on our trip. 

You may have to fit yourself with a compression bandage after dancing too hard at the camp disco. Or your grandma might get a papercut whilst reading her gruesome murder mystery too enthusiastically. 

You never know when bandages and band aids may come in handy, so make sure you’re stocked up. 

5. Bug spray

This one is mostly for you city folk. When traveling through areas of woodland, long grass, or walking alongside a body of water – bug spray is essential. Don’t let a series of poorly placed midge bites ruin your holiday. 

Cleaning supplies

Yes, we know you’re on holiday, but unfortunately, you will still need to do some cleaning. However, cleaning is not always a bad thing. 

It stops viruses and bugs from spreading, it makes the bathroom smell a lot better, and it keeps your RV looking spotless. You might even find it a relaxing experience. 

Here are four essential cleaning supplies to bring on your first RVing holiday. 

1. Washing up liquid

We use this item every day. We understand its importance. But do most of us remember to pack it before we set off on our trips? No. Even veteran campers like us are guilty of this one. 

While it might be tempting to buy the cheapest bottle possible for your holiday, we would recommend investing in the good stuff. It will make the chore of doing the washing up so much more bearable. 

Plus, you get to bring the bottle home with you at the end of the holiday, so it won’t be a waste of money. You could even pack the bottle that you are currently using at home if you’re looking to save a little extra money. 

Sometimes, trying to understand the world of RV toilets feels like trying to work at NASA when you can’t count. 

Do you get a built-in toilet, a pressure toilet, an eco-toilet? Do you go in the woods (you never go in the woods, it’s dangerous for the animals and can lead to e-Coli outbreaks in humans)? 

One thing for sure, you’re going to want to keep your toilet clean and smelling fresh. Bleach is the easiest way to do it. You can soak your toilet while you’re out on your daily adventures and come back to a sparkling porcelain throne. 

Bleaches can also be used in other areas around the RV. You may want to use a small amount of it to clean your boots after a long hike or visit somewhere deep in nature. This will stop any diseases from spreading. 

3. Room spray

You’re probably reading this item and thinking that you don’t need it. Trust us, you will definitely need to bring along a bottle of room spray. 

RVing holidays often involve long periods of time spent on the road. This is not a bad thing, however, it can get pretty hot on the road. 

Particularly, when there are a few people in a small space. You won’t want to open the windows as you won’t be able to hear yourself think. 

So, how do you keep your RVing smelling and feeling fresh? Yes, that’s right, room spray. You’ll thank us later. 

4. Anti-bac spray

If 2020 taught is anything it was the importance of regularly washing your hands and wiping down your services. This is no different on an RV trip. 

In fact, it is even more important as you are visiting places you have never been before, moving around a lot, and meeting new people. 

Pack yourself a large bottle of antibacterial surface cleaner and a set of J-cloths. Make sure to clean eating and cooking surfaces before every meal. And wipe all other surfaces down at the end of each day. 

Toilet Paper

6. Toilet Paper

Is this the most embarrassing item on this list to forget? Most likely. 

As we mentioned above, the world of RV toilets is confusing and sometimes treacherous.

All you need to remember on your first RVing trip is what type of toilet your RV has and how to use it. 

The one thing that you will still need to remember, no matter what type of toilet your RV is equipped with is toilet paper.  Some people choose to only pack enough toilet paper for the first day and pick up more on their trip.

While others stock up for the whole trip before they leave.  Whichever you choose to do, prepare yourself for the freedom of not having to make a pit stop every time one of the little ones needs the loo.  

Bed Linens and Towels

If you stay in a hotel then bed linens and towels are provided.  For this reason, packing these for an RVing holiday often slips people’s minds. 

If you own an RV then you might want to get a complete set bedding and towels to permanently keep in your RV. 

7. Bed Linens and Towels

That way you will never forget them and you won’t have to spend a whole trip without a pillow.  If you are renting an RV for your first trip then you can bring the bedding and towels that you are using at home. 

You only need to bring one set of towels per person on the trip. However, don’t forget to hang them up to dry everyday. No one wants to have to air dry themselves at an RV camping site. 

8. Toiletries

Toiletries are another group of items that are regularly forgotten.  Either people think they’ll pick them up on the way and then find themselves having to pay an extortionate amount of money for them at a campsite. 

Or people haven’t got out of their hotel mindset and forget that these types of items are not provided on an RVing holiday. 

For most of these items you won’t need to buy anything new, instead pack the toiletries that you are currently using at home. 

There is no weight limit when packing, and you don’t have to travel with smaller bottles like you do on an airplane. Plus, you get to take it all back home with you at the end of the trip. 

Here are three essential items that you must pack for your RVing holiday. 

1. Toothpaste (mouthwash)

Avoid spending the whole trip with fuzzy teeth by packing your toothpaste and mouthwash. As we mentioned, you can bring your favorite items that you are using at home with you on the trip. 

This means less waste and you don’t have to risk the store you visit on the trip not having any good toothpaste flavors.  You can even pack and charge an electric toothbrush for your trip. 

2. Deodorant

This one doesn’t need much explanation. Don’t forget to pack it and to make sure everyone else on the trip packs theirs. Deodorant costs a small fortune at campsites. 

Be aware that some campsites won’t let you use aerosol cans or deodorants. You can contact the sites in advance to find out their policies or you can stick to a rollerball or stick deodorant. 

3. Shower gel

Long days adverturing in the sun can be tough on the skin. You may find yourself wanting a little touch of luxury or spa style treatment when you get back to the RV. You can do this with your showering routine. 

Why not treat yourself to a body scrub, facemask, and of course a high quality shower gel. 

If your RV does not have a shower, and you are planning to use the shared facilities – here is a piece of advice. Never step barefooted on the floor of a shared shower. Instead wear a pair of flip flops in the shower.  

Spare Shoes

We’ve talked a lot about the importance of being prepared for anything whilst packing for your first trip. 

Here we are going to talk about it again. 

Our shoes get a pretty raw deal compared to the rest of our clothing items. Particularly when we are on an active holiday. 

9. Spare Shoes

They get dragged through mud, water, sand, and across endless miles of tarmac.  Always travel with a spare set of shoes just in case your main pair gets damaged beyond the point of use.

You don’t want to miss out on a few days of your holiday because you didn’t have any shoes to wear. 

Chargers and Adapters

10. Chargers and Adapters

When packing you should make a list of all the electronics you are planning to bring with you. 

You can then use this list to check that you have brought all the chargers you need for the holiday. 

We all remember to pack our phone and laptop chargers most of the time. 

But we often forget the small things like the charger for the Sat Nav or our electric toothbrush.  If you are traveling abroad and renting an RV out there, then you will need to look into getting plug adaptors.

Even if the country you’re traveling to has the same shaped plug as you, the base current of the mains may be different. If you plug any items in without a convert you could fry the battery.  

Don’t forget to pack extension cables as well. They can be incredibly useful if you want to spend time on the ‘porch’ of your RV. 

When packing for your trip make sure to take two sets of matches with you.  One set can be a general use set. You can keep it in your kitchen and use it whenever you need a match. 

The other set should be wrapped in a ziplock bag and kept in your bag whenever you go hiking or do any other kind of nature based activity. It is important to keep this emergency set dry at all times.  

Maps and Sat Nav

Driving on roads that are new to you really can fill you with joy. What will not fill you with joy, however, is getting so lost on these roads that you miss your overnight stay at the campsite that offers an all you can eat buffet. 

To avoid this problem you should do three things. Firstly, plan out and get to grips with your route before you leave.  Secondly, pack a Sat Nav – these are amazing tools and you’ll be glad you brought one along. 

Finally, you should also bring paper maps of the area with you. This will keep you out of trouble if your Sat Nav breaks or you go to an area with no signal, or if you just want to feel like an old school explorer for the day. 

Anti-bug candles

This item speaks for itself. If you would like to eat, drink, or hangout on the ‘porch’ of your RV then you are going to need anti-bug candles. 

Particularly if you’re staying in Southern States with tropical climates.  Here is a list of effective anti-bug candles . 

Other Fun Things to Pack

4. Other Fun Things to Pack

Now that we have covered the pragmatic items that you need to bring with you, let’s look at the fun items. These items are just as important as the items above as they will help keep morale up on the trip. 

What’s the point of going on holiday if you don’t have a good time?! 

Board Games

Board games are the perfect way to kill time during a long drive. You can play one-off games whenever you fancy.

Or you could even set up a ‘best of’ tournament that lasts for the whole trip. Don’t forget to play a few rounds in the evening so the driver doesn’t feel left out.

11. Board Games

When you have to share a fairly small space with a few people, books will be your best friend. 

Not only does each book provide hours of entertainment while taking up very little space. 

They will also transport you places around the world and into magical lands. 

But they are quiet and unobtrusive. They won’t annoy the people around you by making constant noise, like a TV or games console. 

Camping Chairs

Whilst not strictly necessary, camping chairs are a great luxury to bring along with you. Having somewhere to sit and enjoy the view at beauty spots is priceless. 

As is being able to kick back and relax on ‘porch’ each evening.  To avoid arguments and lifelong rivalries being formed, make sure to pack enough chairs for everyone on the trip. 

13. Camping Chairs

Camp chairs don’t sound relaxing enough for you?  Why not kick it up a notch and set yourself up a hammock. 

Enjoy the sun, sounds of nature and maybe even a good book (or a nap) whilst being suspended in the air. 

The best thing about hammocks is that they’re so easy to set up. You can go from driving to relaxing in your hammock in minutes.

Travel diary

We can’t think of a cuter idea than filling in a travel diary together as a couple, family, or friendship group while on an RV trip. 

The diary will give you a chance to reflect on what you’re grateful for on your trip – and gratitude makes us happier in the long-term . You can fill your diary with drawings, photos, flower pressings, momentos, and so much more. 

We can’t imagine anything better than collecting all of our beautiful RVing memories in one place. 

Boujee Things to Pack

7. Boujee Things to Pack

Finally, here are some non-essential items that will seriously improve your quality of life on the trip. 

WiFi Booster

Did you know that there is only one thing worse than having a bad wifi signal at home? 

It’s true, the only thing worse than that is having bad wifi signals in your RV. 

There is nothing worse than precariously balancing your phone in one spot so your Road Trip playlist will load on Spotify. 

18. WiFi Booster

Save yourself the hassle and invest in a Wifi Booster. These devices usually cost less than $20 and can be installed in under 5 minutes. 

With one of these lifesavers you will be able to listen to your tunes in the shower, watch Netflix in bed, and even update your Instagram from the passenger side. 

Heated Blanket

19. Heated Blanket

We’ve talked about how warm pajamas are essential on RVing holidays, but if you’re feeling particularly boujee (or you’re always cold) then you might want to invest in a heated blanket.

If you’re the kind of person who sleeps with two duvets, even in the summer then this is going to be a space saving, life improving item for you. 

Many people believe that a rainy day can ruin an RV holiday. However, we challenge you to not enjoy a day tucked under a heated blanket, with hot cocoa, and a good book. 

Just a warning, if you are someone who is always cold, once you try a heated blanket, you’ll never want to go back and you may have to end up buying one of these for your home too. 

Another issue we touched on above is the fact that when driving its best to keep your windows closed.

Why? If you like using your ears then you are going to want to avoid the deafening noise of wind rattling through your window on the highway. 

We mentioned that to keep your RV feeling fresh whilst driving you should invest in a room spray.

20. Fans

Particularly if you are travelling with a few people. Another investment you should consider is clip on fans. 

These fans are portable and can be attached to any part of the RV. With these fans you can keep yourself cool on the drive whether you’re a passenger or driving. 

Camera or GoPro

21. Camera or GoPro

Whether you fancy yourself as a professional photographer or a bit of an armature you should definitely bring a GoPro or camera on your trip. 

Your first RVing holiday will be a really special experience that you will want to look back on.  

There are many ways to record these memories. A photo album is a traditional but still great option.

You might want to consider making your own home movie (or vlog) detailing everything you get up to on your trip. 

The RVing traditionalist in us was hesitant the first time we brought our laptop on a trip with us. Our worries were completely irrational however. We’ll never go back to laptop-less trips. 

Being able to have instant access maps, travel blogs, and booking websites has made all of our most recent trips a lot less stressful. 

We’ve been able to look up restaurants’ reviews before we went there. We’ve been able to find well hidden gas stations in emergencies. We’ve easy access to our banks when one of our cards was lost on a hike. 

Not to mention that fact that we can still watch all of our favorite shows at the end of the day. 

Tips for Efficient Packing

5. Tips for Efficient Packing

I think we can all agree that packing for trips is the worst part about going on holiday. Sadly, it also happens to be the most important stage of going on holiday. 

For this reason, we set about collecting and testing all the best advice out there on how to make packing for your holiday stress-free. And luckily for you, we’re going to share that with you today. 

Plan in advance

The more you plan your RV holiday in advance the easier it will be to pack for it. What we mean by this is, if you know that you want to go hiking and visit a water park while you’re away, then you can pack accordingly. 

When you don’t know what your plans are then it can be hard to know where to start. We become overwhelmed by choice and possibility and quickly develop decision fatigue . 

The more you know about your holiday, the easier it is to pack effectively.

Make a checklist

The best way to avoid forgetting anything while you are packing is to make a checklist. You can even use this packing checklist as the basis for your own (as we have already done a lot of the hard work for you). 

As you take each item out to the RV, tick it off your checklist. Then you will be able to see what you are missing. 

You may even want to create two checklists, one that covers everything you can pack in advance, and one that covers things you will need to pack at the last minute.  The last minute checklist is particularly helpful as this time can be very stressful. 

Everything needs a space

Research has shown that one of the key factors that make people so relaxed on holiday is the fact that they aren’t surrounded by stuff. We temporarily live a minimalist lifestyle and reap all the emotional benefits of that.  

While it can be tempting to pack EVERYTHING for your first RV trip, it’s best to limit yourself. Only pack what you can fit in your RV without it feeling cluttered or overwhelming. 

Allow yourself the space to relax.  If it doesn’t fit, don’t take it. 

Put everything away before you leave

It can be tempting to chuck everything into the back of the RV and set off. However, if you take the time before you leave to unpack everything and put it in the right place then you will be much happier. 

By the time you reach your first destination, you will be tired and probably won’t be in the mood for unpacking. You will just want to cook and get to the relaxing part. 

By unpacking before you’ve even left you to save yourself a lot of hassle. And you will know exactly where everything is. 

What Not to Pack

6. What Not to Pack

Now, before we send you off on your adventure of a lifetime, we want to leave you with one more piece of advice. Here are three things you don’t need to worry about packing for your RVing holiday. 

Wood is heavy and a waste of space. 

Most RV campsites sell it in small bundles, meaning you can stock up one night at a time.

However, most people find that they can go a whole RVing holiday without needing any wood.

15. Wood

Extra Clothes

16. Extra Clothes

While you should make sure you’ve packed a well-thought-out variety of clothes, you don’t need to pack 3 of each item. 

The likelihood is that you won’t wear most of these clothes and you could use the space in a better way.

If you are worried about running out of clean clothes during your trip then factor in a couple of stops to a laundromat or book yourself into a campsite that offers the use of washing machines. 

Spare Blankets

When it comes to bedding you don’t need to go overboard. Yes, it’s nice to have all your home comforts with you. But you don’t need three blankets.

Your RV will be small enough that you don’t need a different blanket for the living room and the bedroom. 

17. Spare Blankets

So, save yourself some space, and only pack the blankets that you need. 

8. Summary

Going on your first RV holiday is a magical experience. However, the weeks leading up to it can be very stressful as it’s hard to prepare for something you have never experienced before. 

The good news is that there are many veteran campers out there (like us) that are more than happy to talk you through everything you need to pack for your first holiday. 

You’re most likely going to overpack for your first trip. That’s not a bad thing, as you can never be too prepared. The more time you spend in an RV, the better idea you will get about what you do and don’t need to bring with you. 

But for now, this list is a great place for first-timers to start.  Enjoy your trip!  

1. Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper.

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RV Packing List for Newbies: The Checklist for Preparing an RV Road Trip

RV Packing List for Newbies

Preparing for an RV road trip adventure requires thoughtful planning and packing. For new RV owners getting ready for their maiden voyage, knowing what to bring can be overwhelming. To help first-time travelers pack properly, we’ve created this comprehensive RV packing list.

Use this RV checklist to ensure you have all the essentials needed for a smooth and enjoyable RV trip. We cover critical gear for cooking, sleeping, bathing, safety, maintenance, recreation and entertainment. With handy packing tips and setup guidance, this road trip checklist has everything new RV travelers need to prepare for an epic adventure on the open road!

Key Takeaways

  • Stock up on RV-friendly cooking tools, dishes, camp chairs and basic equipment.
  • Pack linens, towels, composting toilet supplies and space-saving toiletries.
  • Include first aid kits, fire extinguishers and emergency roadside tools.
  • Bring maintenance items like hoses, electrical cords and cleaning supplies.
  • Load up on personal items, clothes, entertainment gadgets and ice/water.
  • Use packing organizers, labels and lists to keep track of gear.
  • Inspect and restock the RV between trips.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your RV

Understanding Your RV

The first step in packing is understanding what equipment and amenities are already built into your RV. This will determine what additional items you need to provide for cooking, sleeping, bathing and living while on the road.

If you are renting an RV, request a list of included gear from the rental company. If you own the RV, inspect all storage compartments, cabinets, closets and onboard systems to see what is available. Make sure all factory-installed equipment like stoves, refrigerators, beds, sinks, pumps, generators, and electronics are functioning properly. Identify any gaps you need to fill with your own supplies.

Being familiar with your RV model helps maximize limited storage and prevent overpacking.

Essential RV Equipment

While RVs contain many built-in systems, there is still some basic equipment every traveler needs to provide for themselves. Here are some RV essentials to include on your packing list:

  • Leveling blocks  – Provides stability and prevents shifting while parked.
  • Wheel chocks  – Place behind tires to prevent rolling.
  • Hose and nozzle  – For hooking up to water sources and rinsing the RV exterior.
  • Sewer hoses  – Needed to connect to dump stations for waste removal.
  • Extension cords  – Power hookups if you’ll be without a campsite electrical supply.
  • Power strip  – Wide outlets for plugging in multiple devices.
  • Drinking water hose  – Food grade hose for direct potable water line hookups.
  • Water pressure regulator  – Helps adjust psi levels from external water sources.
  • Hitch lock  – Deter theft and stabilize trailer connection when parked.
  • Covers  – Protect tires, windows, vents, and windshield from sun damage and weather.

Having this basic RV gear means you’ll be fully equipped when pulling into any campsite or boondocking location.

Kitchen Essentials

Kitchen Essentials

The RV kitchen functions much like one at home but in tighter quarters. Pack RV-friendly cooking tools, dishes and pantry staples to cook meals on the road.

Cooking Equipment

  • Induction cooktop or portable burner
  • Grill and fuel
  • Pots, pans and lids
  • Cutting board and knives
  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander and strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil, cooking spray
  • Coffee maker or coffee press
  • Paper towels
  • Ziploc bags
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic wrap

Eating Utensils

  • Glasses and mugs
  • Bottle opener
  • Storage containers
  • Picnic basket
  • Camp table and chairs

Having this range of supplies means you can cook, eat and clean up efficiently in the confines of an RV kitchen.

Bedroom Essentials

Bedroom Essentials

One perk of RV travel is the ability to bring your own bedding and linens instead of relying on hotel or rental supplies. Pack these items for getting comfy in your RV bedroom:

  • Sheets (fitted and flat)
  • Blankets or comforter
  • Mattress pad or cover
  • Memory foam mattress topper (for fold down beds)
  • Pillow covers
  • Duvet or quilt
  • Sleeping bag (for extra bedding)

Also include:

  • Clothing and pajamas
  • Extra blankets/throws
  • Laundry bag

With your own bedding and linens, you’ll sleep soundly like you would at home.

Bathroom Essentials

Bathroom Essentials

RV bathrooms are functional but tight on space. Choose multipurpose items and space-saving containers for bathing and hygiene on the road.

  • Composting toilet supplies or RV-safe toilet paper
  • Portable shower or collapsible bucket
  • Baby wipes and facial wipes (for sponge baths)
  • Shampoo, soap and conditioner
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
  • Razor and shaving cream
  • Sunscreen and moisturizer
  • First aid kit
  • Hairbrush and hair ties
  • Makeup and cosmetics
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Shower shoes

Look for tear-free, moisture-proof, pump or bar soaps that won’t leave a mess in the RV shower. Use hanging organizers, shelves, and magnetic containers to keep bathroom items in place while in motion.

Outdoor Essentials

Outdoor Essentials

One advantage of RVing is the ability to enjoy the outdoors right from your home on wheels. Pack gear needed for camping, exploring destinations, and having fun in nature.

Camping Equipment

  • Flashlights and lanterns
  • Extra batteries
  • Lighters and matches
  • Firewood and kindling
  • Firestarter bricks
  • Campfire griddle
  • Marshmallow roasting sticks
  • Folding chairs
  • Folding table
  • Mats, rugs, pillows
  • Sunshade tent, umbrellas

Outdoor Recreation

  • Bikes and helmets
  • Fishing poles and tackle
  • Kayaks, canoes or paddleboards
  • Hiking shoes or boots
  • Backpacks and hydration packs
  • Cooler for drinks/snacks
  • Sports equipment like balls, frisbees, bats, gloves, etc.
  • Skiing, snowboarding, sledding gear in winter

Load up on items tailored to your interests like yoga gear, birding binoculars or rock climbing equipment. The right outdoor equipment opens a world of adventure.

Safety and Emergency Gear

Safety and Emergency Gear

Safety is paramount, especially for new RVers venturing to remote campsites. Pack these RV emergency essentials:

  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smoke detector
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Propane gas detector
  • Flashlights
  • Roadside emergency kit with flares, cones, jumper cables, tools, tire gauge, gloves, etc.
  • Ax or hatchet (for emergencies)
  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife
  • Warm blankets
  • Spare fuses and light bulbs
  • Bungee cords
  • Tire repair kit
  • Safety vests
  • Walkie talkies or emergency radios
  • GPS navigation device
  • Emergency whistle/horn
  • Pepper spray

Don’t forget basic safety gear like insect repellent, sunscreen, extra water, compass, and paper maps if traveling off grid.

Maintenance Tools

Performing basic RV maintenance along the way helps avoid unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions far from home. Pack a variety of supplies, tools and spare parts for interior and exterior repairs:

  • WD-40 or lubricating spray
  • Hand cleaner
  • Rubber gloves
  • Screwdriver set
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Dusters and cleaning brushes
  • Inventory of spare fuses, bulbs, belts
  • Water pressure regulator
  • Sewer donuts orconnecors
  • Generator oil and filters
  • Water filters or purifiers
  • Lint roller
  • Broom and dust pan
  • Mop and bucket
  • Paper towels, rags
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Disinfectant wipes and spray
  • Garbage bags
  • Storage bins and organizers

Complete toolkits and maintenance guides are available specifically for RVs to help travelers handle basic repair and troubleshooting needs on the go.

Personal Items

Personal Items

Don’t forget personal care, clothing, health items and creature comforts from home:

  • Medications, prescriptions, medical devices with extra batteries
  • Eyeglasses, sunglasses, contacts
  • Personal hygiene and grooming products
  • Clothing for all weather conditions
  • Laundry supplies like detergent pods
  • Protective footwear like hiking boots or rain shoes
  • Jackets, hats, gloves
  • Travel documents like identification, passports
  • Pet food/supplies if traveling with animals
  • Laptop, tablets, chargers
  • Cell phones, cameras, film, chargers, backup batteries
  • Paperwork like insurance, health records and camping reservations

The goal is bringing enough clothing, supplies and items to live comfortably on the road for however long your RV trip may be.

Entertainment Options

Don’t forget entertainment essentials to pass time on long drives or quiet camp nights:

  • Portable Bluetooth speaker
  • Books, e-readers preloaded with new titles
  • Playing cards and board games
  • Arts and crafts supplies
  • Travel-size musical instruments like harmonicas, ukuleles
  • Portable hammock
  • Frisbees, balls, bats, gloves, etc.
  • Bikes or scooters
  • Download new podcasts and playlists
  • Telescope for stargazing
  • Birding binoculars and field guides
  • Water guns, water balloons
  • Portable cornhole or ladderball
  • Card table and folding chairs

Packing fun entertainment options keeps everyone engaged and enjoying during downtime.

Packing Tips for Newbies

Packing Tips for Newbies

Packing up an RV for the first time can seem like a daunting task. It’s challenging to know how much to bring and how to organize a smaller living space on wheels. Fortunately, there are some key packing methods and tips RV veterans use to load their rigs that new RV owners can also apply for a smooth packing process. Follow this expert guidance to master RV trip preparation:

Create Detailed Packing Checklists – Make separate master packing lists for each area of the RV such as kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, storage bay, etc. Break down categories into sublists for critical gear like safety items, food, tools, first aid, clothing, bedding, entertainment and so on. Check off items as you pack. Thorough sublists help prevent forgetting something important.

Assign Designated Storage Areas – Decide what items will go in which cabinet, closet, bin or compartment. Assign kitchen goods to galley cabinets, toiletries to the bathroom, tools to the storage bay, etc. Have storage spots mapped out ahead of time for each category on your packing checklist to help load methodically.

Label All Gear – Use masking tape, sticky labels, or permanent marker to identify boxes, bags and bins holding different types of items. Write what category it contains and which RV compartment it should go in. Labels reduce unpacking confusion later when trying to find things.

Use Organizers and Packing Aids – Space is limited in an RV, so use every square inch efficiently. Pack items in organizer cubes, shelves, hanging bags and multipurpose containers to save space. Compress off-season clothing into vacuum bags. Use padded organizers to prevent shifting. Take full advantage of all storage nooks.

Load Heavy Items Low – Pack the heaviest gear like tools, canned goods, books, etc. in low cabinets, bins and floor compartments. Avoid putting heavy weights on upper shelves or in overhead areas. Concentrate heavy items in the center rather than far front or rear. Proper weight distribution contributes to RV stability.

Distribute Weight Evenly – Balancing loading evenly from side to side and front to back is crucial. Split weight concentrations across multiple bays and locations to prevent uneven lean or sway while driving. Heavier items on one side can affect handling. Check each compartment to aim for evenly balanced loads.

Keep Emergency Gear Handy – Flashlights, first aid kits, fire extinguishers and other critical emergency gear should be readily accessible, not packed away in rear compartments. Store them in quick-reach areas like beneath seats or in the front cab area. You want to be able to access emergency equipment immediately if needed, without having to unpack the entire RV.

Pack Most-Used Items Conveniently – Position items you’ll need most often during camping like cookware, outdoor chairs, tools, hiking shoes, firestarter, games, etc. right inside the doorway or in slide-outs for easy access. Less used items can go in harder-to-reach corners. Think about grab-and-go convenience when deciding where to place different supplies.

Inspect Container Securement – Make sure all gear bags, plastic bins, coolers and tubs are securely closed, latched and leakproof. Look for split seams, broken zippers and loose lids. Strap down or secure sliding items. Absorbent pads can protect against spills. Loose items rolling around while driving are dangerous projectiles.

Empty Tanks Before Departure – Drain gray and black water tanks before an extended trip to increase cargo capacity and reduce vehicle weight. Every gallon adds 8 pounds. Traveling with empty tanks allows you to pack more gear and supplies. Just locate dump stations along your route to empty tanks when needed.

Do Pre-Departure Safety Walkthrough – Before moving the RV, do a final walkthrough of the entire interior and exterior to ensure all doors, hatches, slide-outs, cabinets, drawers and compartments are securely closed and locked. Check that all appliances are off and the fridge is secured. Verify external valves and ports are closed andcapped. Doing safety checks avoids costly damage if a door swings open or any equipment shifts in transit.

Unpacking and Setting Up Checklist

Unpacking and Setting Up Checklist

You’ve reached your campsite or destination after an exciting RV road trip. Now it’s time to transition your home on wheels from travel mode to fully immersive living quarters. Setting up camp properly takes some time and steps. Follow this comprehensive RV setup checklist when arriving and parking to create the ideal mobile retreat:

Position and Level RV – Identify the ideal parking spot at your site for RV access, views, shade, etc and pull in safely. Engage the parking brake and transmission lockout for security. Evaluate terrain and use leveling jacks and blocks to stabilize and eliminate sagging. Leveling is essential for appliances to operate properly. Test levels in different spots. Proper positioning and leveling prevents shifting, swaying or rolling once parked.

Extend Slideouts – Once parked, securely extend any slide-out sections on your RV to maximize living space. Make sure exterior awnings are retracted during this process. Inspect slideout function and ensure there are no obstacles blocking full extension. Secure any slide locks once opened fully. Open windows and roof vents as well for fresh air.

Connect Utilities – After parking, hook up to site electricity, water supply, and sewer or waste connections if available. Use campground cables, your own hoses and power cords to access utilities. Connect fresh water lines and monitor tank levels. Ensure tight seals to prevent leaks. Plug into electrical supply and test outlets. Inspect utility hookups regularly during your stay.

Unpack Gear – With RV parked, unpacked camping equipment needed for the site. Set up any tents, mats, portable furniture like chairs and tables. Position grills, outdoor cookware, and other living items where desired around the site to create your ideal living area. Inflate air beds and make sure tents and shades are securely staked and anchored.

Remove Interior Securement Items – Once parked, remove any interior bins, straps, blocks or bracing used to limit shifting during travel. Reorganize any items that may have moved around. Inspect for any new interior damage that may have occurred in transit and address immediately.

Install Bath Supplies – Hang up or unpack bath towels, mats, robes and personal hygiene supplies in the bathroom/shower area so they will be handy when needed. Check under all sinks for any leaks or plumbing issues. Restock toilet paper as needed.

Make Up Beds – No need to rely on hotel linens! Make RV beds cozy and welcoming by adding your own sheets, blankets, pillows and mattress toppers packed from home. Having familiar bedding helps everyone settle in comfortably.

Pre-Cool Refrigerator – To maximize refrigerator efficiency, pre-cool the unit prior to loading with food. Turn it on early to get the interior chilled down, then load refrigerated items as the last step after everything else is set up. Group similar items together for easy access.

Connect Entertainment Systems – After parking, set up TVs, speakers, WiFi hotspots, gaming consoles and any other electronics you packed for entertainment during downtime. Position speakers, test reception, connect to campground WiFi and tune TV channels from the new location so your gadgets are ready to enjoy.

Unpack Remaining Items – With the major setup steps finished, unpack and distribute remaining clothing, food, and personal supplies into corresponding RV cabinets, closets and storage compartments. Upload any apps or digital content needed for the trip like local maps or destination guides.

Do a Walkthrough – Finally, perform an RV systems check by turning on lights, testing power outlets, running water, flushing toilets, checking appliance functions, inspecting vents etc. Look for any issues arising after transit. Do a security check ensuring windows and doors are locked. Verify external access points are closed up.

Relax and Enjoy! – Grab a beverage and relax outside to soak in the views! You’ve completed setup and transformed the RV into a comfortable home away from home. Now the real adventure begins!

Post-Trip RV Care

Post-Trip RV Care – Steps to Reset Your Rig After a Road Trip

Completing a fabulous RV adventure doesn’t mean the work is done! Some important steps should be taken after returning home from a road trip to reset your rig for the next journey ahead. Follow this essential RV post-trip maintenance checklist:

Dump Waste Tanks – One of the first priorities is emptying the gray and black water tanks at an RV dump station after concluding your trip. This allows you to unload waste, maximize cargo capacity for the trip home, and help prevent clogs or odors in tanks. Locate nearby dump stations along your return route.

Clean Top to Bottom – Thoroughly clean the RV inside and out after a trip when it’s easier to spot any new dirt, leaks or damage. Wash the exterior, including roof, windows, wheels, and internal storage compartments. Vacuum, mop, and wipe down the entire interior from ceilings to floors. Deodorize carpets and fabrics. Throw out any leftover food and empty the fridge.

Replenish Supplies – Check inventory and restock pantry items, paper goods, cleaners, non-perishables and other supplies that got depleted on your trip. Make a list to help remember odds and ends that need replacing. Stock up on fresh items like food, water, and ice before the next excursion.

Replace Batteries – Swap out any drained batteries in smoke alarms, CO detectors, safety devices and electronics. Check battery expiration dates and swap out any that are expired, even if still working. Test detectors to confirm they are operational.

Address Mechanical Issues – Deal with any mechanical problems, equipment malfunctions or part failures that occurred on your last trip immediately to prevent bigger issues later on. Consult your owner’s manual – you may be able to fix minor items yourself. Have an RV technician inspect any problems you couldn’t address on the road.

Check Systems and Seals – Give all appliances, roof components, windows, vents, seals, doors, outlets etc a thorough inspection and test. Clean fridge coils. Inspect slide-outs for damage. Look for any water intrusion or insulation issues. Identify any parts needing replacement now to avoid having problems arise mid-trip next time.

Monitor Tires – Check tire pressure and tread depth. Look for uneven wear, cupping, cracks or damage. Rotate tires if needed. Replace tires that are beyond 5-7 years old from the manufacture date regardless of tread. Keeping tires in optimal shape is vital for safety.

Update Checklists – Review packing lists, maintenance logs, and itineraries to see if any changes are needed based on lessons learned from your last adventure. Make notes so everything is up to date for your next trip.

Organize Gear for Storage – Clean, inventory, and organize all RV equipment and belongings before stowing until needed again. Use storage bins to prevent water damage, pests or mildew during storage. Charge electronics.Performing thorough post-trip care makes preparation much smoother when exciting new adventures summon you to hit the road again soon!

Taking the time to fully reset your RV after a road trip helps ensure it’s ready to roll worry-free for many more memories ahead.

Conclusion of RV Packing List

Hitting the road in an RV requires preparation. For first-time travelers, use this comprehensive packing list to stock your RV with everything needed for comfort, convenience and safety. By including plentiful food, clothing, bedding, bath essentials, camping gear and entertainment options, you can focus on the adventure ahead rather than fussing over missing supplies. Follow setup, loading and post-trip tips to get the most from your RV investment. Remember to personalize this list based on your particular RV model, journey length, destination and weather expected. With a well-planned, thoughtfully packed RV, you’ll be road trip ready for an unforgettable experience exploring the beautiful open road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to pack for an rv road trip.

Some RV road trip essentials include linens, toiletries, non-perishable food, first aid kit, tools, spare parts, navigation gear, camp chairs, entertainment items, clothing for all weather, and RV-safe cleaning supplies. Tailor your list to trip length and activities planned.

How do I prepare for my first RV trip?

Tips for preparing for your first RV trip include testing systems, inspecting roof and tires, organizing supplies by storage area, loading evenly distributed by weight, securing all interior items, emptying waste tanks, double checking appliances are off, doing safety checks and making packing checklists.

What are the must-haves for RV camping?

Must-have RV camping items include leveling blocks, flashlights, first aid kit, power cords, hoses, waste valves, grill, camp stove, camp chairs, shade canopy, bug repellent, campfire starters, marshmallow sticks, games, headphones and hiking shoes.

What should I not pack in my RV?

Avoid packing flammable liquids, perishable foods, lead acid batteries, dangerous chemicals, oversized or overweight items, unsecured tanks/containers, valuables and more items than storage capacity. Only pack RV-safe approved items.

What items should be on my RV kitchen checklist?

An RV kitchen checklist should include cookware, cutlery, plates, cups, paper goods, pantry staples, can opener, knife, cutting board, coffee maker, cooktop, grill, cooler, water jug, cleaning and trash bags.

Is there an RV checklist app available?

Yes, there are some useful RV checklist apps including The Dyrt PRO, RV Checklist & Maintenance, RV Camping Checklist, RV Friendly, and RV Life. These help with pre-trip planning, maintenance, packing lists, campground directories and more.

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RV Packing List: A Complete Guide to Packing Your RV

Stocking your RV is all about striking the right balance of having everything you need without having too much of what you don’t. However, if you are brand new to RVing, how do you know what exactly you need and don’t need? Check out this RV packing guide to learn the essential items.

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When it comes to your home, are you more of a collector or a minimalist? For your RV, the same tendencies apply. Carry along too much stuff, and the small space in your RV may feel cluttered—plus, you’ll spend a bunch of money on things you’ll never use. Bring too few items and you won’t have what you need when you need it, which can interrupt your fun and relaxation.

Finding the right balance is important, and this RV stocking guide can help you identify what is and isn’t essential as you prepare to pack. While it might feel complicated at first, after you camp a while, you’ll develop your own personalized packing list that matches your camping style. 

Click on the 6 categories below to help create your ultimate RV packing list. 

What to Pack

Before digging into the list of essential packing items, consider these overall tips for stocking your new RV:

  • Investigate your Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): Every RV manufacturer declares the CCC of each model. This number represents how much weight you can safely pack in your RV. If you don’t have this information handy, look inside your rig for a yellow sticker showing these measurements. If you can’t find it, search online for the year, manufacturer, and model of your RV.
  • Consider your camping style. As long as your gear weighs less than the CCC, there is no rule for how close you can and should come to that number. You’ll have to figure out your camping style to decide whether you prefer to be light and nimble or want to glamp it up with all the decor and gear your rig can handle. There’s no “right” way to RV, so find your own personal balance.
  • Consider convenience. Some people never camp more than 20 miles away from a grocery store, while others prefer to park their rig far from any modern conveniences. When packing your RV, consider your preferences. If stores are handy, you can easily replenish items or purchase anything you’ve overlooked. If you are boondocking off grid, you need to be more prepared.
  • Stay organized. As you stock everything in your RV, consider using containers and shelving to keep your cabinets and cargo spaces organized. 
  • Keep notes. On your initial outings, use a note-taking app on your phone or tablet to jot down all the items you wish you had. This list will help you develop a more personalized packing list for future camping trips.

Safety first, especially when stocking your RV. Your rig is a rolling home away from home, and you need to be prepared for basic set up, as well as maintenance and emergencies. 

To set up camp, you’ll need the following items:

  • Leveling boards
  • Sewer hose 
  • Potable water hose
  • Water pressure regulator
  • Surge protector
  • Shore power converters (to move between 20, 30, and 50 amp hookups)
  • Black tank treatment
  • An extension cord appropriate for your amperage level 

Basic Tools & Gear

The following basic tools and gear can help you roll safely down the road and repair small problems:

  • Basic tool box
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Fuse replacement kit
  • Replacement bulbs
  • Air compressor
  • Jumper cables

Other overlooked safety gear might include a rechargeable flashlight, a fly swatter, a water filter, and latex gloves. These will come in handy!

Campsite at night

Furnishing your campsite is a matter of personal preference. Some RVers love nothing more than a color-coordinated campsite outfitted with the latest gadgets, while others stick out a couple of chairs and call it good. 

Cozy Campsite

Here are some items you might want that will make your campsite even cozier:

  • One camp chair per person
  • An outdoor rug
  • Table cloth

Personalize Your Campsite

Now, comes the fun part. You can truly personalize your campsite with the following gear:

  • Awning lights
  • Pop-up shelter
  • Rope lights
  • Outdoor games

The Campfire

What’s a campsite without a campfire? If you forget to stock these items, you’ll miss out on this revered camping ritual:

  • Firewood (note: some states do not allow the transport of firewood from area to area)
  • Fire starters
  • Lighter & matches
  • S’mores sticks

Campfire

Before stocking the kitchen, once again consider your personal style. Do you think you’ll generally prepare sandwiches and cereal, or will you take pride in being the camp chef? For your first RV kitchen, you can easily start with extra items from around your house. Or, you can outfit your RV with all new gear. 

Eating Utensils

Of course, you’ll need the basic eating utensils. Consider purchasing non-glass items, whenever possible. Take along enough for each person, along with a few extras of the following:

  • Plates & bowls
  • Cups and mugs
  • Refillable water bottles

Start with the basics you’d need for something as simple as mac and cheese, and then add whatever makes your culinary heart happy. Here are a few items to consider:

  • Nesting bowls 
  • Cutting board & quality knife set
  • Cooking utensils (spoons, ladle, tongs, peeler, whisk, etc.)
  • Collapsible colander
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Pots, skillets & baking wares
  • Storage containers

Pantry Staples

While it’s not advisable to leave many food items in your RV due to concerns about heat and pests, here are a few pantry items that you might keep stocked during the camping season:

  • Salt, pepper, sugar, & other seasonings
  • Nonstick spray
  • Oil & vinegar
  • Coffee (don’t forget the filters and coffee maker)

Misc. Kitchen Items

Finally, you’ll want these miscellaneous kitchen items to help keep your kitchen clean and functional:

  • Dish towels, washcloths, and pot holders
  • Sponges & dish soap
  • Can opener & bottle opener
  • Plastic baggies, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap
  • Trash can & bags

Outdoor Kitchen

Some RVers prefer to cook outside. Even if your RV doesn’t have an outdoor kitchen, you can create your own with the following items:

  • Outdoor grill 
  • Appropriate grill supplies (which vary based on whether you are using coals or propane, a traditional grill or flat top, or the open flames of your campfire)
  • Grill-safe table, grill legs, and/or folding camp kitchen

RV Kitchen

While most of the other categories have a lot of variation, this one is pretty straightforward. Take care of your health and hygiene with these items:

  • Shampoo, conditioner, & body wash
  • Toothpaste & toothbrush
  • Contact lens solution
  • Shaving cream & razors
  • Hand soap & sanitizer
  • Towels, hand towels, & washcloths
  • Toilet paper that is appropriate for your black tank

Medicines & First AId:

  • Bandages and gauze
  • Antibacterial ointment for wound care
  • Antihistamine ointment for bug bites
  • Saline solution & alcohol wipes
  • Prescription medicines – while these won’t stay in the RV, remember to keep them in mind and stock up ahead of long trips
  • Over-the-counter medicines for your family’s common ailments, including headaches, stomachaches, allergies, and more. If you have children, remember to take along pediatric versions.

Additional Items

  • Aloe gel for sunburns
  • Hand sanitizer

It’s best if you can purchase dedicated bedding that stays in the RV since these bulky items may be annoying to tote in and out. However, some RVers make due with items from their house for a few seasons. 

Bedrooms & Closets

  • Laundry hamper
  • Jackets and rain gear
  • Swimming gear (if you plan to make a splash)
  • If you have old shoes and spare clothes that can “live” in the RV, it’s nice to leave them packed, just in case you ever take off without these essentials

This may seem like quite a bit of gear, but most campers won’t need to pack everything on this list, especially for your first few outings. Use this RV packing list as a starting point, and then create your own personalized packing list to use before each camping season or big trip. As you figure out your camping style, you’ll become an RV packing pro! 

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  • Apr 20, 2023

Ultimate RV Packing List for a First-Time Camper

A comprehensive list of everything you need for your rv camping adventures.

The silhouettes of three people gathering outside their RV, parked on salt flats with a cloudy sky overhead

Photo Credit: Saad Chaudhry

Find a dispersed campsite near National Park land. Learn a new camping recipe, or get tips to enhance your thruhiking. Be among the first to get exclusive stories, trail reports and more from our growing team of experienced campers, backpackers, thru hikers, and fellow adventure lovers.

When loading up the RV, over-packing for your trip can be as much of an issue as under-packing. Taking too much ‘stuff’ robs you of valuable space, taking up too much room and thus making the trip less comfortable. On the other hand, leaving behind the one thing you need for situations like when the weather turns bad can also be extremely problematic.

But what exactly is the balance between ‘too much’ and ‘not enough’? Our RV packing list will help you out. It’s relevant to most RV campers’ needs , and can be adapted to your specific circumstances when appropriate. Start with what’s really important, and if you have some extra storage space left you can grab a few ‘nice-to-have’ items - while knowing you’ll be fully equipped to have a fun time either way.

The milky way looms bright in a semi circle arched over a lit up RV. The night sky is somewhat green in this light

Photo Credit: Zhou Xian

RV Documentation and Important Information

To begin with, consider where you’re headed and determine what personal documentation you might need , such as passports if you’ll cross a border.

Furthermore, be ready for any eventuality, from being pulled over by law enforcement to collision scenarios. In either case you’ll need to ensure your license and registration are up to date, and proper insurance coverage as well.

If you just bought your RV, place the necessary RV documents inside a secure, waterproof container where you can easily get to them. When renting an RV, always make sure all the paperwork is in order and given to you at the time of rental, well prior to your departure for your trip.

Clothing and Bedroom Items

When picking out clothing and bedding items, prepare for all weather conditions - and don’t forget accessories like blankets and comfy pillows for a good night’s sleep!.

When packing clothes, plan on leaving your brand new, fancy items at home and instead take comfortable, versatile options that are comfortable for the road and appropriate for outdoor activities - since that’s where you’ll obviously be spending most of your time! In the following categories, ideally pick items that are easy to layer, so you can adjust your attire as the temperature changes throughout the day/night:

Short sleeved shirts

Long sleeved shirts

Hiking pants or jeans

Sneakers for general use and hiking

Waterproof rain jacket (when camping in winter or areas with colder climates, also take a heavier jacket, such as a parka)

Hats (Brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun, and beanie-type hat for warmth when it’s cold)

S unglasses with strong UV protection

When packing, focus on items made of durable fabric with moisture wicking capabilities, which can help with aspects like temperature regulation - as is the case with woolen socks rather than cotton . The amount of clothing you’ll need to bring depends on the length of the trip and where you plan to stay. Since storage space is limited, a smart approach is to take multiple sets of warm-weather clothing and just one or two sets of warmer items to layer on top.

Also, bear in mind that many RV parks provide on-site laundromats , so you may not have to pack an outfit for each day of your trip. Just make sure to confirm this amenity before setting out, factor in the cost of doing laundry on a regular basis into your budget, and pack accordingly.

An RV parked in front of a field with a sweet go kart in front of it. The sky is bright, the hills loom in the distance, and there appears to be snow on the ground

Photo Credit: Atarin Michaeli

Toiletries and Personal Items

If you feel clean and comfortable you’ll likely enjoy your adventure more - as will your traveling companions! Luckily, you can still enjoy the luxury of proper personal care in an RV, so the toiletries you pack will look similar to any vacation’s kit - but search for eco-friendly alternatives that are biodegradable so they’ll quickly break down, so as not to harm the environment you’re camping in:

Sponge or washcloth

Liquid soap

Shampoo and conditioner

Toothpaste and toothbrush

Razor and shaving cream

Face and body cream

Hair care products, including combs and hairbands

Prescription medicine in ample supply as needed

Feminine hygiene products

Towels (If possible, consider taking separate towels for beach and shower use)

Hand sanitizer or hand wipes

While on the road, store toiletries in a container away from other luggage, so liquids can’t leak onto anything if an accident occurs.

Sun and Mosquito Protection

You’ll still spend a ton of time outside even when RV camping, so you may not realize how much the environment will affect you when first planning your trip. No matter the weather, the sun can have a huge impact on your eyes, so a hat and sunblock are essential. You may want to consider lip balm with sun protection capabilities as well.

Insects can be bothersome, more so in some areas of the country than others, so insect repellent and anti-itch cream will be handy, especially in the early evening when insect activity is at its peak .

A family of four picnics outside their RV. The man, in glasses, plays a guitar as everyone seems to be having a good time. Hopefully its not Wonderwall

Photo Credit: Stijn te Strake

RV Kitchen Items and Food

Familiarize yourself with the new kitchen you’ll be preparing your food in, so you know what must be added to empower you to make delicious meals with minimal effort - while at the same time recognizing the limitations of your available space. Also, ensure it’s a safe area, especially if you have small kids camping with you. Be sure you’ll be able to maintain a sanitary environment as well.

The appliances you decide to take may depend on your power source. For example, when utilizing solar power you won’t want to drain the batteries too quickly, so you may want to take fewer electric kitchen gadgets.

Even when using gas during RV camping, it costs quite a lot in both money and effort to constantly replace propane tanks. Therefore, think of ways to use as little gas as possible, such as enjoying raw veggies, rather than having to cook them for every meal. Building a campfire at your campsite and using that to cook may be a viable option as well - and fun, too!

Apart from general items like plates, cups, glasses and silverware, the kitchen items to consider are:

One large pot

Mixing bowl

Electric kettle

Aluminum foil

Sponge and dish towels

Chef knife and cutting board

Plastic storage containers / Tupperware / plastic wrap

Matches and lighter ( always have a backup! )

Paper towels

Water filter and water bottles

Broom & dustpan

Garbage bags

Cooking accessories: can opener, spatula, mixing spoon

Optional appliances: toaster, coffee maker, blender

Make sure what you take is suitable in size for your RV's oven, stovetop, and fridge.

For your grocery list it’s best to work out a menu in advance and buy ingredients accordingly. Consider planning meals that are easier to prepare, that you can make in bulk and retain leftovers for the future. Cooking meals prior to your trip in your home kitchen and then freezing them to bring with you is an excellent and convenient option as well. Everyone’s diets, tastes, and nutritional needs vary, but here is a suggested grocery list to get you started:

Coffee (ground rather than whole bean, to limit required accessories)

Peanut butter and jelly

Pasta & sauce

Vegetables (eat raw/cooked)

Taco ingredients

Burger ingredients

Batter mix (to use for pancakes, light cakes, and as a coating for fried foods)

Canned goods

Olive oil, salt & pepper

Herbs and spices

Frozen dinners that are easy to heat up, like pizza

General snacks

Lastly, don’t forget the drinks and ice!

An RV Camper parked underneath a brilliant night sky.

Photo Credit: Hanson Lu

First Aid Kit

Since there’s a good chance your wilderness adventures will take you far away from a doctor or hospital, double check your first aid kit’s contents before packing . In the RV it must be accessible, but for safety’s sake should be in a lockable container if kids are traveling with you:

The essentials are:

Pain relievers

Rubber gloves

Thermometer

Rehydration packs

Band-aids / gauze / bandages / tape

Cotton swabs

Safety pins

Antiseptic ointment

Antihistamines

Bottle of purified water

Instant ice pack

You can also consider the following if you have space, or if you’re camping in a very remote area:

Space blanket

Burn dressings

Check out Pathloom’s guide to Wilderness First Aid for more tips!

General Camping Equipment

From making your time around the campfire comfortable to ensuring your black and grey water gets dumped appropriately , you need the right gear designed for all your camping needs. However, when packing general camping gear you still need to align it with your habits and preferences. For example, not everyone will need binoculars for bird watching, but other items on this list are relevant for most campers:

Lighters and matches

Folding chairs

Drying rack or clothesline for clothes

Toilet chemicals

Extension cords

Strainer to prevent food particles being dumped with grey water

Gloves and tools for hook-up and dumping of grey and black water

Wheel chocks

Engine essentials (transmission fluid, motor oil, antifreeze/coolant and hydraulic fluid)

Jumper cables

Fire extinguisher

Three RVs are parked at the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The sands are red, the RV's are white, and the ocean is blue. Clearly, this photo is American AF

Photo Credit: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Tools/Utility Items

It’s very likely that you’ll face some sort of DIY repair project during the RV adventure—at the very least you’ll need gadgets that help with camping-related circumstances. Before your first outing you may not know your preferences yet, but the following are considered essential by most RV campers:

Headlamps, flashlights, and solar lights

Pocket knife

Basic tool kit: Hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc.

Electronics

Decide in advance to what extent you want to ‘unplug’ from technology while you’re out camping. You may want to leave all electronics related to entertainment, so you can focus on nature, but we suggest at the very least you keep communication items on hand and charged up in case of emergency. A list of other electronics to consider:

Laptop or tablet

Portable hotspot device (or phone with this capability)

Portable speaker

Portable battery

DVDs with player (if a TV is available - you might not be able to stream!)

Appropriate chargers for all electronics

Spare batteries

Packing for Pets

When pets travel along in the RV, pack everything you’ll need to look after them, keep them safe , and keep them from bothering other campers. Your RV packing list for pets could include:

Documented proof of latest vaccinations

Labeled collar

Blankets and/or dog bed

Rope or tether to allow pet to move around but not run away

A lit-up RV parked underneath a starry night sky

Photo Credit: Eugene Quek

Fun Items You May Want to Bring

This category isn’t exactly on the ‘essentials’ list since there is so much to do in the outdoors. Still, it’s often fun to pursue your favorite pastimes in a unique environment - and if the weather does turn bad you will need resources to keep everyone busy while you wait out the storm inside the RV.

Indoor Activities

Be sure to encourage the children to spend time in the fresh air, but playing games inside before going to bed could be a great bonding time for all. The following are especially appropriate for RV use:

Coloring books and crayons for smaller kids

Board games that only require a small table or are comfortable to play on a bed

Outdoor Activities

You can enhance the experience of being outdoors with a few fun items from home. Depending on where you’re camping, the age range and interests of your companions, and the amenities on site, pick from this list:

Shovel and pail to play in the sand

A ball for use in the water, or for kicking around

Water toys and swimming goggles

Card games (also fun to use inside)

Books, magazines or a Kindle

Fishing gear

Watersports equipment such as kayaks or SUP boards

There are many reasons why the RV industry is steadily growing. It’s an ideal way to experience the outdoors and have quality time with loved ones, while still enjoying a few luxuries. However, proper planning is vital if you want to make your first RV road trip an adventure worth remembering. Use our lists to guide you and you’ll be fully prepared to make memories on the road that will last a lifetime!

Thanks to Guest Blogger Isabelle Mariner for contributing this post to our site!

Get the latest outdoors content and try the Pathloom App - your all-in-one adventure app!

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The Ultimate Dog Packing List — What to Pack for Your Pet

Packing for any trip involves planning for the adventures you expect to have. That can be challenging enough when it’s just you, but if you decide to bring your dog, it becomes even more complicated. Dogs need more than just food, water, and treats to have a fun and safe trip. Here’s what to pack for your dog on vacation, no matter the adventures you have planned.

  • How to plan ahead when traveling with your dog
  • Packing list for your dog
  • What to pack in a doggie first aid kit
  • Packing for camping and outdoor adventures
  • What to pack for air travel with your dog
  • Choose the right luggage when traveling with your dog
  • Frequently asked questions

HOW TO PLAN AHEAD WHEN TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG

Planning ahead is crucial when traveling with your dog to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for both you and your furry friend. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend or packing up your life   for a big move, here's how to plan ahead effectively:

  • Make dog-friendly travel arrangements: Research and book pet-friendly accommodations, including hotels, vacation rentals, or campgrounds, well before your trip. Ensure that the places you plan to visit, such as parks, restaurants, and attractions, are also pet-friendly. Additionally, check airline or transportation regulations regarding pet travel if you're flying or taking public transportation.
  • Acclimate your dog to traveling: Gradually acclimate your dog to traveling by taking them on short car rides or practice trips to familiarize them with the experience. This helps reduce anxiety and stress during longer journeys. Consider using a pet carrier or seat belt harness to keep your dog safe and secure in the car.
  • Get them vaccinated: Ensure that your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and preventive medications, especially if you're traveling to areas where certain diseases are prevalent. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if additional vaccinations or health precautions are needed based on your destination.
  • Pack essential supplies: Bring along your dog’s travel essentials, including food, water, bowls, medication, leash, collar with ID tags, bedding, toys, and waste disposal bags. It's also a good idea to pack a first aid kit for your dog in case of emergencies.
  • Plan rest stops and exercise breaks: Plan regular rest stops and exercise breaks during road trips to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and stay comfortable. Research pet-friendly rest areas or parks along your route where your dog can safely run and play.
  • Consider their comfort: Consider your dog's comfort during travel by bringing along familiar items such as their favorite blanket or toy. Create a cozy space for them in the car or at your accommodations where they can relax and feel at ease.
  • Follow pet-friendly etiquette: Respect pet-friendly rules and regulations at your destination, including leash laws, waste disposal policies, and noise ordinances. Be considerate of other travelers and pet owners to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

By planning ahead and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for you and your beloved canine companion.

PACKING LIST FOR YOUR DOG

Whether you plan to overnight out of town or explore a national park over a week, some items are essential regardless of your destination. Make sure you pack with a plan -  you’ll need things like food, bowls, and an extra leash on your dog packing list. Before you leave on a trip with your pet , make sure you have the following items stored in a large bag .

So, what do I need to travel with my dog? Here is a dog packing list you can follow to ensure you’re well-prepared for wherever your adventure takes you:

  • Bowls for food and water
  • Food (a roll-top shoe bag   makes an excellent storage container)
  • Any medications your dog takes
  • Treats, kept in a small bag or tote
  • Toys to keep your dog occupied
  • An extra collar and leash
  • Brush or comb
  • A recent photo of your dog, in case you get separated
  • Blankets or old towels for your dog to lie on
  • Dog waste pickup bags
  • Grooming wipes to keep your dog clean
  • Your dog's microchip number and the phone number of the monitoring company
  • A foldable travel crate, if your dog uses one
  • Seatbelt harness 

A dog and two women get ready to stand-up paddleboard

WHAT TO PACK IN A DOGGIE FIRST AID KIT

You should have a first aid kit for your dog whenever you travel with them. Start with a human first aid kit and add essentials for your dog, or you can purchase a pet-specific kit. Either way, the American Kennel Club recommends your kit should include the following:

  • Canine first aid manual you can reference
  • Non-stick bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Cotton balls
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Antibiotic spray or ointment
  • Milk of magnesia (consult with a veterinarian for proper dosage first)
  • Digital thermometer
  • Tweezer for removing splinters and ticks
  • Magnifying glass

Place these first aid essentials into a sturdy bag   along with your pets’ medications. The bag should also include soap and a bottle of water to disinfect wounds, a soft muzzle (even the sweetest dog can bite you when wounded), old blankets or towels, and your veterinarian’s phone number (in case you lose your phone or its battery dies). Always make sure your dog’s regular treatments, such as flea or worming, are up to date before you leave on a trip.

PACKING FOR CAMPING AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

What to pack for your dog when camping isn’t that much different than what you should pack for a hotel-based vacation. However, since you’ll be outdoors, you’ll want to bring along a few extra items:

  • Dog bed (or old towels) so they don’t have to sleep on the ground
  • Lightweight sleeping bag to keep them warm if you’re camping where temperatures are likely to drop significantly at night
  • Dog boots, especially if you intend to do a dog-friendly hike
  • Rain jacket for short-haired breeds
  • LED light for your dog’s collar for better visibility at night
  • Dog life jacket if boating, kayaking, or swimming
  • Backpack   to store collapsible dog dishes, first aid supplies, and essentials while hiking  

A border collie lounges in the bed of a pickup truck with Migrate Duffels

WHAT TO PACK FOR AIR TRAVEL WITH YOUR DOG

If your travel plans include a flight, you have additional considerations over a standard road trip . Small dogs that can fit under the seat in front of you can travel with you in the cabin. Generally, a soft-sided crate works best for in-cabin flights. Larger dogs will be required to fly in durable crates in cargo. Check with your airline before travel to make sure your crate complies with cargo requirements. To get through airport security faster , ensure your dog's travel essentials are easily accessible and comply with airline and TSA regulations. Whether your pet travels in the cabin or cargo, make sure you have the following:

  • Bowls (attached to the crate if in cargo)
  • Blanket or old towels your dog can lie down on
  • Something that smells like you
  • A favorite toy (if allowed by your airline)
  • Absorbent mats to draw moisture away on long flights

Traveling with your dog can make your vacation all the more fun and memorable. But, just like any trip, the secret to success is preparation and planning. Our handy guide to road trip tips with your dog   has even more advice to make it even easier to head out on the open road with your furry friend.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LUGGAGE WHEN TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG

​​ Choosing the right luggage   when traveling with your dog is crucial for a comfortable and stress-free journey. Opting for a dedicated pet travel bag is an excellent choice as it provides specialized compartments and organization features specifically designed for dog travel essentials.

These bags typically include compartments for food, water, bowls, toys, medication, and other essentials, making it easy to keep everything organized and accessible during your trip. Using a pet travel bag can streamline the packing process, reduce the risk of forgetting important items, and ensure that your dog's needs are met while on the go.

Additionally, having all your pet supplies in one convenient bag simplifies the process of navigating airports, train stations, or other travel hubs, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey with your canine companion. Just make sure your pet travel bag complies with the airline luggage sizes   imposed by your chosen airline to avoid any additional fees or complications at the airport.

A woman and dog on a beach with a duffel bag

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you pack dog food for travel.

Packing dog food for travel requires careful planning to ensure your furry friend's nutritional needs are met throughout the trip. Weigh out the amount of food your dog will need for the entire journey, including any potential delays or unexpected circumstances. 

Store the measured portion of food in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spillage. To make your luggage lighter   when packing dog food for travel, consider using lightweight packaging options for your pet's food, such as resealable bags or collapsible containers. 

Additionally, consider packing individual meal portions in resealable bags or containers for easy feeding on the go. If traveling by air, be sure to check airline regulations regarding the transportation of pet food to avoid any issues during security checks or boarding.

Should I pack extra supplies for my dog on a long trip?

Absolutely. Packing extra supplies for your dog on a long trip is highly recommended. Bringing additional food, treats, and medications ensures you're well-prepared for unexpected delays or emergencies. It's always better to have more supplies on hand than to run out while away from home, especially if you're traveling to remote areas where pet supplies may not be readily available. 

Additionally, bringing along familiar items, such as your dog's favorite toys or blankets, can help provide comfort and familiarity in unfamiliar surroundings, reducing stress and anxiety for your furry companion. Packaging extra supplies and familiar items ensures that your dog stays happy, healthy, and comfortable throughout your trip.

Can dogs sit with you on the plane?

Yes, typically, dogs can accompany you on a plane if they are small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Many airlines have specific regulations regarding the size and type of carrier allowed, so it's essential to check with your airline before booking your ticket. 

Some airlines may also offer the option to purchase an additional ticket for your dog if they do not meet the size requirements for in-cabin travel. However, this option is less common and may vary depending on the airline's policies. If you plan to travel with your dog, familiarize yourself with the airline's pet travel guidelines and make arrangements to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for you and your furry friend.

How can I prepare my dog for travel?

Preparing your dog for travel involves gradual acclimation and providing familiar comforts. Start by introducing short trips, gradually increasing the duration, to get your dog accustomed to traveling. Familiarize them with their travel crate or carrier by letting them explore it and associate it with positive experiences. 

Bring along familiar items such as their bedding or favorite toys to provide a sense of comfort and security in new surroundings. Following a dog travel checklist will also ensure that you don’t forget any necessities. Maintain a calm demeanor to help alleviate any stress your dog may experience during travel. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog feel more confident when embarking on journeys together.

Author :  Teresa Bitler  

Author Bio:  Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer specializing in adventure, culture, and history. Her work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler , American Way , Sherman’s Travel , and many other high-profile outlets. To learn more, visit teresatravelstheworld.com.

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    RV First Aid Kit Checklist. Our first aid kit has grown over the years from some basic anti-biotic cream and bandages to include more things for emergencies. With 6 kids, we have had our share of bumps, bruises, accidents, and the occasional stitches. Here is our personal checklist for our RV first aid kit.

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    You can do an at home test to find out. Put a few pieces of your favorite brand of toilet paper in a jar filled with water. Shake for a few seconds. If after a few seconds the toilet paper begins breaking down, feel free to pack it in your RV. Otherwise, look for RV-safe toilet paper.

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    On this RV Checklist, Gail Marsh lists every single item you should pack with you in your RV, from clothing to tools you'll need. Wednesday, March 13, 2024 ... That's where RV camping checklists can help! A checklist is an invaluable tool when preparing for your camping trip. I've written two other checklists for you to read and download ...

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    Personal items: toiletries, towels, medications and first-aid kit. Don't forget the eco-friendly sunblock and bug spray! Make sure you have RV toilet paper, too! Laundry essentials: if you're going on a long trip in your RV camper, pack a laundry bag, soap and quarters for machines, too.

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    A travel road kit is an affordable RV packing list must-have to keep you safe and ward off expensive future problems, featuring jumper cables, a tow strap, an emergency blanket, a fire starter, and emergency road signs. 10. Headlamp. If you're doing any maintenance, you'll need a light source.

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    Leash. Longer rope/leash to hook up when you are outside. Poop Bags. Dog Bed. We hope this RV packing checklist helps you while getting prepared for your RV camping trip! Another good list to have on hand is an RV checklist to make sure that you do everything you need to do as you are preparing to hit the road.

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    9. Toolbox. Don't even stick a toolbox on your RV packing list - just buy one, put it away in your camper, and may it never leave again. If you're a tool-sy kinda person, buy a big one filled with all kinda fancy and useless crap. If you're a smart person, get a small one and only fill with RV-relevant equipment.

  10. The Ultimate RV Packing List by RVUSA

    Sunscreen. Bug spray. Prescription medication. Fire extinguisher. Antacids. Aloe vera rub. First aid kit. Though this is a long list of items to pack for RV travel, every RVer's list will look different. We recommend using this list as a base, and adding and removing items as necessary.

  11. The Ultimate RV Packing List

    Packing for an RV trip is significantly different than packing for any other vacation. Packing too little or too much can be frustrating. Knowing exactly what to pack in your home on wheels is a must! Follow this easy-to-use list of dos and don't to help guide you. And don't forget to print out our handy RV packing list.

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    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.

  13. Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper

    To help reduce your stress, we've put together a checklist of camping necessities, including RV accessories, kitchen supplies, clothing, personal items and more that you should bring on every RV trip. And you can download printable versions of our RV Adventure Checklist in E-book form to take with you wherever you go, here! RV Essentials:

  14. Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper

    The good news is that packing for your first RV trip is fairly simple. However, there are some things that first time campers never think to pack. Today we're going to cover 37 things you shouldn't go on your first RVing trip without, 3 things you should never pack, and a guide to packing like a pro. Let's jump right into that list.

  15. RV Packing List for Newbies: The Checklist for Preparing an RV Road Trip

    Use this RV checklist to ensure you have all the essentials needed for a smooth and enjoyable RV trip. We cover critical gear for cooking, sleeping, bathing, safety, maintenance, recreation and entertainment. With handy packing tips and setup guidance, this road trip checklist has everything new RV travelers need to prepare for an epic ...

  16. RV Packing Checklist: What To Pack For Your RV Trip Based on Where You

    Fear not: packing for your first RV trip isn't as daunting as it looks. A good rule of thumb to follow is to simply pack light. Much like a regular camping experience, extra gear ends up not being used, takes up valuable space, and takes away from the whole enjoyment of the adventure. If you're still unsure, read on.

  17. How to Pack Your RV for a Camping Trip

    Remember to pack your black water tank chemicals, sewer hose and attachments, and sanitation gloves. Before you leave on a trip, pour the black water tank chemicals into the toilet along with some water and a toilet deodorant. Each time you empty the tank, you'll need to refill the treatment chemicals. Also, make sure you have your RV toilet ...

  18. RV Packing List: A Complete Guide to Packing Your RV

    Before digging into the list of essential packing items, consider these overall tips for stocking your new RV: Investigate your Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): Every RV manufacturer declares the CCC of each model. This number represents how much weight you can safely pack in your RV. If you don't have this information handy, look inside your ...

  19. RV Packing Checklist: What You Should Pack for Your Trip Based on RV

    Below are some other kitchen items you should have on your RV packing checklist. Cooking utensils. Bowls, plates, and cups. Mixing bowls. Pots and pans. Measuring cups and spoons. Knives and a cutting board. Can/bottle opener. Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and food storage containers.

  20. The Essential RV Road Trip Packing List

    To help save on space in your small RV bathroom, consider using mini toiletries and only pack the road trip essentials and bathroom necessities. Air freshener. Bath towels & washcloths. Body soaps & lotions. Dental hygiene products (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash)

  21. RV Packing List: Everything You Need for Summer

    Surface spray. Oven mitts. Containers with lids for storing food. Ziplock bags. Bin bags. Dustpan and brush. RV living offers a chance to eat many meals al fresco, especially if you go during the summer months. And if you plan on enjoying outdoor grilling, pack a portable grill or a set of skewers for a campfire meal.

  22. The Ultimate Camping Packing List

    Otherwise, when packing for camping plan to have at least two changes of clothes for each day of your trip — camping trips typically expose you to more dirt, sweat and messy foods than you would typically encounter at home. Some clothing items to consider are: T-shirts; Light layering pieces; A raincoat; A sweater, hoodie or fleece pullover

  23. Ultimate RV Packing List for a First-Time Camper

    A Comprehensive List of Everything You Need for Your RV Camping Adventures! Photo Credit: Saad Chaudhry Find a dispersed campsite near National Park land. Learn a new camping recipe, or get tips to enhance your thruhiking. Be among the first to get exclusive stories, trail reports and more from our growing team of experienced campers, backpackers, thru hikers, and fellow adventure lovers. When ...

  24. The Ultimate Packing List for Beach Travel, Cruises, Road Trips & More

    Reusable water bottle. Sunglasses. Travel documents, including insurance paperwork. List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks. First-aid kit (painkillers, allergy ...

  25. Dog Packing List: What to Pack for Your Dog

    Pack essential supplies: Bring along your dog's travel essentials, including food, water, bowls, medication, leash, collar with ID tags, bedding, toys, and waste disposal bags. It's also a good idea to pack a first aid kit for your dog in case of emergencies. Plan rest stops and exercise breaks: Plan regular rest stops and exercise breaks ...