RV Camping Checklist to Help You Pack For Your Next Adventure

RV camping trips are an amazing way to spend the summer months, but they do require some planning and preparation to make sure you have all the necessities on hand. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or it’s your first time, Spot2Nite will help make sure your RV road trip goes off without a hitch! 

Spot2Nite takes the hassle out of finding and booking the perfect RV campsite for your next adventure by displaying real-time availability at thousands of private campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. Say goodbye to “request to book” forms and time-consuming phone calls! On Spot2Nite, you can build a profile specifying your RV rig requirements and camping preferences to find instantly bookable campsites tailored to you and your crew. Hundreds of amenity and experience filters allow you to customize your search even further by narrowing down locations that have exactly what you’re looking for, like campgrounds that are pet-friendly, have a pool, offer planned activities for the kids, or are close to a state or national park on your bucket list. Found a great campsite but your trip isn't quite set in stone? No worries! Add it to your wishlist to revisit later. Planning a multi-stop road trip? Spot2Nite makes booking a breeze by keeping all your transaction and trip details in one place. Access the Spot2Nite marketplace for free or upgrade to a Spot2Nite+ subscription for $0 booking fees on unlimited camping stays, plus other exclusive perks.

Keep reading for a checklist of RV camping essentials that should make the roster for your next RV trip.

RV Packing Checklist

1. RV Kitchen Essentials

You can only eat campfire hot dogs for so long before you start to crave the comforts of a home cooked meal. Here’s everything you need to pack in your RV kitchen:

Cookware and Utensils

• Pot and pan set (consider collapsible or stackable sets to save space)
• Campfire dutch oven
• Grilling basket
• Skewers or roasting sticks
• Cast iron skillet
• Baking Sheet
• Cutting Board
• Mixing bowls (collapsible or stackable)
• Cooking utensils including spatula, ladle, tongs, and whisk
• Knives including a good chef’s knife and a bread knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater
• Can opener
• Colander
• Kettle or coffee maker
• Toaster
• Tin foil
• Fireproof utensils and cooking tools

Dinnerware and Cutlery

• Plates, bowls, cups, and mugs
• Silverware
• Serving spoons and forks
• Steak knives
• Plastic cutlery for day hikes
• Small Appliances
• Slow cooker or instant pot
• Blender
• Microwave
• Electric grill or griddle
• Food Storage
• Nesting food storage containers
• Resealable plastic bags
• Foil, plastic wrap, and/or wax paper
• Chip clips or bag sealers
• Cleaning supplies
• Dish soap and dish rack
• Sponges and dishcloths
• Trash bags
• Disinfectant wipes
• Hand soap and dish towels
• Broom and dust pan
• Paper towels

Misc. items

• Potholders and trivets
• Grilling gloves
• Thermometer
• Ice cube trays
• Wine/bottle opener
• Water filter or purifying tablets
• Reusable water bottle
• Propane

Bonus RV kitchen space-saving tip!

A vacuum sealer is the perfect tool for prepping meals ahead of time and optimizing space in your RV’s fridge or freezer!

2. RV-Specific GPS System

Unless you’re an old school RV camper who loves a good map, you’re likely using a GPS system to navigate to your next destination. We like to recommend an RV specific GPS system that accounts for the height, weight, and length of your rig to make sure you’re navigating RV-friendly roads. Here’s a great one to try out!

3. Toiletries

Unless your RV park has an onsite store, you’re going to want to make sure you pack all the essential toiletries you need for a comfortable stay. Here’s a complete list of everything you’ll need (this is for those of you who always forget the bug spray!)

Bathroom Essentials

• RV toilet paper (this breaks down faster and is septic-safe for your RV waste system)
• Toilet chemicals to help break down waste and prevent odors
• Hand soap
• Towels (consider a quick-dry option to save space and reduce laundry)
• Washcloths

Personal Hygiene

• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss
• Razor and shaving cream
• Personal grooming items like nail clippers and tweezers
• Deodorant

Skincare

• Lotion
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Aloe Vera or after-sun lotion

Medicine and First Aid

• Prescription medications
• First aid kit including band aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and medical tape.
• Pain relievers (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc.)
• Antacids
• Insect repellant
• Itch relief cream
• Vitamins and supplements

Laundry

• Laundry detergent (preferably an eco-friendly version if you’ll be using campground laundry facilities)
• Dryer sheets or reusable dryer balls
• Clothesline and clothespins for hanging wet swimsuits and towels

Extras

• Shower shoes for campground showers
• Sewer gloves for handling the RV’s sewer hose
• Baby wipes
• Small sewing kit

4. Portable Surge Protector

A surge protector is a must-have for protecting your RV’s electrical system from unpredictable campground power supplies. While you’re at it, you might also want to pack a power adapter in case you end up at a campground that offers an electrical connection that’s incompatible with your RV’s system.

5. Campsite Setup

Sitting Area

• Compact picnic table: A folding table can add valuable surface space outside your RV for meals, board games, or holding drinks.
• Camping chairs: For a luxury camping experience, consider investing in zero gravity recliner chairs in your RV sitting area.
• Outdoor rug or mat: This can help make your RV space feel like home and it also serves as a dust trap, preventing unwanted dirt from being tracked inside your RV.
• Hammock: If your site has trees, a hammock and a good book are a great way to spend an afternoon.

Lighting

• Twinkle lights: soft lighting serves the dual purpose of illuminating your space at night and creating a relaxing ambience.
• Lanterns, flashlights, and headlamps: lighting is essential for night time walks around the campground.

Entertainment

• Portable speaker
• Outdoor games like cornhole, horseshoes, and frisbees
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Bikes, kayaks, and other adventure gear (many campgrounds and RV parks offer these items as rentals)

6. Leveling Blocks

When your RV isn’t level, it can make walking, sleeping, and cooking inside your RV less than comfortable. But beyond comfort, a level RV is also important to make sure your appliances are functioning correctly and your plumbing is draining efficiently. While you’re at it, be sure to throw your wheel chocks in so your RV stays put even if you’re parked on an uneven surface!

7. RV Toolkit

An RV toolkit is a good idea to have on hand for dealing with minor repairs, troubleshooting, and general maintenance while you’re on the road. Here’s a basic list of tools that can help keep your roadtrip running smoothly.

• Multibit screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Duct tape and electrical tape
• Wire cutters
• Voltmeter
• Socket set
• Tape measure
• Work gloves
• Zip ties
• Level
• Tire pressure gauge
• Torque wrench

8. Pet Essentials

• Pet food and treats
• Food and water bowls
• Walking leash and a long tie down
• Pet friendly first aid kit including tick removal tools, a pet thermometer, and bandages that don’t stick to fur
• Pet bed or sleeping mat
• Flea and tick prevention
• Toys and chew items
• Pet waste bags
• Grooming supplies
• Updated ID tags
• Cooling mat
• Portable playpen
• Pet ramp if it’s difficult for your pet to get in and out of your RV
• Pet life jacket for any water activities

Remember to always check the pet policy of the campground before you arrive. Not all campsites are pet friendly and many have specific rules you’ll need to follow. Spot2Nite allows you to easily search for and filter campsites with pet-friendly amenities.

9. Chargers

You don’t want to show up at your destination only to realize you have no way to charge your electronics! Here are the chargers that make the cut for your RV essentials packing list:

• Cell phone chargers
• Laptop chargers
• Portable power bank
• USB charging hub
• Camera charger
• RV battery charger
• Solar charger
• Two-way radio charger
• Electric toothbrush charger
• Kindle charger
• Electric razor charger

10. Telescoping Ladder

A compact, telescoping ladder can be useful for accessing the roof of your RV for maintenance, cleaning, or even just retrieving wayward frisbees.

As you prepare for your next adventure, remember that the right preparation can make all the difference in making sure your trip is enjoyable and stress-free. From basic RV essentials to oddball items you might not think to pack, this printable checklist should give you a good start on your RV checklist.

And when it comes to finding the perfect spot, let Spot2Nite take the hassle out of booking. With a wide variety of RV-friendly sites at your fingertips, our easy to use platform makes it simple to find and book your ideal location. So pack up those essentials, hit the open road, and let Spot2Nite guide you to your next memorable camping adventure! Happy RVing!