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, this RV packing list will help make sure your RV road trip goes off without a hitch! 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!

RV Camping Checklist to Help You Pack For Your Next Adventure

Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or it’s your first time, this RV packing list will help make sure your RV road trip goes off without a hitch!