Planning an epic camping trip in your RV is so exciting. Getting on the road is even better. But, what about the in-between? Making sure you’ve packed everything you need is where it can get a little overwhelming.
No worries! Read on for an RV camping checklist to make sure you’re packed up and ready to go when it’s time to hit the road.
It’s Important to be Prepared
One of the reasons we all love to vacation in an RV rather than a hotel is the luxury of having all the comforts of home with you wherever you go. Using an RV camping checklist to stock your home away from home will help ensure you don’t have to run to the nearest town to grab a forgotten item.
Preparation for your trip also includes ensuring your RV itself is ready to hit the road. Taking the time to check your tires and perform other essential RV maintenance tasks could mean less time on the side of the ride waiting on AAA and more time enjoying your vacation.
Essentials and Emergencies
Before purchasing the first dish for your cabinets, let’s take a look at some essential items that need to be on your RV camping checklist.
The following items are essential in helping set your RV on level ground, keeping the faucets and toilets working properly, and ensuring you have what is needed in case of an emergency.
- Leveling Blocks
- Sewer Hose
- Surge Protector
- Generator
- Water Hose
- Duct tape
- Rope
- Bungee Cords
- Tarps
- Flashlight
- Scissors
- Gloves (including a pair specifically for dumping tanks)
- Paperwork (insurance, ID, etc)
- Pocketknife
- Tool Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
- Smoke and CO Detector
- Shovel
- WD40
- Black Tank Chemicals
- Umbrellas
The Kitchen
Cooking in an RV can be a bit challenging. There is only so much space to store pots and pans, dishes, and cooking utensils. Not to mention work and counter space.
Even if you plan on doing all of your cooking on the grill outside, or have an outdoor kitchen, you still need to maximize the space you have.
The best advice is to add items to your camping checklist that nest, collapse, are dual-purpose, or the handles come off for easy storage.
Kitchen
- Pots and Pans
- Cooking Utensils
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing and Serving Bowls
- Baking Pans
- Food Storage Containers
- Portable Table
- Melamine Dish Set
- Unbreakable Drinking Glasses
- Unbreakable Coffee Mugs
- Utensils, Can Opener, and Cutting Knives
- Small Appliances (Toaster, Air Fryer, Coffee Pot, etc)
- Portable Grill
- Grilling Tools
- Lighter and Matches
- Trashbags
- Food Storage Containers
- Cooler
- Water Bottles
- Aluminum Foil
- Ziploc Bags
- Plastic Wrap
- Potholders
- Paper Towels and Napkins
- Handsoap
- Washrags and Dish Towels
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Cleaning Supplies
- Vacuum
- Broom and Dustpan
Food
Because everyone’s dietary needs are so different, there’s not a one-size-fits-all camping checklist when it comes to food. Your best option is to make a grocery list, just like before grocery shopping for the week at home.
Need some ideas for meals while camping? We have tons of ideas and recipes.
Here are a few items to consider adding to your grocery checklist.
- Condiments
- Cooking Spray and Oil
- Baking Items (Flour, Sugar, etc)
- Herbs and Spices
- Salt and Pepper
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Canned Foods
- Drinks
- Meat
- Pasta
- Eggs
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Bread and Buns
- Snacks
- S’mores Ingredients
- Skewers for hot dogs and s’mores
- The items specific to your menu
Bed and Bath
When adding items to your bed and bath checklist, keep in mind that RV bathrooms are notorious for not having a lot of space or storage. We’ve included a couple of space-saving ideas in this RV camping checklist.
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Soap and Deodorant
- Razor and Shaving Cream
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss
- Brush and Hair Ties
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Makeup
- Lotion
- Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunburn Soother
- First Aid Kit
- OTC Medications and Prescriptions
- Sheets and Pillows
- Blankets
- Sound Machine or Fan
- Alarm Clock
- Sewing Kit
Storage
There is only so much space in every RV. From totes that stack for your clothes, to tubs that store under your bed, and even bags for storing away your essential hoses.
Here are some great storage ideas to add to your RV camping to help keep everything organized.
- Stackable Storage Bins
- Refrigerator Storage Bins
- Plastic Bag Holder
- RV Hose Storage Bags
- Storage Containers that fit under the bed
- Portable Clothesline
- Hangers to maximize closet space
- Stacking Plate Holder
- Pots and Pans Organizer
- Shower Caddy
- Toothbrush Holder
- Laundry Hamper that fits in the shower
- Collapsible Storage Baskets
Entertainment and Miscellaneous
No camping checklist is complete without ideas for entertainment. In fact, we have a list of 99 fun camping activities you can check out. Here are a few items you don’t want to forget.
- Board Games
- Card Games
- Books
- Puzzles
- Frisbee
- Football
- Hammock
- Camping Chairs
- Journal or Notebook
- Charging cords
- Laptop
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Outdoor Rugs
- String Lights
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Mosquito Repellant
Wrapping up RV Camping Checklist
Hopefully, this RV camping checklist will help you feel a little more relaxed about packing for your upcoming trip.
The good news is, there is a WalMart or Dollar General in nearly every town across the US, making it easy to pick up anything else you might need along the way.
If you own your RV, keep as many of the items inside as possible while it’s parked in your driveway. That will make it easier to pack your home on wheels the next time you’re ready to hit the road.
Always check the forecast for your destination and add the appropriate clothing to your RV camping checklist according to weather conditions.If you’re wondering how in the world you’re going to fit all these items inside your RV, check out our RV storage tips. Happy camping!
- About the Author
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Melissa Goins is a lifelong resident of Indiana and currently resides on a 15-acre homestead with her family where she has lived full-time stationary in a 2000 Travel Supreme fifth wheel for the past two years.
She has always loved traveling and in 2000 she and her husband purchased a fully self-contained semi truck and hit the road with their two kids, visiting all 48 contiguous United States and learning about our amazing country along the way.
Melissa has learned a lot about living full-time in an RV over the past two years and loves sharing tips and tricks with others — which is why she loves writing for Beyond the Tent. From staying cool in the summer to preparing for winter, to cooking Thanksgiving dinner for 12 in an RV, there’s so much to learn, enjoy, and share Beyond the Tent.
When she’s not writing or enjoying the great outdoors, Melissa loves to spend time with her family. She is a proud wife, mom, and grandma to three beautiful grandbabies.