When it comes to packing for an RV camping trip, you need to bring some tent camping supplies because you won’t have the amenities of a cabin campsite, but you will have similar comfort and protection to a cabin. Another thing to consider is that your RV has needs that are both similar to and different from your family vehicle. Remember to pack the following items:
Top Ten Items for Your RV Camping Packing List
1. Drinking Water Hose
To ensure a fully equipped RV camping trip, it is essential to bring along a drinking water hose. This enables you to establish connections with safe water sources, providing running water inside your RV. Given that this will be used for drinking, cooking, and bathing purposes, it is imperative not to forget to bring your own hose.
2. Surge Protector
It is advisable to protect the electronics in your RV, particularly when you are in a rural location during a camping excursion. To safeguard against any unforeseen power surges from your RV’s power source – phenomena like lightning strikes that can lead to damaging surges in your RV’s electronics – it is recommended to bring a surge protector. This precautionary measure will help prevent any unexpected incidents during your camping trip. (No pun intended!)
3. RV Bathroom Supplies
Having a built-in bathroom is one of the advantages of camping in an RV, as it eliminates the need to venture out in the dark to use a portable toilet during nighttime. To ensure the proper functioning of your bathroom, remember to carry septic tank friendly toilet paper, a sewer kit, and appropriate RV toilet chemicals.
4. Tire Pressure Gauge
When driving your RV to your campsite, it is important to bring a tire pressure gauge to ensure that you are aware of any issues that may arise. This is because unpredictable events such as a nail on the road or the effect of cold weather may cause a decrease in tire pressure. With the use of a tire pressure gauge, you will be promptly notified of any complications, allowing you to drive confidently and without worry.
Additionally, Pack:
- Tire Patching Kit
- Spare Tires
- AAA card
5. Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid
In addition, it is advisable to include additional motor oil and transmission fluid for your RV as it is a recreational vehicle and can benefit from common car supplies similar to those used for your regular vehicle at home.
6. Kitchen Essentials
As your RV serves as a mobile home, you have the opportunity to broaden your camping trip kitchen pack list by including various items. Items such as skillets, saucepans, cutting boards, cutlery, utensils, dishes, and a water pitcher may be useful to bring along.
You can also include perishable foods in your packing as your RV probably has a built-in refrigerator.
7. Cleaning Supplies
While traveling in RVs, it is important to acknowledge that they are compact environments that can become dirty quite easily. To ensure cleanliness, it is advisable to come prepared with basic cleaning items. These may include trash bags, all-purpose cleaning agents, toilet bowl brushes, and a dustpan, which are particularly useful during camping adventures.
8. First Aid Kit
When making a list for various camping trips, it is important to include first aid kits as essential items. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you plan to camp in an RV, packing a few additional items is advisable.
When embarking on an adventure, it is crucial to carry a fire extinguisher suitable for both kitchen and electrical fires. It is advisable to opt for a miniature one that can easily fit under a kitchen sink. Additionally, I suggest packing more comprehensive essentials such as splints, saline solution, and thermometers, which may not be necessary if going camping in a tent or cabin.
9. Tool Kit
When going on an RV camping trip, it is important to bring both a first aid kit and a tool kit.
When planning your next trip, it is advisable to include basic tools in your packing list. These tools serve multiple functions, as they can be used to fix minor problems in your RV as well as assist you when hiking and exploring. Some essential tools to consider bringing include a hammer, nails, screws, screwdrivers, an Allen wrench, and duct tape.
10. Bedding and Clothing
When going RV camping, you have the opportunity to bring a variety of comfortable clothes.
While considering each step, you should bring your preferred PJ’s and comfy clothes for leisure inside the vehicle. Additionally, remember to pack suitable hiking attire (such as dependable base layers, outer layers, and socks), swimsuits for the campsite swimming pools or specified swimming zones nearby, as well as more sophisticated clothing for capturing memorable photographs during sightseeing.
No matter how you choose to organize your campsite during your upcoming expedition, make sure to include these items in your camping packing list. By doing so, you can feel confident that you possess the necessary essentials to ensure your comfort, safety, and readiness for any upcoming challenges on your journey.
Other Considerations: Weather, Group Size, and More
When considering what to bring on a trip, it is important to think about the time of year, the number of people in your group, and whether you will have children or pets with you. In terms of the time of year, if you plan to go camping during the winter months, you will need to pack warmer and more protective gear. This includes a four-season tent, a sleeping bag and pad suitable for cold weather, thicker layers of clothing, and equipment specific to snow conditions such as snowshoes or skis and avalanche safety tools like a beacon, probe, and shovel.
Another important factor to consider when packing is the size of the group. For instance, smaller groups can use a standard two-burner stove for cooking without any problems, whereas larger parties might prefer a larger freestanding unit or a portable grill. They could also choose a three-burner design or bring multiple stoves. If you plan on staying at a basecamp for a while, it might be a good idea to set up a shade structure and a folding table for relaxing and cooking, or create a clothesline for drying wet gear. Portable fire pits have recently gained popularity, and we especially recommend Solo Stove’s options due to their precision and lack of smoke.
If you plan on camping with children or animals, it is beneficial to have certain accessories and additional items to enhance overall comfort. To entertain kids during the evening or inclement weather, it is advisable to bring games and toys that are suitable for camping, such as frisbees, cards, and compact items. For pets, we suggest bringing a longer leash or runner so that your dog can move around the campsite while staying nearby. Additionally, collapsible food and water bowls can help optimize space, and providing a bed and/or blankets will keep them warm at night. Ruffwear offers a variety of dog gear and accessories, including packs with storage compartments, car seat covers, and even dedicated sleeping bags, which are among our favorites on the market.
Additional RV Camping Tips
- Be sure to confirm ahead of time which amenities (if any) will be available to you. Will your campsite have a fire pit and/or picnic table? Are there bathrooms and/or showers on site? Will you have access to running water for filling up bottles and reservoirs?
- Check restrictions before you go to ensure you’re up to date on current fire bans, required bear-proofing measures (such as bear canisters or bear bags for food), etc.
- When loading up your RV, start with the biggest and heaviest items first (e.g., hard-sided coolers and water jugs) and stack smaller and lighter items on top. If you’ll want quick access to something while driving to your campsite (such as food), be sure to separate it ahead of time.
- If you’re limited on space, consider using dedicated compression sacks for soft gear like clothing, sleeping bags, etc.
- Prep what you can at home to save time at camp and minimize the amount of gear you need to pack. Cut vegetables, marinate meats and stash them in a labeled Ziploc, pre-measure your spices and condiments, etc.
- Combine like-minded items in one container to make it easier to find what you’re looking for when you arrive: A tote with your tent, sleeping bag, and pad; a dedicated bin for kitchenware and cooking equipment; clothing in a duffel bag or suitcase, etc. We like to use clear plastic bins since they make it easy to see what’s inside at a glance.
- Use resealable bags for toiletries and other small items you don’t want to lose or get wet, such as lighters and matches.
- To maximize insulating performance, it’s best to pre-chill your cooler prior to loading it up by filling the interior with ice for at least a few hours. When you’re ready to hit the road, swap in some fresh ice along with your drinks and food (most brands recommend a 2:1 ice-to-food ratio).
