
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!