You’ve picked your destination and you’re ready for your next RV camping trip. Or are you? Having a thorough camping checklist is a great way to make sure you have everything you might need for your trip.
Camping is a fun getaway for all, young and old. RV camping is especially fun because it’s like bringing a miniature home right along with you.
Camping is all about relaxing, so to make sure that’s what you’ll be doing, we’ve put together the ultimate camping checklist for your next RV adventure.
Ready to go RVing? Let’s get to checking first!
Hygiene, Bathroom Supplies, Pest Relief, and First Aid
Make sure you’re equipped for staying clean and safe on your camping trip with these items:
- first aid kit that includes essentials for dealing with small emergencies, minor aches and pains, and insect bites
- any medications needed, prescription or over-the-counter, especially items such as aspirin and Epi-pens
- bug repellant to prevent bites and general annoyances
- sunscreen
- toilet paper
- feminine products
- baby wipes/adult cleansing wipes
- hand sanitizer
- tissues
- lotions or moisturizing creams
- soap
- shampoo/conditioner
- lip balm
- razor
- toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- mouthwash
- paper cups
- deodorant
- brushes, combs
- nail clippers
- bath towels and washcloths
- beach towels
- holding tank chemicals
- cleaning supplies for shower and toilet
- laundry bag for dirty laundry
- laundry soap
Bedding and Extra Clothing
When creating your camping checklist, keep in mind that you’ll want some “creature comforts.” Bring layers, in bedding and in clothing, for varying temperatures.
- sleeping bags
- blankets, sheets, and pillows
- small travel and neck pillows
- socks and underwear
- top layers, such as undershirts, t-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and sweatshirts
- bottom layers, such as thermals, shorts, and pants
- pajamas
- cold weather layers, such as fleece, vests, jackets, gloves, hats, mittens, and scarves
- hats with brims for sun protection
- sneakers
- slippers
- hiking boots
- sunglasses
- swimming suits
- rainwear and rain boots
Kitchen Supplies for Cooking and Cleaning
An RV can stock enough supplies for making most meals, as it has its own kitchen. Here are some essentials:
- can opener with bottle opener
- potato/fruit peeler
- knives for food preparation
- measuring cups and spoons
- spatula
- ladle
- wooden spoon
- tongs
- serving spoons
- grater
- plates, bowls, cups, and silverware
- paper towels
- foil and plastic wrap
- plastic zip lock sandwich bags
- twist ties and chip clips
- sponges
- scrubbers or steel wool pads
- dish soap
- dishpan
- hand soap
- cleaning supplies
- coffee pot and filters
- tea kettle
- skillet or pan
- pots and lids
- cutting board
- baking pan
- cookie sheet
- pot holders
- colander
- mixing bowl
- garbage bin and garbage bags
- portable grill with grill utensils
- portable stove
- charcoal or firewood
- fire extinguisher and smoke detector
- cooler
- thermos
- tablecloth
- small broom with dustpan
RV-friendly Food List
Foods that only require heat or added hot water are the easiest to store and prepare. Here are some great basic foods that can be easily stored and prepared in your RV:
- seasonings, salt, and pepper
- oil for cooking
- cooking spray
- canned foods, such as soup, veggies, beans, and meats
- boxed foods such as rice, noodles, and pasta
- pasta sauce
- packaged snacks, such as jerky, granola bars, dried fruit, and trail mix
- dehydrated and freeze-dried foods
- MREs (meals-ready-to-eat), sold in camping sections
- baking powder and soda
- flour
- sugar
- pancake and biscuit baking mix
- syrup and honey
- crackers and chips
- peanut butter
- jelly or jam
- cereal
- oatmeal or other hot cereal
- bread and tortillas
- meats that can be cooked on a grill, such as burgers and hot dogs
- dessert items – don’t forget chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers for that camping fare classic, S’mores
- condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and relish
- coffee, tea, and hot cocoa
- milk or dried milk packets
- eggs or other breakfast items
- butter or margarine
- apples, bananas, and oranges
- plenty of bottled water and drinks
- pet foods and treats
Tools, Equipment, and All the Extras
You’ll often need a few tools for little situations that pop up from time to time. A camping checklist wouldn’t be complete without these items:
- pocket knife
- emergency whistle
- flashlights
- extra batteries, all sizes
- candles
- citronella candles for insects
- camera
- binoculars
- eyeglasses and reading glasses
- basic tool kit, which includes essentials like screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, and pliers
- compass
- watch
- matches and lighters
- scissors
- voltmeter
- sewing kit and safety pins
- chargers for cameras, phones, and other devices
- duct and electrical tape
- heavy-duty glue
- clips
- spray lubricant, such as WD-40
- ropes and bungee cords
- umbrella
- backpack
- fly swatter
- folding chairs
- appropriate extension cords
- ax or hatchet
- water hoses and nozzle/spout
- drain hoses and connectors
- small shovel
- tarp
- extra bulbs and fuses
- rubber gloves
- space heater
- radio
- leveling blocks, trailer level
- hydraulic jack
- handheld vacuum
- portable toilet
- tire patch kit, inflator, and pressure gauge
- standard and ball peen hammer
- spare parts appropriate to your RV
- hose clamps
- grease
- vehicle fluids, such as transmission, brake, and washer fluid; additionally, oil
- emergency light or flares
- rubber gloves
- outdoor rug
- insecticide, such as flying insect and spider spray, for dangerous insects
- lantern and fuel
- clothesline and clothespins for drying wet items
- license, registration, and RV insurance card
- permits and reservation confirmations
- money or another payment method
- instruction manuals
- maps
- GPS equipment with necessary batteries or charger
- pet carriers, bedding, food and water supplies
- pet identification tags and leashes for safety
Recreational Items
Round out your RV camping checklist with some entertainment and recreation.
- books and magazines
- board games
- card games
- handheld electronic game systems
- coloring books and drawing pads, along with markers, crayons, and pencils
- CDs and music players
- bikes and bike repair and safety equipment
- sports balls
- travel toys for children
One Last Look Before You Go
Last, but not least, make sure you’ve checked everything at home and on your RV. A camping checklist should always include a last-minute look-over. Here are some important things to remember before you go.
In the house:
- check lights, fans, appliances, and outlets
- shut off pilot lights
- check doors and locks
- check windows
For Your RV:
- check vehicle lights and brakes
- check and maintain your RV’s battery
- check turn signals
- check engine oil
- secure loose items
- remove/stow chocks and blocks
- close and lock cabinets
- check all safety restraint buckles
- evenly distribute inside weight
- check hitch and make sure it’s locked
- make sure jacks are up and locked
Personalize Your Camping Checklist
This list is an excellent place to start when you’re planning your next RV trip. With a camping checklist, you won’t need to worry about forgetting critical items or even just your favorite snacks.
Add or omit items as necessary so you’ll have exactly what you need for a wonderful, stress-free trip.
Hopefully, this camping checklist will take the headache out of your trip preparation. We would also like to take the headache out of RV insurance shopping for you.
Contact us online today for more information and a free quote comparison, or call us toll-free at 1-844-727-7207.