Are you excited to plan your first RV trip, or are you getting ready to visit your favorite KOA? Before you hit the road, create an RV travel checklist with all the essentials you need to bring. Solid preparation is key to a successful and memorable trip.
The Ultimate RV Travel Checklist
Every RV adventure requires proper planning, which includes having an RV essentials list that covers everything you need to make your trip more enjoyable, comfortable and safer. Before making a checklist, always consider your vehicle’s weight capacity. Know your RV’s dimensions and drop by a local weight station or truck stop with a CAT scale to confirm you are within limits. An overweight RV puts you at risk for axle failure, excess wear on tires and other detrimental issues.
Clothing and Personal Items
Dressing for RV camping can be different from your day-to-day clothing. Pack outfits appropriate for the weather conditions. Depending on the weather, your RV travel essentials may include:
- Short and long-sleeved shirts, pants and sweats
- Sweaters and jackets
- Hats and beanies
- Hiking boots, closed-toe shoes and slippers
Kitchen Supplies
Camping might mean you are far from your usual grocery stores. That is why having dedicated kitchen gear that suits you and your family is important. Bring the kitchen must-haves, from pots and pans to your go-to cookware and utensils for easy meal preparation. Of course, bringing a small portable grill can add to your overall camping experience.
Bedding and Linens
A good night’s sleep makes a significant difference in your overall enjoyment of your trip. Make sure your RV essentials include:
- Sheets and blankets
- Air beds and sleeping bags
Safety and Emergency Equipment
The road can be unpredictable, and so is RV camping. Your safety comes first, so be prepared with the following every time you go on an RV adventure:
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries for electronic devices
- Fire extinguishers
- Bungie cords, fasteners and ropes
- Compass and portable GPS
- Whistle and signaling mirror
Entertainment and Outdoor Gear
While many campgrounds come with picnic tables and other amenities, it is best that you bring your own outdoor essentials. Enjoy time outside at your own pace with your trusted camping gear, such as:
- Camping tables and chairs
- Tarp and ground cloth
- Radio and camera
- Firewood and axe
Miscellaneous Items
Whether it is keeping your things organized or making your trip more comfortable, miscellaneous items you may want to pack when RV camping include:
- Lantern
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Toilet paper and facial tissue
- Set of tools for minor repairs
- Dry bags and waterproof storage containers
Maintenance and Repair Tools
Your RV toolkit is a must-have for RV camping and emergency repairs. Include the following items:
- Mini socket wrench set
- Allen wrench set
- Multi-bit screwdriver
- Multimeter (AC & DC)
- Crescent wrench
- Hammer
- Utility knife and wire cutter
- Tire pressure gauge
RV Technology and Gadgets
Gone are the days when you need to bring oversized detailed maps to reach your favorite campgrounds. With technology essentials like portable GPS, you can pinpoint the exact location and determine distant landmarks for easy navigation. RV technology gives you more time to calculate distance and make detours if needed.
Again, do not forget your RV’s dimensions, specifically the vehicle’s height. Some towns have low bridges, like the Graffiti Bridge in Pensacola, which has claimed many roofs of taller RVs. Remember that Waze, Google and Siri are set for car sizes and not for RV height.
Having a portable phone signal booster or Wi-Fi booster is a game-changer when camping in remote areas. These innovative devices allow you to go off-grid and still be connected to civilization.
Portable power sources are also a must-have for RV trips, keeping your electronics and battery packs ready for camping. Solar chargers allow you to harness the sun to operate your most important devices in case of power interruptions.
Outdoor Furniture
Prepare a comfortable and convenient outdoor setup for your next RV trip. Since your RV is equipped with sleeping gear, your outdoor must-haves are more about extending the living space or kitchen.
Relax in the great outdoors with camping chairs, tables, cupboards and multi-use stools. Dine in style with a camp stove or portable grill. You may also want to bring a portable water filter for easy access to clean water during your trip. If you want an easy cleanup after eating, get a collapsible sink to wash dishes outdoors. Make sure these items fit inside your storage compartment.
Campsite Setup and Organization
Preparing for RV camping is more than just packing the essentials. Stay organized with a camp checklist and layout that covers everything, from RV parking to cooking and outdoor relaxation. Establishing designated zones while camping allows for a more efficient way to move around and find items. Lightweight tarps serve multiple purposes, from sun shade to ground cover and rain shelter.
When setting up your RV, you will need the following items:
- Wheel chocks: Use wheel chocks to keep your unit in place and prevent accidental sliding or rolling.
- Leveling blocks: Ensure the RV is level before exploring the surroundings. Park on the flattest area and fine-tune the stability with some leveling blocks.
- Separate hoses: The last thing you would want to experience is to confuse the grey water with the drinking water. Identify the hoses easily by using different colors or adding labels.
- Electrical adapters: Some campgrounds have 15-amp outlets, while others are equipped with 20-amp, 30-amp or 50-amp outlets. Bring an electrical adapter so you can plug in anywhere.
- Extension cords: You might sometimes be stationed far from the electrical outlet. Keep RV extension cords in different lengths for convenience.
Pets and Pet Supplies
Part of the joy of camping is sharing it with your furry friends. Make RVing with your four-legged pets a breeze by packing their crate or bringing their favorite blanket. Remember to keep a full supply of your dog’s regular food and go-to treats.
If you are looking for space-saving solutions in your RV, consider a collapsible food and water bowl. RV camping with dogs means bringing a leash and some grooming essentials like a brush, dry shampoo, towels, wipes and pet waste bags.
RV Organization and Storage Solutions
Whether you are heading out for a weekend adventure or living in your RV, keeping everything organized is a must. Here are some space-efficient items for a clutter-free trip:
- Hooks for bath towels and clothes
- Vertical storage for paper products
- Refrigerator sliding drawers
- Packing cubes for clothing
- Floating shelves for smaller items
- Pop-up trash cans
Why Trust Kampgrounds of America for Camping and RV Information?
KOA is your go-to source for the latest and most informative RV details and insights. Relevant information from RV enthusiasts and industry professionals offers reliable and in-depth knowledge about RV camping. As a nationwide campground provider, KOA brings decades of experience in creating detailed guides and comprehensive lists about RVing.
There are more than 500 KOA Campgrounds across North America, and the wide variety of locations and amenities allows KOA to deliver the latest and most useful information for every RV camper. They are dedicated to helping you make well-informed decisions that fit your RV lifestyle. Whether you are a newbie RVer or a seasoned RV enthusiast, KOA delivers content grounded on research and practical applications.
Book Your Campsite With KOA Today
Become a seasoned RVer with comprehensive guides and other RV-related information. After equipping yourself with relevant RV insights, find the best campground from KOA’s wide variety of locations.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
