
Packing the RV: Essentials, Extras, and Why They Matter
Welcome to our RV and camper packing guide, a resource born from our experiences and lessons learned the hard way, plus a whole lot of love for life on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or setting off for your maiden voyage, this guide is here to help you pack smart so you can travel happy. It’s not just about cramming everything you own into your rolling home; it’s about bringing the right things to keep your journey smooth, safe, and full of joy.

Photo Dump - April 2024
We took a week off in late April, 2024 to travel a few hundred miles east and visit a section of abandoned PA turnpike near Breezewood, PA. You can view many of our photos on a map.

Eastbound and down
We planned a 5 week trip to the east that would take us through Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee before we made our way back north to Indiana. We were anxious to try out our Harvest Hosts membership, which allows 1 night stays at farms, breweries, wineries, and other points of interest. We also had a Thousand Trails membership, that gives you free stays at campgrounds, that the dealership gave us.
Jackie’s first adventure was one to remember
Jackie’s very first adventure in the RV was a trip to Kings Island near Cincinnati. My company was having a family fun day at the amusement park so instead of just making it a day trip or staying in a hotel, we booked a campsite at the adjacent Camp Cedar. This is a resort-like experience with a restaurant, camp store, gift shop, and a free shuttle to the park.

How it all started
We’ve always loved to travel, and after seeing the motorhomes a few months back, that lifestyle had continued to call out to us. We switched gears and started searching for used motorhomes.