Packing the RV: Essentials, Extras, and Why They Matter

There’s something magical about the hum of tires on the open road, the promise of unknown adventures around every bend, and the comfort of knowing that home is wherever you park it. But, as anyone who’s hit the road in an RV knows, the adventure begins long before the first mile—it starts with packing. Forget one crucial item, and suddenly your dreamy escape becomes a scramble for the nearest store. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

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.

Why a Packing List Matters

Think of an RV as a tiny house on wheels, where every item must earn its keep. Space is at a premium, and organization is your best friend. A well-thought-out packing list can be the difference between a trip that feels effortless and one where you’re constantly saying, “I’ll grab that next time.” When you find yourself saying that, add it to your own personal list for next time. Nothing sucks more than wishing you had something on a trip, then taking another trip later and realizing that you still don’t have whatever it is with you. Plus, this list might help you avoid overpacking—trust me, just because it fits doesn’t mean that you need to bring it.

Below is a list of the things that we bring with us on the road. Some of these items are completely unnecessary, but they do bring some joy and entertainment. Some of these items link to Amazon and we earn a little bit of commission if you choose to buy them.

Click here for a simplified version of the list you can download and print.

RV Necessities

These things are the bare minimum that should be in your RV or packed and ready to throw in for any trip.

• Water hose (drinking water safe) - you’ll see a lot of folks using the standard white hoses labeled for RV use. In my opinion, they suck. They are stiff and difficult to coil and uncoil. I prefer a Flexzilla hose. They are light and super flexible.

• Water Filter - these keep the fine particulates and other undesirables out of your RV’s water system and can help with the flavor of some water

• Toilet dissolvable packs - these help break down the toilet paper and turds

• Sewer hose and elbow - 20 feet is normally sufficient

• Sewer hose support - keeps the hose off the ground and makes sure it runs downhill

• 30/50 amp extension cord depending on your RV power needs - some sites you’ll be further from the power pole and a regular cord won’t cut it

• Power Adapters (50A to 30A, 30A to 20A, and 30A to 50A) - these will ensure you can plug in and power up regardless of what the connection on the pole is. Keep in mind, the lowest amperage rating of any adapter you plug in is the maximum you can use. You cannot plug your 50 amp camper into a 20 Amp outlet and expect your air conditioners and other power hungry appliances to work. If you’re using an adapter, it’s best to only use the necessities.

• Surge protector - this plugs into the power post and helps protect your RV electronics from surges and other issues with the shore power

• Basic outdoor extension cords for lights, decorations, or other accessories

• Leveling blocks or stabilizing pads

• Tire pressure gauge and portable air compressor

• Emergency roadside kit (jumper cables, flares, reflective triangles)

• Fire extinguisher (multi-purpose rated)

• Headlamps and flashlights

Basic Tools

In addition to the necessities above, you should have some basic tools and something to store them in. If you’re handy, you can save yourself some headaches and money!

• Screwdrivers (manual or power with various bits, especially square)

• Pliers

• Wrenches

• Hammer

• Folding or extendable ladder for easy roof access and inspection

• Sealant or roof tape (just in case!)

• Zip ties and duct tape

• Extra Fuses - find your rig’s fuse box and buy the right type

• Electrical tape, wire connectors, and crimpers for simple repairs

Cleaning Supplies

Unless you like living in filth, you’ll be cleaning a lot.

• Vacuum and/or broom and dustpan

• Various cleaners (all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, automotive protectant like VLR)

• Microfiber cloths

• Collapsible drying rack

• Dish towels

Laundry

For a weekend getaway when you can pack enough clothes for the trip and wash them at home, this is probably not needed, but if you’re planning a week or month long trip, you’ll probably want to wash your (and your kid’s) undies.

• Hamper or basket for dirties - our bedroom closet is where we store dirty clothes in an upright basket

• Detergent/additives

• Softener

• Dryer sheets

• Quarters ($10/week/person) we like to bring some with us as they can be hard to get at certain parks

Kitchen and Food Prep

Depending on how much you like or want to cook, this list might vary a little. Cooking on the road, whether on the grill or griddle outside or inside is one of my favorite things, so I like to have a complete kitchen with me. These items include:

• Pots and pans with lids

• Plates/bowls/cups/coffee cups/silverware (we use paper plates and bowls most of the time)

• Mixing bowls - nesting with lids

• Cooking utensils (spatula, spoons, can opener, food thermometer, kitchen shears, knives, tongs)

• Cutting board or mats

• Baking sheets/pans (ensure they fit in the oven!)

• Coffee maker

• Pizzazz countertop pizza cooker - this is more convenient than the oven, and can be used to heat and reheat lots of items. Bonus, it uses electricity, the cost of which is normally included in the price at a campground or resort. The propane you have on board is finite and you have to buy it!

• Instant pot - this can be used for so many things and it’s also electric.

• Toaster

• Leftover containers

• Cooking oils

• Spices, condiments

• Grill or griddle, related tools, and fuel

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Food storage bags

• Pot holders/trivets

• Aluminum foil and parchment paper

• Plastic wrap

• Pack up or throw out any food from your home that will go bad while you’re away. I promise you don’t want to come home to moldy food.

Camping and Outdoor Gear

These items can really enhance your experience. Some of these items would be considered necessities for us.

• Outdoor rug or mat (to help keep dirt out of the RV)

• Camping chairs

• Folding table

• Portable fire pit like Solo Stove - optional, but nice to have in campgrounds without fire rings.

• Bug spray and citronella candles

• Clothesline and clips (for wet swimsuits or towels) the awning arms can be used as well.

• Hammock - totally unnecessary, but it’s small and light and exceedingly comfy if there are some trees nearby.

• Small battery powered leaf blower - makes for easy clean up on the outdoor rug and surrounding area to prevent tracking debris inside

Technology and Entertainment

The longer the trip, the more you might miss the comforts of home. I often work while we’re away, so reliable internet is a must. Some of the other items make more sense and are enjoyable to have when you’ve got a quality connection.

• Cell phones and chargers

• Starlink or other mobile internet source

• Walkie-talkies (for areas with poor cell signal)

• Portable power bank/lithium ion jump starter

• Power inverter - we use one to power an air purifier for white noise on nights when we’re camped without power hookups

• Streaming device - Roku streaming stick preferred

• DVD/Blu-ray player/laptop and HDMI cable (for movie nights)

• Outdoor speaker

• Game Console - seems crazy, I know, but try to go without it when you have 12 year old in a confined space on a rainy day

Comfort and Maintenance

• Dehumidifier

• Air Purifier - helps with dust and odors

• Fan and/or space heater (depending on the season)

• Extra sheets and blankets or sleeping bags

Personal and Health Items

This goes without saying - you should bring all these items. We keep a fully stocked first aid kit in the RV at all times.

• First aid kit

• Prescription and over-the-counter meds - antacids, pain relief, allergy relief at minimum

• Toiletries

• Shower sandals of some sort. Have you seen some people’s feet? I’m not interested in putting my bare toes where theirs have been.

• 1 ‘shower bag’ per person for soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc that can stay packed and ready at all times. That way, you can simply throw in a towel, toss on some sandals, and go wash your stinkin’ self. This helps each person be efficient in their trips to the shower house and keeps items confined. Small backpacks or reusable grocery tote bags work just fine.

• Clothes, boots, extra shoes, sandals, etc. Look at the forecast and research the weather where you’re going to ensure you’ve got something appropriate.

Other items to consider

• Guidebooks or maps (in case GPS isn’t reliable)

• Notebook and pen

• Books or e-reader

• Carabiners and paracord (for hanging or securing gear)

• Small backpacks or daypacks (for day trips or hikes)

• Bicycle, helmet, lights

Pet Supplies

If you travel with one or more furry companions, you have a host of other things to consider.

• Food and water bowls

• Food and treats

• Medications

• Bed or blankets - scents of home that they are used to will ease any anxiety

• Litter box and extra litter