Checklist for RV Camping

Camping is a great way to go beyond simply hiking to really inundating oneself in the wilderness. Whether you’re planning to pitch a tent as a ‘base camp’ for a few nights or are opting to camp in addition to backpacking (which may involve establishing a new camp site every night), camping with the use of a tent can be an exciting experience. Those who aren’t quite ready to forego the luxuries of the modern world may find themselves dabbling in RV camping instead.

A recreational vehicle (RV) is a motor vehicle or trailer equipped with living space and amenities found in a home. One can tow their RV as a trailer or invest in a motorized RV for their camping experience and simply drive up to an RV park or campsite. Vacationers, campers, and travelers alike can benefit from the luxury use of an RV. One can check their desired location’s parks to see which are compatible for RV camping. RV camping requires forethought and preparation in order to ensure a safe and comfortable trip, so be sure to review this checklist for all of your essentials.

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RV Camping Essentials

As we’ve stated before, those who partake in RV camping get the luxury of bringing more gear than a tent camper or backpacker, as they’re only restricted by what they can safely fit in their RV. Depending on how much ‘roughing it’ you want to do, you may end up bringing more gear (and simply keeping the extra stored in your vehicle for times when you’re near your car). Check out our tent camping and backpacking checklists if you plan to venture outside of your RV for more than a simple hiking excursion.

Cooking Gear

When camping, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed the appropriate items in order to sustain yourself. While trail mix and other snacks are good for day hiking trips, longer camping trips will likely require more preparation for hot, sustaining meals. With an RV, you are afforded the benefit of a full kitchen, so be sure that you’ve got your kitchen stocked for the trip!

RV Camping Basic Gear

Beyond many of the essentials, you’ll want to ensure that your RV is completely stocked similarly to the way you keep basic goods around your own household. Go through each area of your RV to ensure that you’ve included the following items from this basic checklist.

Gear for Activities

Some people simply camp as an essential to sustaining long backpacking trips, but many others opt to participate in RVr camping as a way to establish a base camp as a springboard to other outdoor activities. This is where the benefit to having your vehicle comes in handy, as you can store many heavier items like kayaks, canoes, skis, snowboards, and bikes on the exterior of your vehicle while storing smaller items inside. Here are some additional items to consider in your RV camping stash.

Clothing

RV camping can occur in a variety of situations and weather conditions, so your attire truly needs to match your needs. Keep in mind that there can be drastic temperature swings, especially when one is camping at different altitudes. Seek shelter in your vehicle if the weather gets too intense.

First Aid/Emergency Gear

As with any outdoor activity, you’ll want to ensure that you always bring your first aid essentials along for the trip. Hiking, backpacking, and camping in general can expose adventurers to the elements as well as unfamiliar territory, so pack to prepare for accidents or emergencies that may occur.

A good rule of thumb is to leave your trip itinerary with a friend as well as in your vehicle (under your car seat) in case you become disoriented, lost, or injured. In this manner, not only will your friends have your information, but emergency personnel can also have quick access to documents should they come across your vehicle.

Toiletry Items

RVs provide campers with the luxury of a working bathroom, allowing for private shower and bathroom use. Be sure to stock your RV bathroom with these essential items from our checklist.