A Beginner's Checklist to RV Camping

RV Camping checklist

Traveling and camping in an RV has many advantages and essentially allows you to have a home away from home, from county campgrounds to the remotest of locations. But those with RVs know that preparing for a trip can be quite stressful. There are countless items to remember to pack. That is why we have put together the perfect list of RVing essentials. Check out this list before your next adventure to make sure nothing gets left behind.

RV Specific Items

white and blue van on beach during daytime.

What you need for the RV

Photo by Kojiro Inui on Unsplash
This section of the checklist will vary on what type of recreational vehicle you own, how long your trip is, and if you are planning on having an electrical hook-up or not. Familiarize yourself with your RV before your first trip so that you know exactly what you need. In the weeks or months before your trip, make sure to have all routine maintenance performed on your RV and check all systems to make sure there are no unwelcome surprises while you are on the road.
  • Roadside emergency kit
  • Sewer kit
  • Extra motor oil and transmission fluids
  • Surge protector
  • Electrical adapters
  • Water pressure regulator
  • Drinking water hose
  • Leveling blocks
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Extension cords
  • Wheel chocks
  • Duct tape
  • Battery jumper cables
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Toolbox
  • Generator
  • RV documents (registration, insurance, etc.)

Kitchen and Food

wooden ladle and chopping board with ginger during daytime

What to cook while RVing

Photo by Chinh Le Duc on Unsplash
  • Potable water
  • Water bottles
  • Food storage containers
  • Food and beverages
  • Cooler and extra ice
  • Plates, cups, bowls
  • Cooking utensils
  • Eating utensils
  • Dishtowels
  • Potholders
  • Paper Towels
  • Trashbags
  • Dish soap
  • Sponge or scrubber
  • Grill for outdoor cooking (optional)
  • Can and bottle opener
  • Pots and pans
  • Coffee pot and/or tea kettle
Pro Tip: If you are planning on boondocking, you'll want to make sure your water tank is full. This will add considerable weight to your rig so keep that in mind. Try filling up the tank closer to your destination, especially if traveling far.

Sleep Essentials

white and blue knit textile.

What blankets to bring while RVing

Photo by Jordan Bigelow on Unsplash
  • Sheets, blankets, and comforters
  • Pillows and pillow cases
  • Extra cots or air mattresses as needed
  • Air pump if needed

Toiletries for the RV

person loading up a packing cube with toiletries.

Toiletry essentials for RVing

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash
  • Soap (face and body)
  • Hand soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hairbrush
  • Tweezers
  • Toilet paper
  • First aid kit
  • Tampons/sanitary products
  • Bath towels
  • Shoes to shower in (if using campground facilities)
  • Solar shower (If RV doesn't have a shower/bath)
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Lotion
  • Lip-balm

Personal Items Needed While RVing

black framed eyeglasses on brown wooden table

Taking your personal items on your RV adventure

Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash
  • Medication
  • Phone and phone charger
  • Laptop or tablet and charger
  • Wallet with ID and credit/debit cards
  • Campsite reservation information
  • Eyeglasses and sunglasses

Clothing and Footwear Needed for RVing

person in black pants and brown leather shoes standing on rock.

What clothes do you need when you go RVing?

Photo by Ali Kazal on Unsplash
  • Moisture-wicking shirts
  • Moisture-wicking pants
  • Underwear
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Socks
  • Down or fleece jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants
  • Hat
  • Sleepwear
  • Swimsuit
  • Hiking boots or sneakers
  • Sandals or flip flops
  • Winter/snow gear depending on the season

Miscellaneous

black hiking backpack near white Fujifilm instax mini camera near black leather boots, red half-zip jacket, gray pocket watch on white map.

What else will we need for Rving?

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash
  • Headlamp
  • Lantern
  • Extra batteries
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Portable charging bank or solar charger
  • Firewood and fire starter (If fires are permitted at your campsite)
  • Books and/or games
  • Dog gear if bringing your four-legged pals
  • Dry bags or plastic bins to store items
  • Backpack or hiking pack
  • Hiking, fishing, kayaking, or other gear for activities
  • Outdoor rug
  • Patio furniture (chairs, tables, etc.)
  • Pop-up tent (if RV doesn't have an awning)
Pro Tip: Try to plan a loose itinerary for your trip so that you know what kind of recreational activities you will be partaking in and what kind of extra gear you need to pack.

Enjoy Your Trip

​You've gone through your checklist and have inspected your RV to make sure everything is up to standard and in working order. Now it's time to decide where you are going to set up camp and hit the road! There are many more logistics to deal with when RV camping compared to car camping, but with the right preliminary preparation, you can relax knowing everything is in place for the perfect RVing experience.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less