Getting ready for your next adventure? This complete packing list for RV trips ensures you have everything you might need!
Making sure your RV is packed with everything you may need while traveling is difficult. Whether a first-time camper or one with plenty of experience, our complete packing list for RV trips will have you saying, “I wish I had thought of that!”
Let’s start by breaking the essential RV gear list into different sections of any RV.
The Complete Packing List for RV Trips
Most RVs or travel trailers have some type of bedroom. This is the first place you start packing.
RV Bedroom Packing List
- Sheets
- Comforters
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Pillow Shams/Covers
- Extra Blankets
- Clothes
- Coats/Jackets
- Shoes
- Swimsuits (if you are going somewhere near water)
Make the beds before setting out on your camping trip. This makes set-up easier when you arrive at your final destination. It also makes it easier to see what other items you may be forgetting to pack.
Storing clothes in an RV bedroom closet is challenging. Try an inexpensive RV closet organizer to make it easier.’
Over Door/Wall Mount 4 Clear Window Pocket Organizer ($14.87)
RV Bathroom Packing List
- Towels (at least one for every passenger)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Personal Toiletries
- Toothbrushes
- Tooth Paste
- Hair Brushes/Combs
- RV-safe Toilet Paper
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Trash Can
- Hand and body wipes
Give each passenger one bin for bathroom supplies. Each passenger should only need one towel. But if you are planning on swimming, consider packing a few extra towels.
Is the toilet paper safe for your RV holding tanks? You can purchase RV-safe toilet paper specifically designed to break down quickly. This avoids holding tank clogs. But do you really need special RV toilet paper?
Is your favorite brand of toilet paper suitable for your RV?
You can do an at home test to find out.
- Put a few pieces of your favorite brand of toilet paper in a jar filled with water.
- Shake for a few seconds.
- If after a few seconds the toilet paper begins breaking down, feel free to pack it in your RV.
- Otherwise, look for RV-safe toilet paper.
Running out of room for everyone’s things?
Use a bathroom organizer to help organize the smaller spaces to fit more of everyone’s items.
Roll-Up Shower Caddy Organizer
RV Kitchen Supplies List
- Napkins and dish towels
- Dish Drying Rack
- Dish soap
- Plates
- Bowls
- Cups
- Mugs
- Silverware
- Knives
- Spatulas/Ladles
- Pots
- Pans
- Oven Mits
- Tinfoil
- Ice Cube Tray
- Cutting Board
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Trash Can
Packing the RV kitchen is one of the hardest pre-trip things to do. Some of the best ways to simplify RV cooking include:
Plan your camping meals
Take time to plan all of your meals before going on your camping trip. This seems tedious. But in the end, RV meal planning saves time and stress on the road. Bring everything you need in order to cook those meals.
Do all the prep work at home.
Cut vegetables, mince onions, etc. at home. When dinner time rolls around all you need to do is mix the ingredients.
Consider using smaller or collapsible dishes
Save space with collapsible storage containers, cups, mixing bowls, and even a collapsible drying rack. Examples include:
Thin Bins Collapsible Containers – Set of 4 ($19.99)
Collapsible Dish Drying Rack ($19.99)
Use a kitchen organizer too
A good RV drawer organizer keeps cookware neat while your RV is in motion.
RV Patio Outdoor Gear
- Lawn Chairs
- S’more Roasting Sticks
- Patio Mat
- Umbrella
- Grill
- Bug Spray
- Citronella Candles
- Fishing Gear
- Frisbee
- Ball and Glove
- Lawn Games
- Bikes
- Shoe Pan
The best part of going out in your RV or travel trailer is being out in nature.
Lawn chairs and s’more roasting sticks are necessary for any night around the campfire. Be sure to pack enough roasting sticks and pie irons for each of your passengers. That way everyone can enjoy the same amount of s’mores, hot dogs, or whatever else you cook over the campfire.
Bug bites definitely decrease the overall quality of your camping trip. Pack enough of your favorite bug spray. Citronella candles and citronella DEET-free bracelets help too. They don’t leave oil on the skin and often have a better smell.
Bring favorite outdoor games or sports equipment
Camping in your RV or travel trailer is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Carry a yard game like a cornhole bean bag toss. Consider inviting campground neighbors to join in.
RV Maintenance Supplies
- Sewage Chemicals
- Jack Pads
- Sewage Drain Tubes
- Water Hose
- A Level
- Hitch Lock
- Tool Kit (Socket Set Included)
- Extension Cords
- Air Pressure Gauge
- Rope
- Tarps
RV maintenance gear is one of the most important needs when packing your RV or travel trailer. These essential RV gear items keep your RV safe on every trip.
Most RV come with their own sewage drain tubes and water hoses. Always double check that yours are packed before hitting the road.
Wheel chocks keep your trailer in place while camping. You do not need anything fancy for your wheel chocks.
In fact, many people use a simple block of wood in between each of their tires for this job. Just don’t assume there will be a suitable wheel chock (block of wood) where ever you go. Always bring wheel chocks from home.
RV leveling pads are also essential. They slide under your RV’s landing gear to help level the RV.
On soft or uneven ground and hot asphalt, RV leveling pads help level your RV or travel trailer. They create a flat surface for stability and keep the trailer from sinking into the soft ground.
RV Cleaning Supplies
- Gloves
- Cleaning Wipes
- Broom
- Dust Pan
- Hand Vacuum
- Cleaning Products
Nobody enjoys cleaning during a vacation. But the cleaner you keep your RV, the happier your trip. Stay on top of dirt and it won’t get on top of you! A cleaning supplies caddy keeps everything organized for fast clean-ups.
RV Pet Supplies
- Pet Food
- Treats
- Dog Bed(s)
- Food and Water Bowls
- Floor Pan
- Toys
- Clean-Up Bags
- Litter Box
- Leash(es)
- Brushes
- Kennels/Carrier
- Vaccination Records
- Veterinary Contact Info
- Pet Collar ID Tags
Pack everything you pets might need for your next camping trip. I can’t count how many times we reached our campsite, only to realize that something as simple as the dog food we packed was empty.
One great tip I learned is to use a pet food tray under food and water bowls. This eliminate food and water spills. A pet food floor mat contains spilled food or water inside the mat, not on your RV floor.
Be sure to bring pet toys to make camping enjoyable for them, too.
Conclusion
Everyone has slightly different camping gear needs. You may not need everything on our complete packing list for RV trips. Start your next trip by referring to this essential gear. Tailor it to your needs. You’ll soon know what you can leave at home next time you hit the road.
Print Our Complete Packing List for RV Trips:
Bedroom
- Sheets
- Comforters
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Pillow Shams/Covers
- Extra Blankets
- Clothes
- Coats/Jackets
- Shoes
- Swimsuits (if you are going somewhere near water)
Bathroom
- Towels (at least one for every passenger)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Personal Toiletries
- Toothbrushes
- Tooth Paste
- Hair Brushes/Combs
- Toilet Paper (be sure it is safe for your travel trailers septic
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Hand and body wipes
- Trash Can
Kitchen
- Napkins and dish towels
- Dish Drying Rack
- Dish soap
- Plates
- Bowls
- Cups
- Mugs
- Silverware
- Knives
- Spatulas/Ladles
- Pots
- Pans
- Oven Mits
- Tinfoil
- Ice Cube Tray
- Cutting Board
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Trash Can
Outdoors
- Lawn Chairs
- S’more Roasting Sticks
- Patio Mat
- Umbrella
- Grill
- Bug Spray
- Citronella Candles
- Fishing Gear
- Frisbee
- Ball and Glove
- Lawn Games
- Bikes
- Shoe Pan
Maintenance Supplies
- Sewage Chemicals
- Jack Pads
- Sewage Drain Tubes
- Water Hose
- A Level
- Hitch Lock
- Tool Kit (Socket Set Included)
- Extension Cords
- Air Pressure Guage
- Rope
- Tarps
Cleaning Supplies
- Gloves
- Cleaning Wipes
- Broom
- Dust Pan
- Hand Vacuum
- Cleaning Products
Pets
- Pet Food
- Treats
- Dog Bed(s)
- Food and Water Bowls
- Floor Pan
- Toys
- Clean-Up Bags
- Litter Box
- Leash(es)
- Brushes
- Kennels/Carrier
- Vaccination Records
- Veterinary Contact Info
- Pet Collar ID Tags
Man, did you forget anything? What a comprehensive list that obviously took a great deal of time to compile. Many thanks. Makes my choices easier.
AMAZING !!! SPOT ON FRIEND!!!
great list