How to Pack Your RV for Camping

HOW TO PACK YOUR RV FOR CAMPING 

Written By Carol Carimi Acutt

 

Camping these days is considered to be pretty hip, as over 58 million of us went camping at least once in 2022.  That’s a LOT of people.  Some people love to backpack, others car camp and many prefer to stay in an RV or a van.  If you are preparing for your first (or 10th) RV camping trip, we’ve prepared a checklist of exactly what to bring.

Needless to say, this isn’t everything you need, but it’s a pretty comprehensive list to get you started.  If you own your RV, it’s a good idea to keep it pre-packed so the next time you want to hit the road, all you need to do is pack clothes and food. 

#1 KITCHEN ESSENTIALS: Don’t skimp on the quality of items you keep in your RV. Since the RV is basically a house on wheels, be sure to use the same tools that you enjoy in your own home. After all, why suffer just because you are cooking outdoors? Camping in comfort goes a long way in contributing to your joy on the road. We also suggest using materials like stainless instead of plastic or teflon coated pans, stainless lasts forever, it's sturdy and it is not full of chemicals

• Universal pan that is about 16” in diameter (stainless steel preferable - indestructible and no chemicals)
• Medium fry pan 12” in diameter   (stainless steel)
• Large stock pot  (stainless steel)
• Coffee Pot or French press or stovetop percolator 
• Electric tea kettle to boil water (this is a very convenient item to have)
• Strainer ) 1 to 2
• Set of stainless steel nesting bowls with lids 
• Good chef’s knife, you only need one
• Large cutting board 
• Small cutting board 
• Stainless Flatware
• Stainless steel set of plates
• Stainless serving platter (1 to 2)
• Stainless steel tumblers for hot and cold drinks with a lid
• Heavy duty foil
• Plastic wrap
• Ziplocs or reusable storage bags 
• Storage containers with lids (glass is better for storing food)
• 2 to 3 mason jars with lids (great for making salad dressings on the go or storing leftovers)
• Scrub brush
• Green Scrubbies (Cut them into 3 inch squares so the pack lasts longer)
• Dish soap
• Hand soap
• 10-20 kitchen towels (small and large)
• Hot hands
• Rubber gloves for cleaning 
• Stainless steel scrub (either baking soda & vinegar or a brand like Barkeepers)
• White vinegar for cleaning 
• One Sharpie 
• Masking tape 
• Twist ties 
• Paper clips 
• Sharp Scissors
• Small stapler (you never know when you need one)
• Rubber bands
• Salt, pepper and  your favorite seasonings 
• Olive oil, avocado oil and other favorites 
• Balsamic vinegar or your preferred favorite
• Trash bags
• Paper towels 
• Water dispenser jugs (bring your own water on the road if you don’t have a good filter installed, it's better than buying tons of water in plastic bottles every time you hit the road)

#2 OUTDOOR KITCHEN ESSENTIALS -  There’s nothing better than cooking outdoors!  But to cook outside, we suggest the below items as necessities to make the experience pitch perfect. 

• BBQ tool set 
• Your favorite stick to poke the campfire
• Hot hands 
• Waterproof tablecloth
• Solar lanterns and solar mason jar lights 
• Picnic table caddy
• Outdoor rug 
• Long lighter 
• Fire starter, kindling and a fire stick 
• Outdoor chairs 
• Cozy blankets 
• Head lamps 
• Citronella candles to ward off bugs - NEVER BURN UNATTENDED  and put the top on when you are finished using the candle.

#3 CAMPING DOG ESSENTIALS  - If you never leave home without your furry best friend, you need the below items for every camping trip, especially a long leash. All campgrounds that allow dogs require them to be on leash while walking and while at the campsite. To keep you and your dog happy, be sure to bring a long leash (20 feet) that also lights ups!

• Light Up Long Dog Leash 
• Light Up Dog Collar 
• Dog water and food bowl that is only for the RV
• Dog bed 
• Dog hiking water bottle 

#4 HIKING ESSENTIALS 

• Water bottles
• Picnic backpack 
• Swiss army knife 
• Compass 
• Small notebook and pen to write down your favorite hikes or activities 
• Head lamp
• Small first aid kit (be sure to include Benadryl in case someone is bitten by an insect and has an allergic reaction while on the hike, this can save someone’s life)

#5 GENERAL SUPPLIES FOR THE RV

• Bathroom cleaners 
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Tissue 
• Bedding & pillows (always have at least 2 sets of sheets)
• Bathroom scrub brush 
• Personal Cosmetics 
• First Aid Kit
• Black tank treatment
• Disposable gloves
• Hand sanitizer 
• Pens, sharpies, notebooks, markers, scratch paper 
• Phone and computer chargers 
• Set of tools 
• Rope
• Zip ties 
• Ratchet straps 
• RV levelers 
• Level
• Extra batteries 
• Fire extinguisher

Think we forgot something? We’d love to hear your ideas, please email us at newsletter@litoluxury.com