Ultimate RV Packing List for the First Timer (20 items you definitely need to pack)

You don’t want to mess this up. If you are just starting your RV journey, you must have the following items on your RV Packing List in order to be safe and prepared for your trip.

I know, we are always tempted to pack everything, being prepared for the unknown. There is no need to overpack, especially if you stay very close to your house on your first trip. BUT, you do want to pack the right things.

Staying close to your home for the maiden trip is highly recommended. (In case you forgot something necessary, you can make a short run to your house and back).

If this is your first RV trip ever, get this checklist on how to set up a camper. Just follow the steps and you look like a pro.

I pulled together the ultimate RV packing list so you can be completely sure you’ve got this:

The absolute must-haves for your camping trip

Note: These items can stay in the Camper all the time.

• Wheel chocks
• Levels
• Extension mirror for the towing car
• Water hoses (one for freshwater, one for cleaning the sewage hose)
• Toilet chemicals (Happy Camper)
• RV toilet paper
• Outdoor rug
• Water pressure regulator
• Water filter
• Dump hose
• Sewer hose extension
• Surge protector
• 50/30 Amp converter
• Bungee cords/rope
• Damp rid
• Chairs for outdoor
• PURE Water Filter
• Emergency Road Kit
• Fuses
• Duct Tape /Eternabond Tape (in case of a leak)
• Tire Pressure Gauge

Here is a list with all the links in case you want to order these items: (Amazon order list)

51+ RV Must-Haves and Camping Accessories you definitely need for an awesome trip

The above-mentioned items are the absolute must-haves.

Then there is of course much more you need to bring. Download the RV Packing List (scroll down) and check through everything you need to pack.

Kitchen Items/General Items

(at least 1-2 plates per person)

• Dishes (get plastic dishes or Corelle dishes)
• Plastic cups
• Cutlery
• Pots and pans
• Dish Soap / Dish towels
• Cleaning Supplies 
• Sponges or Rags
• Trash Bags
• Food Storage (i.e., Tupperware, aluminum foil, plastic or reusable bags, etc.)
• Cutting Board
• Paper towels
• Can opener
• Table cloth
• Matches and lighter
• Flashlights (or other portable lights)
• Batteries
• First Aid Kit

Easy Meal ingredients

• Butter / Margarine /Oil
• Eggs, Ham, Bacon
• Cereal, Milk
• Hot dogs, Brats, Burgers
• Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Relish…)
• Snacks (Chips, Crackers, Pretzels…)
• Bread
• Spaghettis
• Tomato Sauce
• Flour Tortillas
• Cheese
• Spices, Salt, Pepper, Herbs
• Peanut Butter and Jelly
• S’mores stuff
• Fruit (Apples, Bananas)
• Coffee, Tea, Sugar
• Drinks, Water

If you need some simple recipes for your first-time RV trip, get some inspiration and how-to cook them in this article, especially if you have a Blackstone griddle. Cooking can be so easy.

This is the ultimate list of 20 of the best RV Storage Ideas you must have with links for ordering your RV kitchen and storage items.

Then of course you need to pack your personal items like:

Clothes and Personal Items:

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, tweezers, etc. 
• Pharmacy prescriptions, aspirin, etc.
• Insect Repellant
• Device Chargers and Outlet Adapters
• Sunscreen and Lotions
• brush, hair dryer, hair ties, etc.
• clothes (don’t overpack, you can definitely wear your shorts and shirts a couple of times, you are camping)
• Shoes, Sneakers, Hiking Gear
• T-Shirts and Sweater
• Sweatpants
• Underwear, Socks
• Towels

Depending on where you are going, beach or mountains, pack your recreational items:

• Indoor Activities: card games, board games, magazines, books, puzzles, etc.
• Frisbees, sports equipment (football, soccer ball, baseball), etc.
• Fishing Gear, Rods, tackle, and don’t forget your license.
• Rain Gear: jackets, umbrellas, ponchos and boots
• swimsuits, inflatable rafts or tubes, sandals, etc.
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Hats, Sunglasses

Bedroom Items:

• Pillows
• Sheets and Blankets
• Kids love to sleep in sleeping bags

Tools:

It is always good to have some tools on hand. You never know when something breaks and you need a screwdriver. So here is a list of the minimum of tools I am recommending:

• Duct Tape (will fix everything)
• WD-40
• Hammer
• various screwdrivers
• set of fuses
• flashlight or a headlamp
• Rope, bungee cords
• Axe

Toys:

If you are going on trips with your children, pack their favorite toys. Or let them select a couple of toys that won’t take up too much space. Here are some tips for toys that you could pack:

• Board Games
• Card Games
• Books / Magazines
• Coloring books
• Colored pencils for rock painting
• Sand toys
• Pool toys (inflatable is a good choice)

This of course depends on how much space you have and how big your family is.

Outside Gear / Stuff for fun

• Boogey Boards
• Tubes
• Kayaks
• Bicycles
• Fishing Gear
• Hammocks
• Balls
• Frisbee
• Binoculars

Another tough choice to make. On one side, it is nice for children to stay away from electronics for some time, on the other side it is their vacation also and they want to do what they like. So maybe bring some and limit the online time.

Electronics

• Laptop
• Phone, phone charger
• portable speaker for music entertainment
• Videocamera / DVD Player / Movies
• Kindle

Also to consider:

• Umbrellas, rain ponchos
• Bandaids
• Fan or a space heater
• Laundry detergent (Lots of Quarters if you need to do laundry)

We bought our Travel Trailer because we had problems finding hotels where we could stay with our dog Apache. Plus, we paid a lot of money for a pet room. So here are some items you should bring when your pet travels with you:

Pet Items

• Collar with tags and name
• Leash
• Food and Water Bowl
• Pet food and treats
• Poop Bags
• Dog Bed
• Vaccination records (some campsites require seeing the documents)
• Travel bag

Are you renting an RV?

If you are renting an RV, they are already pretty well stocked. We rented a couple of times from Cruise America and El Monte, and we had to purchase a camping pack (blanket, pillow, dishes) per person.

We also rented from Outdoorsy and almost everything we needed was included.

So ask your rental company what you need to bring or if they have a list of what is supplied already. Then you are on the safe side.

Sticking to the essentials makes packing so much easier. You don’t need everything, you can definitely leave some things at home.

Ultimate RV Packing List for the First Timer (downloadable)

Here is a downloadable Packing List for you:

RV camping is all about the less-is-more mentality, going on hikes, to the beach, doing sightseeing, reading, and relaxing.

So no, you don’t need to bring everything from your house. Plus you don’t have the space anyways, so just keep it simple.

Ultimate RV Packing List for the First Timer (20 items you definitely need to pack)

Frequently asked questions

How to load a camper the right way

You don’t want to mess this up because it is essential. In order to pack your RV right, you need to have everything you bring distributed equally inside. That means, space your heavy items (like coolers, ice, and water) throughout the RV. The best spot for weighty items to pack is on top of the axle and don’t forget to strap it down so things won’t move inside your camper while driving.

Make sure to stay below the necessary payload and towing capacity limits.

How do you not overpack on a camping trip?

You don’t overpack if you just bring the absolute essentials. Make a list of how many days you are on the road and decide on clothes, food, and recreational items you will definitely need.

Do you go out to eat? Then you don’t need to bring so much food. Are you mainly on the beach, relaxing? No need to bring fancy clothes. Keep it simple. And in case you didn’t pack enough clothes for the kids, you can probably wash

What should you NOT pack in your RV?

You don’t need

• firewood (buy it at the campsite)
• kitchen appliances
• a lot of canned food
• unnecessary tools
• more than 3 pairs of shoes

Summary of ‘Ultimate RV Packing List for the First Timer (20 items you definitely need to pack)’

Going camping means getting away from stress, hectic and electronic devices. Make sure you pack the items you need for your hiking trips or beach vacation to have fun while doing what you want to do. Also, you don’t need to be prepared for everything.

And in case you forgot something really essential, your camping neighbors are normally very friendly and help you out if they can. So relax and enjoy the journey.

See you on the road, Conny

If you want to remember Ultimate Packing List for First Timers, just pin this image to your Pinterest board.