rv road trip must haves

50 RV Essentials You Should Consider in 2022 – Expert Buyer’s Guide

August 22, 2022 December 1, 2021 | Christopher Harvey

Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Chris and Lindsay

Maximize RV living and ensure that you own all the RV accessories that will keep you safe and comfortable while you travel!

Whether you plan to full-time RV or just head out on weekends, filling your storage space with all the right RV camping accessories can seem overwhelming.

And while RVers are known for setting up some pretty amazing campsites with all sorts of cool camping gear, there are several key RV gadgets and camping accessories that you absolutely must have on the road. 

In this post, we will not only give you a list of the most important RV must-haves, but also we’ll share our personal experience from over 4 years of full time RV living in why they are important enough to add to your list.

We’ll also share links to our Expert Buying Guides for many of the products so you can see the other options we’ve considered as we have equipped our RV to be our full-time home on the road!

Every RVer has his or her own reasons for promoting certain items. We want you to be safe , enjoy your journey and trust u s to help you make the most of your experience on the road!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post m ay contain links to products we think you’ll like. If you purchase any of the products through the links below we’ll receive a small commission. As full-time RVers, we know our RV products well and only recommend those that we either own or would consider owning ourselves.

RV Must-Haves: Everything You Need to Equip Your RV For the Road

We’re giving you a snapshot of everything we carry with us in our newly remodeled Class RV and recommend that you consider packing into your before you hit the road. Whether you own a travel trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome or campervan, we’re confident you’ll find a use for most, if not all, of the items on our list.

While we are full-timers and believe in being completely self-contained, you may not need everything on this list. But we do recommend you consider each of these items and how they may be useful for your RV living.

We’ll start with the basics and take you through each topic of life on the road so you can feel confident knowing you have all the best RV accessories for your next adventure!

Our Honesty Disclaimer: In the course of living in our RV full time for over 4 years we have thoroughly researched all of these products before making the choice on our own. So we’ll give you honest information that allows you to make the best decision for which product is right for you.

The Basic RV Accessories

Starting with the basics. These are the true RV accessories that you really can’t do without.

As such we think you’re going to want to consider the following must-have RV items to handle your first and foremost priorities in life on the road. 

Water H ose // Camco 25ft TastePURE Drinking Water Hose

At the top of the list of RV must-haves is a water hose dedicated to drinking water.

Fresh water is a commodity on the road. When you refill your RV water tank you want to make sure you have a clean hose.

Sure, you can still use it to wash the dog. But you don’t want to mix this hose up with a hose used for cleaning your black water tank! 

In-line Water Filter // Camco TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter

We also recommend an in-line filter from the water source.

No, you don’t HAVE to filter your water before it comes into your camper. But it’s only a few bucks and a few extra minutes to hook up each time we fill up our holding tanks.

You’ll see a lot of RVers in every RV park using these standard blue filters at the end of their hose. 

Water Pressure Regulator // Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge

You would be surprised at the varying water pressure in campgrounds! Too much water pressure can damage your RV water system.

So we hook this water pressure regulator up and it takes any worry away about how high the water pressure will be when filling our water tanks!

Sewer Hose // Camco RhinoFLEX 20-Foot RV Sewer Hose Kit

If you have a grey and/or black tank you’re going to need a sewer hose to help you dump your holding tank.

It’s always better to have too much rather than too little when it comes to sewer hose length. We carry the maximum length we can stow (20 feet)! 

You can also add a sewer hose support like this one to help move your business along.

READ NEXT: Looking for more sewer hose options? Check out this post on the best RV sewer hoses on the market.

Leveling Blocks // Camco Heavy Duty Leveling Blocks

Leveling blocks are considered an RV must-have because they serve a variety of important purposes.

Parking level is important not only for comfort but also to protect your gas absorption refrigerator.

These are also good for helping to support and level a travel trailer or fifth wheel.

Power Adapters (15/30 AMP, 30/50 AMP) // Camco Heavy Duty RV Electrical Adapter

Not all power is created equal. Depending on the size of your RV electrical setup, you will want to have several power adapters on hand to step up or down the current that your RV requires. 

We recommend that you have both the 30/50 amp power adapter and a 15/30 amp power adapter so that you can use any power source an RV park provides. 

Shore Power Extension Cord // Camco 25′ PowerGrip Extension Cord

Sometimes your RV power cord will reach the power source on its own. Other times you will need a power cord extension. 

We always try to park as close to the power source as possible. But when it is not possible, our 25′ foot RV power extension cord more than does the trick. 

Remember to buy the 50 amp cord if your RV electrical system runs on 50 amps instead of 30.

RV Clubs and Memberships // Harvest Hosts Membership

A unique recommendation on our list of RV must-haves, Harvest Hosts is by far our favorite and most recommended RV camping club to join.

With over 2,500 unique locations on which to camp – farms, distilleries, vineyards, museums and golf courses – you’ll find yourself passing Harvest Hosts virtually anywhere you travel across the US. It is incredibly affordable and pays for itself in just 2 or 3 nights on the road.

SAVE 15% on your membership through this link .

READ MORE: Check out this post for other great RV clubs and memberships that will save you lots of money when you travel.

Portable Jump Starter // NOCO Boost Plus

A portable jump starter is a great way to ensure that you can be self-reliant in the event you need to jump-start your RV.

One like this is also ideal because you are able to use it to power other electronic devices you may need in the event of an emergency or breakdown.

We used to just carry jumper cables until we stumbled across this compact portable jump starter and we haven’t looked back since.

Multi-port USB Charger // Anker 60W USB Wall Charger

This multi-port USB charger is a game-changer when it comes to charging multiple devices at the same time. Instead of having a block charger for each device simply connect the wires for each device to this multi-port charger and let it do its thing.

This is a space saver and one of the most practical RV gadgets out there.

Headlamp // PETZL Tikka Outdoor Headlamp

Another great overlooked RV gadget is an LED headlamp. They are versatile enough that you can use them for the same purposes as a flashlight and yet you can keep your hands free to do what you need.

Whether you’re just walking around the campsite at night or need to illuminate dark areas you’re trying to reach inside your RV or engine bay, a good headlamp like this will earn its keep in no time at all.

Water-Saving Shower Head // Oxygenics Shower Head

Swapping out your standard RV showerhead for one of these by Oxygenics will be a game-changer when it comes to being frugal with your water.

You don’t want to waste precious water in your motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel when it comes to showering because you only have so much water and grey tank storage.

These showerheads are ergonomic and you can control the flow of water with the click of a button.

Handheld Vacuum // Shark UltraCyclone Pro

While some people consider a vacuum nonessential for RV life, we wouldn’t travel without one. Whether you are traveling with dogs, have kids or just want a quick way to clean up the camper – a handheld vacuum solves all of this for you.

We’re fans of this vacuum because it charges quickly, is lightweight and stows away easily.

READ NEXT: If you’re interested in shopping for other RV vacuums, check out our buyer’s guide for our other top RV vacuum options .

RV Mattress // ZINUS 10 Inch Ultima Memory Foam Mattress

Whether you’re buying a new or used RV, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is replacing the existing RV mattress.

We’re big fans of these memory foam mattresses and recommend the thickest one you think will fit in your RV.

We add a foam mattress topper to ours for the perfect night’s sleep!

Air Compressor + Tire Gauges // VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor

An air compressor is one of those RV accessories that combines safety and recreation into one.  

Whether you’re reinflating tired from going offroad, topping off your tires from time to time, or simply filling bike tires and water toys an air compressor will add value to your life on the road.

We used to carry a larger pancake compressor until we discovered Viair.

READ NEXT: If you’re interested in a different air compressor, be sure you read the best RV air compressors in our Expert Buyer’s Guide before you buy an air compressor!

Generator // Honda 2200

If your RV comes with an onboard generator, great! If not, you’re going to want to consider a generator for backup power particularly if you plan to spend any amount of time boondocking. 

Generators will give you the extra energy you need to run larger appliances such as air conditioners and microwaves. But more commonly, a generator is a great way to keep your battery bank topped off especially if you do not have solar installed.

A solar generator is a great alternative to traditional gas or propane generators.

READ NEXT: Check out our expert buyer’s guide on the best RV generators on the market.

RV Kitchen Essentials

Although your RV kitchen will likely be many times smaller than what you’re used to, you can still turn it into a fully functional space where you can cook your favorite meals.

These are our top recommendations for your RV kitchen based on our years of trying to make the most of our love for cooking food on the road.

Pressure Cooker // Instant Pot

An Instant Pot has recently become one of the top must-have RV kitchen items for RVers of any level. It is a great crossover kitchen appliance you can use at home and in your RV.

Cook all sorts of meals in your Instant Pot and keep it clean with minimal effort. There are also several Instant Pot sizes from which to choose. We opted for the smallest 3-qt size to save space.

Of course, be mindful of the fact you’ll need quite a bit of electricity to power it.

Coffee Maker // AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker

The Aeropress is our absolute favorite travel coffee maker. Check out this post for all of the reasons why we think you should invest in one for your RV.

It is a unique coffee maker in that you do not need to have electricity to use it. Combining the functions of a french press and a percolator, all you need to do is add hot water and you’ll have delicious coffee instantly.

It’s easy to use and packs away in a small space to travel with you wherever you go.

READ NEXT: Check out our Expert Buying Guide for the best RV coffee makers if you want to research other great options!

Magnetic Knife Rack // SimpleUsefulThings 16 inch Wood Professional Magnetic Knife Strip

We call this a magnetic “knife” rack, but really it’s simply a magnetic bar that you can attach anything metal to. We use it for our knives, but also for magnetic spice holders.

Save space, add another layer of texture to your kitchen and, of course, make your knives easily accessible.

Blender // Magic Bullet Blender

One of our favorite RV gadgets, the Magic Bullet blender is a great addition to your kitchen appliances because it is small, yet packs a punch, and is easy to clean.

Whether making fruit smoothies in the morning or crafting a delicious pesto sauce, the Magic Bullet leaves no regret for adding it to your RV kitchen.

Cast Iron Skillet // Lodge 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

Cast iron skillets have long been praised for their versatility in indoor/outdoor kitchen settings.

This is what makes it a great addition to your RV kitchen as you will find yourself cooking in both places – sometimes at the same time! Some of your favorite RV recipes likely call for cast iron skillets.

And while anything cast iron is bulky, just know it’s worth the investment and weight in your RV!

READ MORE: You can find every RV kitchen essential in THIS POST . See what you need and why we consider each item essential to your RV life on the road.

RV Campsite Setup Must-Haves

One of the joys of RV camping is setting up your “home away from home” at the campsite. Having the right gear makes hanging out at the campsite comfortable and setting up and breaking down quick and easy.

These are our top recommendations for your campsite.

Foldout Camping Chairs // Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Folding Chair

You can’t camp anywhere without camping chairs! We find that these foldout chairs are the best overall value.

From comfort to convenience they pull out and pack away easily and are some of the most comfortable camping chairs you can find.

Foldout Table (Small) // Sunnyfeel Folding Camping Table

While some camping chairs include a small foldout table for holding small things, we absolutely love this small foldout table that is quick to set up and break down.

It can be easily moved around the campsite and holds just enough of the things we use the most.

From coffee cups and plates to tablets and books, you’ll find you likely start and end your day using this table.

Sandless Mat // CGEAR Sand-Free Mat

Don’t track sand around your RV. A sand-free mat like this is literally the foundation of your campsite. Unroll this mat at the foot of your RV door and set up the rest of your campsite around it.

Having a small broom or handheld vacuum near the door helps us get rid of any sand that happens to escape this mat.

USB Speakers // Anker Soundcore Waterproof Speaker

Your RV or travel trailer may have an outdoor entertainment center. But many do not.

We love these USB speakers because they are portable, last a long time between charges and are loud enough to fill the ambiance if the sound of crickets and campfires isn’t your thing!

Propane Fire Pit // Camp Chef Portable Fire Pit

A new addition to our RV must-haves list, this portable propane fire pit is one of the best RV gadgets that comes in handy virtually anywhere.

Whether you travel to areas with fire bans, don’t want to pay for expensive firewood or simply enjoy the convenience of ending the campfire with the turn of a propane nozzle rather than waiting for the ashes to burn out, this fire pit is for you!

READ MORE: We have lots of other great campsite recommendations. Check out our comprehensive list of campsite gear and tips and tricks for your RV Campsite setup in THIS POST .

RV Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves

An important part of your campsite setup is an outdoor kitchen. Whether you keep it simple and stick to grilling on a fire pit or enjoy a more comprehensive outdoor kitchen setup, we recommend you consider these camper accessories as the basics to your kitchen setup.

Propane Grill or Griddle // Blackstone Griddle

The secret is out of the bag among RVers when it comes to the Blackstone griddle. This one is by far our favorite RV grill and the centerpiece of your RV camping kitchen.

We’ve had a few propane grills in our years of full-time RVing and the Blackstone quickly became the best. It is the right size to both pack away and cook an entire meal on.

You can cook a variety of meals on the griddle and it’s quick and easy to clean and stow away.

READ MORE: Interested in other grills to take on your next camping trip? Check out this RV grill buyer’s guide we put together to help you find the perfect one!

Grill utensils // Grilling Accessories BBQ Grill Tools Set

Having a good set of grilling utensils makes the difference between struggling to cook on the grill or having a good time enjoying the experience.

This set is pretty much all you’re going to need in one concise package.

Foldout Table (Large) // Camco Aluminum Roll-Up Table

While you want a small foldout table to keep next to your camping chairs, a larger foldout table will be the cornerstone of your outdoor kitchen.

This one is large enough to fit most grills and griddles, plus allows you the space to prep your food and keep all of your grill utensils in one place. It’s hardy but lightweight enough to pack away easily.

Water Container & Water Dispenser // Brio 5 Gallon Reusable Water Bottle Container & CHIVENIDO Drinking Water Pump

Setting this water container and water dispenser on your outdoor kitchen table makes drinking water simple and convenient.

Plus it’s always nice to have water nearby for cooking and cleaning.

READ MORE: Check out this post for our complete list of outdoor kitchen must-haves.

Essential RV Power Items

Next, consider the fact that, while unpleasant, it is possible to live for extended periods of time as long as you have enough water and food. What makes this time unbearable would be also going without power. 

Understanding your RV power and electrical system is hugely important when you live out of your RV or travel trailer for any amount of time.

NOTE: Many of the power products we recommend can be purchased directly through Renogy in addition to the Amazon links provided. We encourage you to find the most competitive prices. Use coupon code “CALLEDTOWANDER” at checkout for a 10% discount when shopping directly with Renogy.

Solar Panels // Renogy 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Although you don’t necessarily need solar panels, we believe that no RV should hit the road without them, especially if you plan to go dry camping.

At this point in time, they are so reasonably priced, efficient and easy to install that there is really no reason to go without. We’ve never gone a day worrying about power.

READ NEXT: Want to shop for other options? Learn more about the best solar panels for RVs in this post.

Solar Charge Controller // Renogy 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller

Solar charge controllers like this MPPT controller reduce the energy captured by the solar panels to levels that your batteries can handle.

You have various options for these. Depending on whether you purchase a solar panel package or buy components piecemeal, you may end up with a “good-better-best” controller.

We recommend this controller at the least to go with your Renogy panels. Again, everything is easy to understand and mostly plug-and-play. 

If you have multiple solar panels or are willing to spend a little extra on a more efficient controller you should consider purchasing an MPPT controller.

READ NEXT: Check out this buyers guide to learn about other solar charge controller options.

Power Inverter // Renogy 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter

Like solar panel systems, inverter options are limitless. We recommend having at least a 1000W inverter because it allows us just enough energy to power pretty much anything we want without requiring a substantial battery bank. 

Do mind the safety suggestions and installation advice concerning the distance, gauge and connections of the wire between the battery bank and the inverter. 

Every time we go “off-grid” we rely exclusively on our inverter to power the essentials. Small appliances like cell phones to larger appliances like our computers can be powered through our inverter. 

READ NEXT: If you are interested in other great inverter options, read our Expert Buyer’s Guide HERE .

Various Fuses // EPAuto Assorted Blade Fuse Set

Sometimes what seems to be the most difficult of electrical issues can turn out to be a simple blown fuse.

It’s good to have fuses of various sizes on hand. You are not likely to end up in an emergency if a fuse does go out on you before you can find a place with spares.

But these are so affordable and small that it just makes sense to keep them handy. 

Surge Protector // Progressive Industries 30 Amp Surge Protector

Having a surge protector like this one from Progressive Industries can provide peace of mind when it comes to keeping your electronic appliances in working order.

While most formal campgrounds in the US and Canada have reliable and steady shore power connections, if you travel south of the border you definitely want to consider adding a surge protector to your RV.

Automatic Transfer Switch // Xantrex PROwatt SW Auto Transfer Switch

If you’re just getting started with RVing you may not fully understand how power works or does not work, in your RV. When we were new we knew enough to have an inverter to power our devices when we were boondocking.

But we didn’t realize that this automatic transfer switch would allow us to use our power outlets even when we weren’t plugged into shore power.

It blew our minds and think it will be a game-changer for you too!

RV Must-Have Tools

Things break quite frequently when you RV. So whether you can make it to an (overly priced) RV repair shop or have to make a few quick fixes on the road, these RV must-haves will keep you safe and allow you to get where you can make proper repairs as necessary.

Whether you RV full time or only on the weekends, it’s advisable to keep the following tools handy.

Multi-bit Screwdriver // CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver Set

Almost everything these days is assembled using screws of some kind. Having a screwdriver with multiple heads will allow you to manually remove/replace screws of all types.

This is easily our most-used tool and why we consider it an RV must-have in your tool kit. 

Ratchet Set // DEWALT Socket Set

Aside from screws, nuts and bolts of various sizes hold your life together when you are on the road in your RV. From this standpoint, having a good ratchet set and/or a few different pliers will come in handy. 

Because we used bolts as we custom-built our flatbed truck camper ensuring that we could tighten/loosen them at times is imperative to the general operation of our truck and camper. 

Wrench Set // Craftsman Ratcheting Wrench Set

While ratchets can get the job done quickly most of the time, sometimes you need a flatter-profile wrench to help tighten down a hard-to-reach nut.

We keep a set of both standard and metric size ratcheting wrenches just for that purpose.

Eternabond Tape // EternaBond RV Sealant Tape

Eternabond is the best heavy-duty tape to count on if and when you need to stop or prevent leaks in your RV.

We primarily use it preventatively to cover up the screws and holes prior to resealing our roof with Henry’s Tropi-Cool roof sealant. We have even used it to patch our awning.

But it comes in handy for sealing up leaks pretty much anywhere.

Duct Tape // Gorilla Black Duct Tape

Duct tape is great for short-term repairs and holding things together until you can make a more permanent fix. But it’s not good for long-term solutions – especially outside where the sun can cause it to stick to the paint/roof of the camper.

We have used duct tape to secure a tarp over our camper when hail destroyed our vent covers. And we have attempted to use tape to cover our refrigerator vent when we lost ours on the highway. 

You can’t go wrong adding a roll of duct tape to your camper accessories.

Zip Ties // Cable Matters 200 Self-Locking 6+8+12-Inch Nylon Zip Ties

Zip ties belong on the list of RV must-haves because they are so simple and versatile (and affordable). Most of the wiring in your RV is likely to already be zip-tied and neatly tucked into crevices.

But if you ever have to work on any part of your electrical system (which is likely, if not inevitable) you will likely want to bind the wires together again using zip ties. 

You can also make handy items from zip ties, such as key chains. Or you can connect loose items together, such as tools and kitchen utensils. 

READ MORE: A good RV tool kit is important for your safety and convenience. Check out this post for everything you should include in your tool kit.

RV Safety Essentials

While you may or may not think about the importance of having (properly functioning) safety equipment in your RV, we’d recommend you put it near the top of your list of things to buy.

Do a quick inventory of your RV and check the date, batteries and/or other power sources and general condition of each of these items.

First and foremost you need to make sure you have the following 3 alarms installed, powered up and working correctly before you even leave your driveway.

LPG Alarm // Safe T Alert 40-442-P-WT Propane/LP Gas Alarm

Your liquid propane gas alarm is required by law and typically located at a low point in your RV. Usually, they are hard-wired to your battery so they are always functioning.

Having a working LPG alarm is important since most of your major appliances run on propane and over time they may be prone to leaking.

Smoke Alarm // First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Smoke alarms are incredibly affordable for the peace of mind they provide in knowing that you are safe in your tiny home.

We have multiple smoke alarms in our Class C RV to ensure that we have the warnings in place regardless of where we’re spending time.

CO Alarm // Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is essential to your safety. As CO is odorless, without a CO alarm you won’t know you’re exposed to it until you pass out – which can lead to death.

You can often find combination alarms where the CO alarm is part of either the propane alarm or the smoke alarm.

Fire Extinguisher // First Alert HOME1 Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are also required by law. But ones like these are affordable and tuck away nicely in your RV so they are accessible but out of the way.

We have 2 of these in our RV within reach no matter where we may be.

First Aid Kit // Essentials Soft-Sided First Aid Kit

First Aid kits can have all sorts of bells and whistles. The important thing is to make sure they include the basics – antibiotic cream, bandaids/bandages, antiseptic and Tylenol.

We like this kit because it has everything you need in one spot.

Dash Cam // Rove R2-4K Dash Cam

While we love using our Dash Cam to capture memories of the road, these are also great investments in your safety because they can keep track of the world around your RV.

Whether you’re driving and have an accident or you use it for additional anti-theft security when you park – a good dashcam gives you all sorts of reasons to add it to your list.

Tire Valve Stem Extenders // 2pcs Valve Stem Extension Adaptors

If you have a dual-rear-wheel axis (“dually”) you’ll want to add these valve stem extenders to your rear tires. Reaching your rear inner tires is difficult.

And since you want to check the tire pressure regularly and fill up as needed, accessing your dually tires is important for your safety.

READ MORE: We have lots of other great RV safety recommendations as well as tips and things to consider about RV safety in this post.

RV Emergency Roadside Kits

While being mindful of your RV maintenance is important for your safety, there’s always a chance you’ll break down somewhere along the road.

These are our top recommendations for items we suggest you pack in your RV emergency roadside kit.

20-ton Bottle Jack // Torin 20 Ton Bottle Jack

Depending on the size and weight of your RV, you’ll want to consider having at least a 20-ton bottle jack to help you in a bind.

They are easy to use and heavy-duty enough to be reliable and safe when you need to change a flat tire or do any other routine maintenance on the road.

Jumper Cables // Cartman Booster Cable

Jumper cables are one of the classic items found in any emergency roadside kit.

We like these jumper cables because they are heavy duty enough for large engines and versatile for helping out anyone else you may come across who needs a jump.

READ NEXT: Check out this post to learn about other great RV air compressor options.

Emergency Roadside Kit // Car Roadside Emergency Kit

Having a pre-packaged emergency roadside kit is a good idea for any occasion.

Kits like these include all of the things you’ll want to rely on in the event you find yourself on the side of the road.

Emergency Roadside Insurance // GoodSam Roadside

We had a pretty major breakdown once and had to rely on our auto insurance company to tow our truck camper a short distance to the nearest mechanic.

While the company is one of the top national insurance companies, unfortunately working with them on our towing claim was difficult because they didn’t really understand RVs.

GoodSam Roadside fills in the blanks for all things related to RV breakdowns and is incredibly affordable at that.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Tire Safety

Because every RV is different, we can’t recommend one size to fit all. However, we keep a full-size mounted spare tire in good condition at all times (We rotate it when we have our tires rotated and balanced). You also want to keep a mindful eye on your tire pressure and check it regularly.

In addition to our standard-issue bottle jack, we also carry a 20-ton hydraulic jack capable of doing its own heavy lifting. 

Both of these came in handy when we had a flat tire on the Dalton Highway at the very top of Alaska! 

You should never travel without a mounted spare tire (that you inspect from time to time) or a jack. So even if you do not know, or are unable, to change a tire – it is likely someone will stop to assist you. 

For added insurance, consider joining an RV club such as Escapees or GoodSam Roadside where you can purchase very affordable roadside assistance tailored to the RV community. 

READ MORE: Check out everything else you need for your Emergency Roadside Kit in THIS POST .

RV Boondocking Essentials

We love boondocking. So pretty much all of the items we’ve recommended above are part of our planning to be able to dry camp anywhere.

But in particular, we recommend that you consider the following items if you plan to spend any amount of time boondocking.

Reliable RV Batteries // Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah

Having the best RV battery bank is one of the first investments you should make in your RV. When we started out we had mediocre Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries.

We later upgraded to more durable and affordable AGM batteries. But now that lithium batteries are much more affordable and efficient we recommend these batteries at the minimum.

READ MORE: Be sure to check out our Expert Buyer’s Guide when shopping for the best lithium ion RV batteries .

Fantastic Fan // Fan-Tastic Vent RV Roof Vent

An overlooked part of boondocking is simply creating airflow in your camper. This Fantastic Fan is our favorite rooftop fan for either pulling in or pushing out air from the camper.

They’re affordable, easy to install and run on very little energy – which is important when you’re boondocking.

Cell Phone Booster // Weboost Cell Phone Signal Booster

You don’t need a cell phone booster. You’ll find that you will have cell service in most places across North America.

But we think it’s a great idea to have a WeBoost cell phone extender especially for boondocking so you can stay connected/reconnect in the event of an emergency.

We had to rely on our WeBoost when we were stranded in Glacier National Park and were able to get just enough cellular service to call for help.

Portable Power Bank // Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240

Energy storage and use is one of the top priorities in boondocking. So while you want to have the best RV batteries, solar panels and a generator for powering your RV, this portable power bank is another great way to store energy that you can use to charge your cell phone, laptop or other USB devices when you’re boondocking.

READ MORE: Find out all of the things you need and lots of tips and tricks about boondocking in THIS POST .

The Bottom Line About RV Must-Haves

RVers of all walks of life will have his or her own list of RV essentials and RV gadgets. But what they often fail to keep in mind is that not every RV is created equal.

The items you pick and choose to keep as your RV must-haves must fit your circumstance – not ours or anyone else’s.

That said, we wish you safe and happy travels as you head out on your RV adventure! Let us know which items we may have left off and we’ll add them to our list!

About Author

Christopher Harvey

Christopher Harvey is the co-founder and main copywriter for Called To Wander. His passion is to create content that engages and informs readers and helps them to pursue the Abundant Life on the Road. Aside from writing, he also edits videos for the YouTube channel. He has freelanced for a variety of publications and consults with different brands on SEO and content strategy.

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55+ RV Essentials for Beginners

RV Essentials for Setting Up Your Motorhome or Travel Trailer

When you reach your destination and back into a campsite , here’s everything you’ll need to set up before you can start exploring:

• Wheel chocks
• Leveling blocks
• Jack crank handle (for RVs with manual stabilizing jacks)
• Shore power cord (if your RV didn’t come with one)
• Surge protector
• Potable water hose
• Water pressure regulator
• Clear 90° sewer hose elbow
• Disposable gloves for handling your sewer hose

A nice-to-have: a scissor jack socket adapter to use with a power drill for quickly and easily raising and lowering manual stabilizing jacks. Don’t use an impact driver, and never use stabilizing jacks to lift your trailer!

Download our complete RV setup and teardown checklist to track how you’ll use these RV essentials.

RV Essentials for Interior Living

With your RV properly leveled and stabilized — and water, sewer, and electric hooked up — you’ll need these RV essentials for comfortable living and strategic RV maintenance on each trip: 

• RV toilet paper
• Sewer chemicals
• Dishwashing supplies
• Shower essentials
• Laundry supplies
• Water/drinks

A nice-to-have: Adhesive hooks and hangers are great for creating hanging storage space, especially in smaller campers with limited drawers and cabinet storage.

RV Essentials for Outdoor Living

Some campers keep their outdoor living setup minimal. Others can be quite extravagant. These RV essentials for outdoor living will help you set up a comfortable yet reasonable outdoor living area at your campsite:

• Camp chairs
• Outdoor grill/griddle
• Folding camp table (not all sites have a picnic table)
• Portable firepit (not all sites have fire rings or allow wood fires year-round)

A nice-to-have: Insect repellants can make camping much more comfortable, especially in the spring in particularly mosquito-friendly environments.

RV Essentials for Boondocking

While most new RVers should begin by staying close to home in a campground with full hookups, you can use our guide to boondocking for beginners – and this list of essentials – to prepare for an off-grid adventure.

• Portable generator
• Solar kit (panels, charge controller, inverter)
• Portable power station
• Water container
• Portable waste tank

A nice-to-have: A rolling wagon will help transport your recreation items to the beach, riverfront, or a friend’s camp spot.

RV Essentials That Experienced RVers Can’t Live Without

In addition to the essentials listed above, experienced RVers told us they can’t live without the following: 

• Slip-on camp shoes with good traction
• A socket that fits your hot water drain plug
• A pad and pen to write down what you need or forgot
• Toolbox just for the camper
• Electric, plumbers, and duct tape
• Flashlight with batteries
• Canopy lights
• Small crockpot
• 800 thread count (or higher) Egyptian cotton sheets
• A good down comforter
• Cast iron skillet
• Fire starters
• Microwave-safe dishes
• Laundry basket
• Tabletop smoker
• Veggie peeler
• Potato masher

RV Essentials for Newbies: Advice From The Community

Our community also spoke up with their top tips for new RVers: 

Advice on Getting Started

“Learn your vehicle/trailer before you go out on a trip.” – AJ Riffice

“Make your first trip close to home. This will allow you to get things you forgot. Observe other campers when they set up and when they leave. This will help you improve your process. Talk with other campers. Ask them for things they do and things they have that are helpful. Make a list of things you need to get. Read and reread your owner’s manual. Make a list of things to do and things you need to learn.” – Steve Brown

“Do a test camp and see if you can figure out your water heater, your dump station routine, and what you need to be comfy when you sleep.” – CM McCullough

“Until you’re comfortable backing up, opt for pull-thru sites!! Even then, be aware of turning radius, etc…lest you knock down your site’s power pole or water fixture!!” – Steve Rogers

“Get an RV or camper with heated tanks for winter and a heat pump.” – Rhonda Hunt

“Replace the original mattress. Those factory ones are terrible.” – Matt Hawks

Here’s our guide to choosing the right RV mattress upgrade!

Advice on Pre-Trip Checks

“Check air pressure before you leave. Make sure all storage compartments are shut and locked. Do a walk around twice to make sure everything is hooked up correctly. Take paper plates to eat on. And a good coffee mug. The camping world will throw in decent chairs. Take only the clothes you will wear. short trips until you’re comfortable. Take what you think you will need for a short trip and look around at other campers. They will have things and set up things that you will get ideas from for the next time. Eventually, you will find your own groove. Take it slow and easy. Enjoy!” – Wyatt Kingrey

“Make sure propane tanks are full! Especially if it’s cold out!” – Joan Norkus

Advice on Packing

“The thing I learned for sure is that I need far less than I think I do.” – Aileen Lauer

“Boil your breakfast in a freezer bag. It’s a great omelette.” – Troy Davis

“Carry a notepad every time you camp. If you think about window coverings, write it down and get measurements. If you think of something that would be nice to have, write it down. Makes it so much easier if you keep a list.” – Mark Bowen

Advice on Campground Etiquette

“Talk to other campers who may know more than you! A handshake is a strong currency! And be courteous to your neighbors.” – Rick Krenz

“Don’t leave your dump valves open on your stay. (You’re camping neighbor also won’t like you) They are called dump valves for a reason!” – Karen Page

“Be nice!” – Rick Nixon

What Are the Best RV Blogs for Newbies?

We encourage you to view our full collection of RV resources here on the Camping World blog! 

But there are many other online platforms with loads of beginner-friendly advice. Here are a few of our favorites: 

• RV.com – A comprehensive resource for the latest RV industry news and RV reviews
• The Good Sam Blog – An excellent resource for trip planning and campground reviews
• Wildsam Magazine – Great for tips and advice to inspire your next road trip

Do you have any advice on RV essentials for beginners?

Share your thoughts in this Facebook poll . 

• Comment (2)

RV essentials Learn what all the weight limits are for your RV. Find and understand the weights placard on your RV and or tow vehicle.

Great advice, Jerry. That’s invaluable knowledge for anyone new to RVing.

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Home » Budget Travel » COMPLETE RV Packing List: Pack Your Rig Right in 2024!

COMPLETE RV Packing List: Pack Your Rig Right in 2024!

Sorting out a packing list for an RV trip is just no fun. The RV trip itself? Bleeding fantastic!

The feeling of satisfaction from a neatly Tetris-ed motorhome packed with every RV camping supply and essential imaginable? Absolutely priceless.

But the process of actually writing the packing checklist and getting that fat lotta crap into your RV? It’d probably be more enjoyable to just park your rig on your foot.

And then in swooped The Broke Backpacker with its complete RV packing list. A complete list for all connoisseurs of the RVlife – both newbies and veterans alike.

Today, we’re talking about  how to pack a motorhome!  Every single thing YOU NEED for RV camping… it’s all here. Throw that into the mix with a few RV packing tips-

And you’ve got The Broke Backpacker’s ULTIMATE RV packing list! Read it, print it, write your own – doesn’t matter. Let’s just get the boring crap done so you can get on to the fun stuff.

The adventure. 😉

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Top 21 RV Must-Haves for Newbies

Other rv packing essentials and camping supplies, a few final rv packing tips for beginners.

We’re starting off with what I consider the most essential of the RV packing essentials. Newcomers to the world of RVing are definitely going to want to tune in.

A few of these pieces gear are RV-specific, some are just useful pretty much anytime on the road, but they’re all something you’re going to want in your rig!

1. First Aid Kit

Let’s start with the obvious: a first aid kit! No RV packing list is complete without a first aid kit.

Pack it in your rig – somewhere convenient and easily accessible – and leave it stocked and forgotten about until you need it (hopefully, never). A proper travel first aid kit is the literal definition of something “better to have and not need” .

2. Travel Insurance

Annnd speaking of something better to have and not need, this is a piece of essential RV packing that you can’t pack but also never want to leave home without. (You should probably also go ahead and get some additional RV insurance too as Travel Insurance does not cover vehicles)

The sad truth of life is that shit happens. Crashes, broken bones, renegade pigeons flying into the engine… these are the things that put a halt to our grand adventures, and the antidote to life’s little mishaps is insurance!

Do, please, consider getting some solid insurance coverage before you take off. You wouldn’t ever catch a member of The Broke Backpacker team dead (lol) travelling without insurance. Most of these madlads stick with the tried-and-true professionals: World Nomads Travel Insurance. Before you purchase a policy though, do check with them that your RV trip is covered under the policy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

3. Wheel Chocks

It’s time for something RV-specific on our packing list, no? Wheel chocks (sometimes called wheel blocks) are blocks you stick under your rig’s wheels. Whether you’re crafting a full-time RV packing list or just one for a weekend trip, don’t forget to chock your rig.

RVs are heavy. They can be hard to get rolling, but once they do start rolling, they’re even harder to stop. You don’t want your RV rolling away and instead ending up a flotilla somewhere else… or a submarine.

4. Wheel Levellers

The Pokemon Red to wheel chock’s Pokemon Blue: no RV packing checklist is complete without wheel levellers. They do exactly as the name suggests – level your RV.

Sometimes, you won’t have the privilege of parking on perfectly flat ground. And if an RV is in use while on a slope, a lot of things can break down. RV fridges are not fans of minor inclines.

Plus, it’s just uncomfortable sleeping at a 45-degree angle. And sex at a 45-degree angle?

Actually… that’s still pretty dope.

5. Travel Towels

At this point in my career, I’ve written a fair share of packing lists. Somehow, microfibre towels (or their equally sexy counterpart – bamboo towels) ALWAYS make the list. You know why?

Because they’re goddamn spectacular!

Super compact, super portable, and super insanely quick-drying is the name of the game! Sure, it’s an RV; you could just carry a bunch of normal and boring bath towels. But once you get in on the portable travel towel game , you’ll never look back.

6. Emergency Roadside Kit

Remember how I said that shit happens? Well, in the biz, we call that an emergency. And when emergency strikes, grab your emergency kit! It’s mandatory packing for any road trip .

What actually comes in your emergency roadside kit tends to vary from kit to kit. Often, it’s just some of the other RV gear you’ll find on this packing list, extra equipment ready for a breakdown, and a space blanket along a couple of granola bars or something. Trust me – the last thing you want to have happen in a pinch is to go hungry.

Being hangry never solved an emergency.

7. Portable Generator

Your RV is probably already going to have many forms of power. It’ll probably have solar power, a car battery, or a hookup at a powered site. And, sometimes, all of that goes to hell and then there you are thinking-

Why the hell didn’t I bring a portable generator?

Don’t let your lights go dark and your fridge warm: bring a backup generator.

8. Grayl Geopress

Much like my undying fetishisation of microfibre towels, we plug the Grayl Geopress a lot on The Broke Backpacker. And, once more, that’s because it’s the bee’s tits! (Is that how that saying works?)

A Grayl Geopress lets you drink water from quite literally ANYWHERE. A muddy puddle in Cincinnati, a stream in the Himalayas, or even from the goddamn Mama Ganga herself! Parasites, bacteria, viruses; heavy metals, light metals, or even just that gank aftertaste – doesn’t matter! The Grayl Geopress always has your back .

It’s not so much an RV necessity as it is a just a kickass piece of gear for all outdoorsy humans. Some might call it a life necessity… or, at least, it is for those of us without the joys of a home with a tap to drink from.

Don’t even stick a toolbox on your RV packing list – just buy one, put it away in your camper, and may it never leave again. If you’re a tool-sy kinda person, buy a big one filled with all kinda fancy and useless crap. If you’re a smart person, get a small one and only fill with RV-relevant equipment.

But never leave home without your tools. There aren’t many things in this world that can’t be fixed with a screwdriver, spanner, and a roll of duct tape.

Except a broken heart. #2deep4u

10. RV-Friendly Toilet Paper

Did you know they make RV-friendly toilet paper? Cause I bloody well didn’t!

The deal is that regular ol’ TP is gonna wreak havoc on your rig and your pipes: it clogs them up real good. Some veterans of the RVlife insist that normal dunny paper is fine, but why take the risk?

Instead, make sure one of the things you pack when preparing for an RV trip is RV-friendly toilet paper. It disintegrates quickly and is specially designed for use in all RVs.

And, failing that, just wash your bumhole South Asia style . Here’s a hot take, folks: running out of TP is a true first-world problem.

11. Headtorch

Bro, you should be packing, like, fourteen headtorches in your RV. One lives in the toolbox, one in the glovebox, and 12 others scattered around your rig like an Easter Egg scavenger hunt.

I don’t care whether you’re backpacking, RVing, or going to the supermarket to buy milk: ALWAYS carr y a headtorch . It’s an indispensable tool that no nomadic soul should ever be venture anywhere without. Make sure it’s on your RV essentials list and never take it off.

I have a tendency to buy a cheap $10 Amazon headlamps which have a tendency to break two months later; the smart members of the team instead buy Petzl-brand headlamps because they’re the cream of the crop and as trusty as any benevolent steed.

And if it’s got rechargeable batteries? Well, that’s just bonus points.

12. Sea To Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag

This thing is mean and for one simple reason: it hangs up! All your toiletry packing and other doodads go in the bag (with its multitude of handy organisational pockets) and then the bag hangs on the wall.

When you’re living in a small space driving around the country and constantly packing and unpacking your rig, you’ll quickly see the benefits of this nifty tool.

RV Packing Beginner Tips #1: Have systems and use them well. Everything in its place. And if that place can be hanging and outta your grillz… perfection. 🙂

13. Bug Spray

Bugs are another thing that you want to keep right outta your grillz (and everywhere else). Knowing how to handle mosquitoes and other rascals while travelling is crazy important.

Bug spray, mosquito coils, or one of those pew-pew zappy lantern things – whatever it is, make sure it’s always packed in your RV. Leeches and ticks are other nasties to watch out for when you’re RV camping too.

Something to handle the creepy-crawlies and fly-ie-wilies is one of the necessary things you need for RV camping. In fact, it’s really just a necessary camping supply no matter your style!

14. Fire Extinguisher

I mean, if you need an explanation for this, you’ve got bigger problems than sorting out your RV packing list. Have one in your rig and easily accessible AT ALL TIMES.

And probably a fire blanket too.

15. Daypack

Think of all the wandering you’ll do! Oh, the places you’ll boondock – forests, beaches, prairies, lakes, gorges, your best mate’s cousin’s ex-wife’s driveway (networking is a wonderful thing). For all those random day adventures away from you rig, you’ll need a daypack!

I could stand here and tell you all the pros and cons of the best travel daypacks , or I could just skip the bull and tell you to buy the Osprey Daylite Plus . Osprey makes some of the best backpacks in the goddamn universe and the fact that they come with a near-bulletproof warranty (even though there’s a good chance you’ll never need it) just ties the parcel together.

Ultimately, no RV camping packing list is complete without somewhere to put your packing! …Which in this case is your RV. But you definitely can’t strap that to your back when you go hiking!

Speaking of hiking and outdoor adventures, you’ll need a camera to capture all those outlandish escapades. Hell, stuff that. Sometimes I just park my van on desolate unsealed backroads simply for the photo op!

I’m going to point you towards our roundup of the best travel cameras for aspiring photographers. Choosing the right camera for your adventures is a bit of a quagmire, however, going for a solid action cam – like a GoPro (which have gotten significantly better over the years) – is a pretty reliable choice. They take some rather decent shots with the upside being that you’d be hard-pressed to ever break the damn thing.

The GoPro Hero9 Black is currently carving up the action cam market space. The quality is sexy and the overall design of the camera is the result of GoPro’s long-standing history of making kickass cams. It’s a nifty little beast that’s going to survive pretty much anything you throw at it all the while capturing some excellent footage of the misadventures.

There are also plenty of alternative action cams to GoPro , but whatever camera you do get, make sure a camera is on your motorhome inventory checklist. It would be a real damn shame to visit all those places in your own motorised house-on-wheels and not take some photos of the experience!

17. Clothing

The next few entrants are going to be what to pack for an RV trip that actually goes on your person – clothes and gear!

Now, a whole list of clothes isn’t really suitable for a packing list for an RV trip; you’re kinda bleeding into a million other packing lists’ territories there. So instead, I’m just linking to a few of The Broke Backpacker buyer’s guides on the topic down below.

If you’re looking for the best of the best travel gear of the wearable sort, you’ll find everthing you need right here!

• Top Travel Jackets for Backpackers
• Best Travel Pants for Intrepid Adventurers
• Best Travel Shoes for Men and Women
• Quality Hiking Boots for Carving Trails 

18. A Rain Jacket

…Except for a rain jacket – that gets a dedicated entry! Do not go RVing without a rain jacket.

“Oh, but I have an RV,” you say, “Why would I need a rain jacket?”

I dunno, dude. Maybe you break down in the rain. Or you have to go outside for something. Maybe your toilet clogged because you forgot the RV-friendly toilet paper and now you’re chucking a bushpoo in a torrential downpour!

All I’m saying is that I was living the vanlife over New Year’s in the pissing rain and slapping my stellar rain jacket over the top of my dragon onesie was an absolute lifesaver. Speaking of, a onesie – RV packing list essential honourable mention.

19. Sandals

Another dedicated entry simply for their utility. In the rain, at the beach, or just for that aforementioned bushpoo, sandals are the way to go. A good pair of travel sandals are light, comfortable, and have plenty of airflow!

Putting on and taking off hiking boots ten times a day ain’t nobody’s idea of a good time. Neither is tracking mud right through your sparkly-clean rig. Instead, get a pair of proper and solid travel sandals .

If they were good enough for Jesus, then they’re good enough for you! We’ll leave it up to you if you want to wear your hiking socks with them!

20. A Security or Money Belt

Is this really an RV camping essential? Honestly, it kinda is.

Whenever I’m out vanning, I keep my money belt right next to me on the centre console. It’s got pockets for my wallet, my digital camera, my headphones, and for my phone whenever I’m not blasting bangers on the open road (which is really all the time). Whenever it’s time for a stopover, I just grab my belt!

Personally, I’d say a strong and well-organised money belt is a total essential for ALL forms of travel. You can opt for a sleek security belt style meant to conceal some secret cash wads or you can just go with the classic Super Dad bum bag, but either way, protect your goods!

Does Batman ever go out without his utility belt?

21. A Guitar (Or Something!)

Toys! You need toys!

An art book, a pair of poi, a Cajon, or a goddamn travel guitar (or ukelele). You’re going RV camping far from the cell towers and WiFi routers – it’s time to play again!

Maybe you already play guitar? Maybe you’re one of those people that only know a G and C-formation and always say “Oh, I really keep meaning to play more…” .

Well then do it, you scrub! Buy a goddamn guitar, git gud, and be the campsite hero bringing the acoustic jams. When you meet your campground neighbour the next morning and they say “Thanks for the music last night; we really appreciated it,” it’ll all be worth it.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Is our RV packing list finished yet? Not even close!

Well, we’re kinda close, however, there’s still a wide net of items that any motorhome inventory checklist really needs. We’ve done the ‘must-haves’ ; now, let’s do the ‘should-gets’ .

RV Equipment

Your equipment is super important packing for an RV. Most of this is the kind of stuff that should live in your rig. An RV is a complex machine (and house) of many moving parts and mechanisms – you need the right gear.

Equipment/RV Necessities

• Motor oil, transmission fluid, and coolant
• Extra cotter pins
• Tire pressure gauge
• Water pressure regulator
• Drinking water hose
• Toilet chemicals
• Sewer kit/tank cleaner
• Jumper cables
• Extension cords
• Surge protector
• Electrical adapters
• Spare fuses
• Spare batteries
• Battery chargers

Documentation

• Registration papers
• Insurance papers
• Warranty documentation
• ID/driver’s licence
• Campground directories (or trip planning apps)
• Pen and paper
• Ziplock bag for documents

Extra Tools

• Electrical and duct tape
• Pocketknife/multi-tool
• Rope and bungee cords

RV Camping Supplies

Most of this stuff is the kind of gear you’d find on any good camping packing checklist , however, it’s still something that you wouldn’t want to forget when you’re out boondocking the byways of the world.

Camping Gear

• Camping chairs and table
• Picnic blanket
• Outdoor shelter/gazebo
• Spare towels
• Travel Hammock
• Fairy lights (or other ambient lighting)
• Citronella candles
• Firewood/kindling
• Reusable water bottles

Adventure Gear

• Sleep system (sleeping bag/liner/pad)
• Hiking gear
• GPS/compass
• Fishing Gear
• Bikes (and helmets)
• Kayak (or other water gear)

The things you’ll need for RV camping is semi-dictated by  how you like to go camping (and your personal favourite types of adventure). For a more comprehensive breakdown of the adventure essentials, check out our roundup of the best backpacking and outdoor gear .

Personal Effects and Miscellaneous Items

Time to wrap up our RV checklist with some random packing: the best bits! What do you do for fun? How are you gonna keep the ankle-biters occupied? What’s your favourite brand of toothpaste?

These are the questions that we need to ask the most.

• Board games (Like a travel chess set )
• Playing cards
• Frisbee/balls/outdoor games
• Speaker and tunes (and headphones)
• Books/Kindle
• Swimming toys

Miscellaneous

• Umbrella/beach umbrella
• Kitchen supplies
• Matches/lighters
• Spray cleaner/sponges/soap/cleaning supplies
• Dustpan and broom
• Food/groceries
• Thermos cup

Sort out your rental and insurance before you’re stuck somewhere without a vehicle… or home. To get the CHEAPEST price, check out rentalcars.com – they simplify the process at a lower cost and can match you with the right vehicle for your adventure!

Now we’re rally almost finished. I skipped a few things such as an RV food packing list or your toiletry and first aid specifics, however, you’re an adult! I’m sure you can figure out your grocery shopping and shampoos.

Instead, I’d just like to lay down a few extra tips on how to pack an RV well . It’s not an exact science, but then again, neither is brushing your teeth! Yet people still seem to mess that up.

• Keep it Light – RV or no… extensive packing checklist or no… Still try to keep your RV minimally packed. The first rule of nomadic living is to lighten your load. Overpacking – even in a beasty house-bus – is still going to result in clutter, disorganisation, and lower gas mileage due to the weight.
• Distribute Your Load Evenly – Both a safety and a packing tip! While your minimising, make sure you also pack your RV in such a way that it distributes the weight evenly across all four axles. It’s good for gas mileage AND for driving your RV safely .
• Consider Your Heavy Items – While you’re distributing things evenly, consider where your heavy items are going too. Down low and over the axles is where you want them.
• Don’t Overdo the Water – Obviously, lots of water is the real number one must-have for RV newbies. BUT… don’t overdo it. Pack water according to your itinerary – it weighs a lot and is going to significantly affect your mileage and fuel costs (which is also why you should empty wastewater tanks regularly).
• No Breakables – Before you go hooning up and down bumpy, unsealed backroads, leave the bloody crockery behind!
• Consider Organisation and Accessibility – Frequently used or emergency items should be easily accessible; snow chains, on the other hand, can be tucked away outta sight in summer. And for storage options, always go for clear plastic boxes so you can see what you’re looking at.

Final Item of the RV Packing List… A Smile!

Because you’re going on an adventure! It doesn’t matter if it’s one of the most beautiful road trips in America or a cross-country extravaganza right to the bottom of Argentina.

Guaranteed, it’ll be a bombastic blitz of a journey.

And now you’ve got the RV takeoff checklist you need to go and conquer those unsung horizons!

So check your tires, check your oil, and check your impatience at home because the open road is waiting. Ain’t no need for a restless spirit when you have all the freedom in the world.

Go hard, folks. Whether it’s the swankiness of the RVlife or the spectacular dirtbaggery of the vanlife , living and travelling in a motorhome is pretty grand.

Just, please, don’t forget the RV-friendly TP. Or do. You get used to using your hand – I promise.

Ziggy Samuels

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• The Checklist Every First Time RVer Needs

Sitting behind the wheel of your new RV comes with a lot of elation and anticipation. The open road is in front of you, and with all of the national parks and wild spaces available to explore in the U.S., there is nearly endless adventure ahead.

But of course, you’ll have to make sure you are prepared before any big trip. Having the right gear ensures safety, and will save you money and time in the long run. You don’t want to have to go out hunting for niche pieces of gear or be worried about getting lost during your journey.

We’ve created first-time RV checklist for you to read and use while packing up your RV for the first time. This list isn’t exhaustive, but should provide you with the basic items, and a few extras, for your trip.

RV Essentials

You’ll need some essential, mechanical gear that will help you stay safe on the road. Depending on the type of RV, you may need to add a few items or ignore others on this RV-first-time checklist.

• Drinking Water Hose
• Surge Protector
• Electrical Adapters
• Water Pressure Regulator
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Emergency Road Kit
• Extra Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid
• Fire Extinguisher
• Closed bag for documents like registration, insurance, reservations, etc.

Clothing Items:

You’ll know which clothing items are best for you, but when on the road, it’s best to keep it simple and not overpack.  We’ve put together a list of clothing items that work well in the RV as well as on adventures like hiking or backpacking. Make sure to choose clothing items that are comfortable, made of high quality materials to keep you warm or cool, and are suitable for both adventure and relaxation.

• Sun protective hat
• Shoes: Chacos or Tevas, hiking boots, running shoes, etc.
• Bathing suit
• Down Jacket
• Short and long sleeve shirts
• Base layers (if backpacking)

Bedroom Items:

These bedroom items will be obvious to bring along, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the things you’ll need to fill your RV. These are some must-haves for your bedroom that you wont want to forget.

• Bed and sheets
• Clothes hangers

Camping Gear and Technology

Your camping and outdoor gear should reflect how you spend your days outside. Think about your favorite outdoor activities and make your gear list. Below are some basic items that apply to a variety of activities.

• Camping chair
• Outdoor grill or cook station
• Walkie talkie
• Fishing gear
• Hatchet and wood
• Small backpack for day hikes
• The Dyrt PRO
• NOAA weather radio

Games/Leisure:

After a long day of hiking or biking, you may want to spend some time relaxing and having fun with friends or family inside or outside the RV. Bring indoor and outdoor games for just that.

• Yard games (corn hole, horseshoes, etc.)

Kitchen and Cooking Supplies:

You’ll probably be spending a lot of time in the kitchen between hiking, biking or even surfing. Cooking is a great way to bring the people in your RV together. You’ll want to make sure you have the right supplies to cook and bake the things you love.

• Cutting Board
• Utensils and Cutting Knives
• Matches or a lighter
• Dish Towels
• Garbage Bags
• Paper Towels
• Camping griddle
• Pot Holders
• Reusable storage bags
• Sponge and other cleaning utensils
• Disinfecting wipes

Want an exciting adventure of your own? Find free camping near you!

Did you know that almost all states in the US have free camping? 

Although, some of it is not-so-great and can be hard to find.

There is an easier way:

• Hand-picked free campsites 
• Pre-saved to your phone
• The best in all 50 states

It’s the only hand-picked list of 5,000 free camping locations that you will find anywhere. 

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You can check it out for free today by starting a free 7-day trial. After the 7-day trial, the membership is just $35.99 for a full year of access — well worth it if you camp more than 2 times per year.

Food Ideas:

Check out any of the hundreds of camping recipes we’ve got listed on The Dyrt!

Personal Items / Toiletries:

You’ll know best which personal items you’ll need in your RV. Below are some basics to help guide your own RV first time checklist

• Phone chargers
• Reservation confirmation
• Shampoo, conditioner and soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clippers

Popular Articles:

• Get the Latest 2023 Camping Travel Trends
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Emily Gallegos

Emily Gallegos is a travel-lover, backpacker and is generally curious about all this world has to offer. She grew up in the front range of Colorado where she fell in love with snowboarding, fishing and being outside as often as possible. She has studied Spanish in Spain and Argentina and has written for magazines in Boulder, CO such as Elevation Outdoors.

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21 Top RV Trip Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

RVing is one of the best ways to see the world. Not only do you get to travel to incredible spots but it also doubles as your home on the road. Whether you’re looking to go on a long weekend RV trip or you’re looking to live life on the road for an extended period of time, there are certain things that you should pack for an RV trip. Making sure you’re prepared for emergencies and knowing how to work the systems (such as the sewage and water) is key.

To help you prepare, we have put together an RV trip packing list that includes essential items you should not leave without. Additionally, there’s a section on what to wear in an RV trip , what NOT to bring, along with helpful answers to FAQs.

What to Pack for an RV Trip – 21 Essentials

1. quick-dry travel towel.

When on an RV trip, one of the key things to keep in mind is space. You will have limited space in the RV which is why having a small travel towel is perfect. This microfiber towel is great for showering, swimming, backpacking, and more. Plus it’s ultra-compact, lightweight, super absorbent, and fast-drying.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Motion Sickness Patch

One of the best parts about RVing is that it is like road tripping in your house. One of the worst parts is motion sickness. If you’re prone to getting car sick, using a motion sickness patch will help you avoid any unwanted nausea and help you enjoy the ride. No one wants to spend their vacation pent up in the bathroom!

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Sometimes we need access to wifi while on the road. If you’re going to connect your phone or computer to a public wifi network like in a cafe or restaurant, you’re putting your digital data at risk. The last thing you want is to have all of your personal and financial information accessed by hackers (trust me, I learned the hard way) or have your passwords compromised. A VPN like NordVPN will provide you with a secure network to browse the internet on without risking any of your private information.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Packing Cubes

Keep the whole family’s belongings organized on the road with packing cubes. Each set comes with five cubes of three different sizes so all of your things can have a designated place. These cubes are great because they have a cardholder on the outside where you can write and see exactly what’s inside each cube without even having to open it. There are seven different color options so each member of the family can choose their favorite to make it easy to distinguish who’s packing cubes are who’s.

5. Portable Generator

Having backup power while RVing is extremely important. Whether you choose to go boondocking off the grid or you set up camp at an RV park with hookups, you never know when you may need that extra energy. Whether you’re looking to charge your phone or laptop, having this eco-friendly portable generator ensures that you will never get stuck without power.

6. Cooling Towels

Cooling towels are a must-have for RV life. With the amount of time you’ll be spending outdoors you’re bound to get hot and work up a sweat and depending on your RV set-up you might not have A/C. A cooling towel can help you escape the heat and feel refreshed. All you do is wet the towel, wring out the excess water, and it instantly becomes 20-30 degrees cooler than the air temperature. You can use it again and again, just simply wet the towel to reactivate the ice-cold cooling effects.

7. Power Cords

Much like the portable generator, having power cords is helpful when you’re looking to charge your phone or laptop while out on the road. Having one similar to this not only gives you a surge protector and a power strip, but it also has a 10-foot cord so you won’t have to worry about getting an extra extension cord.

8. Windproof Travel Umbrella

When you’re living in an RV you’re spending most of your time enjoying the outdoors. If you don’t want to get stuck inside the RV all day when it rains then it’s important to bring rain gear. A good travel umbrella won’t take up too much valuable space in your RV but will come through when you need it. I really like this one because it’s built with durable materials like fiberglass and Teflon to help shield you from the wind and the rain.

9. Deodorant Wipes

Let’s face it, it can get quite sticky when exploring the great outdoors and sweating is inevitable, even if you’ve already put on deodorant. And there’s nothing worse than being self-conscious about your smell while out with friends or family. Instead of stressing about it too much, throw these deodorant wipes into your daypack and clean up anytime you begin to feel uncomfortable. The best part is that they’re plant-based and aluminum-free.

10. Neck Wallet

A neck wallet is really useful when you’re on the road. It makes it easy to keep all of your necessary items together in one easy-to-reach place. This neck wallet has zippered pockets and can fit a phone, cash, bank, cards, and an ID. You can wear it discreetly under your shirt so you can stay hands-free when doing activities like hiking, biking, or kayaking.

11. Toilet Chemicals

RV bathrooms, while a heaven-send, are quite small. And keeping them clean is key to enjoying your vacation. Using toilet cleaning stamps like these will help you go longer in between scrubs and help avoid odor. All you have to do is place one against the toilet wall and let the flush-activated cleaning begin!

12. Wheel Blocks

Wheel blocks are necessary to keep your RV from rolling away when parked. While your rig obviously has brakes, they’re not reliable on their own. Having some wheel blocks will not only help you to stay in place but they will also prevent excess movement while you’re walking or moving throughout the cabin.

13. Travel Insurance for an RV Trip

I’m a huge advocate of getting travel insurance for every trip that you take. It can help save you from a headache should you get into an accident during your trip. Medical bills can add up extremely quickly, even with health insurance. It can also help with trip cancellation, rental fees, and emergency transportation. We use and recommend TravelInsurance.com to easily compare policies from top companies to find the one that best fits you.

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

14. Levelers

Levelers are a lot like wheel blocks but rather than keeping your RV from rolling away, they keep it level. This is important because a rig that is not level is not only uncomfortable (which could potentially lead to injury) but it also doesn’t work correctly. Many appliances, such as the refrigerator, will not work properly if not level. If you continue to run the fridge while not level, you could do some serious damage which will cost you a pretty penny.

15. Jumper Cables

Imagine being out on the road and all of a sudden your RV breaks down. Without jumper cables, you could be stranded for hours waiting for AAA to come fix it. Or, you can keep a pair of heavy duty cables like these to ensure that you’ll be back on the road in no time!

16. Emergency Road Kit

Unfortunately accidents happen all the time. Whether you’re driving a regular car or an RV, having an emergency roadside kit is key. This is especially true if you’re going to be using the RV for an extended period of time. A kit like this includes jumper cables, a reflective safety vest, a flashlight, a warning triangle, a whistle, a pocket knife, bandages, and more. With this, you won’t ever have to stress out if you run into a less than ideal situation.

17. Sewing Kit

A sewing kit is another wise thing to have for small emergencies. There’s a good chance you won’t need it but should you lose a button, rip your jeans, or get a hole in your hammock, you can use this kit to quickly repair the damage.

18. Water Pressure Regulator

Depending on where you hookup your rig, you might find that the city or park’s water pressure is extremely high. This may not seem like a big deal but it will be when you leave your camper and come back to find that your water hook up blew apart your kitchen faucet and has been running for hours. Seriously, that can happen. With water pressure being unpredictable, save yourself the mess and money with this regulator by Camco.

19. Toilet Bags

If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking or walking outside, there’s a good chance you’re going to need to go to the bathroom at some point. Having these portable toilet bags, you can relieve yourself and then bury the bags in the ground. They naturally decompose in the soil within 10 days. No more worrying about carrying out.

20. Tire Pressure Gauge

RV’s carry a lot of weight on their wheels at all time. And while the tires are made to handle that weight, we’ve all had a flat tire once or twice in our lives. Having a tire pressure gauge will help you know if you need to replace the tires before your vacation is interrupted by a tire blow out on the side of the road. Using an electronic one like this one gives you easy-to-read digits and allows you to test in the evenings thanks to its backlit LCD screen.

21. Female Urination Device

While spending time outside is easily one of the best things for our souls, sometimes it can be messy. Especially when it comes to using the restroom. While there’s nothing wrong with hiding behind a tree to relieve yourself, squatting can be uncomfortable. Using a female urination device like this one will allow you to use the restroom standing up and will prevent splashing. It’s perfect for camping, boating, and hiking.

Other RV Trip Packing List Items Not to Forget

• Luggage Locks
• Portable grill
• Pots and pans
• Dish towels
• Cleaning products
• Insect repeller
• Toilet paper
• Laundry detergent
• First aid kit
• Food storage
• WiFi extender
• Hiking boots
• Phone charger
• Sleeping bags
• Board games
• Coffee maker
• Camping chairs
• Fishing gear
• Plastic bags
• Picnic blanket
• Water bottles
• Insurance Papers
• RV Registration

What to Wear on an RV Trip

The bottom line is you’ll want clothes that you are comfortable in. RVing means spending a lot of time in the car and you don’t want to wear anything that’s going to irritate you during those long hours on the road.

When packing for an RV trip, the packing list for men and women are very similar. If possible, pack versatile pieces that can be worn multiple times in different ways while also keeping comfort in mind. This will help keep your suitcase light and help you save space in your rig. Because it’s the great outdoors and the weather can be unpredictable, bring a lightweight raincoat (depending on the destination of course). Everything else can be layering pieces such as tank tops, jeans, t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, leggings, and shorts, depending on the season.

If visiting during the colder months, swap out the summer clothes for thermals, sweaters, and a warm winter coat that can withstand winter conditions (whether it be rain or snow). Beanies, gloves, and scarves are another great way to stay warm and accessorize. What Men Should Wear – (Click to expand) Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

For men, packing all of the basics is key. You won’t need anything fancy meaning you can ditch the nice button ups, slacks, and loafers. Instead, opt for simple things like t-shirts, khaki shorts, hiking gear (such as pants and boots), sneakers, and a lightweight jacket.

Packing for the Seasons in an RV

Spring – march, april, may.

Springtime usually means sunshine, scattered rain showers, and blooming flowers. When packing for springtime, it’s all about layers. While the sun may be out there could always be a chance of rain. Look at your destination ahead of time to gauge what’s best to wear. If visiting the southwest, the weather will likely be a lot drier than if you’re visiting the midwest.

To be best prepared pack hiking gear, sweaters , t-shirts , a light rain coat , shorts , jeans , sneakers , and sandals . The later into the spring, the warmer it will be no matter where you visit.

Summer – June, July, August

No matter where you’re planning on visiting during the summer months, you’re likely going to be met with a whole lot of sunshine. This means you can trade out the jeans and layering jackets for swimsuits , shorts , tank tops , dresses , and flip-flops .

The best part about packing for summer is that because the clothes are less bulky, you’ll have more room in your suitcase to pack a couple more outfit options. Whatever you do though, don’t forget sunglasses , sunscreen , aloe , and plenty of water .

Fall – September, October, November

Fall is a lot like spring in that the weather can vary drastically depending on where you’re going. On the west coast, fall can be quite warm, especially in places like California and Arizona. If this is the case, you’ll likely want to keep the shorts , t-shirts , and sandals packed. If you’re concerned about chilly night temps, bring along a hoodie and jeans . If you’re going somewhere where the leaves change color and the temperatures drop, you’ll want to break out that lightweight jacket again along with some boots .

Winter – December, January, February

Winter means bundling up! US temps can range anywhere from freezing to 70 degrees. Winter clothes do tend to be heavier and if you’re looking to save space in your rig, you’ll want to remember to pack items that can be mixed and matched so that you don’t overpack. Bring your heavy winter coat , sweaters , thermals , beanies , and boots .

Fishing There’s nothing like spending your afternoon out on the water and catching fish. Especially if you’re looking to prepare the catch of the day for dinner in the evening. When fishing, you’ll want to wear waterproof pants, waterproof boots, a lightweight long sleeve that will help protect you from the sun and sun gloves. If you know you’re going to be out there for an extended period of time, be sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

The Beach Whether you’re going to be spending most of your time soaking up the sun on the beach or the lake, you’re going to want to be sure to protect yourself. Aside from a swimsuit, bring a sunhat that covers your face, sunglasses, and a high SPF that will prevent you from burning. If you have extra sensitive skin, a swimsuit cover up or a rash guard can offer additional protection.

What NOT to Pack on an RV Trip

1. expensive valuables:.

While it may be tempting to bring all of your expensive valuables (laptops, iPads, expensive camera gear, designer goods, etc.) on vacation, it’s best to leave them at home and only bring what you need. Unless you’re going to be working while on the road, there’s no need to have all of that gear with you. RVing is a great time to unplug and reconnect with friends and family sans technology.

2. Firewood:

If you plan on parking at a wooded campground, where firewood collection is permitted, then there is no need to lug around all that extra cargo. Amplify your experience by bringing an axe and chopping down the wood. You’ll know you’ve earned that evening fire and you won’t have to lug around heavy wood with you for a week. Do note that some campgrounds prohibit gathering wood or chopping down dead trees, so do your research ahead of time.

3. Formal Attire:

This is another one that may seem like common sense but I know that it can be very tempting to bring formal attire with. Even if it’s just a dress. Unless you’re planning on making stops along the way to enjoy the finer things in life, you’ll most likely be spending time outside and those fancy clothes will only get ruined.

4. Heavy Books:

I absolutely love swinging in a hammock with one of my favorite books while the trees whistle around me. However, books are heavy and make packing quite difficult. Bring a Kindle instead and leave the physical copies at home. The added benefit is that the Kindle’s backlit screen is perfect for reading under the stars.

5. Uncomfortable Shoes:

Whether you plan on spending all of your time hanging by the RV or on exploring all that nature has to offer, bringing shoes that are going to leave you covered in band-aids, unable to walk isn’t the wisest choice. Instead opt for waterproof comfortable shoes that you have already broken in. If possible, bring a pair that you can wear for multiple different activities.

6. Expensive Jewelry:

Bringing expensive jewelry is exactly like bringing formal attire. While you may have expensive jewelry that is sentimental that you wear often, leave it at home for your RV vacation.

FAQS About Taking an RV Trip

1. when is the best time to take an rv trip.

While the USA is a vast country with many different regions and climates, taking an RV trip is very similar to every other road trip. The fall, spring, and summer months means you’ll be met with ideal weather. However, as I mentioned before, it’s wise to check the weather at your ideal destination before you go to see what you can expect.

2. How do I find places to camp?

There are multiple different sites that you can use to find RV campsites and boondocking sites. A few of my favorites are Campendium, AllStays, Good Sam, KOA, Hip Camp, and Rover Pass.

3. What facilities can I expect at an RV park?

Most RV parks will have AC power connection, drinking water connection, sewage, Wi-Fi, and television connection. Depending on the park you might also find a barbecue area, bathrooms, laundry, showers, and a swimming pool.

4. What are the different types of RVs?

There are multiple different types of RVs. There is Class A (diesel motorhomes), Class A (gas motorhomes), Class C (provide additional living space), Class B (compact camper vans), toy haulers, travel trailers, lightweight trailers, and fifth wheels.

5. Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

Unless you’re driving a BIG rig, you will most likely not need a special license. Most states do not require a license under 26,000 pounds. Class A rigs which are the largest, most luxurious rides range anywhere from 13,000 to 30,000 pounds.

6. Do I need separate insurance?

There’s a good chance you will not need separate insurance. At least you will not be legally obligated. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t purchase it anyways. It’s an extra layer of protection.

7. What is dry camping?

Dry camping aka “boondocking” is camping on the land on an unmarked spot. This is not something that you can do wherever you may please. There are locations where it is illegal so to be sure, use Campendium or iOverlander.

8. How much do RVs cost?

RVs can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $300,000. If you’re looking to save money, research previously owned rigs or consider renovating a trailer.

9. What kind of gas mileage does an RV get?

The average RV should get around 6-10 miles per gallon. If it’s a diesel RV, it should get the 8-14 mpg rage. These numbers are low so having extra fuel can help save you a serious headache. Especially if you’re new to RVing.

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36 Camper Essentials You Need for Your Next Road Trip

These top-rated products are total game changers, from maximizing small spaces to on-the-go creature comforts.

Related To:

There's been a massive return to the great American road trip and camper life in the last decade. Whether that's loading up the RV for a couple of weeks or pulling a pop-up trailer for a long weekend, more and more travelers are trying the camper trend for vacation. However, if you're a nomad newbie, it can be a bit of an adjustment — from navigating campground rules to living and sleeping in the same, small space. But with the right packing list, life on the road is a breeze. We've rounded up the best products and gadgets to take your camper to the next level, from clever storage hacks to tiny kitchen appliances to luxe upgrades that make all the difference. Take a look at our favorites below and gear up for your next camper trip.

STORAGE FOR CAMPERS ON THE GO

RVs have come a long way in terms of multi-purpose storage, but if you have a smaller camper or camper trailer, there are no fancy pull-outs or hidden drawers. Whatever your rig, you can make it feel larger and hack more storage by using common household organizational items in new ways. This over-the-door hanger is technically meant for organizing baby diapers and clothes, but the see-through cloth shelves are perfect for organizing your stuff in a camper, too. And double suction cup hooks are an absolute must. They're not just for towels! You can hang keys, cords, flashlights, jackets, kitchen utensils and so much more. Collapsible bins are also super handy for storing shoes, rain jackets and umbrellas by the door so that you don't track dirt or water into the camper.

30L Collapsible Storage Box Crates

SANNO Suction Cup Double Hooks

mDesign Over-Cabinet-Door Organizer

Over-the-Door Hanging Organizer

Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Holder

Mesh Pop Up Square Laundry Hamper

Zafit Bedside Caddy Organizer

Small-space essentials for campers.

Just like an apartment or a tiny house, living in a camper is all about maximizing space. This ottoman seat is actually a storage bin and a coffee table. The cushion flips over to reveal a tabletop. If you need a work or homework station but don't have space for a desk, this bed computer desk is the real deal. It's got USB ports, a tiny fan and a secret pull-out drawer for storing pens. Another challenge with campers is keeping it tidy. This cordless handheld vacuum folds in half and is outfitted with some serious suction power for tackling any dirt or mud you might track into the camper. And to keep cooking smells or RV toilet smells at bay, these mini scented discs from Arm & Hammer are perfect for small camper trashcans.

Better Homes & Gardens Storage Ottoman

Elekin Folding Portable Laptop Desk

BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt Handheld Vacuum

Motion Sensor LED Puck Battery Lights

Swivel Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Air Fresheners

Hanging Portable Trash Bag Holder With Lid

Mini kitchen buys for rv trailers + campers.

One of the most challenging aspects of life on the road is cooking. Most campers are not outfitted with true kitchens. It's more like a hotel room kitchenette. But you really don't need a full oven to whip up good food. Several compact countertop appliances get the job done, from a travel-size blender (that is also great for soups) to this waffle maker (that can also be used as a panini press). But for the ultimate setup, this Ninja SP101 is basically a kitchen in a box. It can bake, roast, toast, dehydrate, air fry and keep food warm. As for dishes, you don't want to sacrifice counter space all the time for a dish rack, so invest in this handy collapsible one. It squishes down flat for easy storage when not in use.

Ninja SP101 Countertop Convection Oven

Mini Floral Print Waffle Maker

BlendJet 2 Portable Blender

Collapsible Dish Drying Rack

11-Piece Camp Kitchen Cooking Utensil Set

Portable Stainless Steel Spice Shaker Set

Stainless Steel Camping Silveware Set

Little luxuries for camping.

The great thing about camper life is that it affords you more creature comforts than traditional tent- or car-camping, however, it can still feel like you're roughing it. If you don't like the sound of that, there are several luxury travel products to make your camper feel more like a rustic hotel. Glamping must-have number one: the Coop Original Travel & Camp Pillow. It's the Internet's favorite pillow but in travel form with the ability to compress to half its size in a sack for minimal storage. Perhaps the most luxurious upgrade is this chrome spa showerhead from Oxygenics sized just for camper showers. It even comes with an installation kit for RV pipes. If your camper doesn't have a shower or if your shower is in the RV wet room (AKA the toilet is also in the shower) just forget showering altogether and take a bath! Yes, inflatable bathtubs are a thing, and Tubble is the most popular with an integrated headrest and cup holder. It only takes two minutes to inflate.

The Original Coop Travel Pillow With Sack

Oxygenics RV Chrome Showerhead + Hose

Tubble Royale Inflatable Bathtub

Herban Essentials Assorted Bag

Outdoor must-haves.

The best part about camping is turning your lot or campsite into a fun, outdoor space, and this is where it can really feel like you've got more square footage and room to stretch out. An outdoor rug not only gives you a barrier from bugs and sand but also helps create a clear vignette for your outdoor room. And for the focal point, a Solo Stove is worth the splurge. Its clean burn design means less smoke and nearly smoke-free smelling hair and clothes, which is a game-changer when you're living in tight quarters. The stainless steel design is very pretty, too. If you plan on staying connected while on the road and in the great outdoors, a portable generator is crucial. The Goal Zero Yeti is a great size and sweet spot of power for long weekends. It can charge multiple devices or simply just power a fan if it's hot outside.

Solo Stove Ranger + Stand

SAND MINE Reversible Outdoor Area Rug

Camping Folding Chair With Aluminum Side Table

Koble Neptune Portable LED Speaker Lantern

S'more Chrome Plated Steel Roaster

Goal Zero Yeti 500x Portable Power Station

Camco Pop-Up Outdoor Trash Container

Pest control for camping.

While campers and RVs offer far better protection against critters and bugs than a tent, it's still very easy for the great outdoors to get into your camper. Especially when there's food around. For general ant and roach prevention, Diatomaceous Earth is a great natural deterrent. If they've already found a way inside, this bait gel should do the trick. Just make sure that curious toddlers or pets can't get to it. And as for mosquitos, a Thermacell portable mosquito repeller is a must. No more bug spray or scented candles. This little doodad is DEET-free, scent-free, flame-free and lasts up to 12 hours. There's also a camp lantern version.

Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent LED Lantern

HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Insect Killer

Syngenta TRTD11568 Optigard Ant Bait Gel Box

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15 Must-Have Items, Accessories, & Upgrades

Rv must haves.

What are the most essential RV must haves? No matter how many times you travel, you will always think of something new that would come in handy. And sure enough, over time, we all put together the perfect set of accessories for your RV.

What you'll find...

RV must have items will differ from person to person, but there is a core of essential accessories that you simply must have. Without them, your camping trips just wouldn't be the same.

If you travel often, you'll be aware of the importance of creature comforts and the part they play in improving your journey. Making sure you have all the essential accessories and vital upgrades is as important as deciding where to go.

The following are some of the coolest must-have items, accessories, and upgrades that you should check off your list before your next trip:

1. Pick Up a Propane Fire Pit - No More Shivering

What camping trip is complete without barbecues and s’mores? Campfires are an excellent way for family and friends to get together and spend some quality time together. However, many national parks and campgrounds have restrictions on campfires, which makes  propane fire pits a definite choice in our RV must haves list.

These pits allow you to enjoy the cozy feel and warm glow of the campfire without violating any regulations. They are enclosed and raised off the floor, which ensures no contact with the ground. Moreover, the ash is contained within the fire-pit bowl, which makes it easy to clean.

Another great thing about these pits is that they are smoke-free. Thus, you will not be annoying any fellow campers nor will your clothes have an unpleasant smell on them. And, these pits are powered by a standard propane tank which, unlike the traditional campfires, makes the flame more controllable. You can choose a pit which is lightweight and uses natural lava just like the one shown in the above picture. These rocks imitate an effective flickering flame, thus replicating the look and feel of an actual fire.

2. Foldable Chairs Are a Must

It's amazing how many people forget about foldable chairs, but for us they're a definite RV must have. Investing in a few outdoor chairs to bring along on your trip is a sure way to enjoy every stop on the way. There are a wide variety of foldable chairs available. However, it is vital to explore the qualities of these chairs to ensure that you find some that fit your preference and style.

Make sure tyou choose chairs which are comfortable, collapsible, and lightweight. They should fold down and fit inside your RV storage space. Consider the measurements of the available chairs and pay close attention to weight ratings.

Choosing folding chairs that are durable and comfortable can ensure a pleasant time while enjoying nature. The above picture shows how choosing the right chairs can add to the overall feel and look of your outdoor living space beyond the confines of the interior of the RV.

3. Coffee on the Road - Uh, Yes!

Who said you can't have a freshly brewed cup of coffee first thing in the morning while you are on the road?

First-time RVers usually think that, as they will be mobile, it would be easier to get coffee somewhere along the way. However, this is not only impractical and costly, but it also does not guarantee that you will find it to your liking. Worse, you will not be able to enjoy a cup when you are feeling lazy and just want to relax. 

Therefore, it is ideal to have your own coffee maker in the RV . That said, do make sure you find a model that is user-friendly, a space-saver, easy to clean, and more importantly, able to make coffee just the way you like it: latte, espresso, cappuccino, etc. After all, there's nothing better than that freshly brewed coffee first thing in the morning.

4. Get a Hand-Held Vacuum to Make Cleaning a Breeze

Cleaning an RV’s air of allergens, pet hair, dust, and other contaminants is important for your health and the health of your family. An RV has mixed flooring, which is why a broom is not the solution to get rid of dirt from many shoes coming in and out from the campground. You need an RV vacuum cleaner to keep the place clean, particularly a hand-held one, which makes it easier to clean all the hard-to-reach places. 

However, before investing in a held-held model, research a little to find one which is lightweight, easy to store, has a powerful motor, and is suitable for the carpet in your RV.

5. Leveling Blocks Are a Crucial Accessory That’s Always Needed

Many a time you must have visited a campground which does not have leveled parking grounds. When you park on uneven ground, your RV will shift or tilt to one side. This will tilt your appliances and even cause damage to them.

A number of smaller lightweight trailers and travel trailers do not come with hydraulic jacks which necessitates the use of RV leveling blocks to get your rig leveled. These blocks ensure that your RV does not shift to one side and cause a problem or an accident. For instance, it can be quite problematic to cook if your RV shifts to the side.

Leveling blocks , like the one shown in the above picture, provide you with peace of mind by protecting your sensitive electronics such as refrigerators and washing machines from damage due to uneven ground.

6. Get a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to Stay Ahead of Flats

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)  is a must have for safety when you are on the road. They are specifically designed kits that help in monitoring the temperature and air pressure inside the pneumatic tires of the RV. These readings are then reported to you through a monitor display as you can see in the above picture.

Therefore, it is vital to buy the right one which can deliver accurate results in real-time similar to the one in the above picture. For instance, if one or two of the tires are under-inflated, this kit will provide you with warnings and reports.

With the help of a TPMS, you can not only ensure your safety but also increase the life span of your tires and improve fuel efficiency. This system also eliminates the need to monitor the tire pressure manually, thus saving you time.

7. Kick Back and Relax in a Hammock After a Long Drive

It is very relaxing to lie back in a hammock and read a book or just take a nap after a long drive. You can easily set them up inside your RV as shown in the above picture or you can enjoy the sun outside,  lying snuggly in a hammock between two solid trees.  

Hammocks are available in various sizes and are made from different materials. Make sure you find one that fits the space in your RV. Hammocks make a perfect gift for the ardent RVer for any occasion - be it Father’s Day, Christmas, or just because. Quite simply a hammock is one of the most absolute RV must have accessories.

8. Stay Connected With the World and Get a WiFi Booster

It can be quiet frustrating to find a poor and unstable WiFi connection while camping. It can be very stressful not being able to stay connected to your family, answer your emails, or get in touch with your office.

Getting a good, quality WiFi booster can help overcome this problem as it can boost your existing WiFi network connection and even locate weak and far away signals and boost them for better reception.

So, if you want to shop online, browse the web, or don’t want to miss an episode of your favorite TV show, make sure you choose a model that can boost even weak WiFi signals and is not hard to install.

9. You Can Never Have Too Many Extension Cords

Extension cords are vital for an RVer. It is best to have various lengths of extension cords to ensure that you do not have any problem when you visit various campgrounds. Make sure that you use extension cords from reputable companies to protect your electrical appliances from any damage.

They should be both safe and durable and able to bend in all manner of positions. This will provide high connectivity for your electrical devices.

It is not a given that you will find a parking spot close to a power source every time you enter a campground. Therefore, if you are going to invest in just one extension cord, make sure that you buy one which extends to 25 feet so you can easily reach the faraway outlets and sources easily. 

10. Invest in GPS, So You’re Never Lost

Another safety device which is a must for a recreational vehicle is the GPS. This device makes it easier to plan for the trip ahead and avoid the trouble of guessing the exact location of RV-specific activities.

The GPS also ensures that you will arrive at your destination in a timely manner. It lowers the risk of getting lost and allows you to save money on fuel by providing the most fuel-efficient route to a particular destination.

There are various models available, which can not only point us in the right direction, but also provide real-time traffic and weather updates. If you love to travel to new places and explore new campgrounds, then a  GPS  is a must have for you.

11. Stay Dry By Adding a Vent Cover

Vent covers allow you to keep the inside of your RV fresh and ventilated no matter what the weather outside is like.

RVs can get very stuffy when they are all closed up. However, having a constant flow of fresh air through the cabin can help keep your RV smelling and feeling fresh.

You can keep these vents open even when it is raining or when you are traveling and still enjoy high-flow ventilation. These can be easily installed with the help of mounting hardware provided.

12. BBQs + Side Clamps = On-The-Go Grilling Gourmet

No camping trip is complete without holding a decent barbecue party. It is a great way to not only enjoy grilled food but also to bond with family and friends while you are on the road.

It can make outdoor adventures and camping, including picnicking and tailgating more enjoyable. Make sure you choose a model that makes cooking easier and more convenient.

An RV grill is a nice alternative to cooking on the stove. You can cook in the midst of nature and enjoy the twilight while grilling burgers for your family. It is also a great way to get rid of the stress of everyday life. Doing something as practical and simple as grilling can bring some comfort into your rather complicated life. Just don't forget an outdoor dinnerware set and a good quality camping table to makes sure you have the perfect set up.!

13. Don’t Be Caught Dead Without a Battery Charger

Power is more crucial for all of us than ever before and one the most important accessory for an RV is a battery charger. It is very helpful in keeping your vehicle charged and maintained throughout the year. Although most RVs come with a built-in charging system, they do not effectively charge the RV battery while it is plugged in at the RV park.

It is better to invest in a good, quality battery charger to protect your batteries , whteher they're standard or deep cycle batteries from damage caused by over-charging or under-charging. Find out the type of battery used in your RV and invest in a battery charger most suitable for it.

14. Fresh Water is Needed for a Number of Reasons - Invest in a Quality Hose!

A freshwater hose is essential to get city water into your trailer. Some people get really funny about water hoses. They insist that a freshwater hose should only be of white/clear color, just like the one shown in the above picture, as they are the only ones that are safe. However, this is not the case, because all colors are safe. Just make sure it is lead-free so it is safe for drinking.

Also, ensure that you get a different color hose for the black water tank so that you do not mix them up. The ideal length of a freshwater hose is 25 inches. Anything longer than this could be quite difficult to manage.

15. Just in Case You Break Down, Be Sure to Have Some Tools Handy

It does not matter whether you are a full-time or a seasonal RVer, a tool kit is a must-have for all. RV troubles never happen when it is convenient. They typically happen when the nearest RV dealership is miles away. That's why it's crucial to always have a tool kit onboard.  

Although with limited space and carrying capacity, it might be difficult to take all the tools with you. However, you must take some essential tools to make sure you do not face any problems while on the road.

RV Must Haves - Don't Get Caught Short

Investing in an RV is the first step in getting the most out of a road trip. By investing in some essential accessories, getting ahold of the above-mentioned RV must haves and upgrading key components, you'll surely make some unforgettable memories. There are many more, but we believe these make for essential listing.

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Hello, fellow wanderers! I’m Alyssia. Since 2008, my husband and I have called an RV our home, journeying through life one mile at a time. Our nomadic lifestyle has led us to over 70 countries, each with their unique tales that have shaped our own.

I share our stories and insights right here, hoping to inspire and guide you in your own adventures. Expect tips on RV living, our favorite camping spots, breathtaking hiking trails, and the joys and challenges of an ever-changing view from our window. Alongside, you’ll also find practical advice on outdoorsy stuff, designed to equip you for any journey. Join us as we continue to explore the vast, beautiful world on wheels!

RV Camping Essentials: 22 Must-Have Items

RV Lifestyle

Packing for your first or next RV camping adventure can be stressful. But one of the best ways to beat the stress (and make sure you don’t leave anything behind) is by creating a checklist of must-have items for any camping adventure. It’s easy for this list to balloon to massive proportions, so don’t be afraid to start small and continue adding to it and subtracting from it over the first few trips. If you’re not sure where to begin, continue reading our list of 22 must-haves to ensure you hit the road safely and have fun.  

22 Must-Have RV Camping Essentials

When it’s time to stock up and pack your new (to you) RV , here are 22 RV camping essentials for beginners, professionals, and everyone in between. 

While the items in this section may not all be everyday essentials, you won’t want to be caught without them on any RV trip. Don’t leave any of these must-haves behind whether you’re venturing out overnight or for the long haul. 

1. Wheel Chocks 

Don’t risk your investment (and your home) rolling away! 

2. Leveling Blocks 

Making sure your RV is level is a crucial step in setting up camp. It’s important to look for the flattest area when parking, but use leveling blocks to fine-tune the details and prevent extra stress on the RV. 

3. Separate Hoses

One for gray water and one for drinking water. You’re not going to want to get these confused so make sure they’re labeled and, ideally, in different colors. 

4. Electrical Adapters and Extension Cords 

Not every RV park will have the same electrical outlet. You’ll want an adapter to go from 30 to 50 amps (or vice versa), so you can plug in anywhere. 

5. Regulators

You will need a surge protector to keep your electrical system safe in case of any fluctuations. Don’t forget a water pressure regulator as well to make sure the water coming into the RV has a safe amount of pressure as well — save yourself the splashes!  

6. RV-Friendly Toilet Paper

Having a bathroom on board is wonderful, but it’s different from the plumbing at home. RV-safe toilet paper is thinner and designed to break down quickly, so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your system. 

7. Water Filter

Take the extra step to filter water on its way into the RV to access safe, reliable drinking water. 

8. Tool Kit 

Eventually, something is going to break. It is handy to have some basic tools around to jump in for the easy things. Leave the bigger fixes to a professional if you are uncomfortable.

9. Flashlight / Headlamp 

Great for leaving the RV at night, but also in case of any outages or if you’re camping at a spot where you can’t plug in. Make sure you keep at least one or two in the RV’s storage , so they’re easy to access. 

10. Emergency Road Kit 

An emergency kit will contain jumper cables, tools to change a tire, reflective accessories, and possibly more to keep you and your passengers safe in case of a driving malfunction. 

11. First Aid Kit

Make sure this is stocked with basics like bandages, antibiotic ointment, and burn cream. Depending on where you’re headed, you may need to add more specific treatments according to the risks of your activities and the area. 

Bring a 5-gallon bucket. Maybe even two of them! Believe me, they’re incredibly handy whether you’re using them to transport water, wash clothes or dishes, or even as a portable toilet — you’ll be happy to have at least one of these on board. 

13. Protected Documents 

Have your crucial documents all in one place where they are easy to access, including your registration, insurance information, important numbers, reservation information, and even backup maps altogether. Many like to keep them in a large gallon-size storage bag to keep them waterproof as well. 

For Easy Livin’ 

These RV camping essentials add to the experience in a different way — they’ll make RV life feel a little cozier and add a few home-style comforts.

14. Pot Holders

It’s easy to remember plates and silverware, but sometimes the extra kitchen items get left behind. 

15. Trash bags 

Don’t leave these behind. You don’t have to bring separate bags — many RVers just use plastic grocery store bags in a small trash can as a solution for daily trash.  

16. Outdoor Camping Grill 

Cooking in the RV is great, but sometimes it can get very hot inside. Having the option to cook outside on a lovely day can help reduce the strain on your summer AC use. 

17. Reusable storage bags / Tupperware

Sometimes, you won’t be able to finish the meal. Make sure you bring several food storage items to keep unfinished food safe to eat another day. 

A small cooler can be stocked with drinks and/or snacks to keep them close at hand without going in and out of the RV. 

19. Camp Chair 

A place to sit outside for each person on board. You can’t guarantee that every campsite will have a picnic table, so bring your own collapsible chairs. 

20. Tablecloth

Make clean-up a little easier, or cover the outdoor picnic table with an easy-to-clean tablecloth and add a splash of personality to the campsite.  

21. Outdoor Rug & Doormat

You will need at least one of these to help keep mud, dirt, and leaves out of the RV. 

22. Indoor/Rainy Day amusements 

Most RVers are looking to get out and stay out in nature, but sometimes you have to shelter inside. Don’t forget the fun stuff to keep you busy when you can’t (or don’t want to) hang outside. 

This list is a great place to start when packing your RV , but this list is by no means exhaustive. If there’s something that you think is missing or an essential item for your family, then don’t hesitate to pack it and add it to your personal must-have RV list. The checklist you create for your specific style of camping will become your official checklist and an essential part of preparing to hit the road in your Cruise America RV rental .

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RV Packing List for Newbies: The Checklist for Preparing an RV Road Trip

Preparing for an RV road trip adventure requires thoughtful planning and packing. For new RV owners getting ready for their maiden voyage, knowing what to bring can be overwhelming. To help first-time travelers pack properly, we’ve created this comprehensive RV packing list.

Use this RV checklist to ensure you have all the essentials needed for a smooth and enjoyable RV trip. We cover critical gear for cooking, sleeping, bathing, safety, maintenance, recreation and entertainment. With handy packing tips and setup guidance, this road trip checklist has everything new RV travelers need to prepare for an epic adventure on the open road!

Key Takeaways

• Stock up on RV-friendly cooking tools, dishes, camp chairs and basic equipment.
• Pack linens, towels, composting toilet supplies and space-saving toiletries.
• Include first aid kits, fire extinguishers and emergency roadside tools.
• Bring maintenance items like hoses, electrical cords and cleaning supplies.
• Load up on personal items, clothes, entertainment gadgets and ice/water.
• Use packing organizers, labels and lists to keep track of gear.
• Inspect and restock the RV between trips.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your RV

The first step in packing is understanding what equipment and amenities are already built into your RV. This will determine what additional items you need to provide for cooking, sleeping, bathing and living while on the road.

If you are renting an RV, request a list of included gear from the rental company. If you own the RV, inspect all storage compartments, cabinets, closets and onboard systems to see what is available. Make sure all factory-installed equipment like stoves, refrigerators, beds, sinks, pumps, generators, and electronics are functioning properly. Identify any gaps you need to fill with your own supplies.

Being familiar with your RV model helps maximize limited storage and prevent overpacking.

Essential RV Equipment

While RVs contain many built-in systems, there is still some basic equipment every traveler needs to provide for themselves. Here are some RV essentials to include on your packing list:

• Leveling blocks  – Provides stability and prevents shifting while parked.
• Wheel chocks  – Place behind tires to prevent rolling.
• Hose and nozzle  – For hooking up to water sources and rinsing the RV exterior.
• Sewer hoses  – Needed to connect to dump stations for waste removal.
• Extension cords  – Power hookups if you’ll be without a campsite electrical supply.
• Power strip  – Wide outlets for plugging in multiple devices.
• Drinking water hose  – Food grade hose for direct potable water line hookups.
• Water pressure regulator  – Helps adjust psi levels from external water sources.
• Hitch lock  – Deter theft and stabilize trailer connection when parked.
• Covers  – Protect tires, windows, vents, and windshield from sun damage and weather.

Having this basic RV gear means you’ll be fully equipped when pulling into any campsite or boondocking location.

Kitchen Essentials

The RV kitchen functions much like one at home but in tighter quarters. Pack RV-friendly cooking tools, dishes and pantry staples to cook meals on the road.

Cooking Equipment

• Induction cooktop or portable burner
• Grill and fuel
• Pots, pans and lids
• Cutting board and knives
• Mixing bowls
• Colander and strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil, cooking spray
• Coffee maker or coffee press
• Paper towels
• Ziploc bags
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap

Eating Utensils

• Glasses and mugs
• Bottle opener
• Storage containers
• Picnic basket
• Camp table and chairs

Having this range of supplies means you can cook, eat and clean up efficiently in the confines of an RV kitchen.

Bedroom Essentials

One perk of RV travel is the ability to bring your own bedding and linens instead of relying on hotel or rental supplies. Pack these items for getting comfy in your RV bedroom:

• Sheets (fitted and flat)
• Blankets or comforter
• Mattress pad or cover
• Memory foam mattress topper (for fold down beds)
• Pillow covers
• Duvet or quilt
• Sleeping bag (for extra bedding)

Also include:

• Clothing and pajamas
• Extra blankets/throws
• Laundry bag

With your own bedding and linens, you’ll sleep soundly like you would at home.

Bathroom Essentials

RV bathrooms are functional but tight on space. Choose multipurpose items and space-saving containers for bathing and hygiene on the road.

• Composting toilet supplies or RV-safe toilet paper
• Portable shower or collapsible bucket
• Baby wipes and facial wipes (for sponge baths)
• Shampoo, soap and conditioner
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Razor and shaving cream
• Sunscreen and moisturizer
• First aid kit
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Makeup and cosmetics
• Towels and washcloths
• Shower shoes

Look for tear-free, moisture-proof, pump or bar soaps that won’t leave a mess in the RV shower. Use hanging organizers, shelves, and magnetic containers to keep bathroom items in place while in motion.

Outdoor Essentials

One advantage of RVing is the ability to enjoy the outdoors right from your home on wheels. Pack gear needed for camping, exploring destinations, and having fun in nature.

Camping Equipment

• Flashlights and lanterns
• Extra batteries
• Lighters and matches
• Firewood and kindling
• Firestarter bricks
• Campfire griddle
• Marshmallow roasting sticks
• Folding chairs
• Folding table
• Mats, rugs, pillows
• Sunshade tent, umbrellas

Outdoor Recreation

• Bikes and helmets
• Fishing poles and tackle
• Kayaks, canoes or paddleboards
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Backpacks and hydration packs
• Cooler for drinks/snacks
• Sports equipment like balls, frisbees, bats, gloves, etc.
• Skiing, snowboarding, sledding gear in winter

Load up on items tailored to your interests like yoga gear, birding binoculars or rock climbing equipment. The right outdoor equipment opens a world of adventure.

Safety and Emergency Gear

Safety is paramount, especially for new RVers venturing to remote campsites. Pack these RV emergency essentials:

• Fire extinguisher
• Smoke detector
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Propane gas detector
• Flashlights
• Roadside emergency kit with flares, cones, jumper cables, tools, tire gauge, gloves, etc.
• Ax or hatchet (for emergencies)
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife
• Warm blankets
• Spare fuses and light bulbs
• Bungee cords
• Tire repair kit
• Safety vests
• Walkie talkies or emergency radios
• GPS navigation device
• Emergency whistle/horn
• Pepper spray

Don’t forget basic safety gear like insect repellent, sunscreen, extra water, compass, and paper maps if traveling off grid.

Maintenance Tools

Performing basic RV maintenance along the way helps avoid unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions far from home. Pack a variety of supplies, tools and spare parts for interior and exterior repairs:

• WD-40 or lubricating spray
• Hand cleaner
• Rubber gloves
• Screwdriver set
• Adjustable wrench
• Dusters and cleaning brushes
• Inventory of spare fuses, bulbs, belts
• Water pressure regulator
• Sewer donuts orconnecors
• Generator oil and filters
• Water filters or purifiers
• Lint roller
• Broom and dust pan
• Mop and bucket
• Paper towels, rags
• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant wipes and spray
• Garbage bags
• Storage bins and organizers

Complete toolkits and maintenance guides are available specifically for RVs to help travelers handle basic repair and troubleshooting needs on the go.

Personal Items

Don’t forget personal care, clothing, health items and creature comforts from home:

• Medications, prescriptions, medical devices with extra batteries
• Eyeglasses, sunglasses, contacts
• Personal hygiene and grooming products
• Clothing for all weather conditions
• Laundry supplies like detergent pods
• Protective footwear like hiking boots or rain shoes
• Jackets, hats, gloves
• Travel documents like identification, passports
• Pet food/supplies if traveling with animals
• Laptop, tablets, chargers
• Cell phones, cameras, film, chargers, backup batteries
• Paperwork like insurance, health records and camping reservations

The goal is bringing enough clothing, supplies and items to live comfortably on the road for however long your RV trip may be.

Entertainment Options

Don’t forget entertainment essentials to pass time on long drives or quiet camp nights:

• Portable Bluetooth speaker
• Books, e-readers preloaded with new titles
• Playing cards and board games
• Arts and crafts supplies
• Travel-size musical instruments like harmonicas, ukuleles
• Portable hammock
• Frisbees, balls, bats, gloves, etc.
• Bikes or scooters
• Download new podcasts and playlists
• Telescope for stargazing
• Birding binoculars and field guides
• Water guns, water balloons
• Portable cornhole or ladderball
• Card table and folding chairs

Packing fun entertainment options keeps everyone engaged and enjoying during downtime.

Packing Tips for Newbies

Packing up an RV for the first time can seem like a daunting task. It’s challenging to know how much to bring and how to organize a smaller living space on wheels. Fortunately, there are some key packing methods and tips RV veterans use to load their rigs that new RV owners can also apply for a smooth packing process. Follow this expert guidance to master RV trip preparation:

Create Detailed Packing Checklists – Make separate master packing lists for each area of the RV such as kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, storage bay, etc. Break down categories into sublists for critical gear like safety items, food, tools, first aid, clothing, bedding, entertainment and so on. Check off items as you pack. Thorough sublists help prevent forgetting something important.

Assign Designated Storage Areas – Decide what items will go in which cabinet, closet, bin or compartment. Assign kitchen goods to galley cabinets, toiletries to the bathroom, tools to the storage bay, etc. Have storage spots mapped out ahead of time for each category on your packing checklist to help load methodically.

Label All Gear – Use masking tape, sticky labels, or permanent marker to identify boxes, bags and bins holding different types of items. Write what category it contains and which RV compartment it should go in. Labels reduce unpacking confusion later when trying to find things.

Use Organizers and Packing Aids – Space is limited in an RV, so use every square inch efficiently. Pack items in organizer cubes, shelves, hanging bags and multipurpose containers to save space. Compress off-season clothing into vacuum bags. Use padded organizers to prevent shifting. Take full advantage of all storage nooks.

Load Heavy Items Low – Pack the heaviest gear like tools, canned goods, books, etc. in low cabinets, bins and floor compartments. Avoid putting heavy weights on upper shelves or in overhead areas. Concentrate heavy items in the center rather than far front or rear. Proper weight distribution contributes to RV stability.

Distribute Weight Evenly – Balancing loading evenly from side to side and front to back is crucial. Split weight concentrations across multiple bays and locations to prevent uneven lean or sway while driving. Heavier items on one side can affect handling. Check each compartment to aim for evenly balanced loads.

Keep Emergency Gear Handy – Flashlights, first aid kits, fire extinguishers and other critical emergency gear should be readily accessible, not packed away in rear compartments. Store them in quick-reach areas like beneath seats or in the front cab area. You want to be able to access emergency equipment immediately if needed, without having to unpack the entire RV.

Pack Most-Used Items Conveniently – Position items you’ll need most often during camping like cookware, outdoor chairs, tools, hiking shoes, firestarter, games, etc. right inside the doorway or in slide-outs for easy access. Less used items can go in harder-to-reach corners. Think about grab-and-go convenience when deciding where to place different supplies.

Inspect Container Securement – Make sure all gear bags, plastic bins, coolers and tubs are securely closed, latched and leakproof. Look for split seams, broken zippers and loose lids. Strap down or secure sliding items. Absorbent pads can protect against spills. Loose items rolling around while driving are dangerous projectiles.

Empty Tanks Before Departure – Drain gray and black water tanks before an extended trip to increase cargo capacity and reduce vehicle weight. Every gallon adds 8 pounds. Traveling with empty tanks allows you to pack more gear and supplies. Just locate dump stations along your route to empty tanks when needed.

Do Pre-Departure Safety Walkthrough – Before moving the RV, do a final walkthrough of the entire interior and exterior to ensure all doors, hatches, slide-outs, cabinets, drawers and compartments are securely closed and locked. Check that all appliances are off and the fridge is secured. Verify external valves and ports are closed andcapped. Doing safety checks avoids costly damage if a door swings open or any equipment shifts in transit.

Unpacking and Setting Up Checklist

You’ve reached your campsite or destination after an exciting RV road trip. Now it’s time to transition your home on wheels from travel mode to fully immersive living quarters. Setting up camp properly takes some time and steps. Follow this comprehensive RV setup checklist when arriving and parking to create the ideal mobile retreat:

Position and Level RV – Identify the ideal parking spot at your site for RV access, views, shade, etc and pull in safely. Engage the parking brake and transmission lockout for security. Evaluate terrain and use leveling jacks and blocks to stabilize and eliminate sagging. Leveling is essential for appliances to operate properly. Test levels in different spots. Proper positioning and leveling prevents shifting, swaying or rolling once parked.

Extend Slideouts – Once parked, securely extend any slide-out sections on your RV to maximize living space. Make sure exterior awnings are retracted during this process. Inspect slideout function and ensure there are no obstacles blocking full extension. Secure any slide locks once opened fully. Open windows and roof vents as well for fresh air.

Connect Utilities – After parking, hook up to site electricity, water supply, and sewer or waste connections if available. Use campground cables, your own hoses and power cords to access utilities. Connect fresh water lines and monitor tank levels. Ensure tight seals to prevent leaks. Plug into electrical supply and test outlets. Inspect utility hookups regularly during your stay.

Unpack Gear – With RV parked, unpacked camping equipment needed for the site. Set up any tents, mats, portable furniture like chairs and tables. Position grills, outdoor cookware, and other living items where desired around the site to create your ideal living area. Inflate air beds and make sure tents and shades are securely staked and anchored.

Remove Interior Securement Items – Once parked, remove any interior bins, straps, blocks or bracing used to limit shifting during travel. Reorganize any items that may have moved around. Inspect for any new interior damage that may have occurred in transit and address immediately.

Install Bath Supplies – Hang up or unpack bath towels, mats, robes and personal hygiene supplies in the bathroom/shower area so they will be handy when needed. Check under all sinks for any leaks or plumbing issues. Restock toilet paper as needed.

Make Up Beds – No need to rely on hotel linens! Make RV beds cozy and welcoming by adding your own sheets, blankets, pillows and mattress toppers packed from home. Having familiar bedding helps everyone settle in comfortably.

Pre-Cool Refrigerator – To maximize refrigerator efficiency, pre-cool the unit prior to loading with food. Turn it on early to get the interior chilled down, then load refrigerated items as the last step after everything else is set up. Group similar items together for easy access.

Connect Entertainment Systems – After parking, set up TVs, speakers, WiFi hotspots, gaming consoles and any other electronics you packed for entertainment during downtime. Position speakers, test reception, connect to campground WiFi and tune TV channels from the new location so your gadgets are ready to enjoy.

Unpack Remaining Items – With the major setup steps finished, unpack and distribute remaining clothing, food, and personal supplies into corresponding RV cabinets, closets and storage compartments. Upload any apps or digital content needed for the trip like local maps or destination guides.

Do a Walkthrough – Finally, perform an RV systems check by turning on lights, testing power outlets, running water, flushing toilets, checking appliance functions, inspecting vents etc. Look for any issues arising after transit. Do a security check ensuring windows and doors are locked. Verify external access points are closed up.

Relax and Enjoy! – Grab a beverage and relax outside to soak in the views! You’ve completed setup and transformed the RV into a comfortable home away from home. Now the real adventure begins!

Post-Trip RV Care – Steps to Reset Your Rig After a Road Trip

Completing a fabulous RV adventure doesn’t mean the work is done! Some important steps should be taken after returning home from a road trip to reset your rig for the next journey ahead. Follow this essential RV post-trip maintenance checklist:

Dump Waste Tanks – One of the first priorities is emptying the gray and black water tanks at an RV dump station after concluding your trip. This allows you to unload waste, maximize cargo capacity for the trip home, and help prevent clogs or odors in tanks. Locate nearby dump stations along your return route.

Clean Top to Bottom – Thoroughly clean the RV inside and out after a trip when it’s easier to spot any new dirt, leaks or damage. Wash the exterior, including roof, windows, wheels, and internal storage compartments. Vacuum, mop, and wipe down the entire interior from ceilings to floors. Deodorize carpets and fabrics. Throw out any leftover food and empty the fridge.

Replenish Supplies – Check inventory and restock pantry items, paper goods, cleaners, non-perishables and other supplies that got depleted on your trip. Make a list to help remember odds and ends that need replacing. Stock up on fresh items like food, water, and ice before the next excursion.

Replace Batteries – Swap out any drained batteries in smoke alarms, CO detectors, safety devices and electronics. Check battery expiration dates and swap out any that are expired, even if still working. Test detectors to confirm they are operational.

Address Mechanical Issues – Deal with any mechanical problems, equipment malfunctions or part failures that occurred on your last trip immediately to prevent bigger issues later on. Consult your owner’s manual – you may be able to fix minor items yourself. Have an RV technician inspect any problems you couldn’t address on the road.

Check Systems and Seals – Give all appliances, roof components, windows, vents, seals, doors, outlets etc a thorough inspection and test. Clean fridge coils. Inspect slide-outs for damage. Look for any water intrusion or insulation issues. Identify any parts needing replacement now to avoid having problems arise mid-trip next time.

Monitor Tires – Check tire pressure and tread depth. Look for uneven wear, cupping, cracks or damage. Rotate tires if needed. Replace tires that are beyond 5-7 years old from the manufacture date regardless of tread. Keeping tires in optimal shape is vital for safety.

Update Checklists – Review packing lists, maintenance logs, and itineraries to see if any changes are needed based on lessons learned from your last adventure. Make notes so everything is up to date for your next trip.

Organize Gear for Storage – Clean, inventory, and organize all RV equipment and belongings before stowing until needed again. Use storage bins to prevent water damage, pests or mildew during storage. Charge electronics.Performing thorough post-trip care makes preparation much smoother when exciting new adventures summon you to hit the road again soon!

Taking the time to fully reset your RV after a road trip helps ensure it’s ready to roll worry-free for many more memories ahead.

Conclusion of RV Packing List

Hitting the road in an RV requires preparation. For first-time travelers, use this comprehensive packing list to stock your RV with everything needed for comfort, convenience and safety. By including plentiful food, clothing, bedding, bath essentials, camping gear and entertainment options, you can focus on the adventure ahead rather than fussing over missing supplies. Follow setup, loading and post-trip tips to get the most from your RV investment. Remember to personalize this list based on your particular RV model, journey length, destination and weather expected. With a well-planned, thoughtfully packed RV, you’ll be road trip ready for an unforgettable experience exploring the beautiful open road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to pack for an rv road trip.

Some RV road trip essentials include linens, toiletries, non-perishable food, first aid kit, tools, spare parts, navigation gear, camp chairs, entertainment items, clothing for all weather, and RV-safe cleaning supplies. Tailor your list to trip length and activities planned.

How do I prepare for my first RV trip?

Tips for preparing for your first RV trip include testing systems, inspecting roof and tires, organizing supplies by storage area, loading evenly distributed by weight, securing all interior items, emptying waste tanks, double checking appliances are off, doing safety checks and making packing checklists.

What are the must-haves for RV camping?

Must-have RV camping items include leveling blocks, flashlights, first aid kit, power cords, hoses, waste valves, grill, camp stove, camp chairs, shade canopy, bug repellent, campfire starters, marshmallow sticks, games, headphones and hiking shoes.

What should I not pack in my RV?

Avoid packing flammable liquids, perishable foods, lead acid batteries, dangerous chemicals, oversized or overweight items, unsecured tanks/containers, valuables and more items than storage capacity. Only pack RV-safe approved items.

What items should be on my RV kitchen checklist?

An RV kitchen checklist should include cookware, cutlery, plates, cups, paper goods, pantry staples, can opener, knife, cutting board, coffee maker, cooktop, grill, cooler, water jug, cleaning and trash bags.

Is there an RV checklist app available?

Yes, there are some useful RV checklist apps including The Dyrt PRO, RV Checklist & Maintenance, RV Camping Checklist, RV Friendly, and RV Life. These help with pre-trip planning, maintenance, packing lists, campground directories and more.

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25+ Travel Trailer Must-Haves to Get on the Road Now

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Whether you’re a seasoned RV veteran or a new RV owner, you should have some travel trailer must-haves before heading out on a road trip.

If you’re not prepared, you could face a slew of different problems on your RV camping adventure. 

With over three years of RV living experience, I can attest that the appropriate travel trailer accessories can guarantee a seamless, comfortable, and secure RV trip, including items for:

• dumping your RV tanks
• leveling your rig
• getting power safely
• getting clean, fresh water

If this is your first RV, let this list of items for your camper serve as a checklist of the essentials you’ll need . It will give you everything required to maintain your RV travel trailer and handle almost any issue that arises while you’re on the road.

RV Dump & Sewer Essentials

Before your first time out in your travel trailer, you’ll need a few RV sewer essentials to empty and maintain your grey and black tanks.

Items #1 – 6 below are the RV must-haves for your holding tanks and the answers to why you need these essentials.

1. RV Sewer Hoses & Kit

A 10-foot RV sewer hose is a requirement for dumping your black water tank. You’ll also need a transparent 90-degree elbow adapter to see when the water from the tank is running clear after rinsing.

We carry two 10-foot sewer hoses but most often only need one to reach the sewer connection.

PRO TIP: When we’re further from the sewer connection, we use a small 2-foot sewer hose (shown above) combined with the 10-foot hose to get more length without needing another long hose. This makes the dump station process easier to manage.

2. rv sidewinder.

An RV hose support , also known as a ‘sidewinder,’ will allow you to set up your sewer hose to run downhill and keep everything moving in the right direction through your hose.

• Lightweight with a durable frame
• Fits a 10-foot hose

The sidewinder will also keep your sewer hose off the ground, out of the dirt, for a cleaner campsite breakdown.

3. Black Water Rinse Hose

When you finish cleaning your tank, use a black water hose to rinse out your sewer kit and components. If you have a black water flush system, you can also use this hose to rinse the inside of your black water tank.

• 5/8-inch diameter hose
• Heavy-duty design for rinsing black tank and clean sewer hose

You’ll see orange RV hoses that are marketed as black water hoses. These are orange, so you don’t confuse this hose with your other RV hoses (that would be bad).

PRO TIP: We use an old drinking water hose and mark it with colored tape to avoid mixing them up.

4. waterproof gloves.

Waterproof gloves protect your hands from contamination when dumping your black water tank and storing your sewer hoses.

• Flexible, dry work gloves with double-coated latex
• Sandy grip foam
• Available in sizes small to extra-large

We try to be green by using reusable waterproof gloves such as the ones above, but you can also use disposable gloves when dealing with you’re dumping your RV black tank.

5. Holding Tank Treatment

There are holding tank treatments for both the grey and the black tank. Black tank treatment is a must-have for RVing, while grey tank treatment isn’t always necessary to keep your tank smelling fresh. It’s more of a personal preference.

Here are the tank treatment options we use in our tanks.

There are many different black tank treatments available for RVs. We recommend avoiding enzyme treatments since they can create a “sludge” that coats your tank sensors and renders them useless. There are also treatment options available for making your own!

6. RV Toilet Paper

RV toilet paper is designed to break down in your black water tank to avoid clogs and paper covering your sensors.

We use the Scott RV toilet paper brand and have never had clogging issues in our RVs or when we lived on a boat.

• Quick dissolving toilet paper for RVs and boats
• Prevents clogging

You’ll hear a ton of advice from RV owners on which toilet paper to use or whether you should even put toilet paper in your RV tanks. No matter what type you choose, use it sparingly!

PRO TIP: You can also do a ‘shake experiment’ to test your favorite toilet paper brands. Check out this video on how to test your toilet paper .

Rv fresh water accessories.

Getting water on the road requires a few RV and camper must-haves to ensure you can put clean water into your water tank or run water straight into your RV plumbing system.

Items #7 – 10 below are RV necessities for fresh water access are below.

7. Water Pressure Regulator

When connecting to water sources using your city water connection (this is your campground or home water hookup), you want to control the pressure of water flowing into your RV.

RV campgrounds often have water pressure set to a level higher than your RV can handle.

A water pressure regulator will help you prevent stress on your plumbing components and leaks in your RV.

• Adjustable water pressure reducer with gauge

PRO TIP:  Water pressure around 40 PSI will give you good water flow for a shower and at the kitchen sink without causing damage to your RV.

8. inline water filter.

An inline water filter is inserted between your water source and your RV water tank or plumbing system.

The filter is essential for eliminating heavy metals, chlorine, odors, and other things you don’t want in your water.

There are many options for RV water filtering, including some pricier systems that new RVers may not be ready to invest in quite yet.

If you’re a beginner RVer, we like the water filter above from Clear2o that filters to one micron. Most of the popular inline filters only filter to around 20 microns.

• Reduces contaminants, bad taste, and odors
• Filters contaminants down to one micron
• No more Chlorine or sediment in your drinking water

The Clear2o will filter out much smaller sediment and is a great, affordable water filter to get you on the road with clean water in your tanks.

9. RV Fresh Water Hose

Drinking water hoses are made specifically to fill your RV water tank and connect to RV water sources. These water hoses are safe for carrying drinking and other water to your RV. They are BPA, phthalate, and lead-free.

• 25-feet, 5/8-inch diameter
• Super flexible design allows the hose to be easily stored over and over again
• Ideal for drinking water, BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free

PRO TIP:  Choose a hose long enough to reach your RV water intake from the water source. For most RV rig sizes, a 20-foot hose is sufficient. We carry a small 10-foot hose for short connections and the rare occasion when the water hookup is inconveniently located.

10. 90-degree elbow.

Lastly, you’ll need a 90-degree elbow to connect to your water intake. The elbow will prevent a bend in your water hose that occurs when you join the water hose directly to your water intake.

• Solid brass 90-degree elbow
• Helps protect your hose by reducing stress and strain

The fitting will prevent wear and damage to your hose or water intake over time.

RV Power Accessories

You’ll need power in your camper when you’re on the road! Getting power to your RV safely and efficiently requires a few more pieces of gear.

Items #11 – 14 below are essentials related to getting power to your RV and using power inside your RV.

11. Surge Protector

When connecting your RV to power, you won’t always know the quality of the power source.

This must-have RV gadget is the best way to protect your rig and its electronics by preventing damage from electrical power surges.

There are many options when it comes to surge protectors . We previously used the exterior connected surge protector in our motorhome, but now we use a hardwired surge protector in our travel trailer. 

Both surge protectors are good options – the difference is between hardwiring the surge protector into your system or connecting it each time you plug into power.

PRO TIP: Consider the smaller hardwired surge protector if you have a small space to store your power accessories. If you choose the surge protector designed for exterior connection, make sure it has a lock!

12. power adapter (dog bone).

Whether connecting to power at a campground or a residential home, you might need a power adapter. Homes usually run on a 15 amp connection.

If you have a 30 amp RV, you’ll need a 30-15 amp adapter to connect to power.

You could find your campground spot doesn’t have the connection your RV requires. If you have a 50 amp RV, you might need to adapt to a 30 amp connection. 30 amp RVs might also need to adapt to a 50 amp.

• Available in multiple versions including 15/30, 30/50, 50/30, 15/50
• Heavy-duty, flexible, and durable construction

PRO TIP:  Dog bones are also handy in RV parks if you get an error on the pedestal for your power connection. You can quickly adapt up or down to use the other connection until someone can look at it or you solve the issue.

13. heavy-duty extension cord.

An extension cord will allow you to extend the reach of your power cable. It is necessary for moochdocking at a family or friend’s house or setting up your RV to plug into your home power grid.

• Heavy-duty 3-prong extension cord
• Water-resistent and highly visible

PRO TIP: We recommend purchasing a heavy-duty extension cord that is also water-resistant. These cords also come in handy for powering tools or other camping gear outdoors.

14. small inverter (optional).

Although not a true RV essential, a small inverter is a good investment if you plan to do any dry camping (camping without power hookups).

Many large inverters are a component of permanently installed off-grid systems with solar panels, but to get your RV on the road, let’s look at a small inverter that can run a fan or other electronic item with a low-power draw. This is a small investment that is ideal for RV living.

• Car charger inverter adapter (DC to AC power)
• Includes 4.2A dual USB charging ports and two AC outlets

A small inverter that plugs into a 12-volt port will help you during an overnight in a Walmart parking lot or another short stay without a power connection.

PRO TIP:  Choose a pure sine wave inverter if you plan to charge a laptop. Other inverters can permanently damage a computer.

Travel trailer leveling & securing.

Each time you park your RV, you must level it side to side and front to back. You’ll want to do this for comfort, and your RV fridge needs to be level to operate correctly.

Slideouts should also be level to evenly distribute the weight and avoid putting strain on specific components. With travel trailers (and other towable RVs), you also need to secure and stabilize the trailer.

Items #15 – 18 below are the best RV accessories for leveling, securing, and stabilizing your RV.

15. Trailer Wheel Chocks

These are must-haves for towable RVs (travel trailer or fifth-wheel). Wheel chocks keep your trailer tires secured when it’s not connected to the tow vehicle.

• Size of chocks: 8" x 4" x 6"
• All-weather design with a traction pad for securing a trailer in any conditions
• Built-in handle for easy maneuvering

We have both a plastic and rubber set of wheel chocks.

The rubber set of chocks above is more heavy-duty and superior to the plastic version, in my opinion. They give us a better sense of security, especially on  steeper inclines and in wet weather.

16. Leveling System

Is your RV level? You’ll need some form of a leveling system to confirm which way to raise or lower your rig when you set up camp.

The simplest way to level your camper is to walk inside and place a small level at different ends of the RV to see which ends and sides need to go up.

Some trailers and motorhomes will have level reading and even self-leveling built-in. If your RV doesn’t have one, a popular system to install is the LevelMatePro.

• Easy to use smartphone and Apple watch Bluetooth RV leveling tool
• Built to be installed in your RV
• Powered by batteries or can be connected to power depending on the version you purchase

The previous owners installed this system in our travel trailer. It works through an app on your phone to tell you how many inches you need to raise your camper and on which side.

Our opinion? It’s one of our favorite RV gadgets. It makes setting up your RV campsite more hassle-free and takes the guesswork out of leveling!

17. Anderson Levelers & Leveling Blocks

There are different RV leveler options for your camper. We have both Andersen levelers and Lynx Block levelers , so let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Andersens are typically the easiest levelers to use. Just pull the camper onto the leveler until the RV reaches the desired height.

Lynx Blocks provide about a 1-inch lift each and require stacking the blocks to get the height you need.

As full-time RVers, we like to carry both types of levelers to have options and be prepared. Also, the space between our trailer tires isn’t wide enough to fit a second Andersen leveler, so be aware of this issue if your trailer tires are close together.

PRO TIP: You can also use leveling blocks under your jack pads when needed. We’ve also used these blocks to raise the truck for maintenance and increase the height when leveling the trailer front to back. If you’re a full-time RVer, we recommend  two packs  of ten blocks (especially if you boondock often).

18. camper stabilizing accessories & jack pads.

Travel trailers need jack pads for the stabilizers (such as the set below).

These pads will keep the stabilizers from sinking into the soft ground and provide an extra cushion on hard surfaces.

Although you can hand-crank your RV scissor jacks, a drill adapter , and a cordless drill will save you time and effort in lowering and raising your jacks.

Some trailers have built-in mechanics to move your jacks up and down, which will not require a drill or drill adapter.

ALTERNATIVE ITEM: A popular RV item on the market called SnapPads actually attaches to the stabilizer. This means you avoid unpacking the pads and inserting them under the stabilizers each time you camp. SnapPads are compatible with specific travel trailer and fifth-wheel stabilizers. You can check their site to see if they support your RV model.

Travel trailer tire pressure.

Before your first camping trip, you must understand how to monitor your RV tire pressure and your tow vehicle’s tire pressure, as this is crucial to safety when towing your camper.

Closely monitoring tire pressure will help you avoid a tire blowout and increase your tire life.

I always recommend checking your tires before moving your RV.

Items #19 and #20 below are essential tools to check and manage tire pressure.

19. Tire Pressure Gauge or TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

A tire pressure gauge or tire pressure monitoring system will allow you to quickly check your tire pressure on your RV from your campsite.

A tire pressure gauge is an easy, affordable way to check the pressure. However, a TPMS is a great way to monitor tire pressure and temperature before traveling and while on the road.

The TPMS requires a little more investment and installation but is worth the time and money to set up.

New RV owners who plan on covering many miles will save a lot of time and worry by upgrading to one of these systems.

PRO TIP:  For interior tires on dually trucks, you may need to install valve stem extenders to make checking and adjusting tire pressure easier. This was one of our first upgrades on our motorhome and later on our F350.

20. air compressor.

A portable air compressor adds a layer of convenience to maintaining your tire pressure in your towable RV or towing vehicle.

An air compressor is also a good idea for safety in your RV, especially in rural areas where it could be difficult to find one.

You can run an air compressor by connecting it to your vehicle battery or (sometimes) the house battery of your RV.

• Tire inflator with alligator clamps
• 12-volt, 120 PSI for up to 33-inch tires

PRO TIP: We recommend the above air compressor because it allows you to inflate to 120 PSI, making it suitable for trucks and large motorhomes.

Rv hitch for travel trailers.

Your RV hitch is one of the most important travel trailer accessories you’ll purchase for your RV.

21. Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch is the best option for towing a travel trailer safely and efficiently.

These hitches evenly distribute the trailer’s weight across the towing vehicle’s axles. This reduces the strain on the rear axle and improves stability on the road.

• 4-point sway control
• Weight gauge, 6 or 8-inch drop hitch, 2-inch shank
• 15,000 lbs. maximum GTW, 1,500 lbs. maximum tongue weight
• Includes 2-5/16" tow ball

Weight distribution hitches will improve the trailer’s handling and can even increase fuel efficiency. If you RV full-time or plan to put a lot of miles on your trailer, I highly recommend one of these hitches.

If you have a smaller travel trailer (under 5,000 lbs), you may be able to get away with a weight-carrying hitch. These are less expensive but are not as easy to tow.

RV Safety Accessories

When you’re on the road in your RV, you want to have a few important safety items on hand. It’s easy to let them slip your mind, but trust me, you’ll be thankful when you actually need them.

Items #22 – 25 below are some recommendations to ensure you and your family travel safely when you’re on the road.

22. Emergency Roadside Kit

This must-have RV accessory is crucial if you have a tire blowout, an issue with your tow vehicle, or any other problem while riding down the road on travel days. These kits often include:

• Jumper cables
• Safety triangles
• First aid kit
• Bungee cords
• 110 premium pieces and tote bag
• Includes heavy-duty jumper cables, heavy-duty tow straps, safety triangles, first aid, and more.

PRO TIP: You can put this kit together yourself or just purchase a couple of individual items you’re missing to create a kit. Remember to make sure your RV has a spare tire! 

23. fire extinguisher.

Most travel trailers will come with at least one fire extinguisher installed. However, we like to have another one (or two) in other locations in the trailer.

We purchased the below small fire extinguisher cans and have one easily accessible by the bed and an extra one in the kitchen.

The aerosol fire spray is ideal for small RVs since the cans are compact and store easily.

• Extinguishing aerosol spray for fires involving paper, fabric, wood, cooking oils, and electrical appliances
• Discharges 4 times longer than regular extinguishers
• Pack of two

PRO TIP: You might also want to invest in a “fireball” fire extinguisher that automatically deploys when a fire occurs.

24. trailer hitch lock.

This simple yet effective travel trailer device helps prevent unauthorized access and theft of your camper.

In addition to deterring thieves, a hitch lock provides peace of mind, especially when leaving your trailer unattended in a boondocking area.

It’s a relatively low-cost accessory that can save owners from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with a stolen or tampered trailer, making it a wise addition to your travel trailer setup .

• Universal fit trailer hitch lock
• Includes two keys and swiveling clip
• Easy to install

The above hitch lock is similar to ours and is made by the same trusted brand.

25. Emergency Propane Shut-Off

This safety RV gadget is installed on the propane tank between the tank connector and the propane line.

The device automatically cuts off the access to the propane tank in case of a major gas leak, minimizing the risk of fire or explosion and protecting both occupants and the trailer itself.

We consider this a valuable safety feature that ensures peace of mind during our travels and keeps our trailer and family safe.

• Automatic shutoff of propane in case of a major leak
• Compatible with RV ACME-type connections

These devices can be a bit pricey if you have multiple tanks. We have three propane tanks mounted on the front of our trailer, but we only connect two to our trailer at a time. We have two GasStop devices and rotate them between the tanks that are in use.

NOTE: This propane shut-off will only activate if there is a large leak. Small leaks won’t trigger the device.

Other travel trailer must-haves.

After years on the road, here are a few other camping accessories we consider must-haves for travel trailer owners. Although they aren’t crucial to getting on the road, we thought #26 and #27 below were worth including.

26. Insect Screens

Insect screens for your exterior vents, including the water heater, fridge, and furnace, will keep pesky bugs from making nests in these areas.

These are an affordable way to keep the bugs out, preventing any issues with your RV systems. They are also easy to install.

27. Screen Door Cross Bar

Most RVs have a screen door that locks into the main camper door. However, when the screen door is used separately, there’s no way to control the door from the inside.

A screen door cross bar solves this problem and is easy to install.

• Creates an easier exit and entry when using the screen door
• Durable bar with a secure grip
• Doubles as a towel drying rod

This is one of the first accessories we install when we purchase a new RV. It’s an affordable, easy upgrade!

BONUS:  This bar doubles as a drying bar for hanging kitchen or bath towels – definitely a plus for smaller campers.

More info on rving travel trailer must-haves.

While other RV accessories will make your life easier and more comfortable,  the essentials above are everything you’ll need to start RVing in your travel trailer.

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From leveling your RV to monitoring your tire pressure, we’ve covered all the tools and camper equipment you need to maintain your travel trailer and stay safe on the road.

Follow the guidelines above, and you’ll have your travel trailer outfitted and ready for travel quickly!

RELATED ARTICLES

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• Practical Gifts for RV Owners

Need a full guide to outfit your RV?

For more on essential RV gear, including kitchenware, RV gadgets, and campsite setup items – view our complete guide.

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Home » All Blog Posts » RV Lifestyle » RV Travels: Absolute Must-Haves for a Long Road Trip

RV Travels: Absolute Must-Haves for a Long Road Trip

It’s easy to forget these important items before you pile into the RV for a long vacation

The open road is a dream for many – striking out and leaving home in a grand voyage to discover parts of the world you may have only read about. Or maybe there are destinations you’ve visited before that you want to see again. You’ve prepared your budget , your bags, the family, and your list of destinations. What else could you be missing?

Don’t forget the cash

There are still places that don’t accept credit cards, or that won’t let you pay with cards if the total is under a certain amount. Make sure you’ve packed some spare cash that you can use in such situations or in an emergency.

Books and other diversions

It’s good to have reading material, or really anything to help fight boredom if it arises. Pack some of your old favorites and new books that you’ve been meaning to check out. Load your phone up with games you may enjoy, or podcasts your family enjoys listening to.

Extra blankets for unexpected weather

If you’re road-tripping, then you’re likely going to run into temperatures you’re not accustomed to or expecting. Taking along extra blankets can help you stay warm at lower temperatures – like in the mountains – and can keep you warm if you unexpectedly break down.

First aid kit

You can buy a first aid kit at your local pharmacy before setting off, or you can make your own if your family has special medical needs that are not accommodated by the store-bought ones. Be sure to pack ample allergy medications in case you find that the local plant life triggers your allergies wherever you go.

RV essentials

These are the things your systems need, like oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, extra wiper blades, and a spare tire. Think outside of the RV as well, such as road flares in case you break down, raincoats, rags, and anything else you may need if you can fix mechanical issues yourself.

Hands-free phone mount

Be safe. A phone mount allows you to see your device to follow a GPS map, and your passenger won’t be tied to the seat trying to navigate for you. It also keeps your phone secured instead of propped in an area where it could easily fall and distract you.

Toll pass cards or change

Don’t forget about toll roads. Keep extra change and dollar bills near the driver’s seat, or invest in a pass card that lets you drive right through and not hassle with coins.

All the traveling apps

There are many apps you can use on long road trips for the following needs:

• Find the cheapest gas
• Compare area hotels and their pricing
• Locate sites to camp in a tent or RV
• Navigation apps that tell you road conditions as well as the fastest routes
• Your favorite music app to spin up some great road-trip jams

Portable chargers

You can get cases that have an extra battery to double your phone life. Even if you can find one compatible with your phone, make sure you have phone battery packs you can charge separately in case you’re without power or away from your RV for a while.

Headlamps and flashlights

This goes without saying, but sometimes we need reminders. The good thing about headlamps is you can use them and still have both hands free to do what needs doing.

Inspection and registration

Make sure these are both up-to-date for your vehicle before heading out. These can be easy to forget if you’re a seasonal RVer, so it’s best to collect them before you leave home and your trusted mechanic.

Lighters and matches can help out in many situations. Maybe the electric ignitor on your stove stopped working, your space heater needs lighting, your pilot light is out, or you’re trying to start a campfire. Whatever the reason, you’ll be happy to have a lighter or matches with you. For added convenience, bring along a multi-purpose lighter that’s longer.

Most important, don’t forget to plan for emergencies. When you’re far away from home and get stranded, it’s good to know that roadside assistance is there to help you out. It not only gives you help when you need it most, but it also gives you peace of mind that someone is out there in unfamiliar countryside ready to lend a hand. See how our roadside assistance plan can help you out .

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What are the 7 Must-Haves for Your First RV Trip?

You’re burning to hit the road on your first rv trip. here’s what you need to pack before you get going..

• 1 You’re burning to hit the road on your first RV trip. Here’s what you need to pack before you get going.
• 2 First thing on the list, make a list!
• 3 What are the 7 Must-Haves for Your First RV Trip?
• 4 1 – Emergency Road Kit
• 5 2 – The Hoses
• 6 3 – Toilet paper
• 7 4 – Collapsible Water Container
• 8 5 – Surge protector and adapters
• 9 6 – Only the Essential Household Items
• 10 7 – The Right Linens and Clothes
• 11 Plan Your Next Adventure to Coastal Maine

Jennifer and I took our first RV trip a long time ago, but I still remember feeling a bit intimidated about what we needed for our inaugural trip. 

I can relate to the temptation to overpack. But you will quickly realize you don’t have room for it all. So here are the most important items to bring and what to do before that first RV trip. 

First thing on the list, make a list!

Like a visit to the supermarket, it helps to write down what you need before you go. And like the store, if you don’t take this extra step, you’ll likely forget something that will get you kicking yourself later.

What are the 7 Must-Haves for Your First RV Trip ?

The most stressful part of preparing for your first RV trip is figuring out what you need to buy beforehand. Unlike everyday household items, you need to order these items in advance and plan ahead.

No need to go overboard and buy everything a veteran RV traveler uses. However, there are a few essential items you need to buy to get started for that first RV trip.

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our  full affiliate disclosure here.

1 – Emergency Road Kit

You don’t drive a car off a lot without insurance. So you don’t want to drive your large RV on a trip without the means to protect it in the event something goes wrong.

Flat tires can happen, among other things, that could render your RV undriveable. When you’re pulled over on the side of the road or stranded while camping, you need an emergency road kit . 

This kit is often sold bundled together for easy purchasing. Or you can opt to buy the items separately to save a little bit of money. Or check out the items listed in this article on survival tools and gadgets .

The kit has safety equipment such as a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and reflective emergency triangles so other cars see your RV up ahead as they approach.

Other items you should include in the kit are a tire pressure gauge and duct tape. If you’re aiming to brave any kind of off-road terrain or not, it’s still important to have a spare tire.

And if a bundled kit doesn’t include a fire extinguisher, you should bring one of your own.

Everyone wants to have a safe and enjoyable trip when they venture out in their RV. But we all know — or should know — that accidents happen.

2 – The Hoses

There are two hoses you need to buy for your first RV trip. One is for your drinking water (which you’ll want to sanitize), and the other is for the sewer. 

Don’t worry, you won’t confuse the two. The drinking water hose looks like a regular garden hose.

The sewer kit is a wider expanding hose, and wider for a reason, for filling and flushing the tanks. Both are affordable items. Your RV probably came with the sewer hose. It's worth buying an extension for it.

3 – Toilet paper

Toilet paper might have been the first thing on your mind given the rush to buy at the beginning of the pandemic. It does seem obvious for your first RV trip but there is actually special toilet paper made specifically for RVs. 

The difference is that RV toilet paper is biodegradable, to dissolve quickly in your septic tank. If you don’t use this special toilet paper, you will have a harder time draining it through the sewer kit hose I mentioned earlier.

BONUS: CLICK HERE for important info on RV toilet paper and black tank sensors

4 – Collapsible Water Container

When on your first RV trip, the last thing you want to worry about is running out of fresh water. An item that would help is a refillable water bottle to keep in your RV.

It stores five gallons of water to add to your freshwater tank when out boondocking and running low on water. A spigot makes it easy to tap for drinking. 

It also saves space by being collapsible. You’ll learn after your first trip that any space saved is a commodity!

5 – Surge protector and adapters

For your first RV trip, it can be frustrating if issues arise with using electricity. To ensure this goes smoothly you will need an RV surge protector and adapters. 

These will give you the freedom to plug in if a campground, for example, has a different connection than you.

Our RV has a surge protector built-in. If yours doesn't, I recommend you get one to go between the power cord and the pedestal. In older campgrounds, there are a lot of pedestals with bad connections that can damage your RV's electrical system and your appliances.

We can recommend the Southwire Surge Guard, model 34930.

When you plug in the other end of the cord to the shore connector on the RV, lock it in place. With ours, it's a turn to the right. We also have a locking wheel on the plug to make it even more secure. See this video for an example.

6 – Only the Essential Household Items

There are many everyday household items to bring. The nice thing is that we already own them. But not all checklists are alike. A lot of what we bring depends on our individual preferences.

I advise that before your trip, go through a normal day and make your own specific list. Pay attention to all the things you use and take for granted on a daily basis. You’ll soon put together a full list of items you’ll end up using regularly on your first RV trip. 

An obvious example is when you brush your teeth, you’ll make a note to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste. Also for bathing, the towels, soap, and shampoo you use.

Less obvious, though, is when cooking a meal, there are certain utensils you use more than others. 

Also, remember to bring garbage bags. You use plates and silverware when you eat, but it’s up to you whether you want to use disposables when traveling (which saves space). Every year we get better and better at packing.

7 – The Right Linens and Clothes

You don’t want to remember your first RV trip as an uncomfortable one. 

Be sure to include what you need to sleep comfortably. Sheets and pillows are a given. The most important part of an RV just may be the bed. That's why we have come up with the three best RV bedding solutions that we think will give you a great night's sleep! 

But what will be the temperature at night where you’re going? This answer will determine what kind of blankets and how many you will need to bring. 

The clothes you pack also depend on what kind of weather you’ll be experiencing. What kind of activities are you planning on doing? Or more importantly, what kind of activities might you do? 

The beauty of RV travel is the opportunity for spontaneity. You wouldn’t want to find yourself on your first RV trip without a bathing suit or hiking clothes when you wanted to participate.

And speaking of comfort, never underestimate that comfy camping chair for each person on the trip. You can check out our 3 Favorite Camping Chairs .

Plan Your Next Adventure to Coastal Maine

By popular demand, we announce the publication of the latest in our library of RV travel guides – a 7-Day Adventure Guide to Coastal Maine.

With its dramatic rocky coastline, enchanting fishing towns, and windswept sandy beaches, Coastal Maine is a destination that should be on every RVers’ bucket list. 

We call these guides “7 days,” but they really are seven stops. They’re meant to be experienced at your own pace, a couple of days at one stop, a week at another, however long you want.

We have carefully curated this 66-page digital guide (not a printed book) so you can take in all Coastal Maine has to offer. We give you the routes to drive, the spot to stop, the places to eat, and the museums, excursions, hikes and adventures we think you will enjoy the most.

For an RVer, Coastal Maine has it all: stunning landscapes, short drives between stops, spacious campsites, that perfect small city and nature mixed with a seemingly endless variety of things to see and explore.

Published on 2023-12-19

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

21 Responses to “What are the 7 Must-Haves for Your First RV Trip?”

December 22, 2023at9:01 am , RENE SICOTTE said:

Talking about “water hose” for drinking water use you should not use regular garden hose but one which made with less dangerous product. They are Marked as “Drinking Water Use” very often get the inside of it is White and some real difference between so you will not mixe and get sick because you use the garden hose to clean your black and/or grey water system. Keep those 2 hoses separated from each other so you will not contaminate the Drinking Water one, “wash your hands before if you have to manipulate your drinking water one”…:-)

December 22, 2023at9:29 am , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Thanks for adding this to the conversation, Rene! Team RV Lifestyle

May 27, 2022at2:11 pm , Nancy Einheuser said:

Comment: I love the first item was “make a list “, that will be your base list that you will continue to tweak by trip/season/destination. Something I found very helpful is another list at the end of each trip. I make note of anything we forgot or may wish to add, have run out of or getting low on. It doesn’t take long to recognize you may be over packing, so finding items with more than one use is great, and things you can manage without. Pull the unused items off and use at home or put in storage. Someone once posted something like; “If your at a campground, & your in need of something, your likely not the first one on the hunt, so check out the camp store, or local dollar store.”

May 29, 2022at2:50 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Hi Nancy – a list at the end of the trip is a great idea! Thanks for sharing- Team RV Lifestyle

May 27, 2022at10:00 am , Bill Azzarello said:

I was just wondering what year and model RV is pictured at the top of this article? Thanks for all of your information.

May 27, 2022at3:26 pm , Don Satow said:

Looks like a Wingamm. [Link deleted]

May 26, 2022at9:26 am , Bruce Sdunek said:

One of the comments mentioned engine oil. I carry a gallon of the correct oil. If your rig has a Diesel engine (mine does) carry a jug of DEF. I also carry a jug of windshield washer solvent. A water pressure regulator was not mentioned. I had leak problems at an RV park which I blame on excessive water pressure. No problems since I started using one. Finally, keeping a list is a great idea.

May 27, 2022at12:45 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

All excellent tips. Thank you for adding to the list. Team RV Lifestyle

May 26, 2022at8:36 am , jeannie kruidenier said:

One thing I have found to be invaluable is I cook and freeze meals at home before I leave. This way I don’t have to take spices, other ingredients, etc and waste time cooking. I have great meals frozen, i.e. baked cod, blackened salmon, pasta, turkey burgers, chicken tenders, even chicken piccata, etc.. Then I pick up bagged salads and I have a terrific meal! I thaw a meal out during the day and put in pan with foil over it till it heats up. For a month trip I can take about 20 meals, stack easy in zip freezer bags. I usually try some local food out anyway- so this is perfect. PS. I am a single woman- makes it a little easier:)

That sounds both delicious and a wonderful way to prepare! Thanks for sharing – Team RV Lifestyle

December 11, 2021at3:37 pm , sharon jones said:

Just because you live in luxury rv do you really think that most people reading this can afford almost $300 for 3 sheets?? They dont even furnish the flat, just the fitted! Crazy. Also almost $300 for the superbag? How do u think most people retired on their SS can afford these? Please come back down to our level and tell us about something that people can afford please.

May 28, 2022at5:18 pm , Russell Rigsby said:

Good for you, Ms. Jones. It’s always important to remember that these sort of blogs and articles are heavily sponsored and the RV industry can often carry with it a premium that is unrealistic for the average RV vacationer. I, too, do not believe in the penthouse on wheels approach and I certainly wouldn’t spend $300 for sheets for our RV.

We actually find excellent bargains by shopping for days to weeks until we locate our essentials at a real bargain. We do our best to settle upon just the right blend of quality and cost that suits our needs while at the same time acknowledging that there are indeed folks who consider money no object regarding their RV or outfitting it.

So the first item of import that doesn’t require a list is frugality because RV vacationing is a pastime intended to escape conventional life for an environment of simplicity within the reality of financial restraints such that enjoyment itself is maximized rather than one’s credit cards.

May 29, 2022at7:15 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Mr. Rigsby (and Ms. Jones) – We really appreciate your comments and agree $300 is a LOT for sheets. But Mike and Jen gave other options, too. The Aurora, for instance, were much less expensive even though they can be custom ordered to fit the sometimes odd size of a RV mattress. We do take exception, however, that Mike and Jen’s articles are “heavily subsidized by the RV industry.” That is simply not true. The purpose of this article is to help people just starting out determine what they absolutely need in their new RV. The items listed are all just general categories, so of course you can do your own shopping to meet your needs and budget. The linked story on bed sheets focused on how sheets can be hard for some RVers to find because RV mattress sizes do not always fit traditional mattress sheets found at traditional stores. Certainly a reader does NOT need to go this route to buy sheets. The link is just there for those who are interested. But thank you for sharing your thoughts and we DO agree that camping is – at its very best- designed to be an escape from everyday life. Happy Trails! Team RV Lifestyle

September 28, 2021at1:44 pm , Rudy Hiebert said:

From experience, my additional suggestions revolve around mechanical info: 1.) one extra quart of engine oil; 2.) extra anifreeze-coolant for the engine; 3.) tire pressure gauge along with a small air compressor. 4.) windshield washer fluid if the trip is longer than couple days, ie. bugs and frost. RH

December 20, 2023at7:25 am , Eric M said:

100% correct…TPMS is crucial too

June 05, 2021at8:38 am , 9 Helpful RV Camping Tips For Beginners - 2boomersandababy said:

[…] But once you start to fill cabinets and space, that room quickly gets filled if you are not careful. Not only will you want to keep your items organized, but you should also consider only bringing what you really need for your first road trip. We did a whole post on the Must-Haves for your first trip — check it out! […]

March 18, 2021at8:58 pm , Amy Delpiere said:

When we bought our new travel trailer a few years ago, we upgraded our chairs. The new zero gravity chairs with a little clip-on cup holder have been priceless.

March 17, 2021at11:55 pm , Bill said:

If you are an amateurs’ photographer don’t forget the camera and all of the accessories for it. A tripod for the long shots and a small tripod for the selfies. I us a camera, not my phone.

March 16, 2021at9:01 pm , Hubert said:

Chairs? I love my rocking chairs from Camping World. I have a pair of those gravity chairs too.

March 16, 2021at12:27 pm , Doug said:

Develop a comprehensive categorized list and keep it on your computer. Add and subtract things each year as needed. Keep duplicates of many things so you can leave one in the RV to minimize packing. Don’t forget to add essential tasks to do at home before each trip. We’ve camped for 46 years and still review the list before every trip.

March 16, 2021at8:25 am , Sue Sitko said:

We bought our first camper trailer last year, and my husband wisely brought along an electric lap blanket for me. I generally start to get cold quicker than he does in the late afternoons when we’re enjoying sitting outside at our site with cocktails, and we plug it into an external outlet. It keeps the chill off! We also use the large storage space under our bed to store cold-weather and rain clothes, in vacuum-sealed bags. Extra coats, rain jackets/ponchos, hats, gloves, even a pair of quilted coveralls–we just keep them there permanently. We often head out early to go wildlife watching, and it can often be REALLY cold, those coveralls come in handy. This last trip, I grabbed my single-serve Keurig for my one cuppa morning joe, it’s so much easier than stovetop drip coffee, and I’ll use that whenever we’re hooked up. It’s made a huge difference in cleanup, as I don’t have messy grounds and multiple pieces to wash. Lastly, I am a knitter, and always keep a project or two in the trailer to work on during down time, that I can pick up and easily finish, like dishcloths and slippers, which come in handy for the trailer!

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5 Must-Have RV Road Trip Essentials

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We all love going on RV road trips to explore new areas and meet new people. However, there are a few RV Road trip Essential Items you need to ensure that you are comfortable as you do so.

Must-Have Essentials for an RV Road Trip

Portable water hose.

You have to ensure that you always have a supply of clean and high-quality water in your RV for drinking and even cooking. However, not all hoses are created the same, and some could add some taste or smell to your water.

Go for a portable hose suited specifically for drinking water such that it will not add any smell or taste to your water. The hose also has a mechanism that allows you to connect one of its ends to the other when you are not using it to ensure that no dirt or insects get into it.

Water Filter

Even if you use a drinking water hose, there are chances that the water may still contain some bacteria and impurities that you cannot see. That’s why you need to connect a water filter to your water supply.

To get the best quality water, you have to get the best water filters like Big Berkey Water Filters . They are made to meet your specific needs depending on your water supply and how many will be using it.

They eliminate bacteria, fluoride, viruses, chlorine, heavy metals, parasites, chloramines, pharmaceuticals, radiological, pesticides, herbicides, petroleum contaminants, etc. They ensure that you quench your thirst with the best water without any chances of getting contaminations.

Sometimes you might get to a camping site that has a lot of uneven ground. Leveling your RV will not only ensure that you sleep and operate comfortably, but it will also ensure that your supplies in the RV remain steady and nothing falls over.

If you run your refrigerator while on uneven ground, your fridge will not work properly and your food won’t stay cold, which is more reason for you to always have levelers with you on an RV road trip.

Sewer Hose and Supports

It is only practical that you will have to empty your RV sewer tanks to avoid any unpleasant smells and leakages on transit. To do that, you need the best quality and strongest sewer hose .

You should have one that is about 15-20 feet long, just because some sewer connections can be far from your camping site. You also need connectors and supports to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

RV Toilet Chemicals

One of the biggest things that could make your RV trip uncomfortable is bad odors generating from your RV toilet. Having toilet chemicals helps you fight all those bad smells and also helps break down waste in your RV waste tank.

That not only makes the drive comfortable, but it also makes it easier for you to transfer your waste to a sewer when you connect the sewer hose.

What Should I Pack for an RV Road Trip?

When going for an RV road trip, you always want to have enough things to ensure comfort, but sometimes it may be hard to decide what you need and what you don’t. This is a list that will help you pack for your next RV trip.

This is one of the most important things you should never leave behind. Remember that you better have more food than less because you never know where you will pack for the night and how far or close the shops will be to you.

Bring cooked, frozen, fresh, and even packed food with you. Do not forget to throw in some fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet. However, majoring in proteins and energy giving foods that will not only give you the strength and warmth you need but also keep you feeling fuller for longer.

You should also bring enough beverages for you and anyone else who will be with you on the trip. Bring water, juice, soda, and even energy drinks.

Electronics

Nothing is more inconveniencing than being in the jungle with no way to communicate with people at home or outside your location. Some of the key electronics include;

• Wi-Fi router- This will keep you connected to the internet no matter where you are.

• Adapters, chargers, and extra batteries- Bring along These gadgets for your phone, laptops, cameras, and tablets to ensure you can communicate with people anytime.

• Walkie-talkies- These help you communicate with your friends on the trip in case you get separated to ensure nobody gets lost. They may also help you call for help in case anything happens on your trip.

Extra Clothes

Nobody ever knows the weather of the destination you will stop over, which is why you need to pack extra warm clothes. You may also need them to change and remain fresh. Always throw in a bathing suit because you might come across a waterfall or lake where you can swim.

It is important to always have your documents like passports, ID, and driver’s license in case of anything. You also need to have your RV manual and maintenance history in case it runs into a problem.

Personal Effects

These include toothbrushes, soap, shaving gadgets, shampoo, lotion, RV toilet paper, and deodorant. Those ensure that you remain clean, fresh, and comfortable throughout the whole trip.

Camping and Outdoor Gear

When you plan for a road trip, you are sure that you will stop at a campsite where you will spend the night and maybe even a few days. Some of the things you should bring for this include;

• Camping chairs and a folding table.

• Fishing equipment like fishing rods, fishing licenses, and tackles.

• Sports equipment like balls.

• Bikes and safety gear.

• Portable fire pit.

• Sleeping bags.

• Camping pads.

Kitchen Items

On a road trip, you need to have items you will use to cook and eat. However, you should only bring the necessary ones to avoid overpacking and consuming a lot of space with unnecessary things. Some of the essential kitchen items include;

• Cooking pots.

• Cooking and eating spoons.

• Bottle openers.

Ensure that none of these items are fragile because they would easily break due to the movement of the van. The best way to eat and save space is using plastic plates because they are small and don’t need a secluded area.

You should also bring along dishwashing soap and plastics to keep the kitchen area and utensils clean. For food storage, bring the basics like reusable containers, plastic wraps, and aluminum foils.

If you plan on outdoor cooking, some of the things you need to bring include;

• Dutch oven.

• Camp stove, electric skillet, or griddle.

• Cast-iron skillet.

What Should You Not Bring In An RV?

One of the biggest limitations of having an RV is that you have limited space, which limits the number of things you can bring. You have to pack only the things you need so that you are left with enough space to do other things like cook, eat and shower.

You should avoid carrying things that you will not need or those that you can get from stores around where you are going. Some of them include;

• Firewood.

• Excess and unnecessary kitchen items like instant pots and countertop ice makers.

• Too many clothes. Only carry the necessary ones.

What Does Every RV Owner Need?

While there are important things you should pack from home on your RV trip, there are some things that you should always have on your RV no matter where you are going. Some of these include;

Surge Protector

Surge protectors keep your RV safe from under and over-voltage by shutting off the power automatically to save the RV electrical system. They alert you when there are problems and turn off its current, even when you are not there.

Fire Extinguisher

Fires start anywhere, and accidents could happen to you that may start a fire in your RV or at your campsite. Having a fire extinguisher helps control the fire before anyone gets hurt.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Nobody knows what might happen when you are out on your road trip, and it is always better to be safe. You need to have an emergency kit that includes warning triangles and a first aid kit. Those help you get help if your RV breaks down and if you or anyone else on the RV gets hurt.

Some other things you should have in your emergency kit include a flashlight, pocket knife, whistle, reflective safety vest, and jumper cables.

This helps you conduct maintenance on your RV while on the road and also do any necessary repairs. Some of the things you need include car jacks, screwdrivers, spanners, tire pressure gauges, duct tape, and hammers.

It’s important to always have a power backup in your RV so that you can always have 

your gadgets charged and also have enough light. Bringing a portable generator is the most convenient and eco-friendly way to do that.

However, before taking it in your RV, test it first to determine if it’s in the right condition.

Getting on the wrong track while on your road trip is a possibility, and a GPS helps you locate where you are and helps you find your way back on the right track. However, sometimes GPS may fail, and for that, you also need to have a backup map.

RV Mattress

Some RVs come with mattresses, but some don’t. Also, the mattresses in the RVs are not normally the most comfortable ones, and you might need to boost it with a mattress topper or replace it with a new mattress.

Whichever the case, you need to always have a comfortable mattress in your RV for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Water Pressure Regulator

This gadget regulates the water pressure as it gets in via the freshwater hose to ensure that no damage happens to your RV.

Collapsible Ladder

These help you get on top of your RV in case you have to check something or clear something off. It also helps you get things that may be high in the RV where you can’t normally reach, ensuring that you do not fall and damage anything. It also takes up very little space.

Air Compressor

Having a portable tankless air compressor in your RV may help you in jobs like topping off your spare tire in case of a roadside emergency or filling up your bicycle tires.

How Do I Prepare For My First RV Trip?

Before going on your first RV road trip, you may be confused about how to best prepare for it. Some of the things you need to do include;

Identify Your Route

Knowing which path you will follow on your RV road trip helps you avoid a lot of mistakes and accidents. It also helps you feel comfortable as you drive. It helps you choose a route with a lot of RV packing spaces or cool camping sites.

You also get to identify the bridges on those routes and determine if they are the right height for your RV.

Have a Checklist

Write down everything you need on the trip and mark them each one off after getting it. It helps you get everything you need.

Know Your Tank Sizes

Know how much water your tanks can hold and how long it can last you. To be on the safe side, bring portable tanks full of water.

What Food Should I Pack For An RV Road Trip?

On your trip, you need food to keep you strong, but you also need foods you can enjoy. Some of the foods you can bring include;

• Fruits and vegetables.

• Sausages.

• Beef and poultry.

• Peanut butter.

Is RV Toilet Paper Necessary?

Toilet paper is one thing you must have on your RV. However, you should know that your sewage system on your RV is delicate, which is why you need RV toilet paper. Regular toilet paper needs a lot of water to flush down, which will be a wastage of your limited resources.

Related Reading

29 must have rv accessories for a new camper or travel trailer, 11 essential dog accessories for rv camping, essential cat accessories for rv camping, 25 essential truck camper accessories, 21 best pop up camper accessories, 8 best places to buy rv gifts accessories and supplies.

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Home / Blog / Speaker Blog

The Ultimate Guide to RV Must-Haves for a Perfect Road Trip

March 21, 2024  |  7 min read

Embarking on an RV adventure promises freedom, excitement, and the joy of the open road. But to ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, equipping your rolling home with the right accessories is crucial.

In this guide, we'll explore the 12 top RV must-haves, covering everything from essential wheel chocks and leveling blocks to comfort-enhancing accessories and portable speakers for fun. We'll delve into the importance of each item, offering practical tips and recommendations to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable and worry-free trip.

Top 12 Must-Have RV Accessories

From ensuring your RV stays level and secure at any campsite to enjoying your favorite tunes in the great outdoors, let's delve into this RV essentials list for any road warrior:

Wheel Chocks

Wheel chocks are the most basic must-haves for RV camping, ensuring your vehicle remains stationary while you set up camp. These simple yet effective devices provide stability and peace of mind, preventing any unwanted movement.

When choosing wheel chocks, opt for durable materials that can withstand the weight of your RV and the elements. Rubber chocks offer excellent grip on various surfaces, while plastic or metal chocks provide sturdy support. It's advisable to use chocks on both sides of your RV's wheels for maximum safety. Additionally, consider chocks with handles or ropes for easy placement and removal.

Leveling Blocks

Leveling blocks ensure your rig is perfectly balanced for optimal operation and comfort. Uneven ground can cause issues with your refrigerator, discomfort while sleeping, and inaccurate readings on your RV's gauges.

While wooden blocks are an option, they're heavy, prone to damage, and take up valuable storage space. Instead, consider investing in heavy-duty plastic leveling blocks. These lightweight alternatives are stackable, available in various sizes, and designed to withstand the weight of your RV.

Water Filter

Clean water is a non-negotiable must-have for RV living, making a reliable water filter an essential accessory. Whether you're hooked up at an RV park or boondocking in the wilderness, a water filter ensures your water is free from contaminants, sediment, and unpleasant tastes. Options range from simple in-line filters for occasional use to comprehensive multi-canister systems for full-time RV living.

Consider factors like micron rating, NSF certification, material, flow rate, and lifespan when selecting your filter. Regardless of your choice, regular maintenance, including annual tank cleaning, is crucial for optimal performance. Investing in a quality water filter is a small price to pay for the assurance of clean, safe water during your RV adventures.

Separate Hoses

Maintaining hygiene and safety is paramount, which is why separate hoses for gray water and drinking water are non-negotiable RV essentials for beginners. Mixing up these hoses can lead to contamination and health hazards.

To prevent any mix-ups, it's wise to label each hose clearly. Color-coding is an effective strategy – consider using a blue hose for drinking water and a gray one for wastewater. This simple yet crucial distinction ensures that your water sources remain safe and uncontaminated, allowing you to enjoy your camping experience without any worries. 

Solar Generator

As RV enthusiasts seek more sustainable and off-grid camping solutions, the solar generator has become an indispensable accessory. This eco-friendly alternative to traditional generators harnesses the power of the sun to provide electricity for your RV, making it perfect for remote locations where hookups are unavailable.

Solar generators are quiet, require minimal maintenance, and produce no emissions. When choosing a solar generator, consider its capacity, portability, and compatibility with your RV's energy requirements. With the right solar generator, you can enjoy the comforts of home while minimizing your environmental footprint.

An inverter is a critical component in your RV's electrical system, especially if you're harnessing solar power. It converts the DC electricity stored in your batteries into AC power, which is necessary for operating household appliances like microwaves, laptops, and TVs.

When selecting an inverter, consider the wattage requirements of your appliances and choose a model that can handle the load. Pure sine wave inverters are ideal for sensitive electronics, while modified sine wave inverters are more budget-friendly. Installing an inverter ensures you have the power you need, whenever you need it.

Surge Protector

A surge protector is an essential safety device for any RV. It protects your electrical system and appliances from voltage spikes and fluctuations that can occur at campgrounds or during storms. A good surge protector will also alert you to wiring issues, such as reverse polarity or an open ground, which could pose a risk to your RV.

Choose a surge protector that matches your RV's amperage and consider features like weather resistance and remote monitoring. Investing in a reliable surge protector gives you peace of mind, knowing that your RV's electrical system is safeguarded against unexpected surges.

A portable cooler is a must-have for RV camping, providing a convenient way to keep your drinks and snacks cold and within easy reach. Whether you're enjoying a picnic by the lake or relaxing inside your RV, a good cooler ensures that your refreshments stay chilled for hours or even days.

Look for a cooler with excellent insulation, sturdy construction, and a size that fits your needs. Some coolers come with additional features like cup holders, built-in bottle openers, or wheels for easy transport. With the right cooler, you can keep your beverages and perishables fresh, enhancing your overall camping experience.

Portable Speaker

When it comes to enhancing your RV travels with the perfect soundtrack, reliable and robust portable Bluetooth speakers  are a  must-have. When choosing a portable speaker for RV camping, prioritize sound quality, battery life, and durability. Look for an RV Bluetooth speaker that is waterproof and weather-resistant to withstand outdoor elements. Portability is key, so select a lightweight and compact design. Here are two exceptional options from soundcore to cater to all your outdoor auditory desires:

The soundcore Boom   2  is a robust RV outdoor speaker that brings the energy of live music to your RV doorstep. With an 80W max booming bass, powered by a racetrack subwoofer and enhanced with BassUp 2.0 technology, this speaker pumps out deep, powerful bass that you can feel in your bones.

With up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge and a built-in power bank to keep your devices charged, the Boom 2 ensures the music never stops, wherever your adventures take you. Its IPX7 waterproof and floatable design makes it perfect for any adventure, rain or shine. Plus, its beat-synced light show with 7 customizable effects creates the perfect ambience for your outdoor camping nights.

On the other hand, the soundcore Motion X600  offers an immersive spatial audio experience that mimics theater acoustics, making it feel like you're in the room with your favorite artist. This RV speaker's design integrates five drivers and amplifiers to deliver sound that fills every corner of your space.

Despite its powerful 50W room-filling sound, the Motion X600 remains portable and lightweight, making it easy to bring immersive music anywhere you go. It boasts a 12-hour playtime for extended listening sessions and features IPX7 waterproof protection, ensuring it can handle splashes and spills without missing a beat.

Foldable Chairs

Comfortable seating is a cornerstone of any enjoyable RV camping experience, which is why foldable chairs are indispensable RV essentials. These chairs provide a cozy spot to sit back and soak in the beauty of nature.

When selecting foldable chairs, consider factors like durability, weight capacity, and ease of storage. Some chairs offer additional features like cup holders, adjustable reclining positions, or built-in footrests. With the right foldable chairs, you can create a comfortable outdoor living space that's perfect for relaxation and socializing.

Outdoor Grill

Cooking outdoors is one of the joys of RV living, and an outdoor grill is an RV camping must-have for whipping up delicious meals under the open sky. Whether you prefer the smoky flavor of charcoal or the convenience of propane, there's a grill to suit your style.

Look for a grill that's easy to set up, clean, and store. Portable grills are ideal for RV camping, offering the perfect balance between size and cooking capacity. With an outdoor grill, you can enjoy the pleasure of al fresco dining, from sizzling steaks to grilled vegetables, enhancing your RV camping experience.

First Aid Kit

Safety should always be a top priority, making a well-stocked first aid kit an essential item on your packing list. Your kit should include basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and tweezers, as well as items tailored to your specific travel needs, such as insect repellent, sunburn relief, or allergy medication.

Regularly check and replenish your first aid kit to ensure everything is up to date and ready for use. With a comprehensive first aid kit on hand, you'll be prepared to handle minor injuries and emergencies, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable camping experience.

Can you power an RV with a solar generator?

Yes, you can power an RV with a solar generator. However, the effectiveness of a solar generator in powering your RV depends on your energy consumption and the generator's capacity. If your energy needs are modest, a solar generator can be a great way to harness renewable energy for your RV. It's essential to assess your power requirements and choose a solar generator that can meet your demands.

Do RV water filters really work?

Yes, RV water filters are an essential piece of RV gear for maintaining clean and fresh drinking water. They effectively remove impurities, sediment, and contaminants from your water supply, protecting your plumbing system and ensuring safe drinking water. The level of filtration and the specific contaminants removed depend on the type of filter you choose. It's crucial to select a filter that meets your needs and to replace or clean it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Equipping your RV with the right must-haves is crucial for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable camping experience. This includes essential safety gear such as wheel chocks and surge protectors to prevent accidents and protect your vehicle's electrical system. Comfort-enhancing accessories like portable speakers and outdoor grills elevate your outdoor living space, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes and cook delicious meals under the stars. Incorporating these RV must haves into your packing list ensures you're well-prepared for any adventure, making your RV camping experience unforgettable.

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• Pocket Party: Get 360° of ear dazzling audio squeezed into something smaller than a coffee cup.
• Your Sound, Your Rules: Connect via the soundcore app to take remote control of Mini 3. Power it on or off, adjust the volume, change the sound profile, and much more.
• Water Shmorter: IPX7 waterproofing says your pool and beach party can get as wild as you want it to. Or just listen worry-free in the bathroom and kitchen!
• Non-Stop Rocking: Party for 15 hours on a single charge.
• PartyCast Technology: Link 100+ Mini 3 (or any soundcore PartyCast speakers) to party into the next dimension.
• Immersive Spatial Audio： 3 drivers deliver sound all around you, so you'll feel like your favorite artist is right there in front of you, every time you press play.
• 3X More Detail： Motion X500 features Wireless Hi-Res certified sound, which lets you hear your favorite songs as they were meant to be heard.
• 3 Fresh Finishes to Match Any Style： Get quality sound in a color you love with a choice of three finishes: Black Deluxe, Pink Punch, and Glitzy Blue.
• Great Sound, Portable Size： Motion X500 portable Bluetooth speaker lets you take immersive spatial audio with 3X more detail wherever you go.
• Fully Waterproof： With IPX7 protection, you can enjoy worry-free listening by the pool, at the beach, or even if it's raining.
• Immersive Spatial Audio: Inspired by theater acoustics, Motion X600 has 5 drivers and 5 amplifiers that are positioned to deliver sound all around you. Feel like you're in the room with your favorite artist, every time you press play.
• 50W Room-Filling Sound: Whether you're having a party or just enjoying your favorite tunes, the 50W sound will fill any space with rich, high-quality sound that brings music to life.
• Take lmmersive Music Anywhere: Portable and lightweight, Motion X600 is easy to carry between rooms to transform any part of your home into an immersive listening space.
• 12-Hour Playtime: Keep listening to music and podcasts for days at a time- with zero battery anxiety.
• Fully Waterproof: Features IPX7 waterproof protection so you can simply relax and listen without worrying about the speaker getting wet.
• Note: For peak performance, please use the soundcore app and update to the latest firmware.
• 3X More Detail： Motion X500 features Wireless  Hi-Res  certified sound, which lets you hear your favorite songs as they were meant to be heard.
• Great Sound, Portable Size： Motion X500 portable  Bluetooth  speaker lets you take immersive spatial audio with 3X more detail wherever you go.
• Extreme Outdoor Sound: Make a statement with Motion Boom outdoor speaker—press play and experience huge stereo sound that’s distortion-free, even at high volumes.
• 100% Pure Titanium : Motion Boom’s drivers have pure titanium diaphragms to reproduce high frequencies up to 40kHz for sound that has noticeably higher clarity.
• BassUp Technology : Our exclusive technology uses an in-house tuned digital signal processor to analyze and intensify low frequencies in real-time for bass that hits harder.
• IPX7 Waterproof and Floats : Don’t freak out if Motion Boom outdoor speaker goes for a dip! It’s fully waterproof and floats on water.
• 24-Hour Playtime : Motion Boom outdoor speaker delivers up to 24 hours of playtime from a single charge to keep the music playing on camping weekends, days at the beach, boat trips, and more.
• Hi-res Audio: motion+ is equipped with stunning Hi-Res Audio which is further enhanced by Qualcomm aptX for lossless music reproduction when streaming via Bluetooth.
• Huge sound with intense bass: packed with two Ultra high-frequency tweeters, neodymium woofers, and passive radiators to fill every corner of your room with 30W of rich sound. Low frequencies are enhanced in real-time by our exclusive bassuptm technology.
• Exceptional depth and clarity: motion+’s Ultra-wide frequency range stretches from 50 Hz to 40 kHz and is paired with an advanced DSP to ensure all the details and idiosyncrasies of a song are faithfully reproduced.
• IPX7 waterproof: fully-waterproof casing provides an impenetrable barrier against liquids.
• 12-Hour playtime: motion+’s built-in 6, 700 mAh battery lets you effortlessly soundtrack wild weekends, cozy evenings, or long summer days outdoors.
• Motion Plus speakers bought after November 2022 do not suppport TWS pairing with Motion Plus speakers purchased prior to November 2022.
• Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People
• Epic Outdoor Sound: 80W booming sound is delivered by two 30W woofers and 10W tweeters, while real-time intensified bass can be heard with Soundcore's proprietary BassUp technology. To improve treble performance of Motion Boom Plus outdoor speaker, titanium drivers ensure an all-around epic sound.
• Lightweight and Ultra-Portable : Take your tunes everywhere you go with Motion Boom Plus Bluetooth speaker's built-in handle and detachable strap.
• 20-Hour Playtime : Motion Boom Plus outdoor speaker is equipped with a 13,400mAh battery capacity with 20 hours of playtime to save you the trouble of frequent charging and make listening more enjoyable.
• Water and Dust Resistant : With an IP67 certification, you'll never have to worry about water splashes, rain, accidental spills, or dust while you're out and about with your Motion Boom Plus outdoor speaker.
• Note : For peak performance, please use the soundcore app and update to the latest firmware.
• 80W Max Booming Bass: Feel the power of the bass in every song thanks to a racetrack subwoofer for added depth and clarity. And with BassUp™️ 2.0, you can tweak the bass EQ and increase the output from 60W to a staggering 80W max.
• 2.1 Stereo Clarity: A 5 0 W racetrack subwoofer and dual 15W tweeters deliver crisp highs and deep bass, balanced by smart crossover technology, for an immersive audio experience.
• Listen All-Day Anywhere: Boom 2 outdoor speaker keeps the beats playing for 2 4 hours on a single charge , and with the built-in power bank, you can keep your phone powered up wherever you are.
• IPX7 Waterproof and Floatable: Boom 2 outdoor speaker is designed to handle any adventure, so you can listen worry-free at the beach, by the pool, or in the rain.
• Your Sound, Your Way: Boom 2 outdoor speaker uses the customizable pro EQ to find the perfect sound for any song or vibe. And with PartyCast 2.0, you can connect up to 100+ speakers to take the party to the next level.

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

When we started our RV journey, we didn’t know anything about what we would need for going camping. We bought a used Travel Trailer and started our journeys. Now we are more than 5 years in and know what is important and what is nice to have when on the road.

Check out this list of all the RV must-haves and RV accessories that make your life so much easier while on the road. These are items I highly recommend for all kinds of RVs, including Travel Trailers, Motorhomes, 5th Wheel, and Campervans.

The best thing about this list is that you can order everything on Amazon, so no need to go hunting all over the place. Order whatever you need comfortably from your living room on Amazon and get it shipped the next day.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. When you click these links I may get a small commission. It won’t cost you anything, but it helps me to run this site. I only promote products and services that I think are great and helpful. Also, read my disclosure policy.

Whether you just start your RV journey or you have been hitting the road for some time now, here are the definite RV Must-haves, RV supplies, RV gadgets, and Camper accessories:

My TOP 5 picks I cannot live without it in my camper :

My Camper must-haves:

• French press
• Blackstone Griddle

I have been writing in this logbook for over a couple of years now and it is nice to go back to all the adventures we have been. Because I can’t remember all the campsite names, dates, sights and of course also the people we have met there.

If you don’t have an outdoor kitchen, this griddle makes all the difference. I hate cooking in my tiny little camper kitchen. This griddle allows me to take all the cooking odor and grease outside and makes my life so much easier.

Also, check out the short list of must-haves if you are in a hurry . These items are absolutely necessary before you hit the road.

And of course, you need a trash can . This one is collapsible and holds two trash bags, one side for trash and the other side for recycling. It has clips that keep the bags open. There is also a storage compartment at the lid to store extra bags.

Let’s start with the General RV Essentials you definitely need no matter what. If you have these essentials, you are already pretty good to go. Nevertheless, you will want to look through the whole list and decide what is good for you.

Let’s start with the General RV Essentials you definitely need – no matter what:

• Electrical Extension Cord for 30 AMP or Electrical Extension Cord for 50 AMP
• Water Hose for drinking water and a water hose to clean out your sewer hose. If you don’t have a lot of space in your outside cabinet, use a
• Zero-G Water hose because it is space-saving
• Water Filter you should add on the water faucet to filter the water you are using inside your RV. Change it out after a couple of months of usage.
• Water pressure regulator prevents damage to RV water hoses and pumps from inconsistent water pressure
• Sewer hose Extension / Dump hose . It is also recommended to keep a spare one just in case …
• Happy Camper treatment for your holding tank that reduces odor.
• RV toilet paper . We have been using it since day 1 and never had any issues.
• the tool kit is always good to have.
• spare fuses kit
• flashlights even better headlights
• first aid kit
• A surge protector is designed to assist you when plugging your RV into an unknown power source in an RV park or storage unit. Progressive, Hughes, and SafeGuard Surge Protectors are the leading brands and are recommended by many RVers. (30 A or 50 A)

If you are looking for a more detailed packing and tool list, download this one right here:

RV kitchen accessories and RV kitchen must-haves

Useful RV Kitchen Accessories space-saving and lightweight.

• Instant Pot
• trash can hanging
• Storage Bins for dry food
• Coffee Maker
• Stackable dishes
• Dish cradles for maximizing space
• under shelf baskets
• kitchen spice rack organizer

There are so many more storage hacks you should know if your space is limited. And most RVs don’t have a lot of storage space available. Here are more storage tips

RV Bedroom essentials and RV bedroom must-haves

If your bedroom is more or less just a bed, you need a lot of organizing help. Here are some tips for organizing your clothes and essentials:

• door organizer
• bed organizer
• a new mattress or a mattress topper
• A beddy if you have a hard time making your bed.
• Sleeping bags for the kids
• Storage organizer for your cabinet
• Hangers for your cabinet
• Pop up laundry hamper
• Collapsible laundry basket
• Toothbrush holder wall mounted

RV Outdoor and Camping Accessories

When you are camping you want to relax and feel comfortable. Therefore you need a couple of items to make you feel good. Let’s start with a big enough outdoor mat, where you can take your shoes off, put your comfortable chair on and have the dog sleep right next to you. And above all, an outdoor mat keeps a lot of dirt out of your RV.

RV Outdoor and Camping Accessories and outdoor must-haves

• chair s collapsible, lightweight, and comfortable
• outdoor mat in front of the RV
• sunshade for the beach or in front of your RV to relax
• Bug repellent thermacell Mosquito repeller
• led lights outdoor string lights for the patio and awning
• solar lights security lights
• box with lid for shoes, toys, outdoor stuff, etc.
• a portable fire pit is a good thing to have if you are not allowed to have a campfire but need to have s’mores at night.
• a table cloth to cover the old outdoor table

I know, if you should buy all of these things listed here, you would need a lot of money. Therefore select what is most important for you, what do you need to be most secure and safe. Start by getting the RV must-haves and then add on.

RV Gadgets / RV must-haves

RV Gadgets nice to have and must-have / RV trip must-haves

• RV Garmin Navigator if you don’t want to get stuck under a bridge.
• Back up Camera with wide viewing angle to help you back into your campsite easily
• Level your RV in seconds with an automatic leveling system
• Tire monitoring system

If you have a travel trailer you definitely will need:

Travel Trailer must-haves / 5th wheel must-haves / RV must-haves:

• Brake Controller to help manage your stopping distance and control trailer sway by syncing up the two sets of brakes (tow vehicle and trailer) so that both activate when you need them.
• Weight distribution hitch to distribute the weight evenly among your car axle.
• Anti-sway control will cut down on the sway of the trailer when being pulled in windy driving conditions.
• A trailer hitch lock for security as many Travel Trailers are being stolen lately. The demand is high and not many good RVs are available at the moment.

We just got a Luci solar inflatable light . It lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, recharges in 7 hours, has adjustable straps for hanging up, and includes 10 cool white LEDs. You can turn it on in 4 modes from bright to super bright and it is even waterproof. It weighs 125 g!

It also makes a great gift for outdoor people, just clip it on the backpack during the day to recharge and use it at night. Love it.

Frequently asked questions:

• Do I really need RV toilet paper? Not necessarily. But if you don’t want to mess around with clogged toilets, I would consider using RV paper because it breaks down faster.
• What are the absolute necessities I need for my RV? If you have a full hook-up, you need an electrical cord, a sewage hose, and a water hose. For a partial hook-up, you won’t have sewage available. You will need tire chocks no matter where you park your RV.

3. Can I leave my awning out overnight? Sure you can if there is no gusty wind forecast. We always bring our awning in (sometimes only half) because it doesn’t take a lot of wind to destroy an awning and a replacement can be pretty costly.

4. What are the most important things I have to do after buying a used RV? Well, there are some things you definitely want to check out, see the whole list and explanations here. 10 essential tips for new RV Owners

5. What should you not bring in an RV?

Don’t bring firewood, too many clothes because you have limited space anyways, an ice maker if you have ice trays, covers for slides, and too many gadgets if you have no storage and counter space.

6. What should I stock my camper with?

Long lighters to light the stove and the campfire, camping clothes that you can leave in the closets, older shoes for bad weather, rainy clothes, Dawn dish soap.

7. Do you need special dish soap/detergent in an RV?

Definitely don’t use bleach in your tank and for cleaning. It is far too aggressive on the plumbing. But you can use Dawn dish soap for washing dishes and pour it inside your black tank to keep it clean.

8. Where should I go on my first trip?

It is recommended to go no further than an hour away from home. That means it is easy to get back home in case you forgot something essential, or if some things need to get repaired.

Make a test run before you hit the road on a long trip.

Summary of RV must-haves:

Owning an RV is not cheap, there is constantly something new you will find out that you definitely want to have while traveling. Start with the RV must-haves and then add on with whatever is good for you. Take it slow and be safe.

Did I miss anything that is a game-changer for you? Let me know and I add it to my list.

See you on the road,

Want to remember this article “51+ RV Must-haves and Camper Accessories you will definitely need”. Pin this image to your favorite Pinterest board.

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10 Comments

I’m glad that you mentioned that when we started our RV journey, we didn’t know anything about what we would need for going camping. We have an RV we use when we go for family camping. Unfortunately, our Automatic Satellite in the RV is not working anymore. I’m glad you give me an idea of where to buy products such as RV accessories.

Thank you Jeff, glad this article is helpful.

What is a beddy?

Hi Cory, a beddy is a zipper bed, that is so much easier to make a bed in an RV. Beddy’s zipper bedding is a one-piece unit for your bed. Hope this helps.

Tabletop ice maker

Hi Cindi, yes, definitely an ice maker. I have them listed in a different article https://colorfuldesigner.com/camping-essentials/ Thank you for your suggestion.

I would suggest collapsible kithen items. Grater, bowls, cups.

Yes definitely use collapsible kitchen items. These tips can be found in a different article about storage. https://colorfuldesigner.com/rv-storage-ideas/

you said little about black tank treatment additives. antifreeze for winterizing or surprise weather fronts. rubber seal treatments for maintenence to the slides. fuel additives motor additives straps, bungee, rope, tape, ETC ETC ETC… theres so much more important must haves than a spice rack. i realize you were keeping it simple, but thpse necessities that could really get a traveler out of a bind, or on hand for those easily forgotten maintenences are the real must haves in my mind. however, you did touch on some of them… nice job overall.

Hi Monique, yes of course there is more, but it also depends on if you have a Travel Trailer or a Motorhome. We started with the absolute necessities and then added things as we went. It can get overwhelming in the beginning. I have also included a packing- and tool list, where I list even more necessities. Thank you for your comment.

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23 Incredible RV Vacations: Scenic RV Road Trips You Need to Take

Posted on Published: July 7, 2023  - Last updated: February 26, 2024

If you’re seeking the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, an RV road trip may be the perfect getaway! From awe-inspiring national parks to quaint coastal towns and everything in between, the USA offers an incredible array of destinations to explore from the comfort of your home on wheels. Here are the best RV vacations in the USA!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Start packing up the RV (and the family) now! You’re going to love these RV trips all across the country. Whether you’re looking for a route that’s in your home state, or you’re traveling and then renting an RV, this list has something for everyone!

This list goes beyond somewhere to sit your RV – each destination in this guide is an RV road trip with beautiful landscapes, fun national parks to explore, vibrant cities or wide open spaces.

👉Don’t have time to read the whole article? Get the complete Organize Your RV Like a Pro Guide for brilliant organization RV hacks before you go!

Many of these RV routes are best one in the summer months when the weather is (typically) most predictable and reasonable in the USA. But each of these RV vacations below share the best time of year for that particular adventure.

Whether this is your first RV road trip or you’ve been packing up your motorhome or travel trailer for years, these epic destinations are going to blow you away!

Must-see video: RV vacations

RV road trips map

This list covers the best RV trips in the west, east and a bunch of amazing routes in between.  Each pin on this map marks a stop on one of the very best RV routes in the US .

Because I haven’t’ been everywhere in the US in my RV (yet), I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help compile this list of the best RV travel USA ideas! Enjoy!

Epic RV vacations

Get ready to hit the open road and discover some truly unbelievable RV road trips that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Let’s dive in!

1. Great Smoky Mountains: Asheville to Gatlinburg

• Distance: 85 miles
• Recommended time: 2-3 days
• Best time of year: Spring or Fall

If you’re looking for a fun getaway in your RV, then look no further than the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee! One of the best RV vacations in the US, the drive from Asheville North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee is simply gorgeous.

The Smoky Mountains are stunning year-round, though it’s best to avoid this road trip in winter. The National Park Service often closes the road through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.

This route can technically be done in an afternoon, but you’ll want to spend a day or two on either side of the road trip, at minimum!

While in Asheville, be sure to visit the botanical gardens and the River Arts District. And of course, one of the best attractions in town is the Biltmore Estate . Visit the estate to see the massive 175,000+ square feet of space on 8,000 acres. It’s spectacular!

The drive west towards Tennessee is beautiful, and the Smoky Mountains make their presence known with the hazy-looking views. Stay on Highway 19 until you get to Cherokee, North Carolina. It’s a great spot to grab lunch, a souvenir and check out the cornmeal and grits mill – Saunooke’s Mill .

Next, get ready for an incredibly scenic drive through US Highway 441 (AKA Newfound Gap Road) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This scenic road is RV-friendly, although it does have some steep grades so be prepared as you drive through the mountains.

You’ll want to stop at Clingmans Dome for 360-degree views of the Smokies. It requires a 0.5 mile (paved) hike with a steep incline, but is well worth it.

Pro tip: don’t miss the turn to Clingman’s Dome! There’s RV-friendly parking at the parking lot, but turning around on 441 will be difficult in an RV if you miss the turn.

Gap Overlook and Ben Morton Overlook are other stops worth the view, if the parking situation isn’t too full when you’re driving through. Of course, there’s various hiking trails along the scenic route as well.

Gatlinburg is the official end of this RV road trip. It’s quite the touristy town, and parking is not RV-friendly at all. Instead, you can stay at Elkmont Campground inside the national park or Greenbrier Campground just outside of Gatlinburg. As with most national park campgrounds, be sure to book it well in advance to reserve your spot.

If you have a day or two to explore the park, you’ll want to check out the fabulous waterfalls, which are most impressive in the springtime. Laurel Falls Trail , Grotto Falls and Abrams Falls Trail are really popular hikes, although if you have a vehicle you’re towing it’s easier to access Grotto Falls and Abrams Falls as they’re located on narrow roads.

This is one of the best RV vacations that’s great for beginner RVers or those based in the Eastern USA and looking for a quicker weekend adventure.

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes

2. Alaska RV road trip

• Distance: 1,200 miles
• Recommended time: 10 days
• Best time of year : June, July and August

Alaska is a fantastic state for a scenic and remote RV vacation. An RV road trip through the rugged 49th state allows you to see mountains, glaciers, forests, panoramic coastline, wildflowers, and plentiful wildlife.

Although driving your RV to Alaska is possible, another popular option is to fly into Anchorage and rent an RV. Either way, you should book your campsites as early as possible . Summer is the busy season in Alaska and the good campsites are often booked out months in advance.

The best  10-day Alaska road trip itinerary  will take you to see the diverse beauty of the inland mountains as well as the coastline. But, make sure to plan for at least 10 days to complete this 1,200-mile RV road trip. Alaska is a huge state and you will need to do a lot of driving to see the highlights.

Starting in the city of Anchorage, head north to Denali National Park for a few nights. After Denali, return south to Anchorage for a night and then keep going south to Seward. 

After spending several nights in Seward, drive to the Kenai River Region for a night or two, and then to Homer for your last few nights.  You’ll end your trip by returning north back to Anchorage.

Highlights of the route include Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as some epic scenic overlooks and state parks along the way.

Two of the best campsites in Alaska for RV camping are Denali Grizzly Bear Resort near Denali National Park and Miller’s Landing in Seward. 

An RV road trip through Alaska will be an incredible and memorable experience!

Recommended by Diane of Travels with Eli

3. Milwaukee to Ludington (an underrated RV vacation idea in the USA)

• Distance: 148 miles by car ferry or 341 miles driving
• Recommended time: 3-4 days
• Best time of year: Mid-May to October, and this small beach town offers amazing outdoor activities. Hence, you want to visit during sunny spring and summer weather to truly enjoy this natural landscape.

Traveling from Wisconsin to Michigan is a unique road trip with an RV, as you can take the S.S. Badger Car Ferry (even for RVs) and enjoy the ride! 

While onboard, you can shop, watch a movie in the movie theater or simply lounge inside. They also have an outside deck with live music, where you can stroll along the deck, play a board game, or even test your luck at the famous Badger Bingo. Kids will enjoy the toddler play area or the kid’s port play area.

If you do not want to take the ferry, you can also easily drive to Ludington. The drive time varies based on traffic, but it is about 4 hours from Chicago, 4 hours from Detroit, and 5.5 hours from Milwaukee.

There are plenty of  things to do in Ludington , including exploring the natural beauty of the region at Ludington State Park. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts paradise with natural beauty from lakes and rivers, forests, and unique sand dunes.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, camping, and even bird-watching in Ludington State Park. Located on Hamlin Lake, RVers will enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Lastly, don’t forget to climb and explore the unique Hamlin Lake Sand dunes that give you a scenic view of Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

This is one of the best and most unique RV road trips in the US, and one worth adding to your must-do list!

Recommended by Hannah of Getting Stamped

4. Phoenix, Sedona, Grand Canyon and Page Arizona (one of the most scenic RV road trips)

• Distance: 478 miles (one way)
• Recommended time: 5-6 Days

There are so many amazing places to visit within driving distance from Phoenix. On this RV road trip, you will visit 3 of the most iconic destinations in Arizona , Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Page, Arizona.

Start in Phoenix and make your way to Sedona, one of the prettiest places in the world. There are a ton of places in Sedona to see incredible views or go on a  Sedona sunrise hike  to see the gorgeous red rocks illuminated in bright orange and red colors.

One of the best campgrounds to stay at in Sedona is Pine Flat Campground located on the scenic byway 89a. You’ll combine scenic accommodations with tone of the most gorgeous RV vacations in the USA!

After spending 1-2 days exploring Sedona, it’s time to head to the Grand Canyon, which is only 110 miles north. The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, and it’s easy to see why.

Rent some electric bikes and bike along the rim to Hermits Rest and enjoy stopping off and seeing all the incredible views of the canyon.

The best place to stay near the Grand Canyon is at Mather Campground located inside the park. Advanced reservations are required to get a spot at this campground as it’s super popular.

After spending a day exploring the Grand Canyon, head 132 miles north to Page, Arizona. Once in Page, make a reservation to visit the incredible Antelope Canyon which is one of the prettiest slot canyons in the world.

You can also do the 1.5 mile round trip hike to Horseshoe Bend.

The best campground to stay at in Page is The Canyons , which is located only 10 minutes to Antelope Canyon and 10 minutes to Horseshoe Bend.

As one of the best RV vacation ideas, consider taking this road trip in either the spring or fall as the summer in Arizona can get really hot and be super crowded. 

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

5. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

• Distance: 200 miles
• Recommended time: 3+ days
• Best time of year: summer or early fall

Hands down, one of the best RV vacations is a road trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. With so much to do at the starting point, stopping point and in between, you could easily spend a week or more exploring this route. You’ll want a minimum of 3 days to see the highlights!

Starting in San Francisco, this is a great road trip for those based in northern California or southern Oregon. While driving an RV in San Francisco isn’t the most fun thing in the world, I can say it’s pretty spectacular driving across the Golden Gate Bridge in a motorhome (or travel trailer) !

You can spend a day (or more) exploring the sights in San Francisco; visit Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Exploratorium and more. If you’re towing a vehicle, I’d recommend to leave your RV at your campsite and get a ride share around San Francisco.

From there, make your way northeast to Sacramento . Make a quick gas or food stop, or spend a day or more in the fun city. Highlights include the Capitol Building, Old Sacramento Waterfront, the Old Sugar Mill or do a wine tour.

Next, Lake Tahoe is big! So deciding whether to see (and camp) on the north or south side is important, as you’ll take 2 different routes out of Sacramento. Both areas are wonderful for RV travel, and each has unique experiences.

In north Lake Tahoe, see the incredible views of the lake at Sand Harbor State Park, go swimming, mountain biking or hiking. Furthermore, this dog-friendly destination is great for summertime swimming for your furry friends, too.

In South Lake Tahoe, a must-do is a sightseeing cruise of Emerald Bay. Of course there’s more hiking, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities, not to mention Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

For camping in North Tahoe, try the Tahoe State Recreation Area or the Alpine Meadow Campground. In South Tahoe, consider the Campground by the Lake or Fallen Leaf Campground . As with most other RV vacations on this list, be sure to book your campground far in advance to ensure a spot.

While Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination, the winter driving in an RV (not to mention freezing temperatures) can create challenges. Summer is the best time for this road trip!

6. Santa Fe to White Sands National Park (one of the most underrated RV trips on this list)

• Distance: 397 miles
• Recommended time: 1 week
• Best time of year: late spring

Travel through the heart of New Mexico on an unforgettable Santa Fe to White Sands RV road trip. It’s a perfect route for RVs as the roads are largely flat with incredible views . Even in the areas where the roads turn hilly, it’s nothing that the average rig can’t handle!

Start your adventures in historic Santa Fe, the nation’s oldest capital city. Explore the Plaza and the oldest church in America before settling into your RV spot at the welcoming Santa Fe KOA.

Next, head over to Albuquerque, where you can tour the Old Town, hike in nearby Petroglyph National Monument, or experience the awe-inspiring Albuquerque Balloon Festival. 

Head south to the quirky Roswell, New Mexico, to uncover what happened in this town in 1947. Even if you don’t believe in alien encounters, the town’s extraterrestrial theming is out of this world.

Finally, complete the last leg of your New Mexico RV road trip by heading over the Sacramento Mountains into Alamogordo.

Camp at the Alamogordo/White Sands KOA, which offers free coffee in the morning, pedal bike rentals, a pool, a big game room, and a playground. You can also rent saucers for your White Sands National Park sledding from the front desk.

In Alamogordo, you can take a photo with the world’s largest pistachio at McGinn’s Pistachioland –don’t miss out on their homemade pistachio ice cream!

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is also an excellent way to spend several hours in Alamogordo. You can even visit the grave of the Ham, the famed monkey who flew to space and back in 1961.

The real gem in Alamogordo is White Sands National Park, which is about 15 minutes west of Alamogordo. Plan to spend at least  one day in White Sands  in order to get the most of the sledding, Dunes Drive, Junior Ranger program and more.

Recommended by Natalie of Camping Kiddos

7. Las Vegas to Zion plus the Grand Canyon

• Distance: 425 miles
• Recommended time: 5-10 days

Ready to go on one of the most scenic RV road trips in the USA?  Start your adventure by flying (or driving) into Las Vegas and picking up your RV.

After your RV is ready to go, set out from Las Vegas making your way to Springdale, Utah – the gateway to Zion National Park.

Springdale is the closest town to Zion with plenty of restaurants and RV parks. Watchman Campground, with both campsites and RV hookups, is one of the best places to stay in the area.

Along the way to Zion, there are several different stops along I15 for more sightseeing and breaks from the road, including Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon.

Zion is one of the most scenic national parks, home to the red cliffs of Zion Canyon, forested trails, waterfalls, and the Emerald Pools. There are lots of hiking trails, including the famous Angel’s Landing.

Next, hit the road towards Grand Canyon National Park. You can stop at Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, or the town of Page along the way.

After exploring the Grand Canyon, start making your way back to Vegas. Along the way, visit the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, visit the “living ghost town” of Chloride, or make a pitstop at the Hoover Dam before arriving back in Las Vegas.

Once your road trip is over, spend a few days in Las Vegas unwinding at the pool and exploring one of the USA’s most fun cities.

Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach

Best RV trips in the west

The west coast of the USA is full of dramatic landscapes, curvy roads and scenic views that honestly just seem impossible. Some of my favorite RV trips have been along the west coast.

Let’s keep this list going…

8. Sequoia National Park to Monterey via Big Sur (a personal favorite on this RV vacations list!)

• Distance: 300+ miles
• Recommended time: 3-5 days
• Best time of year: Spring, summer or fall

If you’re looking for the best RV vacations, then this incredibly scenic drive is it! You’ll see the giant Sequoia trees, California’s stunning coastline through Big Sur and the charming town of Monterey.

You’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting Sequoia National Park , where you can see the General Sherman Tree – the world’s largest tree by volume! Fun hikes like Congress Trail and Moro Rock will help you fall in love with this fun park.

Note: some roads in the park are quite narrow and depending on the size of your RV, you’ll need – or maybe want – to take the park shuttle .

At Sequoia, there’s the Dorst Creek Campground, perfect for RVs inside the park. Alternatively, the Sequoia Resort and RV Park is near the park entrance.

From Sequoia National Park, you’ll actually head southwest, even though Monterey is slightly north.

Drive through Visalia (a great spot to grab gas) and continue southwest to the s mall town of Cambria, California. Stretch your legs on the boardwalk trail along the beach or shop and dine in the charming downtown.

North of Cambria, you’ll take the incredibly scenic California Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway. While there are too many things to do in Big Sur to mention here, a few RV-friendly highlights include the Sand Dollar Beach, McWay Falls and the Bixby Creek Bridge.

If you’re looking to stay in Big Sur and enjoy a few days exploring the area, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great spot for RV camping in the heart of Big Sur.

Ending your trip in Monterey, you’ll want to check out the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row . It’s such a fun city, I’d recommend spending 1-2 days exploring the sights.

9. Glacier to Yellowstone National Park

• Distance: 420 miles
• Recommended time: 7.5-hour drive
• Best time of year: Summer and Fall

There’s just something about the American West that is freeing and magical. It feels like home when you’re out on the open road without a care in the world. 

This is what you get as you road trip between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. But, thankfully, there’s much more to do in this road trip than just gazing out at the vast landscapes. It’s one of the best RV road trips in the west!

You can start your trip in either direction, but for this one, we’ll begin in Glacier and head south to Yellowstone .

At Glacier, you’ll be home to arguably the best views of any National Park in America. With towering peaks cut by glaciers, turquoise waters with glacier silt, and wildlife galore, it’s a mesmerizing experience. 

Do note that you need reservations to enter most of Glacier’s top spots, such as Many Glacier or Going to the Sun Road, or be willing to wake up before 6 am to beat the crowds. 

I suggest spending at least five days in Glacier to see both sides. Your best places to visit are Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg, Hidden and Two Medicine Lakes. 

If you’re curious how long you should allocate for each destination, I’d recommend spending 67% of your time in Glacier – it’s that good!

As for the specific driving portion of it, there’s little to see between the two famous national parks. I suggest cruising through the heartland and getting to Yellowstone quickly. 

Once in Yellowstone, make sure to hit the classics: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Morning Glory, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You can see a lot of the park in just two days, allowing you to keep this  epic road trip  to a reasonable length. 

Recommended by Alec of Explore with Alec

10. Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park (one of the most interesting RV routes in the US)

Distance: 577 miles (if starting and ending in Los Angeles) Recommended time: 5 Days Best time of year: Fall to Spring

A  Joshua Tree and Death Valley road trip  is the ultimate Southern California experience! Los Angeles makes for an easy starting point, but you can also choose to start in Las Vegas . This whole RV road trip is around 600 miles and you will want to plan a minimum of 5 days.

Spend at least one full day in Joshua Tree, visiting all of the best hikes including the Cholla Cactus Garden, Arch Rock, Barker Dam and Hidden Valley. Joshua Tree is also an amazing spot to stargaze if the weather is clear.

Staying in the park will allow you to make the most of your trip, so reserve your campground in advance!

After having your fill of Joshua Tree, drive up to Death Valley National Park to continue on with one of the best RV vacations.

There are a few reservable campsites in Death Valley, but if you do not get one, there is also a large first-come, first-served campground near Furnace Creek .

In Death Valley, you do not want to miss spots like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, and Gold Canyon.

Make sure to stop at the lowest point in North America- Badwater Basin Salt Flats!

Keep in mind some side roads are restricted to vehicles under 25 feet long like Artist Palette Drive, but the majority of the popular spots are accessible.

Plan this trip when it is not too hot out, as Death Valley has the hottest recorded temperature on Earth! Fall and Spring are the best time to visit.

The desert temperatures can drop at night and it can get very windy, so this makes a perfect RV road trip, as you can shelter from the elements.

Recommended by Val of Voyages with Val

11. Ashland to Crater Lake National Park

• Distance: 92 miles
• Recommended time: 1-2 days
• Best time of year : July – September (These are often the only months the roads are not closed due to snow!)

Oregon is a state full of beautiful scenery, and makes for one of the best RV trips west coast. Perhaps one of the most beautiful spots is Crater Lake.

This natural lake is the deepest in the United States and one of the most pure. From the blue water to the fresh, clean air, an RV vacation from Ashland to Crater Lake National Park will not disappoint.

Visitors can explore the rim of the lake on a variety of hiking trails. Boats even take visitors to Wizard Island to get a unique view of the stunning scenery. 

The RV road trip from Ashland to Crater Lake is beautiful in its own right. Highway 62 often travels along the Rogue River. You’ll pass through little towns with charming names like Shady Cove and Prospect. 

As you get closer to the lake, watch for bald eagles flying overhead or nesting on top of trees. But the highlight of the day will be cresting the final ridge and getting your first glimpse of the lake . It’s truly breathtaking.

There is one campground nearby that allows RVs. Mazuma Campground is seven miles from the Rim Village Visitor Center .

It’s a beautifully maintained campground and very popular. Be sure to make reservations in advance to secure your spot.

The road trip from Ashland to Crater Lake is short enough for a day trip, but one day may not be long enough to get your fill of the astounding beauty.

Recommended by Sherry of  Digital Nomad and a Dog

12. Highway 395, California (another stunning route on the RV vacations list)

• Distance : 201 miles
• Recommended time: 7 days
• Best time of year: Spring or fall

The entire length of Highway 395 is gorgeous, but its southern portion, from Bridgeport, California to Death Valley National Park is next-level epic . It’ll surely be one of your most memorable RV trips on the West Coast (maybe even the whole USA!)

You can even drive along this route as part of a longer trip, such as from Yosemite National Park, whose Tioga Pass entrance is right by Bridgeport (note that this is only accessible from mid-summer through mid-fall).

You’ll drive along the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains the entire time —not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the drive is an RVer’s paradise, with tons of campgrounds and dispersed camping along the way.

Start in the charming town of Bridgeport, where you’ll find the under-the-radar  Buckeye Hot Springs  and Travertine Hot Springs. As an added bonus, there’s lots of dispersed camping spots right by Buckeye in Stanislaus National Forest!

Continue on to Mono Lake , one of the oldest in the United States at over one million years old. The lake is famous for its tufas, unique spires that are a byproduct of calcium carbonate. 

The ski town of Mammoth Lakes is your next stop on one of the best RV road trips in the US. If you visit in the spring, there’s a good chance you’ll still be able to enjoy the fresh powder on Mammoth Mountain , one of the best ski resorts in the country. This area is actually one of the best snowy winter vacations in USA !

During the spring, there’s plenty of natural hot springs to enjoy in Mammoth Lakes as well. 

Next up is Alabama Hills , which looks like something from another planet, with enormous monzogranite boulders scattered across the desert floor and the towering peaks of the Sierras in the background.

Score a spot at the Tuttle Creek Campground to have this scenery as your backyard for a night.

Finally, Death Valley National Park will be the endpoint of your visit. This park is one of the most dynamic in the national park system, offering colorful badlands, sand dunes, salt flats and towering mountains.

If you’re interested in doing more than quickly driving through the park, plan your road trip in either early spring or late fall—it’s famously sweltering in the summer months!

This is easily one of the best RV vacations for those based in or near California.

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

13. Los Angeles to San Diego

• Distance: 120 miles
• Recommended time: 3 days
• Best time of year : Late spring or early fall

A RV road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego is magical. The 110 mile-drive is filled with scenic sights, beaches, and parks.

If driving straight through, expect it to take right around 2 hours, but I highly recommend at least 3 days to ensure you have time to see everything.

The most popular route (and the most scenic of them all) is the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). It is also known as Highway 1. It offers the stunning views of the California coastline.

While driving, make sure to take the exit 62 to Las Pulgas Road because it offers an oceanic panoramic view that can take your breath away.

After continuing down Highway 1 on one of the best RV trips west coast, you will pass by Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach . They are some of the most popular beach towns in California. If you have time, they would be a good place to stop for brunch, swimming, or just to soak up the sun.

It’s no secret that California is home to some busy roads! The best time of the day to start this road trip is before morning rush hour to avoid the congestion. If you do not make stops along the way, you could even make it all the way to San Diego without any traffic issues!

Finally, after arriving in San Diego you can check out the exciting theme parks such as Seaworld, Disneyland, or Legoland. There’s so many things to do in San Diego with kids , it makes for a great family RV vacation for the whole family!

No matter how you choose to spend your time in California , it will surely be one of your most beloved RV vacations!

Recommended by Ossama of Awesome Traveler

RV road trips in the east

Traditionally the western part of the USA is known for its outdoor adventure, and a great spot for RVers. However, the eastern part of the US has some pretty spectacular RV vacation ideas too. Check these out!

14. Florida’s A1A

• Distance: 338.7 miles
• Recommended time: 6-8 days
• Best time of year: Winter

Hop in the RV and fire up the AC for a scenic trip along Florida’s A1A. This State Road runs from Fernandina Beach, just south of Georgia on Amelia Island, to the lively Key West , south of the Sunshine State. It’s one of the very best RV vacation ideas in the USA.

While the drive is pretty, there’s plenty of opportunity to get off the route to see Florida’s coastal cities.

Visit some of the “oldest” streets and buildings in the country at  St. Augustine , spend the day at the beach in Flagler, or watch the fast cars of Daytona.

Continue along the road and be sure to climb the stairs at Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse in New Smyrna, go shopping at West Palm Beach and admire the Art Deco in Miami Beach.

Finally, you’ll get to drive over the famous Seven Miles Bridge to the Florida Keys.

According to Google Maps , doing the route with no stops would take just over nine hours. However, many locations featured in the trip are notorious for traffic, so factor this time in. 

Obviously, you’ll want to make stops at attractions, how many will be dictated by your set vacation time! 

There are plenty of options for RVs to camp along the route, such as the Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort, which has Atlantic Ocean views. Bliss. 

The best time to visit the East Coast of Florida depends on hurricane patterns, with the season running from June until November.

Also, the summer months might be too humid for out-of-staters. While winter is too cold for locals, visitors enjoy the warm temperatures, relatively crowd-free beaches, and the chance to see manatees!  

Recommended by Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA

15. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park (a great RV vacation for fall colors!)

• Distance: Skyline Drive is 105 miles from Waynesboro to Front Royal, Virginia. 
• Recommended time: 3 hours to drive this 35-mph road, but you’ll want to stop and stay in one or two of the campgrounds. 
• Best time of year: October is the perfect time to take in the fall colors and enjoy cooler weather. 

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful RV routes in the United States, then Skyline Drive is a must-do! Spanning 105 miles of gorgeous mountain scenery in Shenandoah National Park, this picturesque roadway is perfect for RV travelers.

It traverses the entire length of the park and offers easy access to all the amenities and activities the park has to offer.

Although you can drive the entire length of Skyline Drive in just a few hours, you won’t want to leave that soon. And with four  campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park , you don’t have to either!

All of the campgrounds have plenty of pull-thru and back-in sites for all sizes of RVs. There aren’t any hookups (water, power, or sewer), but they do have bathrooms, showers, and dump stations. They are seasonal with a range of operation between March and November each year. 

The drive is home to 61 overlooks allowing your ample opportunity to stop and take in the views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Massunutten mountains.

If you want to experience more of the park on foot, be sure to enjoy some of its 500 miles of trails, including some of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll experience on the east coast. 

One caution for RVers is the low clearance Mary’s Rock Tunnel near Thorton Gap at mile 32. The clearance is only 12’8”, but there are four entrances to Skyline Drive so if your RV is higher than that, you can access it via one of the other points. 

This fun drive is by far one of the best RV trips in the US, and one worthy of putting on your bucket list!

Recommended by Julie of Chickery’s Travels 

16. Boston to Portland

• Distance: 110 miles
• Recommended time: 2-5 days
• Best time of year: Summer or Fall

Making a trip from Boston, MA to Portland, ME can be a fun and easy road trip for those who are looking for a short but beautiful RV route.

Normally the drive is just two hours long (110 miles) on I-95, but if you can spare some extra time there are plenty of scenic stops and charming seaside towns to extend your drive. 

Start your journey in Boston, Massachusetts which is a fun city to explore in itself. If you have a day or two, be sure to check out these date ideas in Boston if you’re on this road trip as a duo!

Don’t forget to stop at world-famous Fenway Park (Go Sox!). Check out the Freedom Trail and join a guided walking tour of some of the city’s most iconic historic sites.

Continue your journey in Salem, Massachusetts and explore the history of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. If you’re visiting in October, there are specialized tours like Hocus Pocus and ghost tours that will help you get in spooky mood!

Head north to the charming seaside town of Ogunquit, Maine for a quintessential  New England beach town . This picturesque town is only four miles long and boasts stunning ocean views as well as a quaint town center. Dont forget to grab a lobster roll!

Cape Elizabeth Maine is a perfect stop to see some quintessential New England lighthouses. There are three main lighthouses – Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Bug Light. 

Finally, end your trip in the city of Portland. It is a hub for art and culture, with plenty of food and drink spots to explore. It’s a fun town to explore, and a perfect stopping point for one of the best RV vacations routes in America.

Visit local breweries like Allagash or Moon Dog Craft Brewery, or take a ferry out to Peaks Island to explore the seashore. 

Optional: you could even take the road trip a step farther and go north to Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor. Maine has so many destinations to offer visitors but a Portland RV road trip is a must!

Recommended by Sierra of Your Guide to Wandering

17. Miami to Islamorada (top routes for RV travel USA)

Distance: 90 miles Recommended time: 2 – 3 days Best time of year: Winter and Spring

Traveling to the Florida Keys with your family or friends is an exciting RV road trip. While Key West is the most well-known island to visit, traveling to Islamorada is even better.

Islamorada’s waters are famous for their clarity and rich marine life , earning the title of “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Legends like Zane Grey and Ernest Hemingway used to frequent the area to catch big game fish.

It’s situated about 80 miles southwest of Miami, and the driving distance between the two destinations typically covers around 90 miles, depending on the route. Depending on traffic and route selection, it usually takes between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to reach Islamorada. However, you’ll want to spend time in Miami and Islamorada to enjoy the destination.

The best time of year to visit Islamorada is during the winter and spring months, specifically from December to April. This period is characterized by warm and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. 

The average temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius), providing comfortable conditions for exploring the area.

Additionally, visiting during this time allows you to avoid the peak tourist season, which occurs during the summer months when temperatures are hotter and the area can be more crowded.

You’ll definitely want to stay at least 2 days in Islamorada if not 3. This is a great, relaxing drive allows you to get in touch with marine life and nature, and is by far one of the best RV road trips.

While in Islamorada, be sure to visit Olive Morada , which is a local shop that has delicious olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which you can do a free tasting. Plus, it’s a great shop if you are in need of souvenirs that are not cheesy.

A stay at Tavernier Elks Lodge makes this one of the best RV vacations in the USA. Just be sure to reserve your campsite early as space is limited!

Islamorada is a great RV road trip because it is gorgeous, relaxing, and allows you to reconnect with nature and loved ones.

Recommended by Fuse of Fuse Travels

More RV vacations in the US

Rounding out this list are a few of my personal favorites. From the incredible dramatic landscapes of Utah, the underrated Midwest and the beachy coasts, let’s finish out this guide to the best RV routes in the US!

18. Utah’s Mighty 5 (another favorite on this list of RV road trips)

• Distance: 362 miles
• Recommended time: 6-10 days
• Best time of year: spring or fall

This is it! One of the very best RV vacations in the United States, and it’s sooo good! This Utah national parks road trip covers a lot of ground, and some truly spectacular sights.

Starting in Moab, Utah, you’ll discover two nearby national parks. There are many things to do in Moab and you’ll want to spend at least two days there. A great RV campground between Arches and Canyonlands is Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway.

Spend a day exploring Arches National Park. Hike to the famous Delicate Arch and see The Windows area , where there’s several arches within a few minutes walk from the parking lot.

In Canyonlands National Park, be sure to visit the Grand View Point Overlook, Green River Overlook and Mesa Arch. The canyon is beyond impressive! And with fewer visitors than Arches, you may even get a break from the crowds!

Between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park, enjoy the incredible Utah Scenic Byway 24 in your RV . In Capitol Reef, visit the Fruita Historic District and the orchards, and hike the Hickman Bridge Trail . On your way to the next park, stay in Wonderland RV Park .

A personal favorite along this incredible RV road trip is the Scenic Byway 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. The views are out of this world – and just continue as you see the famous hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Point and Inspriration Point offer amazing views of the park. And if you’re up for a hike, check out the popular Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop to hike down into the canyon through the funky rock formations. So fun!

Your last stop on this RV vacation is Zion National Park. Home to an amazing canyon, this park is often a bucket list check for travelers. The Zion Canyon Campground just outside the park or Watchman Campground inside the park are both great for RVs.

Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail or The Narrows for incredible views of Zion. And regardless of whether you’re traveling to Zion with kids in the RV or not, this will be a highlight of your trip!

Pro tip: When you’re driving through Zion, the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is tricky to navigate. You’ll pay a separate fee to drive an RV through the tunnel, and you’ll want to time it right to arrive during business hours because the NPS will actually block off traffic to allow your RV to drive down the center of the road. It’s quite the experience!

When you’re thinking about RV travel USA, the Mighty 5 in Utah is the perfect adventure!

19. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail

• Distance: 293 miles
• Recommended time: 2+ days
• Best time of year: summer

This is truly a hidden gem in the US, and one of the best RV vacation ideas if you live in the Midwest . It connects Toledo with Conneaut, hitting major towns like Sandusky and Cleveland. It’s RV-friendly and offers a ton of outdoor recreation along the way.

The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail is located along Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes in the northern US. Although you could technically drive this in one day in an RV, it’s much more exciting to stop at the many adventures along the way.

Starting at the west end of the trail in Toledo, check out the botanical gardens, museums, zoo and restaurants. Just near Toledo is a fun Ohio pumpkin farm , Fleitz Pumpkin Farm. In Port Clinton, be sure to enjoy a meal in the adorable downtown. Afterwards, head to the beach at Waterworks Park and the Port Clinton Lighthouse.

One of my favorite stops along this route is the Marblehead Lighthouse. This free attraction is also the most photographed spot on Lake Erie. It just screams summer on the lake vibes!

There’s also so many things to do in Sandusky Ohio , nearby. Get your thrills at Cedar Point, the 2nd oldest amusement park in America. And bonus: it has RV-friendly parking.

Further along the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail is Cleveland, the home of rock and roll. Enjoy the North Coast Harbor, the Great Lakes Science Center and of course, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The next stop in your RV should be Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor. This gem includes a natural, mile-long beach perfect for relaxing. A perfect addition to one of the best RV trips in the Midwest!

Lastly, Conneaut Township Park is a fun spot to see on the far eastern end of the scenic trail. If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss the D-Day reenactment at the park each year.

Other outdoor adventures along the route include hiking, biking and a plethora of water sports. There’s also so much wildlife to be seen, especially in the active summer months. This underrated and scenic RV vacation is one of the best in the Midwest!

20. Denver to Santa Fe (another underrated spot on this list of RV vacation ideas)

• Distance: The easiest and quickest route from Denver, CO to Santa Fe, NM is 392 miles.
• Recommended time: This drive could easily be done in one day or could be drawn out over 3-4 days.
• Best time of year: Fall is one of the best times to take this road trip because of the moderate temperatures and fall foliage that you get to experience along the way.

A road trip from Denver to Santa Fe must be on your bucket list as one of the best RV vacations to embark on throughout the United States. This trip takes about 6 hours in length, making it the perfect road trip to take in one day or to spread out over 3-4 days! 

As you make your way from Denver towards Santa Fe, you will pass through an abundance of beautiful terrain and popular towns. 

About an hour and a half into the drive, you will pass through the marvelous town of Colorado Springs!

For those looking to catch some tremendous views of the surrounding mountains and red rock formations, be sure to stop by the Garden of the Gods . This is the perfect stop for those looking to stretch their legs for a bit and take in the beautiful Colorado landscape. The Siamese Twins Garden of the Gods hike is perfect for a quick adventure!

For those looking to extend their stay in the area, the Garden of the Gods RV Resort is the perfect destination to stop for a night or two along the way. 

After visiting Colorado Springs, we recommend continuing your drive one of the best RV road trips, south through several smaller towns and along I-25 until you arrive at the charming city of Santa Fe so that you can spend as much time exploring this marvelous town as possible. 

We recommend staying for a minimum of 72 hours in Santa Fe so that you can take in the immense history, culture, and cuisine that this delightful city has to offer!

Recommended by Abby of Trekking Price’s

Related read: Denver to Albuquerque Drive: 10 Scenic Stops You Can’t Miss

21. Austin to Corpus Christi

• Distance: 217 miles
• Best time of year: December – May

This fun and unique RV vacation idea for those located in or near Texas! Because of the extreme heat in Texas, this road trip would be best done in the winter or spring. Just make sure your RV is set up for freezing temperatures as that can sometimes in the deep of winter too.

Start this adventure in the lively town of Austin . With a plethora of street art, live music, good food and entertainment, spend a day (or 2) in Austin.

For outdoor adventures, go hiking in McKinney Falls State Park or check out the views from the top of Mount Bonnell. There are plenty of Austin campgrounds for RVs, too.

From Austin, drive southwest to San Antonio. Visit the famous San Antonio River Walk for entertainment and restaurants. For some thrilling entertainment, visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which is open year-round.

Check out The Alamo and the Historic Market Square to round out your time in San Antonio. The KOA in San Antonio puts you in a good position for hopping on and off the main roads while putting you close to the action.

After leaving San Antonio, head south to Corpus Christi. This Texas town has some fun things to do including museums, shopping and restaurants. But the star of the area is the beach-camping in your RV!

Just southeast of Corpus Christi are a few RV parks where you can camp on the beach. Wake up to the sound of the ocean from your RV – so fun! The Port Aransas area is lots of fun, and is home to On the Beach RV Park, which offers a great stay. Book in advance to get a good spot!

For an off-the-grid adventure, you can camp, hike and enjoy water activities at Padre Island National Seashore. There’s no RV hook-ups, but there is water and a dump station in the park.

If you’re looking for the best RV travel USA, this road trip is certainly a fun one, and unique because of beach camping.

22. New Orleans to Panama City (another gorgeous route on this list of best RV vacations)

• Distance: New Orleans to Panama City: 327 miles (via I-10 E), 386 miles (via I-10 E and US-98 E)
• Recommended time : 1-2 days  
• Best time of year: May – October 

An RV road trip is one of the best ways to explore a new part of the country. With the freedom to pull off or take a detour on a whim, road trips always make for memorable adventures. The stretch of road between New Orleans to Panama City offers a great RV vacation experience. 

Travelers should begin their road trip in New Orleans, home of jazz, voodoo history, riverboat adventures, and so much more. Make sure to take a  New Orleans food tour or cemetery tour before continuing on toward Panama City. 

Travelers who want to travel efficiently and stick to the shortest route won’t run into any exceptionally fun cities or attractions, except for Mobile, Alabama. But, those who have a bit more time to work with might enjoy slight detours to Biloxi, Mississippi, and Pensacola, Florida. 

There are some amazing beaches to explore along this route if schedules allow for a detour to the coast. Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach are just some of the picturesque places travelers can visit along their way to Panama City.   

Travelers who avoid the coastal detour will also be able to enjoy the beach upon arrival in Panama City. Panama City Beach is a wonderful place to spend some time in the sun as well as St. Andrews State Park. 

Spring through early Fall is the best time of year to take this road trip. Here’s to wonderful RV adventures! 

Recommended by Candice of Exploring the Gulf

23. Badlands to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (get ready for beautiful landscapes on this RV road trip)

• Distance: 338 miles
• Recommended time: 3 – 4 days
• Best time of year: spring, summer or fall

An all-American road trip, this scenic route has surprisingly dramatic landscapes! This is one of the most underrated RV vacations on this list, but is sure to be a fun one.

Starting in Rapid City or Wall, South Dakota, head to Badlands National Park. You’ll want to spend a full day here to see the highlights. Drive the scenic loop, with 16 overlooks in just 39 miles, it’s RV-friendly. The Notch Trail is a must-do if you love hiking, and Pinnacles Overlook is one of the best with ample parking.

From there, take a slight detour before heading to North Dakota to see Mount Rushmore , one of the most famous South Dakota landmarks .

An American classic, this presidential tribute is a fun attraction for all ages to visit. Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore welcomes over 3 million visitors – almost 3x the amount of the nearby national park!

Rapid City is a great spot to set up camp for the night. Or, there’s plenty of campgrounds near Sturgis, South Dakota as well. And if you’re in the off-season, stop in town and pick up a souvenir on your road trip!

Pro tip: summer is a great time for this RV road trip, but I’d suggest avoiding late July and early August. This region in South Dakota is extremely congested with the annual Sturgis event, making it extremely difficult to find a campground and a dramatic increase in traffic to the area.

From Sturgis, it’s about 3.5 hours north to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. To see the highlights of this park, you’ll want 2 full days. There are 3 distinct areas of the park: South Unit, North Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is partially unpaved, and not very RV-friendly so we’ll skip that in this guide.

The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is by far the most visited area . Drive the Wildlife Loop Road, where visitors can often see bison, elk, bighorn sheep and pronghorn. Hike the 1-mile Painted Canyon Nature Trail or Buck Hill, which is barely more than a walk to an overlook rather than a hike.

The North Unit feels much more deserted versus the southern area of the park, yet offers expansive views. Take the scenic drive in hopes of seeing mule deer, coyote, pronghorn and even beavers! The Little Mo Trail is a crowd favorite, coming in at less than a mile and paved.

If you want to get campground reservations for your RV, plan your trip in advance as they sell out quickly, especially in the summer months.

So the next time you think about RV travel USA, consider the Dakotas a great spot for a vacation!

RV vacations recap

What an epic list of RV vacations to take in the United States! From fan-favorites, to underrate gems, the options are truly endless! Where will your home on wheels take you next?

Here’s a quick recap of the best RV trips from the above list!

Best RV routes

• Great Smoky Mountains: Asheville to Gatlinburg
• Alaska RV road trip
• Milwaukee to Ludington
• Phoenix to Page, Arizona
• San Francisco to Lake Tahoe
• Santa Fe to White Sands National Park
• Las Vegas to Zion plus the Grand Canyon
• Sequoia National Park to Monterey via Big Sur
• Glacier to Yellowstone National Park
• Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park
• Ashland to Crater Lake National Park
• Highway 395, California
• Los Angeles to San Diego
• Florida’s A1A
• Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park
• Boston to Portland
• Miami to Islamorada
• Utah’s Mighty 5
• Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail
• Denver to Santa Fe
• Austin to Corpus Christi
• New Orleans to Panama City
• Badlands to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Related content to read next: 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe 29 Amazing Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You’ll Love 26 Absolute Best (and Underrated) Fall Drives in the US You’ve Gotta See to Believe

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Sunday 9th of July 2023

Yeeees Nikki!

You choose the best trips as you are so good at including gorgeous natural sights and hikes along the way! The Alaska trip looks like a dream! I am also looking forward to your post after your next Canadian Rockies trip. :)

Monday 10th of July 2023

Thanks so much Josy! Your comment was so nice! Yes, I can't wait for new adventures taking the RV into Canada, too!💙

Anna Schaeffer

Saturday 8th of July 2023

I'm hoping to get a five wheeler in the next year or two! Pinning this for later. Great post!

Oh yay Anna! This would be great inspiration for a new RV!!

I don’t own a RV but this article makes me want to rent one and try these trips! Great roundup.

Oh Terri that's a fabulous idea! You could literally go anywhere on this list too - just fly into the nearest airport, rent an RV and hit the road!

What Can My Dog Eat?

Road Trip Ready – 11 Must-Haves When Traveling With Your Dog

Posted: May 9, 2024 | Last updated: May 9, 2024

Planning a road trip with your dog can be as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. You want to make sure you’ve got everything covered to keep your furry friend happy and safe on the road. This article lays out the crucial items you should pack to ensure a smooth journey. From safety gear to comfort essentials, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on making great memories.

Health and Documentation

Bring your dog’s medical records, vaccination proof, and any necessary medications. Ensure your pet’s ID tags and microchip information are up-to-date in case they get lost.

Travel Crate or Seatbelt

Use a secure travel crate or a dog seatbelt for safety during the ride. It keeps them safe and reduces distractions while you drive.

Food, Water, and Bowls

Pack enough dog food for the trip, a few treats, and plenty of water. Collapsible bowls are space-saving and convenient for feeding and hydrating on the go.

Frequent Exercise Breaks

Plan for regular stops to let your dog stretch, exercise, and relieve themselves, which is essential for their comfort and helps prevent anxiety and restlessness.

Comfort Items

Include items like their favorite blanket, toys, and a pillow to give them a sense of familiarity and comfort during the journey.

Grooming Supplies

Pack grooming essentials like brushes, waste bags, and a paw cleaner to keep your dog neat and clean throughout the trip.

First Aid Kit

Have a basic pet first aid kit for emergencies. Include items like bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and a tick removal tool.

Destination Research

Before leaving, check that your destination is pet-friendly. This includes accommodations, restaurants, and any attractions you plan to visit.

Leash and Collar

Pack a sturdy leash and collar, possibly with a reflective strip for safety during night walks. Always have a spare in case one gets lost or damaged.

Emergency Contacts

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including a 24-hour vet clinic near your destination and along your route, in case of unexpected health issues.

Climate Control

Prepare for the weather conditions of your destination. Include cooling mats, a sunshade for the car, or extra blankets depending on the climate.

11 Tips For The Perfect Hike With Your Four-Legged Buddy

Planning a hiking trip with your dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences you share together, but it’s not as simple as just hitting the trails. To make sure both you and your furry friend have a safe and enjoyable time, you’ll need to prepare properly. From checking trail rules to packing the right essentials, here are 11 practical tips to help you both get the most out of your outdoor adventure. Get ready to create some unforgettable memories with your four-legged buddy!

Read it Here: 11 Tips For The Perfect Hike With Your Four-Legged Buddy

Can I Walk My Dog 30 Minutes After Eating?

The age-old advice of waiting before swimming after a meal has been ingrained in our minds, but what about walking our furry friends? Many dog owners wonder if the same caution applies to their pets.

Read it Here: Can I Walk My Dog 30 Minutes After Eating?

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