RV Camping Checklist

The best RV camping checklist is custom made for your family and your trailer.

On this page, you'll find the list we use, tailored exactly to our trailer.

Modify our list to suit your RV and your family's needs.

With a complete list, it's easy to pack your RV at the beginning of the season.

Then every subsequent trip will be a breeze!

This page gives instructions for making your own personalized checklist.

Why use a list?

Without a list, packing can be stressful.

Getting to the campground and discovering that you've forgotten an essential item is definitely stressful!

With a good list, packing is relaxing and your trip will be a success.

---

CLAM Pop Up Screen Tent

Keep the bugs out with this pop up tent! Quick to set up and water resistant.

Read more at Amazon here and find the best price!!

“As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.”

---

How to use an RV camping checklist

Use this list as a starting point

You may not need all the items on this list. Remove the ones that don't apply.

You'll definitely think of things you want that are not on the list. Add them.

Unless you have a trailer that is identical to ours, you'll need to change the headings to fit your RV's cupboards.

Be specific

List exactly what to put in the RV. Which cups? How many flashlights? How many camping chairs?

Organize your list by compartment

Give every cupboard, drawer and closet its own section on the list. That makes it easy to scan each section and see what is missing.

We have more gear than we have cupboards, so we also take along some plastic Rubbermaid tubs full of supplies. If you do, too, be sure to include them on your list.

Use your RV camping checklist at the beginning of the season

Follow the list as you pack the RV for your first trip. This will be a big job - but it makes the rest of the season so easy!

Use your list before each trip

Before each subsequent trip, take the list out to the RV.

Do a quick scan of each drawer, cupboard and closet.  Many will already be completely packed.

Make a note of what is missing, and repack as needed.

Add to the list

On every trip, you'll discover something else that you wish you'd brought from home - but by the time you get home, you may have forgotten what it was!

We hang an erasable note board in the trailer, on the inside of a closet door. Every time we think of something else to add to our RV camping checklist, we jot it on the note board.

At the end of the trip, we take the note board inside and add those items to the master RV camping checklist on our computer.

My RV Camping Checklist

Clothing cupboards

• socks
• underwear
• T-shirts
• long sleeved shirts
• shorts
• pants
• pajamas
• bathing suits

Coat closet

• sweatshirts
• jackets
• fleeces
• rainwear
• warm coats
• mittens
• warm hats
• slippers
• sun hats
• laminated note board

Linen closet

• bath towels
• beach towels
• hand towels
• washcloths
• dishtowels, dishcloths
• cleaning cloths
• table cloth
• laundry bag
• beach blanket
• oven mitts

This item is on our camping wish list! I'd love to replace my oven mitts with one or two of these!

You can find them on Amazon here!

Food cupboard

• honey
• maple syrup
• sugar
• salt, pepper
• spices
• hot chocolate, tea
• oil
• pancake mix
• oatmeal
• cereal

• marshmallows
• graham crackers
• chocolate bars
• oysters
• canned fish
• canned soup
• crackers
• peanut butter
• jam
• pasta, pasta sauce

These are the staples that I take on every trip. Once I have made a meal plan, I add other ingredients.

For lots of great camping food ideas, click here.

Here's a quick and easy way to pack some of the most widely used spices.

The above comes with a choice of 4 or 6 spices.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER!

Fridge and freezer

• hot dogs
  
• mustard
• relish
• ketchup

• ice
• cold packs
• ice cube tray


Dishes cupboard

• plates and bowls
• cups
• mugs
• mixing bowl
  
• containers for leftovers, with lids
• butter container
• teapot and tea cozy
  

• measuring cups
• paper towels
• Thermos
• stainless steel water bottles
• bike bottles
• cream jug
• hot pad
  

This sturdy bowl is great for meals and collapses for easy storage.

CLICK HERE for the best prices!

Pots cupboard

• skillet
• pots and lids
  
• colander

• baking dish
• cookie sheet
• mixing bowl

What a great idea: a colander that collapses flat. In an RV, you need to make good use of every square inch of storage space!

For more information CLICK HERE!

Cutlery drawer

• knives, forks, spoons
• serving spoons
• wooden spoons
• measuring spoons
• metal flipper
• grater
• can opener
• garlic press
• potato masher
• tablecloth clips

• pot lifter
• spatula
• tongs
• fish knife
• bread knife
• paring knives
• steak knives
  
• large knives
  
• twist ties

This sturdy potato masher works very well - and it folds flat for storage!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER!

Tool drawer

• matches, lighters
• flashlights 
  
• headlamps
  
• pens and pencils
• pencil sharpener
• scissors
• tape
• pliers
• screwdriver

• camera and batteries
• charger for camera
  
• trailer level
• volt meter
• emergency whistle
• lighter fluid
• Ziploc bags
• sewing kit
• camping knife
  

This handy sewing kit includes scissors, measuring tape, needles, pins, buttons, thread and more:  everything you need for quick fixes!

Find the BEST PRICE HERE!

Under the sink

• hand basins
• garbage bags
• dustpan and brush
• newspaper (for fire starter)
• aluminum foil
• large cutting board
  

• hand soap dispenser
• dish soap
  
• scrubbies
• fly swatter
• coffee pot
• dishpan

Stove Topper to Increase Counter Space

This bamboo stove-top cutting board gives you extra counter space! 

Increase your kitchen's workspace while protecting your stove from crumbs and spills. Perfect for your RV travels! It also comes in different sizes.

Further details and the best price on Amazon can be FOUND HERE.

Cupboard behind table bench

• pad of paper
• maps

• instruction manuals
• battery discharge chart

Storage compartment under the rear bed

• small cooler
• daypack

• toaster


In the top bunk

• sleeping bags
• sheets

• pillows
• blankets

Games cupboard

• games
• toys

• art and craft supplies
• books
  

These are some of our favorite board games to play while camping.

Something for a rainy day!

Here's just the thing for a rainy day: a handy case stuffed with crayons, washable markers, colored pencils and paper!

Check out the great price of this ART SET HERE on Amazon!

Shoes cabinet

• beach shoes
• running shoes

• sandals
• rubber boots

Bathroom cabinet

• toilet paper
• soap
• cleaning supplies
• laundry soap
• insect repellent
• lip balm

• sunscreen, aloe gel
• individual bathroom kits
• first aid kit
• Kleenex
• shampoo
• hand cream


Here's a great camping first aid kit. It has the things you'll need to deal with most minor emergencies. We feel this is essential for any camping adventure!

For further details on the contents and best price CLICK HERE.

Recreational gear compartment

• hammock
  
• hammock chair 
• hanging straps
  
• awning pull down hook
• bicycle tire pump
• bike tools
• bike lock
• balls and outdoor toys

• baseball gear
• soccer gear
• box of chalk
• bike helmets, bike gloves
• large tent pegs
• swim noodles, swim toys
• pump for inflatable toys
• pails, shovels, toy trucks

Tools compartment

• Coleman stove
• fuel and funnel
• hamburger cooker
• marshmallow sticks
• axe, hatchet
• drinking water hoses
• pressure reducer
• water spout to fill tank

• equalizer hitch handle
• grease for hitch
• trailer leveler handle
• rope
• outdoor carpet
• wasp traps
• duct tape
• 12 gauge extension cord

Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

These Marshmallow Roasting Sticks are great! 

KIDS-SAFE LENGTH: The longest length of this roasting stick is 45” which helps keep you and your kids at a safe distance from the fire.

They get great reviews on Amazon - READ MORE AND ORDER HERE.

RV accessories compartment

• wheel chocks
• wood blocks
• toilet additive
  

• drain hoses
• drain hose connectors
• rubber gloves

  

"Camping Supplies" tub

• candle lanterns
• extra candles
• bear spray
• safety glasses
  

• tarp clips
• awning lantern hooks
• clothesline
• clothespins

"Repair and Maintenance" tub

• bike tire repair can
  
• hitch supplies
• spare parts
  

• glue
• old toothbrush
  

In the back of the vehicle

• folding camping chairs
• inflatable boat
• paddles
• bikes
• screen tent
  

• water jug
• barbeque
• small propane tank
• rolling sewage tank
• portable fridge
  

Portable Waste Transporter

Staying for a while in a site with no hookups? This handy portable tank will let you empty your grey or black water tanks without having to move your RV.

The Waste Transporter above is the BEST SELLER on Amazon for 2025.

READ MORE and ORDER at Amazon here!

In the vehicle

• water bottles
• travel food
• music
• travel toys
  

• directions to campground
• camping reservations info
• sunglasses
  

Don't forget

• to wear a watch
• to put the towing mirrors on the vehicle
• to give a key to the neighbors
• the trailer keys
• the meal plan
• a roll of quarters (for laundromat, arcade, parking meters)
  
• this list
  
  

Adapting this RV camping checklist to suit your needs will take a bit of time - but it is a wonderful investment in your future camping trips.

Now that you have a good RV camping checklist, have a look at some more camping list types.

Before you start packing, be sure to visit the The Camping Family home page. You'll find all sorts of helpful ideas to make your trip a success!

Most Popular

Camping Lists

Food Ideas

Screen Tents

Tin Foil Dinners

Planning your Trip

---

Product of the Month

Lost Horizon Camping Mattress

Self-inflating & all-season comfort!

CLICK HERE for more information and best price

---

Like and Follow Us HERE

Follow us on Facebook!