RV Packing List for Your First Trip Out

I love a good checklist. And here are a few items to gather when getting ready for your very first time out camping in your RV albeit a campground or out in the middle of nowhere boondocking it.

This list includes RV accessories, kitchen supplies, clothing and personal items and more that you should at least bring on that first RV trip out.

So, first, the RV essentials:

• Surge protector
• Electrical adapters
• Toilet chemicals
• Sewer kit
• RV-friendly toilet paper
• Water pressure regulator
• Drinking water hose
• Leveling blocks
• Tire pressure gauge
• Extension chords
• Wheel chocks
• Shovel
• Electrical and duct tape
• Extra motor oil and transmission fluid (if applicable)
• Extra gas and oil for generator (if applicable)
• Flashlight
• Battery jumper cables
• Emergency road kit
• Fire extinguisher

 
Kitchen and cooking supplies:

• Water bottles
• Cutting board
• Utensils/cutting knives
• Can opener
• Tongs and skewers
• Dish soap
• Camping griddle and pie iron
• Bowls, plates and cups
• Paper towels
• Garbage bags
• Plastic wrap
• Zip close bags 
• Potholders
• Dish towels
• Napkins
• Can opener
• Skillets
• Disinfecting wipes
• Matches and lighter
• Food storage container
• Cooler 

Now it’s time to stock your kitchen…
Food staples:

• Batter mixes
• Vegetables and fruits
• Butter or margarine
• Cereal
• Condiments, including mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.
• Grill meats, like hot dogs, burgers, brats, etc.
• Drink mix packets
• Eggs
• S’more ingredients
• Freeze dried meals (more for emergencies while boondocking)
• Salt, pepper, herbs and spices
• Bread
• Baking items, including flour, cornmeal, sugar, etc.
• Canned foods
• Peanut butter and jelly 
• Snacks, including crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.
• Cooking spray or oil
• Soups

 
Clothing, bedroom and miscellaneous items:

• Hats
• Rain gear
• Shoes, including sneakers, hiking boots, sandals, etc.
• Bathing suits (if you’re not ice fishing)
• Sweatshirts and jackets
• Socks
• Underwear
• Pants and shorts (again, if you’re not ice fishing)
• Short and long sleeve t-shirts
• Clothes hangers
• Alarm clock
• Sewing kit (just in case)
• Towels
• Sheets and blankets
• Pillows

Personal items and toiletries:

• Phone chargers
• Cash and credit cards
• Reservation confirmations (if you're staying in a campground)
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Batteries
• Watch
• Medications and prescriptions
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Sunglasses
• Travel map and campground directory
• Soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Brush and comb
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Hair ties
• Lotion
• Razor/Shaving gel (if you’re planning on staying for longer than a week)
• Nail clippers

I know this list may seem daunting. But it is a good start. And as you become more experienced in your RVing adventures, this list will fluctuate with what you personally deem essential for the length and location of your trip.

Now, go enjoy your vacation!