When on a camping trip, it is important to be prepared to ensure you have a fun and safe adventure. Leaving something behind can cause unwanted stress or negatively impact your trip. So whether you are headed out for a weekend getaway or venturing out for a longer trip, having a comprehensive checklist will help you prepare.
To help with this, here is an RV Packing Checklist including checklists for departure, basic maintenance tools, general camping equipment, kitchen, basic first aid kit, clothes, personal items and relaxation must-haves.
Departure Checklist
- Awning secured
- Check if inside weight is distributed evenly
- Check lights/turn signals, brakes, tires, roof rack and engine oil
- Hitch secured
- Secure all loose items
Basic Maintenance Tools Checklist
- Batteries
- Duct tape
- Extra washers
- Extension cord
- Flashlights
- Fire extinguisher
- Gloves
- Jumper cables
- Leveling blocks
- Light bulbs
- Propane
- Road Flares
- Ropes
- Shovel
- Trash and recycling cans and bags
- Water hose
- Tire pressure gauge
General Camping Equipment Checklist
- Alarm clock
- Backpack
- Basic Tools (hammer, screw driver set etc.)
- Bedding pillows
- Binoculars
- Blankets
- Compass
- Emergency whistle for each person
- Extra batteries
- Flashlights
- Firewood and firewood cutting tools
- GPS
- Maps
- Sleeping bags
- Weather radio
Kitchen Checklist
- Aluminum foil
- Bottle opener
- Bowls
- Can opener
- Cleaning supplies
- Condiments (salt and pepper)
- Cooking oil
- Cups
- Forks
- Knives
- Matches
- Mugs
- Plates
- Pot and pan
- Sponges, rags and towels
- Spoons
- Tupperware
- Utensils
- Zip lock bags
Basic First Aid Kit Checklist
- Antacids
- Antibiotic cream
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages
- Band-Aids
- Burn ointment
- Cotton swabs
- Eye drops
- Flashlight, extra batteries
- Heat/cold packs
- Nail clippers
- Personal medications
- Sinus medications
- Scissors
- Sunburn lotion
- Thermometer
- Tissues
- Tweezers
Clothes and Personal Items Checklist
- Brush
- Caps, hats, gloves
- Comb
- Contact lenses, contact solution, prescription glasses
- Deodorant
- Hair dryer
- Hiking boots, thick socks
- Laundry bag
- Mirror
- Rain gear, rain coat
- Shaving kit
- Shoes, socks
- Sleepwear
- Slippers
- Sunscreen lotion
- Swimsuits
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Toiletry kit
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Towels
- Undergarments
- Warm and cold weather clothes
Relaxation Checklist
- Badminton
- Baseball, gloves, bat,
- Basketball
- Bicycles
- Board games
- Books
- Boogie boards
- Cards and games
- Cross-word puzzles
- Dice
- Dominoes
- Fins
- Float toys
- Fire Wood
- Fishing gear, bait
- Frisbee
- Kites
- Goggles
- Golf clubs
- Lanterns
- Lawn games
- Life jackets
- Lounge chairs
- Pens and paper
- Remote control toys
As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry”. Next time you are packing for an RV trip, make sure you go through this checklist. It will ensure you are fully prepared for whatever the road brings. Follow the list, print out a copy for reference, bring it with you and say hello to an awesome RV trip!