RV Camping Packing List
Your Easy Guide to Stress-Free Packing
Packing for an RV trip can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. After helping thousands of travelers hit the road in fully equipped rentals, we’ve learned exactly what should go on your RV packing list. This guide breaks it all down by category, from daily essentials to campsite extras, so whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ll have a reliable RV camping list to follow — no overpacking, no guesswork.
How to Use This RV Packing List
We’ve broken it down into categories so you can easily check off what you need. Whether it’s your first time renting or you’re a seasoned RV traveler, this guide is built to make your journey smoother, safer, and more fun.
Essential Items for Every RV Road Trip
Hitting the road starts with smart prep. These are your non-negotiables — the basics you’ll need for a smooth drive, safe travel, and easy navigation to your next camping spot.
What to Pack:
- Driver’s license (valid for the U.S., international if needed)
- Rental confirmation and insurance paperwork
- Credit card and a small amount of cash
- National or state park entry passes
- Emergency contacts (printed or saved offline)
- Smartphone with GPS and offline maps
- Paper map or road atlas (for signal-free zones)
- SIM card or Wi-Fi hotspot (if you’re heading off-grid)
- Phone charger and power bank
- Flashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries)
- Multi-tool or pocket knife
- First aid add-ons (bandages, allergy meds, pain relief, personal prescriptions)
- Jumper cables (check if already included in vehicle)
- Reusable water bottle and travel mug
- Sunglasses and snacks (keep a pouch up front)
What’s Included with Your roadsurfer Rental:
- Fully fueled vehicle
- Safety vest
- Warning triangle
- 24/7 roadside assistance
Pro Tip:
Pack a small grab bag to keep near the driver’s seat — think water bottle, sunglasses, snacks, and your phone charger. You’ll thank yourself later at toll booths, gas stations, or when GPS takes an unexpected detour.
Kitchen Essentials for RV Travel
What to Pack:
- Salt, pepper, and favorite spices
- Coffee or tea (plus filters or pods)
- Shelf-stable snacks (nuts, granola bars, crackers)
- Canned goods (beans, soups, tomatoes)
- Pantry staples (pasta, rice, tortillas, oatmeal)
- Condiments (packets or travel-size)
- Fresh produce (carrots, apples, bell peppers, etc.)
- Eggs, cheese, milk or plant-based alternatives
- Reusable food containers or zip-top bags
- Trash bags & food-safe wraps (foil, beeswax, etc.)
- Eco-friendly dish soap (not included with rental)
- Dish sponge or scrubber (not included with rental)
- Kitchen towel or microfiber cloth for drying dishes
- Reusable shopping bags
- Optional: collapsible sink bin or small drying mat
Pro Tip:
Pack your food and kitchen supplies into stackable bins or crates. It keeps everything organized while driving and makes setting up your outdoor kitchen at a camping spot faster and easier.
RV Setup & Camping Gear
Once you park at your camping spot, a few smart extras can turn your setup into a comfortable, functional home base. These items help you relax outdoors, stay organized, and adapt to different weather or terrain.
What to Pack:
- Camping chairs
- Outdoor mat or ground tarp (helps keep dirt out)
- Bungee cords or rope (for securing gear or creating shade)
- String lights or battery lanterns
- Bug spray or citronella candles
- Clothesline or drying rack
- Extra collapsible water jug (for longer trips)
- Trash bags
- Portable grill or fire pit (check campground rules)
- Folding table (if you want extra prep space)
- Hammock (if you’ve got trees and space)
What’s Included with Your roadsurfer Rental:
- Camping table and 2 chairs
- Leveling wedges
- Collapsible water canister
- Small broom
- Mains hook-up cable (with European adapter if needed)
Pro Tip:
Keep your outdoor gear in one easily accessible bin near the van door. That way, when you pull into camp, you can set up in minutes and relax before anyone else’s tent is even unzipped.
Clothing & Laundry Supplies
Packing smart doesn’t mean packing more — it means choosing clothes that layer well and can handle changing weather. Think comfort, function, and mix-and-match flexibility for life on the road.
What to Pack:
- Underwear and socks for each day (plus a couple extras)
- Comfortable t-shirts or tops
- Long-sleeve shirts or light sweaters
- 1–2 pairs of pants or leggings
- Shorts or lounge clothes
- Sleepwear
- Sweater, hoodie, or packable jacket (even in summer)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Swimsuit
- Hat or beanie (depending on season)
- Gloves (for chilly destinations)
- Sturdy walking or hiking shoes
- Casual shoes or sandals
- Flip-flops or shower sandals
- Dirty laundry bag
- Travel-size detergent or laundry strips
- Clothesline and clothespins
What’s Included with Your roadsurfer Rental:
- Storage compartments for clothing
Pro Tip:
Group outfits by activity — hiking, lounging, sleeping — and pack them in soft-sided bags. You’ll save space, stay organized, and avoid digging through your entire bag every morning.
Sleeping & Comfort Items
Your camper comes with built-in beds and blackout blinds — everything else depends on what helps you sleep well. Whether you bring a sleeping bag or full bedding setup is up to your comfort level and the season.
What to Pack:
- Sleeping bag or blanket and fitted sheet
- Pillow and pillowcase
- Extra blanket (for cold nights)
- Sleep mask and earplugs
- Small battery-powered fan (for warm nights without power hookup)
- Compression sack or stuff sack (for storing bedding during the day)
What’s Included with Your roadsurfer Rental:
- Built-in mattress or sleeping platform
- Blackout curtains or blinds
- Auxiliary heating system
- Mosquito nets (in some models)
- Optional: bed linen set (available for an extra fee if pre-booked)
Pro Tip:
If you’re using a pop-up roof bed, check if the roof can close with your bedding inside. Many can — it saves you time and space when packing up.
Bathroom & Hygiene Supplies
Whether your camper has a built-in bathroom or not, you’ll want to stay clean and comfortable on the road. Roadsurfer provides some basics, but most personal care items need to be packed.
What to Pack:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and body wash
- Hairbrush or comb
- Razor and shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Menstrual products
- Microfiber towel or quick-dry towel
- Washcloth or loofah
- Shower sandals or flip-flops
- Hand soap or sanitizer
- Toilet paper (RV-safe if using a toilet)
- Septic tank treatment (tablets or liquid, for toilet models)
- Toiletry bag or shower caddy
- Disinfecting wipes or multi-surface cleaner
- Small mirror (if not built into the van)
- First aid items (bandages, painkillers, personal medications)
What’s Included with Your roadsurfer Rental:
- Built-in bathroom (toilet, shower, sink) in select models
- Outdoor shower in some compact models
- Portable toilet (available as an add-on)
- Toilet chemicals starter supply included with both built-in and rented portable toilets
- Fresh and wastewater tanks
Pro Tip:
Plan your hygiene stops based on your model — if your camper doesn’t have a full bathroom, look for campgrounds with showers or public facilities along your route.
Entertainment & Extras
Life on the road isn’t just about the drive — it’s also about the quiet evenings, scenic pauses, and rainy-day downtime. These extras bring the fun without overloading your RV.
What to Pack:
- Books, e-reader, or travel journal
- Offline playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks
- Portable Bluetooth speaker
- Card games or compact board games
- Tablet or laptop with downloaded shows or movies
- Charging cables and power bank
- Multi-port USB charger or car adapter
- Camera or action cam
- Binoculars (for wildlife or stargazing)
- Hammock (if trees or stands are available)
- Frisbee, ball, or other simple outdoor games
- Fishing gear or snorkeling gear (if applicable)
What’s Included with Your roadsurfer Rental:
- Radio or multimedia system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto
- USB or 12V charging ports (varies by model)
Pro Tip:
Assume you’ll go offline — download everything in advance, from maps to movies. No Wi-Fi? No problem. The best moments often happen when you’re not connected anyway.
Packing List for Different Adventures
Insider Tips for your Road Trip
Ready to Camp Near LA Your Way?
Your RV, Your Route, Your Getaway
Trade city traffic for starry skies. With a fully equipped RV rental from roadsurfer, you’re free to explore beachside escapes, mountain air, and everything in between. Just pick your route—we’ll handle the rest.
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