RV Camping Checklists for Your First Year RVing

The Ultimate RV Camping Checklist for Your First Year RVing

There's probably a dozen things you want to buy for your camper, a dozen things you need, and at least a dozen more you never thought about. And then there's actually packing for your first outing—what do you bring? What do you leave behind?

We've tried to make it as easy as possible by consolidating everything you may need on your camping trip in one place. Of course, by no means do you need everything on this list—for instance, a cell signal booster will be crucial for some and unnecessary for others. You may decided to forgo certain items at first and then decide you need them later on, or you may feel after your first trip that you packed too heavy. There may be must-have items for you we didn't include (maybe you really need your foot bubble spa machine—I don't judge).

Note: We've put an asterisk by the items we think you'll want to purchase right away if you don't already have them for your very first trip out. But feel free to pick and choose and create your own list!

Checklist For Your First RV Trip:

These are the must-have items every RVer should have for their first trip to make it as fun, safe, and convenient as possible.

For a printable version of this checklist, click here:

Checklist for Your First RV Trip

Towing & Parking Checklist

Towing mirrors | Helps you see around the bulk of your trailer for safer towing
Trailer wheel chocks or motorhome wheel chocks | Prevents your wheels from rolling
Camper leveler | Helps properly level your camper, which you'll need to do each time you park it
Leveling blocks or wooden blocks | Necessary to properly level the camper
SnapPads or wooden planks for jack | Prevents jack legs from sinking into the ground
Coupler lock | Helps prevent towaway theft

RV Sewer & Plumbing Checklist

Sewer hose | Required for dumping waste tanks
Fresh/potable water hose | Necessary if you'll be filling your fresh water tank (not required if only using campsite water hookup)
Water pressure regulator | Campground water pressure varies; use a regulator to avoid damage to your plumbing system
Water filter | If drinking or cooking with anything but bottled water, invest in a water filter to remove bacteria, bad odor, chlorine, etc.
RV toilet paper | Built to degrade and prevent clogs in RV plumbing system
Septic tank treatment | Helps manage your sewer system to break down solids and prevent odors
Sink strainer | RV pipes are narrower than the pipes in your house; ideally, you should allow only water down the kitchen sink. A sink strainer is a simple, affordable way to prevent food from accidentally slipping down your drain.

RV Power Checklist

Fuel | For generator, propane tanks, etc.
Power adapter | Lets you plug your 30-amp or 50-amp RV power cord into any campground power pedestal
Surge protector (30 or 50 amp) | Protects your camper from electrical surges from campground power pedestals
Generator | Highly recommended if camping without electrical hookups

Checklist to Pick Up During Your First Year RVing:

These aren't necessarily items you'll need right away, but within the first year or so of frequent camping, you'll want to start considering upgrading some of the stock options that came on your RV, planning for winter storage, and generally making your camping experience more comfortable and convenient.

For a printable version of this checklist, click here:

Checlkist for Your First Year RVing

Watch now: My buddy and long-time 5th-wheel owner Jake discusses his favorite camper upgrades.

Watch now: You can see another of our expert-enthusiasts, Adam, go over his favorite upgrades for even more ideas!

Sewer Upgrades

Thicker sewer hose | Most stock RV sewer hoses are quite thin and prone to getting pinholes. Consider upgrading to a thicker hose (23-24 Mil thick) for better protection.
Holding Tank Rinser | Flush out waste tanks to prevent buildup after dumping.
Sewer hose extension | Helpful if the dump station is a stretch from your RV.

Safety & Security Upgrades

Propane tank lock | Protect that propane tank.
Propane leak detector | Notifies you of any dangerous propane leaks in your RV.
Trailer coupler lock | Protect your investment with a sturdy lock for your travel trailer coupler.

Power Upgrades

RV battery charger/management system | If you plan on boondocking (camping without hookups), you'll want one of these to monitor and charge your battery bank.
Power cord extension | Helpful to reach faraway power pedestals at campsites.
Solar panels | Solar panels aren't right for everyone, but if you plan on camping off the grid, they might be right for you. If you're curious about solar, we recommend starting here.

Tire Upgrades

New tires | Stock RV tires are notorious for being...well, not great. Consider a hearty trailer tire from a well-trusted brand like Goodyear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System | Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) help keep an eye on your tires and warn you about irregular pressure or temperatures. This helps prevent tire blowouts, so you don't end up stranded.

Kitchen Upgrades

Outdoor grill | For BBQ and good times.
Refrigerator bars | Help keep your the contents of your fridge where they are when your RV is in motion.
Camping Lights | To liven up your outdoor kitchen area.

Winter Storage

Storage cover | You'll want to pick one of these up before you store your RV for the winter. Check out our article here for help picking the perfect cover.
Antifreeze or blowout plug with compressor | You'll need to winterize your RV to prevent the pipes from bursting from the cold. Check out our how-to guide on the process here.
Small solar battery charger | For maintaining your rig's battery while it's in storage.

Convenience Upgrades

Magnetic door holders | For holding your compartment doors open while you load and unload.
Night lights | Sometimes you just need a little light to illuminate the way to the bathroom at 4 am.

Checklist for Daily RV Living:

Bring these essentials from home or snag extras for your rig.

For a printable version of this checklist, click here:

Checklist for Daily RV Living

Bathroom

Toothbrush/paste
Shower curtain
Bath towels & wash cloths
Shampoo
Soap
Razor
Deodorant
First aid kit

Kitchen

Paper plates, cups, and utensils
Compact, non-breakable dishes
Cookware
Drinkware
Silverware
Pots & pans
Food & snacks
Bottled water to drink
Coffee, beer, juice, etc.
Cooking oil
Condiments & spices
Sponge
Cutting board
Can opener
Paper towels
Dish towels
Dish soap
Aluminum foil
Trash bags
Coffee percolator

Recommended RV starter set: Camping Kitchen Set by GSI Outdoors

Bedroom

Blankets & sheets
Pillows
Sleeping bags

Personal

Phone/charger
Camera/charger
Portable device power bank
ID
Cash or credit card
Headphones/ear buds
Shirts, pants, shorts
Jacket or hoodie
Underwear
Shoes/hiking boots
Pajamas
Socks
Swimwear
Rain jacket
Hats
Gloves
Sunglasses
Hand sanitizer
Medication or other personal health itemsMedication or other personal health items
Feminine products
Off-line content (movies, books, podcasts) for entertainment in case you lose cell service
Dry bag/trash bag for wet/dirty clothes
Flip flops (if you plan on using the public showers)
Makeup/skincare products
Crucial info saved on phone/offline (map, directions, checklists, etc)

Cleaning

Clorox wipes
Rubber gloves (for dumping)
12V vacuum
Mop and/or broom
Outdoor rugs | Prevent dirt being tracked into your camper.
Laundry detergent
Clothes racks/lines for drying

Toolkit

Screwdrivers
Wrench
Allen wrench
Duct tape
Hammer
Scissors
Zip ties
Extra batteries

Fun/Adventure

Portable fire pit (propane, charcoal, or pellet burning work best)
Bikes
Bike rack
Bike locks
Hiking backpacks
Wireless speakers
Rechargeable flashlight or lantern
Insect control
Outdoor Chairs
Sunscreen
Matches/lighter
Hatchet for chopping firewood

Work

Internet antenna or cell phone booster
Laptop or tablet
Extra computer monitors
Noise-canceling headphones

Kids

Tablets, video games, or entertainment devices & their chargers
Night light
Protective mattress cover
Bunk safety net
Camping games
DVDs/DVD player (especially if streaming services won't be available)
Diapers, pull-ups, etc.

Pets

Pet food
Collapsible, spill-proof food and water bowls
Waste bags
Pet bed
Pet toys
Vehicle pet barriers
Leash or harness
Pet medication
Flea and tick preventative

Camping Tips for First-Time RVers

Cleaning Your RV Black Water Tank in 4 Easy Steps

4 Reasons Not to Use RV Solar Power (And 4 Reasons You Should)

Shop Towing Mirrors

Shop RV Waste Hoses

Shop RV Propane Tank Locks

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 12/15/20

Sam C.

1/15/2021

did i miss matches or a lighter and a hatchet

Jon G.

1/18/2021

Those were not on the list (at this time), but I'm guessing those are some things you've found to be helpful during your RV camping experience - thank you for sharing!