RV Camping Checklist (Camping Ideas & Tips)

RV Camping Checklist – Camping requires so many things to pack and remember that it can be quite overwhelming to prepare. This is why RV camping checklist is necessary to have, in order to help campers keeping track. The list will differ for everyone, but there are essential parts that campers shouldn’t forget. How and what to arrange will be explained here.

RV Camping Guide

1. Renting RV

Buying an RV is a big commitment, instead rent an RV when you are still a beginner. There are many RV rentals available, but choosing a suitable RV may be challenging for a first timer. Before you book it, make sure you already know the number of people who will go. After that, you will be able to determine what kind of RV that suits your group. Since there are many kinds of RV, a mini research is important as you will also consider your budget. You will also need to consider the size of RV and whether things you want to bring will fit there.

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Booking an RV is now easily done online. Websites like RVshare and Outdoorsy offer peer-to-peer rentals, meaning that the price ranges widely depending on the owner. Other options also include rental companies and dealerships. Through the website, you can filter specifically what RV you need.

Usually, RV rental uses per night charging. Renter usually has to give deposit and it will be returned when you are back. Some rentals will charge you more when you are over the allotted mileage. Before you finalize your booking, make sure that the facilities already suit all of your needs.

2. Learning RV Skills

Driving RV is similar to driving a regular car, especially if you’re going to drive class C RVs. Besides that, the rentals will prepare you with orientation to help you familiarize. They will also give you a test drive so you can practice driving your RV until you’re comfortable. Remember that RV is bigger than a car though, so you need to be careful when parking.

Make sure you ask all kinds of questions before you hit the road. Things like hookups can be confusing, so don’t be shy to ask for help. Many people also worry about what to do if their RV breaks down. There is a 24-hour assistance for RV rental services that you can reach by calls.

3. Figuring RV Campgrounds

RV campgrounds vary, providing for every type and size. After deciding your destination, the first thing to do is narrow down sites that accept your RV. Then, you can start choosing a campground with amenities that suit your needs. Generally, there are three types of RV campgrounds. First, primitive campgrounds where they don’t provide water and electricity. Second, partial hooking campgrounds where water and electricity are available, but not sewer. Third, full hookup campgrounds where all of them are available. Wi-fi service is also available in this kind of campground. Larger campgrounds also have seasonal events. Finally, you have to reserve your spot in the campground you want to go in advance.

RV Camping Tips

1. Learn To Drive

First and foremost, being able to drive your RV is really important. After all, how are you going to hit the road if you’re still not comfortable driving your vehicle? It should be the top priority that your journey is safe so your vacation will be memorable. RV drivers need a lot of practices, especially if they’re not used to driving with such size. Driving cautiously is important and you will also need to learn how to reverse your RV properly.

2. Get Familiar With Your Gear

This takes the same priority with learning how to drive RV because you need to know the ins and outs of your RV before you hit the road. First, you need to check that everything is functioning properly. Replace and repair anything before starting your vacation so it won’t disrupt or delay your arrival. Finally, you can drive smoothly when your RV is in good condition.

3. Make Checklist

Being prepared is always important. You want to have the best holiday possible, after all. Reserving a spot for your RV is necessary so you know where to head. Especially if you’re planning to go during crowded time, you will need to book a campground you want in advance.

4. Check Weather and Road Condition

It can be dangerous to drive in bad weather, so you need to keep the local weather forecast in handy. Keeping tabs of the weather is also important while you’re driving. You’ll be able to evacuate in case there is a storm coming, for example. Planning your route in advance helps you to avoid road work. This way you don’t have to turn around which makes your journey longer than necessary.

5. Pre-prepare Your Wifi and Internet

In this age where everything involves internet, you will want to have your wifi and mobile internet available. You don’t want to lose connection especially when you’re using GPS system. That being said, preparing your internet connection in advance is necessary.

6. Look At Additional RV Products

After securing basic needs, you may want to look for additional products that will make your RV more comfortable. There are many RV camping accessories that you can look up online. You can look them up from now and start ordering to add for your collection.

7. Practice Your BBQ Skill

What is a camp without BBQ? Make sure you already know how to use your equipment so you’ll be able to use it on the campground. You can test your grill a day before you start your vacation to check whether it works properly.

8. Plan Entertainment

Planning what to do in advance is great to avoid getting bored during your vacation. Especially when you travel with kids, you will want to keep them entertained. So, prepare your board games and hiking plan. You will also need to make a playlist to entertain you on the road.

RV Camping Supplies List

A checklist is a list of things that people want to bring or buy or do. When preparing for a vacation with RV, a camping checklist is important because there are many things to keep in mind. This way, there won’t be any thing that slips out from memory.

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1. Packing List for RV Camping

RV camping supplies checklist will include all basic and essential things that every camper needs to have. This list shouldn’t be missed for every camper to ensure a comfortable vacation. Camping supplies include things for bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and recreation.

a. Cleaning and Sanitation List

There is a travel kit that includes necessary items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and etc. However, travelling with a group of family will require a long list for every person. Besides that, the bathroom of RV needs cleaning as well. Here is a detailed list:

• Soap (Body soap, dishwashing soap, and laundry soap)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Face wash
• Shampoo
• Towels and rags
• Broom, mop and dustpan (short handled)
• Tissues and hand sanitizer
• Buckets
• Cleaning solution      

b. Kitchen List

With RV, it’s possible for campers to cook a wide range of food. There are many necessary appliances to bring. Therefore, it’s important for campers to keep a checklist. Here is a detailed list:

• Knife and axe
• Eating utensils
• Grill and stove
• Pots and pans
• Bowls and plates
• Glasses and cups
• Napkins
• Tongs and skewers
• Cooler
• Glove and oven mitt
• Matches or lighter
• Charcoal or fuel for BBQ
• Cooking utensils
• Food containers and ziplock bags
• Garbage bags
• Plastic wraps and aluminum foil

c. Bedroom and Clothing List

Appropriate clothes depend on what kinds of activity campers will do. The clothes should be personalized and they have to be comfortable since RV vacation means moving a lot. After all activities, a quality sleep is important to feel energized the next day. Here is a detailed list:

• Pillows
• Blankets
• Sheets
• Underwears and bras
• Shoes (boots or sneakers) and socks
• Sandals
• Hats
• Swimsuits
• Belts
• Pajamas
• Sunglasses
• Shirt, t-shirt, and jacket
• Pants

D. Recreation List

Entertainment is the heart of every vacation. Playing games and fun activities should be planned in advance. The activities can range widely, that is why it’s necessary to make a checklist. The options are

• Board games (Scrabbles, Monopoly, etc.)
• Card games
• Balls (volleyball, basketball, soccer ball, etc.)
• Bicycles
• Kayak/canoe
• Hammock
• Musical instruments
• Flotation devices
• Life jacket
• Yard games
• Fishing gear
• Hiking equipment

e. Medical List and First Aid Kit

Medical list depends for every camper, but first aid kit is a must to have in an RV. Here is a detailed list:

• First aid kit
• Prescription medicine
• Antibiotic cream
• Sunscreen
• Bugspray
• Vitamins

2. Grocery List for RV Camping

Travelling with an RV is a big opportunity for homemade meals. Cooking in the RV will also save up a lot of cost. Selecting the right kinds of food will be easier with a checklist. The selections are:

a. Meat

• Beef
• Chicken
• Fish
• Sausages
• Hamburger meat
• Bacon

b. Produce

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Onions
• Eggplants
• Potatoes
• Corn
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cucumbers
• Chilli and pepper

c. Spices and Condiment

• Salt
• Sugar
• Rosemary
• Chili powder
• Cinnamon
• Parsley
• Ketchup
• Mustard

d.  Canned goods

• Canned corn
• Some Canned meat
• Canned fruit
• Canned mushroom
• Pasta sauce
• Broth
• Baked beans

e. Snacks

• Chips
• Popcorn
• Beef jerky
• Bread sticks
• Jelly
• Biscuits
• Chocolate
• Cookies
• Marshmallow
• Nuts

f.  Drinks

• Water
• Juice
• Coffee
• Tea
• Hot chocolate

g.  Others

• Cooking oil
• Butter
• Eggs
• Rice
• Bread
• Fresh fruits

Must-Have Camping Accessories

Travelling with RV requires must have accessories that help make life easier. Things in RV can be hectic and these accessories are able to help campers to navigate. After fulfilling essential items, campers should start looking into fun RV accessories. Some of the recommended selections are:

1. Quake Hold

The function of quake hold is to secure antiques, collectibles and other items from falling or breaking. Since travelling with RV will create chaos inside from vibration and bumps, quake hold is a savior. It works in almost all kinds of surface and it’s also easy to apply. Since it’s easy to remove and reuse, it doesn’t leave any stain or damage.

2. Solar oven

Why use a regular oven when a solar oven is available? Being environmental friendly, solar oven is a great option that only requires natural power.

3. Command Hooks

Command hooks are useful to save space. Utilize the walls of RV to hang items like keys and clothes. They don’t need nail or hammer to install, so they’re easy to use. In addition, they’re easily rearranged and removed, but hold strongly.

4. Vinyl Wall Art

A personal touch for an RV is important to make the RV appears homey. Vinyl wall art offers many designs, covering all kinds of taste and preference. They are available in Etsy, Ebay and Amazon.

5. Light Blocking Curtains

Why not a regular curtain? Light blocking curtains provide functions other than blocking sunlight. They also reduce noise, give privacy protection, prevent UV ray, resist dust and save energy. The design is elegant and also anti-wrinkle.

6. Slow Cooker Liners

Slow cooker liners are useful for cooking because they avoid difficult cleaning. By lining them around the pot, the food being cooked will leave no mess. There is no need for soaking and scrubbing anymore.

7. Collapsible tub

Collapsible tub is multi purpose. It’s a foldable tub by popping it up for use and popping it down for storage. It’s useful for washing dishes.

8. Over the Door Organizer

With a limited space like RV, it’s best to make use every empty spot. Over the Door Organizer, as the name suggests, hangs on the door without any hardware needed. The pockets can store many things and they are made of transparent plastic so the contents are visible.

9. Corner guards

Corner guards are especially useful when campers are travelling with kids. They prevent children from getting hurt by sharp corners. That being said, they will minimize the risk of injury and accident.

10.  Fire Extinguisher

Safety is the top priority and fire extinguisher becomes a necessity to have. Since campers will make use of the kitchen a lot, fire extinguisher will come handy in case of fire.

11.  Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm

Carbon Monoxide detector alarm is another safety precaution that every camper needs to have. This alarm will detect gas leak that humans can’t smell or see.

12.  Portable Dehumidifier

The compact and portable design of this dehumidifier makes it perfect for RV. Its function is to remove moisture and since RV tends to collect it a lot, it will be really useful.

13.  Cell Signal Booster

RV requires travelling through a long road. Sometimes in the middle of nowhere, the cell signal will decrease or even lose. This is where the booster helps by increasing the phone range inside the RV.

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14.  WiFi Booster

Similar with cell signal booster, the function of WiFi booster aims at increasing the internet connection.

15.  Solar Powered Charger

Solar powered charger is great because it can charge for phones, tablets, and laptops without electricity. It’s also environmental friendly.

16.  Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth speaker is efficient because it’s connected by bluetooth, not wires. It’s also flexible since it can be connected with phones, televisions, laptops and tablets.

17.  Electric Fly Swatter

Being out in nature, there will be a lot of pests such as mosquitos and bugs. It’s easy to use and also easy to clean.

Conclusion

RV travel requires a lot of preparation. Campers should do a research before going, lest it ends up disastrous. Checklist is a great way to ensure that everything is in order and that nothing is missed. Packing will be much easier when campers have a checklist.