If you just bought an RV and are now looking for a checklist of everything you need to go, you might be a little intimidated… but don’t worry, I’ll break down everything you need to get to camping!
Not going to lie, this list does seem pretty big, but the good news is that once you get everything in place, you shouldn’t need to buy new things for your RV very often!
We personally bought ALOT of stuff used – check out my article on what to buy used for your RV here! This helped us save alot of money on the basics such as kitchen and organizational items so that we could have more for travel or for buying the things that were important to us bure more of a “luxury”.
I will include my premade checklist you can print as well as each list item so that you can copy and paste what you want and make your own .
Scroll to the bottom to sign up and download this set of 9 RV camping checklists!!
I wanted to let you know that I am an Amazon and Etsy affiliate and will get a very small cut if you purchase anything through these links. But these items are all awesome so don’t worry! More info about this is here
Trailer Hook ups Checklist
This is probably the only one you will have to buy new, and pretty darn quick – alot of these items are necessary for RV travel.
- ⬜ Sewer hose
- ⬜ Freshwater hose
- ⬜ Power cord adapter
- ⬜ Black/dark color hose for black tank
- ⬜ Rv Manual (You won’t have internet access everywhere should you have a question!)
- ⬜ Water pressure regulator
- ⬜ Wheel chocks
- ⬜ Propane
- ⬜ Rubber gloves
- ⬜ Water filter
- ⬜ Wye fitting for hoses
- ⬜ Emergency brake cable
- ⬜ A connector to reduce 50 amp to 30 amp
and vice versa - ⬜ Jack and/or ramp
- ⬜ Tire iron
- ⬜ Tire Gauge
- ⬜ Level
- ⬜ Leveling Blocks
- ⬜ Spray bottle with bleach water (for hooking up to fresh water)
RV Tools to Keep on Hand
Probably one of the most important lists that you won’t realize the importance of until something breaks! This is especially true if you plan on full timing or traveling long distances since there isn’t always cell service or a repair place nearby (that won’t cost you an arm and a leg!)
Check out this article to see all of our exact RV tool recommendations (with links!) We have three little kids, so we definitely are sure to be very safe and prepared in the tool department!
- ⬜ Screwdriver w/multiple tip sizes and types
- ⬜ Needle nose pliers
- ⬜ Electrical tape
- ⬜ Zip ties
- ⬜ Duct tape
- ⬜ Hammer/saw/hatchet
- ⬜ Bungee cords/ratchet straps
- ⬜ Folding shovel
- ⬜ Small step stool/ladder
- ⬜ Extra extension cords
- ⬜ Torque wrench
- ⬜ Tire plug kit/rv tire jack
- ⬜ Flashlights
- ⬜ Extra hitch pin
- ⬜ Extra fresh water tank cap
Outdoors Camp Gear
All you reallly need are some chairs and a way to start a fire… but these are all nice to have if you want to slowly add on to your collection!
I compiled a list of RV outdoor gear upgrades here if you want to see some deluxe stuff!
- ⬜ Entry mat
- ⬜ Camp Chairs
- ⬜ Charcoal/lighter fluid/lighter
- ⬜ Firewood
- ⬜ Bug Spray
- ⬜ Citronella Candles/Insect Repellent
- ⬜ Patio Lights
- ⬜ Bicycles
- ⬜ Outdoor extension cord
- ⬜ Portable grill
- ⬜ Sunscreen
RV Kitchen Checklist
- ⬜ Crock pot or Insta pot
- ⬜ Cast iron
- ⬜ Griddle
- ⬜ Coffee pot
- ⬜ Trash bags
- ⬜ Dish soap
- ⬜ Ice chest
- ⬜ Food/Drinks
- ⬜ Spices
- ⬜ Utensils
- ⬜ Can opener
- ⬜ Pots/Pans
- ⬜ Silverware
- ⬜ Hot pads
- ⬜ Dish towels/Dish Rags
- ⬜ Plates/Bowls/Cups
- ⬜ Paper plates
- ⬜ Picnic table cloth
- ⬜ Pitcher
- ⬜ Small trash can
- ⬜ Paper towels/napkins
- ⬜ Foil/Ziplock bags
- ⬜ Wine bottle opener
- ⬜ Bottle/can opener
- ⬜ Can/bottle koozies
RV Bathroom Checklist
Depending on how far you’re going and if you’re going to use the shower in your RV, this list should be pretty easy!
We don’t often use our shower for short trips, and long trips we try to pepper in some hotel showers as an excuse to explore town. If you plan on using yours often though, make sure you got the basics (+ some medical items!)
- ⬜ Soap
- ⬜ Toilet Paper
- ⬜ Toiletries
- ⬜ Sun screen
- ⬜ Towels
- ⬜ Band Aids
- ⬜ Eye Drops
- ⬜ First Aid Kit (make sure to include Benadryl)
- ⬜ Feminine Hygiene Products
- ⬜ Extra hair ties / pony holders
- ⬜ Any personal medications
- ⬜ Copy of insurance cards
- ⬜ Tote to carry items to shower
Bedroom
- ⬜ Bedding
- ⬜ Pillows
- ⬜ Hangers
- ⬜ Clothes/pajamas
- ⬜ Outdoor clothes/hiking boots
- ⬜ Water shoes
- ⬜ Swimsuits
- ⬜ Beach towels
- ⬜ Hats/Sunglasses
- ⬜ Flip flops for shower
Other RV Needs
Here are some miscellaneous things to think about bringing to your camper!
Two things I want to point out – the surge protect you’ll need for your RV when hooking up to campsites is NOT the one you use at home! RV Surge Protectors like this like this are built for RVs that often plug in to new power sources. They monitor for spikes and will auto shut off should they detect something dangerous!
Secondly – Always bring a checkbook! Alot of campgrounds don’t accept credit cards (especially the ones out of cell service) and you never know if you’ll be out of cash (ATM machines are hit or miss in small towns). We have used it as a last resort a couple of times when our other methods of payment fell through!
- ⬜ Surge protectors
- ⬜ Batteries – various sizes
- ⬜ Extra Plastic Bags
- ⬜ Card/Board Games
- ⬜ Books
- ⬜ Quarters
- ⬜ Small laundry soap/dryer sheets
- ⬜ Paper/Pen
- ⬜ Broom / dust pan
- ⬜ Throw rugs
- ⬜ Checkbook (in case campgrounds don’t take cards and you don’t have cash)
- ⬜ Copy of insurance papers
- ⬜ Rope/clothes pins
- ⬜ Command strips
- ⬜ Extra fuses
- ⬜ Spare bulbs indoor & out
RVing with Babies/Toddlers
There’s going to be way more gear now than when they get older, but it’s worth it to still go out and adventure! At the time of writing this, I have a four year old and two year old twins!
Try to keep in mind that there’s minimal you need to bring, but there is a bit you can pack that will make camp life easier with your young child!
All you REALLY need are the meds + diapers and wipes… but after camping with three babies now, I will say that all the stuff below that helps ALOT!
Here we go!
- ⬜ Diapers and Wipes
- ⬜ Rash Cream
- ⬜ PJS / Daytime Clothes
- ⬜ Thermometer
- ⬜ Infant Tylenol
- ⬜ Safe Sleep Situation (Bassinet, cosleeper etc)
- ⬜ Carrier
- ⬜ Favorite toy or lovie
- ⬜ White Noise Machine
- ⬜ Monitor
- ⬜ Bottles and/or Formula
- ⬜ Bottle Cleaning Gear
- ⬜ Hat and/or Sunglasses
- ⬜ Potty Chair if applicable
- ⬜ Camp Highchair
- ⬜ Camp Bouncer
- ⬜ Camp Pack N Play / Containment Area
- ⬜
- ⬜
- ⬜
RVing with Pets Checklist
We don’t have any, but have camped with ALOT of dogs! Here are some things you don’t want to forget if you want a successful camp tip with the pets!
- ⬜ Stakes/lead
- ⬜ Leashes
- ⬜ Poop bags
- ⬜ Bedding
- ⬜ Food/water bowl
- ⬜ Food
- ⬜ ID tags/Vaccination tags
- ⬜ Copies of vacs records
- ⬜ Fencing/gates
- ⬜ Kennel
Leave in the comments any items you think I should add to these checklists!
I want these to be the absolute most helpful RV checklists around, so help me improve them by letting me know in the comments anything I’m missing!
Sign up to download your 9 RV Camping Checklists now!
Whether you’re a first time camper or seasoned expert looking to get more organized, these checklists have everything you could need!
This includes camping with babies/toddlers and animals!
Alternatively, copy and paste the checkbox list I created for each section and make your own custom checklist that’s perfect for you!
Here are some other RV related articles you’ll love!
- Make sure you have the tools you need to fix almost anything in your camper for your next trip (so you don’t have to go back home!)
- Ready to indulge? Check out the best indoor RV items that you don’t need.. but will thoroughly enjoy!!
- Make some delicious dutch oven bacon and cheese dip to share with the whole camp ground!
- Bake some decadent dutch oven chocolate cupcakes at camp (it’s not as hard as you think!)
- If you’re freaked out at how easy it is to clutter small spaces, then you gotta read my interview with a professional organizer… turned full time RVer! She gives 41+ tips on how to organize the clutter in your camper!
- Make camp life easier with your travel trailer with these awesome outdoor RV products!!
- Love a good afternoon nap? Then check out these DIY blackout covers for your RV windows to ensure a relaxing sleep!
- FUN Kids Nocturnal Desert Animals Unit Study [Printable PDF] - February 25, 2021
- Fun + Educational Pinecone Unit Study for Kids! - February 23, 2021
- What is Overlanding? Get Ready to Go Overland Camping! - February 22, 2021
can’t seem to find where to download PDF in order to print the camping checklist?!
We don’t need the babies or pet one!
Hi Ireee!
You need to sign up (the form is near the bottom of the post) and then you will be able to access the resource library where it (and a TON of other camping printables!) are stored. You might even find something else you like there! – Stacy
How do I download the PDF’s? I signed up already. I see the pages on the website but no where to download them. Thanks, Suzy
Hi Suzy!
When you sign up, you’ll get a password to be able to access the “Resource Library” where all the printables are at (including the 9 page RV checklist one!) I’ll just send it over to you though to make it easier. – Stacy
Very well made PDFs. Definitely helpful, even for a single experienced RVer. Safe travels.
David,
Thank you, it makes me so happy that you’ve found them helpful! Safe travels to you too! – Stacy
Thank you
Sandy,
Your welcome for the 9 RV camping checklists.. hope they make your packing less stressful! – Stacy
Thank you!
Marci,
You’re welcome, I hope the rv camping checklists help ya out! – Stacy
I have signed up 3 times with 2 different emails and still can’t receive the password that I need to print the checklist.
Please help
Hi Kathy,
I’m so sorry for the hassle getting these RV checklists! I have emailed you the PDF and a surprise for all the hassle!
All the best,
Stacy
Please send me the check list
Hi Sheila!
I’ll send these rv camping checklists over to the email you made your comment from. I hope they’re helpful! – Stacy
Love the camping journals! I will definitely be ordering one from amazon for my kiddos! I would love one of your camping checklists if possible, going camping this weekend ;). Thank you!
Thanks Becky! I hope your kiddos love it <3. I'll send the RV checklists over! Have an AWESOME camp trip!! - Stacy
I can’t find the pdf of the checklists, am I missing it?
Hi Jamie!
There is a sign up form at the bottom of the post (I changed the text to have a green backing so it’s easier to see). I’ll send them over the camping checklists, but if you ever need anything else you should sign up! you might find some other printables you like! =) – Stacy
Please send me the checklists
Please Emil the RV lists as I don’t download apps. Had too many issues.
thanks for the rv checklists for a new camper
Hi Stacy!
My husband and I are getting ready to take our first camping trip and I would love to be able to download your checklist! We’re a little nervous about our first trip! Thanks!
Lynne,
How exciting! It can definitely be pretty nerve wracking to go on that first trip (heck I still forget stuff if I don’t use some of my checklists!) I’ll send it over and then add you to my email list so that you can access some other camping printables you might need! – Stacy
Excited to actually get to go camping and get out of the house!
Awesome! Hope your first trip of the season goes well Jamie! We’ve been on a couple camp trips now, and it’s felt freaking awesome! – Stacy
Looking forward to using these amazing printouts with grandkids.
Thanks Tommie! I hope the rv checklists help you have a smooth trip with the grandkids! What an awesome grandpa you are! – Stacy
I look forward to using the camping list~
Hey Connie!
I hope the checklists help with your next RV trip <3 - Stacy
So glad someone thinks lists are great. Thanks for putting this together
Hi Carrie!
YES! Lists are life! If I don’t have one I just completely space! Your welcome, hope it helps with your next camp trip =D – Stacy
I would love to have your checklists! On the page for the PETS, it would be good to have recent good photos of your pet in case it runs away. and gets lost. Make sure your pet has a tag with phone number on it as well.
Thank you for providing the lists!! They will be very helpful.
Hi Cheryl!
I think that’s a great idea! I hope you enjoy the RV checkllists – they are in the resource library (the pw is in the email that was sent to ya!) – Stacy
Thank you!
Hi Penny!
Your welcome (thanks for commenting!) I hope the RV checklists help ya! – Stacy
best list i have seen
Hi Charles!
Thank you so much for your kind words! =D I hope these RV camping checklists help you out during your next outing! – Stacy
please send checklists. just brought our first rv trailer.
Hi Glenda and Paul!
There’s a sign up form at the bottom of the article – just put your email in there and you’ll get the password to use here https://www.thecrazyoutdoormama.com/resource-library/ and type in the password. You’ll be able to find the rv packing list in the top section!! – Stacy
I’d like to print out the checklists, how do i get access to them?
Could you send me the download for rv packing list
Hey Sandra!
There’s a sign up form at the bottom of the article – just put your email in there and you’ll get the password to use here https://www.thecrazyoutdoormama.com/resource-library/ and type in the password. You’ll be able to find the rv packing list in the top section!! – Stacy
Thank you!
Your welcome Teresa! – Stacy
Thank you!
Your welcome Sharon! Hope it makes camping packing easier! – Stacy
Hi Stacy,
My wife and I are new to the Camper world and would love to begin right with your checklists..
Cheers
Paul and Dyana
Hi Paul!
Welcome to the camper world! I think you’re going to love it! You can sign up here https://www.thecrazyoutdoormama.com/the-crazy-outdoor-mama-library/ to get my email and all the checklists you need! I hope your first camp trip goes well! – Stacy
Looking for the password to use to receive the checklist. Thank you so much.
Hi Karen!
It should be at the bottom of the email you received. Please let me know if you can’t find it! – Stacy
Thank you for shari g your lists. I cannot wait to use them thank you again.
Thanks
Your welcome for the RV checklists David! =D
Thanks! As a newbie these will be very helpful.
Your welcome Cindy! It makes me so happy you found them helpful!! =D – Stacy
New to RV world and this will be my first trip out on the road. Going to travel from Florida to Houston TX.
Congrats Andy!! Have a safe and fun first trip!! – Stacy
Thank you for shari g your lists. I cannot wait to use them thank you again.
Hi Jack!
No problem! I can’t wait for you to try them out (I hope winter goes by fast!) – Stacy
Please send check lists. I am a newbie. You are awesome
Hi Iris! Check out the sign up form so that I can send them over to you! – Stacy
Will be retiring this year and looking forward to happy trails! Looking forward to seeing your checklists- I need all the help I can get 🙂
AHHH congrats Joann!!! That’s so exciting! I hope they help, they help me still and I’ve been camping for awhile now! – Stacy
cool lists
Thanks Steven! I hope they’re helpful for your next RV trip! – Stacy
They look outstanding. I will use them
Just starting the RV process, getting ideas
Congrats on starting the journey, Amy! It’s a great feeling getting that first one and knowing you can sleep almost ANYWHERE now in your own mini him! – Stacy
Thanks for the lists. We are new at this. Appreciate the help
Your welcome David! What’s your rig? Let me know if you have any questions! – Stacy
Thank you for sharing your lists.
Youre welcome Melissa! I hope they help with your next RV trip! – Stacy
I did sign up and confirmed my subscription , however; I never received anything to download the sheets
Hi Molly!
There should be the pw to my resource library in the email to confirm. That is you’ll find the rv checklists and other camping printables =) – Stacy
Thank You from a newbie
Thanks for the info…from a newbie
Your welcome Jan! Welcome to camping life!! =D – Stacy
We appreciate the list, so that I don’t have to create one!
Your welcome! I’m so happy you’re finding the rv checklists helpful! – Stacy