The Ultimate Summer RV Packing List

The official first day of summer is June 21st, but if you’re like most RV owners, you’re probably eager to take your home on wheels out of storage and hit the road. After all, a summer road trip is even more fun when you’re in an RV. Whether you plan on using your RV to camp at a favorite spot near your home or you’re going to try out the full time RV life for the warmer months, knowing what to pack can make or break your vacation.

Here’s a handy list to get you started. Trust us, it definitely includes a few things that most people forget.

• Flashlights or headlamps for everyone, because you never know when you might end up going without electricity at a campground

• First aid kit filled with the basic stuff like band-aids and antibacterial wipes

• A few extra gallons of water (a summer road trip must!)

• Extra blankets because even summer nights get chilly

• RV toilet paper (your dump station trips will be much more pleasant)

• RV manual, because you never know

• Extension cords and surge protectors so everyone’s devices can stay plugged in and you can run power to outside electronics

• Portable cell phone chargers (an absolute lifesaver when you’re boondocking)

• Leveling blocks

• Basic tool kit (hammer, screwdrivers, nails, etc.)

• Sunscreen and bug spray, because nothing ruins a summer vacation like a bad sunburn

• Foldable camp chairs and table for outside dining and lounging

• Plates, bowls, glasses, silverware

• Barware for cocktail hour

• Pot and pan

• Can opener

• Lighter

• Wine opener/bottle opener

• Cutting board

• Measuring cups/spoons

• Tupperware

• Garbage bags

• Dish soap/towel/drying rack

• Paper towels (seriously, you can never have too many on a road trip)

• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc)

• All purpose cleaner (skip having a million different types of cleaners and go all purpose)

• Fuel for grill

• Firewood and kindling (lint dust works great for kindling)

• S’mores sticks, obviously

• Cooler

• Spices (essentials include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne)

• Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo and your favorite hot sauce)

• Cooking oil/butter

• Flour and sugar

• Coffee

• Milk

• Eggs

• S’mores supplies

• Hot dogs and buns

• Canned goods

• Bread

• Snacks

• Fresh fruit and veggies (limit these and other fresh goods, as you can always stop at grocery stores along the way)

• Peanut butter and jelly

• Beer/wine/cocktail supplies

• Rain gear (umbrella, rain jackets, ponchos)

• Hand sanitizer

• Hammock

• Books, magazines, playing cards for those boring stretches of highway

• Portable DVD player and movies for those really boring stretches of highway

• Outdoor games such as frisbee or corn hole

• Gear for activities you like, such as hiking gear, fishing gear, binoculars for birdwatching

• Bathing suits

• Beach towels

• Warm clothing for unexpected chilly weather

• One nice outfit for that nice restaurant you randomly end up going to

• A map, so that you can plan out the best road trip ever