Travel Products Packing Lists What to Pack for an RV Trip From essential toiletries to must-have camping gear, here’s a packing checklist for your next RV trip. By Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd is a travel, wine and lifestyle writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 24, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Reviews Packing Checklist What to Know FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja Traveling in an RV combines the newness and excitement of being on-the-go with the comforts of home. With the right preparation, it can be one of the most enriching and liberating trips you'll ever take. Packing your belongings into such a small space is tricky, and it pays to be properly prepared when taking your life on the road. From kitchen supplies to must-have toiletries and safety kits, there are a number of products and tools you’ll want to have before heading out on the adventure of a lifetime. Packing Checklist for an RV Trip Whether you’re a first-timer looking to set yourself up for success on the road or a seasoned pro in need of a convenient packing list, we’ve rounded up all of the essential gear you’ll need for your next RV adventure. Toiletries Best Quick-dry Towel: Muslin Comfort Everything Towel at Muslin Comfort Best Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion at Amazon Best Bug Spray: Sawyer Products Picaridin Continuous Spray Insect Repellent at Amazon Best Odor Eliminator: Biocide Systems 3244 RV Shocker at Amazon Cooking and Kitchenware Best Cooler: Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler at Amazon Best Instant Pot: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker at Amazon Best Portable Grill: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill at Amazon Best Gear Case: Yeti GoBox 30 Gear Case at Yeti Entertainment Best Board Games: Monopoly at Amazon Best Charger: Einova Powerbank at Einova Best Portable Generator: Honda EU2200i at Amazon Best Portable Speaker: Marshall Emberton II at Marshall Comfort Best Portable Fire Pit: Solo Stove Ranger at Amazon Best Hammock: Kootek Camping Hammock at Amazon Best Lightweight Camp Chair: REI Co-op Flexilite Air Chair at REI Safety Best First-aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight .5 at Amazon Best Road-side Safety Kit: Lianxin Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit at Amazon Best Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp at Amazon Best Wheel Blocks: Prime Wheel Chock at Amazon Toiletries Best Sunscreen Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50 4.5 Target View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Ranked as our top reef-friendly sunscreen, Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and a silky smooth feel. Lightweight and super sweat-resistant, this is a great option for everyday use as well as for slathering on ahead of outdoor or water activities (it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes). Price at time of publish: $15 Best Quick-dry Towel Muslin Comfort Everything Towel Muslin Comfort View On Muslincomfort.com Having a towel that takes up minimal space and dries promptly after a shower is a crucial accessory for RV life. This one is lightweight, easy to pack up for swimming sessions, and features hypoallergenic fibers that wick away moisture just like a standard towel, only it dries much faster. Notably, it’s machine washable and gets softer over time. Price at time of publish: $25 Best Bug Spray Sawyer Products Picaridin Continuous Spray Insect Repellent 4.5 Amazon View On Walmart View On REI View On Dick's Skip the aggressive smell and chemicals that come with DEET and opt for an effective repellent that still protects against ticks, mosquitos, and their related diseases. Formulas made with 20 percent picaridin, like this one from Sawyer Products, are fragrance-free and help repel flies, gnats, and various other insects for up to 12 hours. Price at time of publish: $14 Best Odor Eliminator Biocide Systems 3244 RV Shocker Interior Deodorizer Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Living in cramped spaces makes odor repellent a much-appreciated courtesy to your fellow travelers. Smelly shoes, bathroom odors, cigarette smoke, and other unwanted smells can be addressed by Biocide Systems Bio-Shocker, which uses chlorine dioxide to target lingering odors and actually eliminate them — not just mask them. The product is entirely biodegradable and fast-acting: It works within just four hours and freshens up to 25-feet of space. To use, just shake it, add water, and set it down somewhere out of reach of children or pets, then air out the space a bit afterwards. Price at time of publish: $15 Best Toilet Paper Elements 2-ply RV Toilet Tissue Camping World View On Campingworld.com Toilet paper may seem like an obvious necessity, but Elements is a smarter choice for your RV than standard brands. Made specifically for RV toilets— which are more sensitive than the plumbing in your home — it’s septic-safe and breaks down several times faster than normal toilet paper, which in turn minimizes the risk of unpleasant clogs and backups. Price at time of publish: $4 Cooking and Kitchenware Best Cooler YETI Roadie 24 Cooler Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Backcountry.com Whether you’re renting an RV or own one, a small portable cooler serves several functions, from amplifying your fridge space to keeping your beverages cool during a day trip away from the camper. We love Yeti’s Roadie 24 Cooler for its incredible insulation and impressive height, which can accommodate most bottles of wine. Perfect for picnics, it’s a breeze to transport thanks to an ergonomic handle and Anchorpoint tie-down slots. Price at time of publish: $250 Best Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Instanthome.com A true workhorse in the kitchen, instant pots make the most of a very limited space, allowing you to whip up a huge variety of meals in one easily stowable device. This 3-quart model is the perfect size for smaller kitchens and singles or couples, as it features all of the same functions as the larger Instant Pot models. Use it to pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and warm your favorite foods, all while minimizing the amount of time and dishes required. Price at time of publish: $99 The Best Portable Induction Cooktops for Easy Travel Meals Best Portable Grill Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Crate & Barrel Boasting 145-square inches of grilling area, this tabletop gas grill heats evenly and has aluminum legs with stabilizing feet that work on a variety of surfaces (like grass, sand, and pavement), which fold-up for simple storage whenever it’s not in use. It fits up to eight burgers at once and is lightweight enough (just 13.5 pounds) to tote around on camping excursions outside of the RV. It’s also a great investment in terms of expanding your cooking capacities outside of the cramped kitchen. Price at time of publish: $130 Best Gear Case YETI LoadOut GoBox 30 Yeti View On Amazon View On REI View On Dick's Think of the Yeti GoBox as a rugged, all-purpose storage container for just about any gear you want to keep protected from the elements. Built to be nearly indestructible, the case is waterproof, dustproof, and hardy enough to stand up to whatever weather or activity you’ve got in store. Use it as a first-aid kit, tackle box, or a mini pantry organizer — just note that it isn’t designed to be used as a cooler, so don’t go filling it with ice. Thanks to its Pack-and-Stack Design, it’s easy to use the removable cargo trays and dividers to keep your things organized and stored as compactly as possible. Price at time of publish: $250 Entertainment Best Board Game Hasbro Monopoly Board Game 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Macy's Board games are easy to store and provide interactive fun for the whole family. Pick a few that everyone on board enjoys playing, whether that’s Monopoly, Settlers of Catan, Pictionary, or games aimed at younger children. While you’re at it, a deck of cards is pretty indispensable, too. Price at time of publish: $15 Best Charger Einova Ultra Fast 63W Power Bank Einova View On Einova.com Sleek and simple to use, the Einova Powerbank charges three devices (including a laptop) simultaneously, so you’ll always be juiced up on the road. Whether you’re using your devices for entertainment or emergencies, it’s crucial to ensure you always have power on the go. It also offers turbo-charging via the USB-C Power Delivery port and the USB-A Quick Charge 3.0. Price at time of publish: $70 Best Portable Generator Honda EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Amazon View On Amazon View On Acmetools.com View On Campingworld.com This 2,200-watt generator delivers major power in a relatively small package. Quiet, lightweight, and ultra-strong, this generator is perfect for ensuring you never run out of power and can always charge your devices. Note that it should only be used in well-ventilated spaces, never indoors. Price at time of publish: $1,199 Best Portable Speaker Marshall Emberton II Bluetooth Speaker Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Best Buy View On Marshallheadphones.com Marshall Emberton II sounds like the name of a British boy who went to Eton, but to us, it's the name of our go-to portable speaker for RV trips. Ideal for travel thanks to its lightweight design, it features Marshall's signature booming sound quality, as well as 30-plus hours of listening time so that the party can go all weekend. Price at time of publish: $170 Comfort Best Portable Fire Pit Solo Stove Ranger with Stand Portable Outdoor Fire Pit 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Solostove.com View On Wayfair Space is precious in an RV, so it’s ideal for all items that you pack to pull some sort of double duty. A portable fire pit will keep you warm, allow you to cook up all sorts of delicious meals, and is all around a great addition to any RV trip. The lightweight Solo Stove Ranger is ideal for RVs given its sleek, cylindrical shape, which makes it easy to transport. It’s low-smoke and throws off a lot of heat, plus it doesn’t require much cool-down time. Price at time of publish: $243 We Tested the Best Portable Fire Pits for Every Outdoor Occasion Best Hammock Kootek Camping Hammock 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Kootek.com Is there anything more relaxing than kicking back in a hammock with a good book? Hammocks can create an entire new space outdoors when the cabin starts to feel a bit cramped, and better yet, they take up very little storage space. The Kootek Camping Hammock was the best hammock we tested, and it weighs less than a pound and is easy to stuff into a daypack for any outings. It’s a breeze to set up thanks to adjustable straps and versatile carabiner attachments, plus there’s a storage bag attached on the side which functions as a handy pocket while lounging. The best part? It’s available in 17 colors and is budget friendly. Price at time of publish: $25 Best Lightweight Camp Chair REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair 4.9 REI View On REI Camping chairs make it easy to set up an outdoor patio of sorts for yourself, immediately expanding the amount of space you have while RVing. The key is to find one that’s lightweight and portable without feeling flimsy, which is exactly what REI Co-op Flexilite Air Chair offers. Weighing just 1 pound, it’s intuitive to set up and surprisingly sturdy, with just the right amount of give. Note that the poles are better used on hard surfaces, as they can sink slightly into sand. Price at time of publish: $100 Safety Best First-aid Kit Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight .5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walmart First aid kits are an essential precaution that could make a big difference in case of emergency. Opt for one that’s lightweight and pared down for travel needs (you’re in an RV, after all, so you can always drive somewhere to restock), like Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight .5. With 40 pieces that address blisters, minor cuts, scrapes, splinters, and more, this has you covered for about two days. It also comes with two doses of several over-the-counter pain relievers, plus antibiotic ointment, band-aids, wound dressings, and more. Price at time of publish: $23 Best Road-side Safety Kit Lianxin Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit Amazon View On Amazon Just like with driving a standard vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared with a roadside safety kit for any unforeseen problems. This 142-piece kit includes just about everything you could need in a pinch, including 8.2-foot jumper cables, a nine-piece tool set (complete with two different screwdrivers, a hammer, a tape measure, and more), a 9.85-foot tow rope, and a reflective triangle for nighttime safety, among other precautions. Price at time of publish: $40 Best Headlamp Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp REI View On Walmart View On REI View On Backcountry.com There will likely be times when you’ll run into potential technical issues and need to poke around outside the RV at night, and in those moments, having a hands-free light source is a necessity. Headlamps also conveniently double as reading lamps, which are useful when everyone is trying to sleep in such a small space. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is a great pick thanks to its versatility: It’s waterproof, ultra-lightweight (just 2.7 ounces), is compatible with rechargeable batteries (which must be purchased separately), and has stretchy bands to minimize bouncing during use. Price at time of publish: $50 Best Wheel Blocks Prime Wheel Chock Amazon View On Amazon View On Campingworld.com Sure, your RV has breaks, but it’s a good idea to keep a pair of wheel blocks around for added security. These non-slip grips from Prime come in a two-pack and are made of durable plastic with integrated grooves for a better grip. The bright yellow color ensures that you won’t forget about them when returning to your RV, and unlike most wheel blocks, they’re odorless, so you won’t have to deal with any unwanted smells in the cabin. They’re also useful for helping stabilize the RV, as they minimize movement when anyone is walking around the cabin. Price at time of publish: $16 What to Know Before Packing for an RV Trip Follow the 3-3-3 rule It’s a good idea to follow the 3-3-3- rule for the safety of yourself and your passengers over the long run. At its core, that means drive a maximum of 300 miles on travel days, arrive before 3pm, and stay parked for three days. Staying a few nights will also help minimize the sense of constant movement that comes with a literal moving home. Think about the needs of your different passengers What you pack for your trip will depend significantly on the age range of your passengers. If you’re traveling with children on the road, you’ll want to bring along plenty of entertainment to keep them busy, as well as any items like strollers or baby bjorns that you may need for carrying them outside of the RV. Other things to take into account are passengers with dietary restrictions or reduced mobility when figuring out what else to bring on board. Plan a system for setting up and taking down your campsites Having a plan in place for when you arrive at or leave a campsite will help to expedite the process and make sure everything runs smoothly when you’re ready to get back on the road. First, when you get to a new campsite, you’ll want to level your RV and chock your tires before connecting to a water regulator hose as well as a power cord. Frequently Asked Questions Can your family sleep in an RV while you drive? No, you can’t sleep in an RV while someone else is driving. Even if you’re in a state where it’s legal for passengers not to wear a seatbelt, it’s a safety hazard that isn’t worth risking. Any sudden stops could cause passengers in an RV to roll out of bed. What does RV stand for? “RV” stands for a “recreational vehicle,” which is either a motorhome or a trailer. The former is essentially a home on wheels — it’s a motorized vehicle that includes a bed, bathroom, mini-kitchen, and the like — while a trailer is something that attaches to a car and is towed behind it. How much does it cost to rent an RV? The cost of renting an RV will depend entirely on the size and level of luxury that you’re looking for. With a range starting as low as $30 per night and hitting high above $300 per night, there’s a huge variety of RVs to choose from in between. Class A’s, which are the largest and boast the highest storage capacity, start around $150 per night for older models and at $350 per night for newer models, while older Class B’s (classic vans) start at $100 and newer models at $200. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, Travel + Leisure contributor Sophie Dodd culled together a of T+L’s top-rated gear for camping, travel, and road trips in order to curate an essential RV packing list. She also researched a variety RV products to find the very best for every trip. The Best RV Accessories for Perfecting Life on the Road Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit