Getting ready for a weekend on the road? Whether escaping into the woods, camping lakeside, or pulling into a bustling RV resort, the right prep makes all the difference. Use this ultimate packing list to make sure you’ve got everything you need for a fun, comfortable, and stress-free trip. We’ve got you covered from hitching up your rig to roasting marshmallows under the stars.
In a hurry? The key essentials you don’t want to forget include your RV paperwork, hookup gear like water hoses and adapters, a solid first-aid kit, and plenty of snacks! But if you’ve got a little more time to plan, this guide breaks your weekend RV packing list down by category to ensure nothing gets left behind.
RV Gear and Tools
Before you even think about cruising down the highway, make sure your glovebox has your driver’s license, RV registration, and current insurance documentation. These might seem obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget when focused on the fun parts of planning. You’ll need these in case of a traffic stop, accident, or checking into some campgrounds.
Bring a basic tool kit with screwdrivers, a wrench set, a hammer, and duct tape. A surprising number of small fixes on the road can be handled with just these items. A flashlight or headlamp is a must-have for setting up your campsite after dark, and ideally, you should bring both. Headlamps are especially beneficial if you’re working with both hands, like connecting hoses or leveling your RV.
Don’t forget a roadside emergency kit. You want to be ready for minor tire issues or breakdowns, so pack jumper cables, a tire repair kit, and reflective warning triangles if you want to be prepared for minor tire issues or breakdowns. Leveling blocks or tools for your auto-leveling system will help you stabilize your RV when you park; they are critical if you don’t want to feel like you’re sleeping on a hill. Wheel chocks are another important piece. Once you park and level, those chocks will prevent your trailer from shifting or rolling unexpectedly. Lastly, check your fire extinguisher and make sure it’s fully charged and accessible.
Hookup Equipment
Hooking up to utilities is part of the charm of RV life, having water, power, and even TV with you in the middle of the great outdoors. Pack a potable water hose (look for the white or blue ones that are safe for drinking water) and a water pressure regulator to protect your plumbing system from high-pressure damage at unfamiliar campgrounds.
If you’re using sewer hookups, bring a sewer hose with the correct connectors, and don’t forget a stash of disposable gloves. It’s a messy job, but easier when you’re prepared. For electrical hookups, bring all the right cords and adapters, such as a 50-amp to 30-amp adapter if your RV requires a different connection than the campground provides. A surge protector is also recommended to protect your RV’s electronics.
You may find that leveling blocks and jack pads (to prevent sinking on soft ground) come in handy under your stabilizer jacks. An extension cord or campground power splitter can be useful for plugging in additional devices at your outdoor setup. And if you like having TV at your site, a coax cable will help connect to the campground’s cable system, assuming they offer it.
Kitchen and Cooking Supplies
Your RV kitchen may be small, but it can still produce amazing meals. Start with the basics: a pot, a pan, and ideally a cast iron skillet. They’re versatile and hold up to both stovetop and campfire cooking. Bring dishes, cups, and utensils, and don’t forget those tiny essentials that often go missing, like a can opener, bottle opener, and a decent knife.
Cleaning up is part of cooking, so pack dish soap, a sponge, a dish towel or two, and a small indoor trash can. Trash bags are easy to forget but essential, so bring plenty of those.
If your RV fridge is small or if you plan on day trips or beach picnics, a good cooler is worth bringing along. It adds valuable cold storage space and can double as a drink station around the fire. Pack your planned meals, along with pantry staples like oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite condiments. And of course, if s’mores are on the agenda don’t forget marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
Clothing and Personal Items
Pack weather-appropriate clothing for each day, plus one extra outfit in case of spills or unexpected weather. Nights in the RV can get chilly, so always throw in a sweatshirt or jacket even if the forecast is warm. A rain jacket is another smart item to bring, even if the skies look clear. You’ll be glad you brought it if a sudden downpour hits during a hike or when you’re dumping tanks.
Bring your usual toiletries, but go for travel sizes to save space. Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, all the basics. Don’t forget any medications, and if you wear glasses or contacts, bring backups if possible. Sunscreen and bug spray are absolute must-haves for comfort outdoors, especially if you’ll be hiking, biking, or lounging near the woods or water.
You’ll need towels for bathing and for the beach or lake if swimming is part of your weekend plans. Depending on your RV setup, you might also need to pack bedding. Some RVs come pre-stocked with sheets and blankets, but others require you to bring your own. Sleeping bags are great if you’re boondocking or sleeping under the stars. Pillows, fitted sheets, and a cozy throw blanket will keep everyone comfortable.
Finally, bring a good pair of walking shoes for exploring, and flip-flops or water shoes for the campground showers or time at the pool.
Fun Stuff and Miscellaneous
You’ve handled the essentials, now let’s get to the fun. Camp chairs are a must for sitting around the fire or enjoying breakfast outdoors. A small folding table can add meal prep space or be the perfect game-night centerpiece. Pack a lantern or string lights to make your outdoor area cozy after dark.
Downtime happens, and it’s more enjoyable if you bring a deck of cards, a book or two, or even a few movies downloaded to your device. If you love documenting your travels, pack a camera or make sure your phone is fully charged with plenty of storage space. A portable speaker makes evenings more enjoyable with music, just keep the volume low enough to respect your neighbors.
If your trip includes fishing, kayaking, or biking, make sure to load up the appropriate gear ahead of time. Helmets, paddles, rods, and tackle boxes all fall into this category and are easy to forget in the rush of packing.
A physical map or printed guidebook is also a smart addition, especially in remote areas where cell service can disappear. Knowing where you are, or how to get out can turn a potential mishap into a fun detour.
Commonly Forgotten Items (And Why They Matter)
Even seasoned RVers forget things. Some of the most commonly missed items include phone chargers and charging cables. To be safe, keep a spare set permanently in your RV so you’re never left with a dead battery and no way to get directions or take photos.
It may seem trivial, but a corkscrew or bottle opener often goes forgotten, until you’re staring at a sealed bottle with no way to open it. Bug spray and sunscreen are two others that tend to get left behind, but can seriously affect your comfort if you’re spending time outside. A sunburn or an evening full of mosquito bites can quickly damper the fun.
Trash bags often get overlooked in favor of more exciting gear, but without them, you’ll be stuck figuring out where to toss your leftovers and wrappers. Finally, matches or a lighter are essential if you plan to cook over a fire or even just enjoy a campfire. Toss one into your kitchen drawer or toolkit so it’s always ready to go.
This list might seem long, but once you’ve packed these essentials, you’ll be ready for just about anything a weekend RV trip can throw at you. Preparing in advance takes some of the spontaneity out of the trip, but it more than makes up for it in comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
So hitch up, check your list twice, and hit the road knowing you’re prepared for adventure, relaxation, and everything in between.