Our RV Camping Checklist and Tips for a Fun Summer Road Trip!

Different types of RV Campers

While many RV camping afficionados enjoy the super-sized, “everything-and-the-kitchen-sink” vehicles, the industry is adapting to the preferences of millennial-aged travelers by producing smaller-sized RVs, such as teardrop trailers and truck campers that can be purchased or rented.

Did you know there are more than 100 RV brands available in the U.S.? That’s a lot to consider, so if you’re new to the RV game you may want to refer to a reputable, industry-centric source for suggestions and reviews, such as Drivin’ and Vibin’, RV LIFE or Go Travel Trailers.

Add These Must-Have Items to Your RV Camping Checklist

Whether you go big or small, novice campers need to be aware of some must-have RV camping checklist supplies that will make any trip enjoyable. Here are a few you may not have thought of to add to your RV camping checklist:

• Pack your toolkit. This isn’t glamping, and you’re not staying at an all-inclusive resort. If something breaks down, or screws need tightening, it’s all on you. Screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, duct tape, zip ties – you’ll find they’ll likely come in handy at some point on your journey. Visit Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware or your local hardware store to get everything you need!


• Waste not, want not. If you’re RV comes with a toilet, you’ll be delighted by the convenience until it’s time to dump your waste. Read your owner’s manual carefully, and search for helpful videos, like this one, that will guide you through safely emptying the holding tank using the campground’s sewage system hookup.
  
  To aid in the process, and reduce the chance your toilet holding tank gets clogged, use Scott’s Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper. This clog-free paper breaks down as soon as it’s flushed.


• App up. Numerous smartphone apps – many of them free – are available to assist you on your RV camping journey. They usually include helpful tips and videos, up-to-the-minute campground availability, trail maps and much more. A few of the most popular are Campendium, Roadtrippers and Gas Buddy (it shows nearby gas stations, and prices), among many others. For Hiking recommendations along your RV camping journey, check out All Trails or Hiking Project.


• Plan your meals. If you’re camping off the grid, you won’t be able to run to the store for avocados or cumin. Think about whether you want to make meals ahead of time or once you get there. Before you leave home, plan for what you’ll need for each meal and pack all necessary ingredients and cookware. Remember, counter and cooking space is limited so choose recipes that are easy to prepare – and do as much meal-prep (like chopping veggies) before you go.
  
  And just like at home, spills are inevitable, when cooking or eating. So have some Scott absorbent paper towels on hand, as the unique ridges quickly and effectively soak up messes – giving you more time to search for Bigfoot.

If you’re interested in seeing a complete soup-to-nuts accounting of RV camping supplies you should add to your RV camping checklist, click here for – literally – everything you’ll need.

RV-Friendly National Parks

Now that you’ve figured out how to go, it’s time to decide on where!

While there are countless RV camping destinations around the country, U.S. National Parks offer a lot of additional space to not only fit your RV but stretch your legs for hikes with amazing views. A recent article by Lonely Planet offers a wealth of great information with their top 10 National Park recommendations for any RV camping afficionado, including:

• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Arches National Park, Utah
• Denali National Park, Alaska
• Everglades National Park, Florida
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park , North Carolina and Tennessee
• Joshua Tree National Park, California
• Yellowstone National Park, Montana & Wyoming
• Yosemite National Park, California

Don’t forget to make your reservation before you go and a helpful way to get started is by using Recreation.gov! Plus, download the National Park Service’s NPS App to access information for any and all parks that you’re interested in.

When sharing your adventures, remember to use the hashtag #KeepLifeRolling.

¹ RMS North America, 2022 state of the Industry Report, March 2022.