How you pack for your RV trip matters. If you aren’t careful, you might forget items at home and have to buy them during your travels. Or you could pack too much and actually exceed the weight capacity of your RV, eventually damaging the integrity of its structure.
Fortunately, the expertise of our family here at Pecan Park goes beyond owning an RV campground. We’re RVers ourselves, and have been for a long time.
So don’t stress about what to pack. Follow this packing list for your next RV adventure, so you can focus on the fun part: getting out there and exploring.
Cooking Items
You won’t be able to pack all of the cooking equipment you’re used to having at home; there just isn’t room in the typical RV. So start with a meal plan and work from there. What are a few meals you plan to enjoy during your RV trip?
With your meal plan in hand, you’re ready to pack:
- cookware, like pots and pans
- plateware, including plates and bowls (paper makes clean-up a breeze)
- utensils for eating and cooking
- aluminum foil
- paper towels
- trash bags
- multi-purpose cleaner
- dish rag
- dish soap
As far as consumables, don’t forget to pack condiments and spices from home. They’re easy to forget because we’re so used to having them in our fridge or cupboard at home. You don’t want to have to go out and buy an extra salt or mustard, when you could’ve just brought them from home.
And whatever you do, leave room for a portable grill if you can. It wouldn’t be a camping trip without meals outside. Your aluminum foil will come in handy here, as well as any grill-specific utensils.
Bedding
Bedding is a straight-forward part of your packing list, but a little thought ahead of time will ensure you get a comfortable night’s sleep. Some considerations:
- Will you have electricity to run the air conditioning or heater? If yes, then you shouldn’t need a lot of extra blankets. Just pack similar bedding to what you use at home.
- If you’re be camping without electricity, what will the weather be like at your destination? If you’re heading to the desert or high elevation, nights may be much cooler than you expect.
- Will you have access to a laundry facility? If yes, then don’t take up space packing extra sheet sets. Just do your laundry during the day.
Note: Pecan Park has a laundry room with several washers and dryers for guests.
Clothing and Personal Items
It’s easy to pack too much clothing for your RV trip! There’s no reason to take more than one week of clothing no matter where you’re going, or for how long. Either your campground will have a laundry facility, or you can find a laundromat at a nearby town.
Like bedding, don’t make assumptions about the temperatures at your destination. When you’re driving from Texas, you might be shocked to find that summer temperatures at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks can drop close to freezing!
Along with your other personal items, sunscreen and bug spray are both essential. A good hat will also protect you and keep you cool during hiking and other outdoor activities.
Entertainment
The journey is part of the adventure. To avoid “are we there yet?” (which even adults want to ask sometimes), plan ahead. Load some books on your Kindle, or dig out that book on CD.
For the kids, purchase new coloring books, puzzle books, and small toys. We do suggest new items, since the novelty goes a long way. Depending on the age of your children, you may want to invest in travel trays that sit on their laps or even attach to their car seats.
➡️ Keep reading: 7 Activities to Enjoy With Your Toddler at Pecan Park Riverside RV Park
Outdoor Gear
If you’re spending your RV trip inside, then you’re missing the point! This is your opportunity to cook outside, explore outside, and simply sit and take in your surroundings.
Because we hope you’ll be spending a good chunk of time outdoors, you should consider your patio area and what will make you most comfortable. Some suggestions:
- Patio rug to keep down the mess
- Outdoor folding chairs
- Small folding table (note: daily and weekly sites at Pecan Park have picnic tables)
- And of course a grill, which we mentioned above
➡️ Keep reading: How to Stay Active in San Marcos, Texas
Other RV Gear
Most RVs come with the following, but double-check you have these items on board:
- Fresh water hose
- Sewer hose for grey and black water
- Electric hose
There are some other items you may also want to have:
- Electric adaptor for switching from 30 amp to 50 amp, or vice versa (note: Pecan Park sites have 20, 30, and 50 amp service, so you won’t need an adaptor here)
- Cable cord for television
It’s Time to Go
Sometimes something fun like an RV trip can become stressful and overwhelming. But by planning ahead and using an RV packing list, the preparation for your journey will be a breeze. Happy trails!
