What to Pack for Your RV Trip (Without Filling the Whole Hallway!)

A Guide for Young Pack-It-Pros

Packing for an RV trip is a bit like playing a game of Tetris. You want to have everything you need for fun adventures, but if you bring too much, you’ll be tripping over suitcases all week! Since an RV is a small space, every item you bring should be a “heavy hitter” that you’ll actually use.

Here is how to pack the perfect amount for a great trip.

1. The “Layers” Rule for Clothes

The Secret: Don’t pack a different outfit for every single day. Instead, pack clothes you can “stack.”

• What to bring: Bring a few t-shirts, one pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, and a warm hoodie.

• Why it works: If it’s cold in the morning, wear the hoodie over your t-shirt. If it gets hot at lunch, take the hoodie off! This saves a ton of space in your small RV closet.

2. The “Multi-Use” Toy Box

The Secret: Pick toys that work in lots of different ways.

• What to bring: A deck of cards, a soccer ball, or a sketchbook.

• Why it works: A soccer ball can be used for a game, a game of catch, or just kicking around. A sketchbook can be for drawing or playing “Pictionary” with your family. Avoid big, bulky toys that only do one thing!

3. Kitchen “Must-Haves”

The Secret: Only pack what you’ll actually eat and cook with.

• The Essentials: Instead of bringing ten different pots and pans, just bring one big skillet and one pot. Use paper plates sometimes to save on dishwashing (and water!).

• Snack Power: Bring snacks that don’t need to stay in the fridge, like granola bars or apples. This leaves more room for the important stuff—like ice cream!

4. The “Outdoor Living” Kit

The Secret: Most of your time will be spent outside the RV, so pack for the campsite.

• Comfort First: Each person needs one good camping chair.

• The Light: Bring one flashlight or headlamp per person. It’s no fun trying to find the bathroom in the dark!

• Bug & Sun Protection: Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray. These are small but very important for staying happy.

5. The “One-In, One-Out” Rule

The Secret: If you really want to bring something big (like a giant inflatable pool floaty), you have to leave something else behind.

• The Check: Ask yourself: “Will I use this every single day?” If the answer is “maybe,” leave it at home!

Pro Tip: Use Soft Bags. Instead of hard suitcases, use duffel bags or backpacks. Once they are empty, you can squish them down and hide them under a bed. Hard suitcases take up way too much room!

Final Thoughts

Packing is the first step of your adventure. When you pack light, the RV stays organized and everyone has more room to relax. Plus, it’s much easier to find your favorite socks when the drawer isn’t overflowing!

You’re ready to roll!

🐟 Want to see how much storage space your campsite has? You can see the picnic table and the fire pit area on your tablet! CampgroundViews.com lets you take a 360-degree tour of the park so you know exactly how much room you have for your outdoor gear.

Plan your space at CampgroundViews.com!