Top 10 Must-Have RV Camping Essentials for Your Next Adventure

Did you know that 72% of first-time RV campers forget at least one crucial item on their first trip? And here’s the kicker—it’s usually something painfully obvious. Me? I once left without leveling blocks. Ever tried making coffee while everything’s tilted at a 10-degree angle? Yeah… let’s just say I invented a new yoga pose trying to keep my moka pot upright.

When I first hit the road, I had this romantic idea that all I needed was a full tank, a couple of snacks, and Spotify. But real RV life isn’t just about rolling through mountain passes with a killer playlist—it’s also about being prepared, especially when you’re hours away from the nearest hardware store. That’s why I started following RVing Insider, where everything we recommend is tested, retested, and sometimes even broken (on purpose!) by people who actually live the lifestyle.

The Essentials You Shouldn’t Roll Out Without

After years of trial, error, and late-night Amazon orders from sketchy Wi-Fi zones, here are the 10 RV camping essentials that never leave my checklist:

Water Pressure Regulator – Campgrounds don’t always regulate their water pressure, and without this, your pipes might just throw a tantrum.

Surge Protector – Electrical mishaps are more common than you'd think. A good surge protector is like insurance for your RV’s electronics.

Heavy-Duty Sewer Hose – Not glamorous, but absolutely essential. Get one with a clear elbow. Yes, it’s gross, but trust me—it saves you from guesswork.

Leveling Blocks – No one wants to sleep sideways. These stackable lifesavers keep everything level—from your fridge to your mood.

Portable Solar Panels – Game-changer for boondocking. Quiet, clean, and reliable. I used mine last fall in Utah and powered everything from my fan to my espresso maker.

Foldable Camp Chairs – Whether you're roasting marshmallows or stargazing in Yellowstone, comfort matters.

Compact Grill or Griddle – Nothing beats waking up to bacon sizzling outside your RV door. It’s the soundtrack of camping, isn’t it?

First Aid Kit (Not Just Bandaids) – Stock it with antihistamines, burn cream, and tweezers. Trust me, cactus needles are no joke.

LED Lanterns & Headlamps – Because tripping over a log in the dark is a rite of passage... you’d rather skip.

Collapsible Kitchen Gear – From silicone bowls to nesting pots, these are my secret weapon against clutter.

Why These Items Matter More Than You Think

On a recent trip to Zion National Park, I met a couple from Texas whose entire power system failed due to a sudden power surge at the campground. They hadn’t brought a surge protector and ended up replacing their RV fridge and microwave—a bill that could’ve been avoided with a $90 gadget.

Camping isn’t just about going off-grid—it’s about staying sane while you're off-grid. And that means thinking ahead, even if you prefer spontaneity (like me).

Final Thought: Be Overprepared, Not Overwhelmed

Packing for an RV trip is a lot like prepping for a wilderness wedding—you want the beauty and the magic, but you also need duct tape and bug spray. The little things (like forgetting a sewer hose) can become big things real quick. But with the right gear, every campsite feels like home.

I’ve camped in rainstorms in Oregon, snow flurries in Colorado, and 110-degree heat in Arizona. Every time, the gear I packed—or didn’t pack—made the difference between a trip I remember fondly and one I try to forget.

So take it from someone who’s learned it the hard way: Don’t wing it. Gear up smart. And if you're ever in doubt, RVing Insider has your back with curated lists, pro tips, and field-tested advice—no smoke, just campfire.

Contact details:

Address: 2 Riverway, Houston, TX 77056, USA"

Website: https://www.rvinginsider.com/

X: https://x.com/rvinginsider

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rvinginsider/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RVingInsider

#rvinginsider

Top 10 Must-Have RV Camping Essentials for Your Next Adventure

RVing Insider

Where can you listen?

Episodes