We wish someone would have provided us an RV Camping Checklist. The essentials — a list of items that you really need to have that don’t come with your RV.
So you’ve made the decision to purchase a camper. This RV camping checklist covers every essential item we wish we had known about from day one. Congratulations on your new journey! Welcome to the world of RV Life.
When we purchased our new fifth wheel, we assumed that everything we needed was included. Unfortunately, it was not.
As soon as we signed the paperwork, the sales person walked us right over to the accessories store. He “suggested” that we purchase more items. We were actually shocked these things weren’t included.
We could have saved a ton of money by having an RV Camping Checklist — the opportunity to purchase these items from Walmart or Amazon instead of paying dealer markup prices on the spot. So we put together this list of items that you will need to purchase when buying a new RV.
This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us keep the site running with valuable content. We only recommend products we actually use and believe in.
What’s in This Checklist
- Sewer Hose
- Water Hoses & Filters
- Wheel Chocks
- Power Adapters
- Surge Protector
- Leveling Blocks
- Black Tank Care
- Dehumidifiers
- Comfortable Chairs
- RV Mattress
- Storage & Organizing
- First Aid Kit
- Roadside Assistance
- RV Travel Books
Sewer Hose
First on the RV camping checklist: a sewer hose. Believe it or not, your brand new RV does not come with one. So, if you plan on using water, the toilet, or the shower in your new RV, you will need to purchase one.
Most of the time, a 10-foot sewer hose will do the job. Sometimes you need it to be a little longer. We suggest a 15-foot sewer hose with a clear 90-degree attachment and a separate 10-foot extension — for when you roll up to a spot where the connection is on the opposite side.
RV Sewer Hose Kit
We recommend a 15-foot hose for your primary connection, plus a 10-foot extension for those tricky hookup spots. A 90-degree clear attachment makes connecting much easier.
See 15ft Sewer Hose on Amazon →
See 10ft Extension on Amazon →
Black Tank Tip: Did you know there are ways to empty your black tank without even moving your RV? Check out our Black Tank article for more information.
Water Hoses & Filters
Next on the RV camping checklist: a dedicated water hose. An RV water hose needs to be dedicated to your drinking water only. It must be specifically made to be safe to drink water from. You cannot use a garden hose — it may cause you harm over time. We suggest a 25-foot hose, as this will be enough in most situations.
RV Drinking Water Hose (25ft)
A dedicated drinking-water-safe hose is essential. We use a 25-foot Camco TastePURE hose — long enough for most campground hookups.
See Water Hose on Amazon →
Water Filters
A good water filter is a must. We’ve been to many places where the water didn’t smell or seem very clean. Remember, even if you plan on drinking bottled water, the water coming in is also your dishwater and shower water — so filtering at the source matters.
Inline Charcoal Water Filter
Wide body for higher capacity and flow rate. This in-line filter lasts an entire camping season and uses activated carbon to provide safe drinking water.
See Charcoal Filter on Amazon →
Berkey Water Filter
We use a Berkey filter at home, so naturally we brought it into the camper. It gives us peace of mind knowing we have pure, clean water available. In our opinion, the best on the market.
See Berkey Filter on Amazon →
Wheel Chocks
No RV camping checklist is complete without wheel chocks. We cannot stress this enough — get them and use them! Use them as soon as you get to your campsite. Before you do anything else, as soon as you know where you want your RV to sit, put them in place. Even before you detach your vehicle.
You do not want your RV to move at any time after you decide where to place it. Without chocks, it can roll and potentially roll into or over something. You don’t need anything fancy — we highly suggest getting 4, one for each wheel.
RV Wheel Chocks
Simple, essential, and should be the first thing you place when you arrive at your site. Get a set of 4 to cover all wheels.
See Wheel Chocks on Amazon →
Power Adapters
Most of the time, the dealership will provide you with a power cord. However, they only give you the cord appropriate for your unit. So if your RV runs on 30 Amps, you get a 30 Amp cord. But if you drive up to a camping site that only has 50 Amp hookups, or if you want to plug into someone’s home electric, you’re out of luck.
You’ll need power adapters, also known as dogbones. If you have a 30 Amp RV, get an adapter that lets you plug into a standard household outlet or a 50 Amp pedestal. If you don’t have one and need to buy it at the campsite (if they even have them), the price is typically outrageous.
30 Amp to 110 Volt RV Adapter Cord
NEMA 5-15P to NEMA TT-30R electrical power adapter with LED power indicator. Essential for plugging your 30 Amp RV into a standard household outlet.
See Power Adapter on Amazon →
Surge Protector
A surge protector is the most important item on any RV camping checklist. It protects your entire RV electrical system. Campground electrical pedestals can have wiring issues that will fry your RV’s electronics. We use the Southwire Surge Guard — it checks the power before it reaches your RV and shuts off automatically if something is wrong. Never leave home without one.
Theft Warning: Surge protectors are commonly stolen at campgrounds. It’s a good idea to lock yours up with a cable lock.
Southwire Surge Guard
Checks the power before it reaches your RV and shuts off automatically if something is wrong. This is non-negotiable — we never plug in without one.
See Surge Guard 30A on Amazon →
See Surge Guard 50A on Amazon →
Want more details on choosing the right surge protector? Check out our full guide: Best RV Surge Protectors
Leveling Blocks
These may not seem as critical as the items above, but trust us — it’s more important than you think. It really stinks rolling out of bed in the middle of the night because your RV is uneven.
Also, water in your shower and sinks won’t drain correctly when you’re off-level, which can cause mildew or even mold. Leveling blocks are a great way to get your camper level, and we suggest picking up a set of levels too so you can check your work.
RV Leveling Blocks + Level
Stack these under your wheels to get level on uneven sites. Pair with a simple bubble level to check your work.
See Leveling Blocks on Amazon →
Black Tank Care
There are a lot of products on the market for your black tank. It’s important to keep it as natural as possible. We recommend using an enzyme-based holding tank treatment rather than harsh chemicals — enzymes actually break down the waste instead of temporarily masking the smell.
Happy Campers Odor Free Holding Tank Treatment
One scoop treats 40 gallons. This stuff actually works — it breaks down waste and eliminates odors without harsh chemicals. We’ve used it for years and it’s the best tank treatment we’ve found.
See Holding Tank Treatment on Amazon →
Related: Check out our full article on emptying your RV black tank — including ways to empty it without even moving your RV. And if you’re dealing with persistent odors, our guide on RV sewer smell causes and fixes covers every possible source.
Keep the Humidity Out of Your RV
Keeping moisture out of your camper will save you a lot of time, money, and effort over the years. Being from Florida, this is definitely something we need — we’ve stopped moisture and the beginnings of mold in their tracks using these simple tools.
For smaller spaces like kitchen cabinets and the dining area, small rechargeable dehumidifiers work well. For treating the whole RV, a slightly larger portable dehumidifier does the job.
Portable RV Dehumidifier
Small, portable, and perfect for RV living. Place smaller units in cabinets and storage spaces, and use a larger one to treat the whole camper.
See Dehumidifier on Amazon →
Comfortable Camping Chairs
There’s nothing better than setting up at your campsite and taking your first relaxing sit with an ice-cold beverage to enjoy the beauty of your scene. After a long drive, it’s extremely helpful to put your feet up. That’s why we recommend anti-gravity chairs — they elevate your feet after a long drive or long walks. It’s heaven.
Freestyle Rocker Folding Chair
See on Amazon →
Oversize XL Zero Gravity Lounge
See on Amazon →
Anti-Gravity Camp Chair
See on Amazon →
RV Mattress
Comfort makes the RV camping checklist too — replacing your RV mattress is almost mandatory. You will know after one night on the rock-hard mattress that normally comes with your camper. A budget-friendly solution is adding a memory foam mattress topper. Many RVers choose to eventually replace their entire mattress with a custom-sized option designed for RV living.
4″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
4 inches of thick, plush gel memory foam adds a soft and conforming feel that cradles your body. A huge upgrade from the factory mattress without the cost of a full replacement.
See Mattress Topper on Amazon →
Storage & Organizing
Organization is an overlooked part of any RV camping checklist. You’ll want to organize your stuff — first, so it doesn’t slide around everywhere while driving, and second, so it’s easy to access. From command strips to hold your brooms, to keeping all of your cans organized, little solutions make a big difference in a small space.
Laundry is another one — where do you put it? It seems like a small thing until you have piles everywhere. We found a slim-design laundry basket that’s a great space saver. It’s tall, thin, and has wheels.
Can Organizer
See on Amazon →
RV Storage Bins
See on Amazon →
Collapsible Storage Cubes
See on Amazon →
First Aid Kit
Every RV camping checklist should include a first aid kit, and this one is no exception. We keep a standard kit in the camper and a mini one for hikes. Even for a tiny scratch, it’s helpful to have basic medical supplies with you. When you’re traveling those rural roads in the middle of nowhere, you realize the value of having these basics on hand.
326-Piece Camping First Aid Kit
Keep a full-size kit in your RV and a compact one in your hiking bag. When you’re miles from help, basic medical supplies are invaluable.
See First Aid Kit on Amazon →
Roadside Assistance
We’ve kept Good Sam Roadside Assistance since early in our RV travels. We don’t use it often, but the times we have, it was worth every penny. The campground discounts through the membership honestly pay for it on their own.
If you tow a trailer and don’t have dedicated RV roadside coverage, it’s worth looking into. Not all roadside programs cover RVs — some car-focused plans will show up and tell you they can’t tow your rig.
Our Pick: Good Sam Roadside Assistance — includes towing, roadside service, locksmith service, campground discounts, hotel discounts, and more. We’ve used them multiple times and they’ve always come through.
RV Travel Books & Reference Guides
Having guides is essential to organizing your time and where you want to spend it. The National Park Service camping page is a great free starting point. There have been many times when phones and devices don’t work while in remote locations. Some of these guide books are a tremendous help — from discount campground directories to national park guides with helpful tips.
Good Sam Campground Guide
See on Amazon →
National Parks Guide
See on Amazon →
For more book recommendations, check out our full list: Top RV Travel Books
Your RV Camping Checklist — Ready to Roll
That covers every item on our RV camping checklist. We learned the hard way that dealers mark up these essentials significantly — ordering from Amazon or Walmart before your first trip saves hundreds of dollars. Print this RV camping checklist, check items off as you go, and you will be set for a stress-free first outing.
For more first-timer advice, check out our RV newbie tips and our guide on hooking up your RV electric.
