As you start packing up for your summer RV camping trips, you’ll need to consider the outdoor elements and unexpected situations that may arise on your adventures. Read through this list of summer RV camping essentials, and then feel free to share or print. Don’t get stuck in a predicament that could have been preventable just because you didn’t take a few extra minutes to be proactive.
RV Camping Essentials
1. Non-Toxic Bug Spray
Try a non-toxic bug spray that uses essential oils instead of strong chemicals. Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent is a good option.
2. Citronella Candles
Light a few citronella candles around your summer RV camping area to help keep the bugs away. Try to find citronella candles that are made with natural beeswax, soy wax, and essential oils if possible. Beeswax candles help clean the air and can help reduce pollutants because they release negative ions as they burn — negating the positive charge of air contaminants
3. Sunscreen
Always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of 30+ with UVA/UVB filters to protect your skin from the strong summer rays of the sun. If you haven’t tried the non-greasy organic mineral sunscreen line from COOLA, you may want to test out a tube.
4. Cooler
Bring along a durable and portable cooler to keep any perishable items or drinks cool throughout the heat of summer.
5. Hat
Make sure you pack a hat for every member of the family so that you can all keep your head and face shaded from the sun.
6. First Aid Kit
Pack a first aid kit and keep it stored in a safe, dry place. Make sure everyone in the family knows exactly where to find it if needed.
7. Antibiotic Ointment
Have some antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, on hand for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
8. Benadryl
When around weeds, grasses, pollen, and other potential allergens, it’s a good idea to bring along a box of Benadryl tablets.
9. Matches
Bring along extra matches for starting your campfire or for lighting your citronella candles.
10. Waterproof Tarps
Mother nature can be unpredictable, so bring along a few waterproof tarps to cover firewood or anything else you may have outside of your RV camping area that you don’t want to get wet.
11. Camping Lantern
Lanterns are always helpful to have around when you need extra light outdoors at night.
12. Flashlights
Keep a few extra flashlights on hand in the event that you lose power through your RV hook up, to safely get to the bathroom at night without waking up everyone else in the RV, or need one to navigate through a dark campground.
13. Extra Batteries
Always store extra batteries in a cool, dry place. You may need them for your flashlights, lanterns, radio, or other battery-operated RV camping gadgets.
14. Compass
We live in the age of electronics, but cell phone batteries can die and not everyone in the family may know how to operate an electronic handheld GPS, so it never hurts to bring along an old-fashioned compass — just in case.
15. Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool
A pocket knife or multi-tool can whittle branches for roasting marshmallows, cut fishing line, open tin cans, and serve a variety of other uses.
16. Foul Weather Gear
Be prepared for wet summer rain showers by bringing along rain gear or foul weather gear (jacket and pants).
17. Turkey Jerky and Kind Bars
These two non-perishable sources of protein are perfect for stashing in a backpack on a long hike, taking along with you to a nearby fishing hole, or bringing along on a canoe trip. You can stock up on Kind Bars
18. Beach Towels
Bring along several large beach towels for a dip in the lake or an impromptu picnic.
19. Sleeping Bag and Pillow
Just in case you need an extra layer on a cool night or end up extending an overnight invitation to friends or family.
20. Hand Sanitizer
Use hand sanitizer to get rid of germs while on the go. Throw a small bottle in your backpack or beach bag and use it before snacking.
21. Biodegradable Soap
Help save our wildlife and waterways by using biodegradable soap that won’t leave toxic residues behind after washing yourself and your dishes.
Since these summer RV camping essentials probably have you thinking about who you’d like to meet up with on your summer trips, don’t forget to refer your friends and family members to Easy Escapes RV when they are ready to join in on the RV lifestyle. We have a referral program that will earn you $250 for every RV owner that buys or consigns with us. Call (863) 450-4915.