If you haven’t ever been on a camping trip, it is something that you definitely should try, at least once in your lifetime. This way, you can go on a budget trip anywhere you want – you are not limited by the proximity of hotels. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about comfort – that is, if you plan your RV trip thoroughly. If you decided to finally buy a camper van, congratulations – now you’ve got an opportunity to spend more time surrounded by nature. To make the experience even more comfortable, it’s necessary to furnish your RV well.
Don’t worry, though – you won’t have to think about what to buy; we’ve got a list right here. In the article below, you’ll find a number of essential items that will make any camping trip more comfortable – such as a portable freezer, grill utensils, a camp kitchen, a sleeping bag, and many more. Read on – and make sure that your RV trip is a luxurious vacation.
Page Contents
- A Portable Refrigerator
- Grill Utensils
- A Folding Camping Table
- A Good Camping Knife
- A Sleeping Bag
- A Solar Charger
- A Camping Skillet
- Are you planning a camping trip for the first time? Here’s what you should prepare!
- Where should you go camping?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you go camping all-year round? Are some months better than others?
- Should you take your 2-year old camping? Is he too young for it?
- People buy camping gear all the time. What do they buy the most?
- Some destinations are more popular than others. What states is the best to camp in the US?
- Free camping is excellent. What state has the most places for free camping?
A Portable Refrigerator
If you want to make your camping trip more relaxing, you need to go prepared. Unfortunately, most RV’s don’t have a built-in refrigerator. This is not very convenient, as it makes it hard for the owner to store food and drinks. There is an easy solution to this problem, though – you can simply buy a portable freezer. This device will allow you to take a lot of food with you without getting worried that it will go bad.
Grill Utensils
If you want to cook outside, it’s a good idea to bring grill utensils with you – you probably wouldn’t want to eat raw meat or fish. Also, depending on how often you plan on grilling, it might be a good idea to invest in a gas grill with a rotisserie function (this way, you won’t need to rotate the food manually). There are quite a few options available – choose the one that works best for you. Don’t forget about grilling accessories too – such as skewers, tongs, brushes, etc. They will come in handy if you decide to grill seafood or vegetables that require special treatment.
A Folding Camping Table
If you love cooking outdoors, consider getting a folding camping table – trust us, it can get very handy. It will allow you to prepare food without worrying about too little space inside the RV – and there’s also less chance that someone will cut themselves when cooking. While this item may not be the smallest one inside your RV, you’ll definitely enjoy it during long summer trips.
A Good Camping Knife
When you go on a camping trip, it is very important to have a good, reliable knife with you. This way, you won’t have to worry about food preparation – and you can focus on the fun parts of your trip. While a regular knife will do just fine, we suggest that you buy a camping knife – these tools are designed specifically for this type of trip. They are sharp and strong enough to cut through wood as well as other materials.
A Sleeping Bag
If you plan on sleeping in your camper van, make sure that you bring a sleeping bag with you. This way, you won’t have to worry about comfort at all – and you don’t have to buy a larger bed either. A sleeping bag is very light and portable – so it won’t take up much space in your RV. On top of that, it’s relatively cheap – yet another reason why you should consider buying it.
A Solar Charger
At some point of the trip, you’ll need to charge your phone or laptop – and this can be quite a problem if you don’t have access to electricity. However, there is a way to charge your electronic devices with the power of the sun – that’s why we suggest that you buy a portable solar charger. These devices are lightweight and easy to use – and they can be very useful, especially since they can charge your gadgets just as quickly as regular chargers.
A Camping Skillet
While a frying pan is not the smallest item in your RV, you will definitely enjoy using it during long summer trips. It will allow you to prepare delicious food and to cook it over a fire without any difficulty. And a good fire (of course, if you know how to build one) will give your meals a pleasant smoky smell – you won’t get that with an in-built stove and a regular pan.
Final Thoughts
Camping can be pretty exciting, but many people don’t like it because of weather conditions, insects, or canned food. Fortunately, as we’ve established in this article, these issues have a solution – whether it’s a portable fridge, a camping toilet, or a repellent.
These are just a few of the essential items that you should take with you on your RV trip. Of course, there are many more – but these are definitely some of the most important ones. A portable fridge, a solar charger, grill utensils, a folding table, and a sleeping bag – if you have all of these items in your camper van, you’ll be able to enjoy your journey without worrying about comfort.
Don’t take any chances – just buy everything that we’ve listed in this article (or at least everything you may need) – and enjoy your pleasant trip.
Are you planning a camping trip for the first time? Here’s what you should prepare!
One thing you won’t be able to buy is an experienced camper to teach you everything about camping. Apart from that, we encourage you to read all tips about camping and ask your friends about their experiences. Don’t embark on a challenging camping trip for the first time. Instead, start with an overnight campout and stick to the basics. Here are some tips:
- Always have the proper clothes for cold weather and rain
- Borrow or rent your camping gear
- Camp close to your home. If anything happens, it won’t take you long to get home.
- Pack enough food
- Always follow the Leave no Trace principles
- If the weather forecast is bad, it’s wise to postpone your camping trip
Essential Camping Gear
Imagine living in a cabin and then taking away to the house—that’s how camping looks! Pack your backpack/truck knowing that you will have no electricity, no refrigerator, no stove, no furniture. In the complex campground, there will be a community bathroom and running water. A place to park your car, pitch your tent and a table are also found in a developed campground.
If you’re unsure if camping is your thing, you should rent or borrow expensive items, such as the tent, sleeping bag, and pads. It’s not a good idea to buy the cheapest; you can save the money for later for a better model. Here are some considerations as regards the essential items when camping.
The tent
If you don’t have a fixed budget, you should make the splurge with a big tent. A 3-person tent is excellent for a couple, whereas a family of four will feel better in a 6-person tent. Models with vestibules outside the doors are also great, as they provide you the space to stow the muddy footwear.
Extra tip!
Practice setting up the tent at home and pick the proper footprint for your tent.
The sleeping bag
We covered this one already (please scroll up). Check out the temperature rating when selecting a model.
The sleeping pad
Good sleeping pads work as mattresses and provide you with insulation. Examine the specs on sleeping pads when navigating the options. Width, length, thickness, and insulation value are some of the many aspects that make a sleeping pad appropriate for your camping needs.
Extra tip!
You don’t want to set the tent, bag, and pad up in the dark, so do it when there is still natural light.
Stove
For most camping trips, a classic two-burner propane camp stove will work just fine. It gives enough power to cook your breakfast and your cup of tea in the morning. Don’t forget to pack several fuel canisters and a lighter. Also, practice at home and fire it up before going camping.
Lighting
You won’t have illumination on the campsite, so don’t forget to bring yours. Many campers stick to flashlights, but you should also consider a headlamp because it frees up your hands.
Plates, pots, cups, and sporks
If you plan to eat more than snacks, you will definitely need some kitchen tools for cooking and eating. Pack a towel, biodegradable soap, a scrubber, and a small washtub.
Extra tip!
Pack your kitchen utensils in a large clear plastic bin with a lid. Next time you go camping, you
have it all ready.
Clothes for camping
When you go camping, avoid cotton at all costs because it dries very slowly and gets heavy when wet. Instead, opt for warm clothing made of wool and high-quality polyester and nylon fabrics. Long underwear, gloves, a beanie, and warm wool socks for nighttime are excellent choices. Pack a waterproof jacket—you never know when it’s going to rain!
Put on durable and comfortable shoes and some slippers for the night.
Camp Toiletries
Bring your hygiene items and prescription medications when camping. Buy a first-aid kit that has all the necessary supplies for emergencies. With camping, the risk for sunburns and tick bites is never null, so pack sunscreen and insect repellent as well. Add a small towel, soap, and toilet paper as campground bathrooms do run out of supplies when you least expect it.
Meal plans
Even if you love cooking, stick to basic and simple dishes when camping. Canned/boxed entrees and side dishes, fresh food—feel free to mix them the way you like it the most. Fresh air makes us hungry, so pack snacks and fixings for s’mores. Who goes camping without having them?
Instant coffee and tea bags work great for a hot drink in the morning.
Extra tip
Critters around campgrounds are experienced raiders, so never leave your food or garbage unattended or simply out. Use a large bin with a tight seal and lock it in the vehicle until the morning. If you camp in bear country, get familiar with the local regulations. Since bears can break into cars, you might need to use food lockers.
Where should you go camping?
You cannot complain about not having options when camping. Many websites are providing you with information about public lands campsite reservations in the US. You can try reserving [private lands campsites.
Campgrounds that go by the first-come, first-served principle are also widely spread. You don’t need to book months ahead, but you can learn when to show up.
Unless you aim for the wildest experience, we recommend avoiding dispersed camping (no facilities) and primitive sites (pit toilets). For entry-level campers, more comfortable campgrounds make for the better choice. Look for those with running water and flush toilets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go camping all-year round? Are some months better than others?
You can forget about many things when camping, but checking out the weather isn’t one. Go camping between May and October if you go camping in a cold climate.. On the other hand, locations with extreme heat are ideal to camp between December and April, when the cooler temperatures are more comfortable.
Should you take your 2-year old camping? Is he too young for it?
There’s no particular or ideal age when you can start camping with your children. As long as you’re ready to pack all the baby supplies, you can go camping with your child from an early age. Many parents take their 2-3-month-old babies camping. Whether you have a newborn, a toddler, or a preschooler, it’s not essential. It’s never too early to teach your kid about the joys of camping trips.
People buy camping gear all the time. What do they buy the most?
Avid campers spend around $500 on camping gear each year. Out of these campers, almost half of them will buy a flashlight for camping, turning the flashlight into the most popular camping purchase.
Some destinations are more popular than others. What states is the best to camp in the US?
Even if many people like to go camping across the US, Rhode Island stands out as the best camping location in the United States. Since the state sits on a smaller size, it can provide campers with diverse experiences in just on a camping road trip.
Free camping is excellent. What state has the most places for free camping?
Colorado is famous for many things and is one of the top favorites for its free camping. Campers like it here, especially when camping along the western half of the state. Colorado is home to some of the most impressive peaks in the US, which explains its popularity.
