Basecamp Bound · basecampbound.com
The Family RV Packing List
Systems bay (the stuff that makes camp work)
- Fresh water hose (drinking-water rated) + water pressure regulator
- Sewer hose kit, clear elbow, disposable gloves, tank treatment
- Surge protector / EMS for shore power, 30/50-amp adapters
- Leveling blocks and wheel chocks
- Extension cords: one heavy-duty power, one regular
- Basic tool kit, tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor
- Headlamp or work light (hookups happen in the dark more than you'd think)
Kitchen
- One good skillet, one pot, one sheet pan. Resist packing more.
- Knife, cutting board, spatula, tongs, can opener, corkscrew
- Plates, bowls, cups, cutlery for the crew plus two guests
- Coffee setup you'll actually use at 6 AM in the cold
- Dish soap, sponge, quick-dry towels, trash bags
- Lighter, foil, zip bags, paper towels
- First-week groceries packed at home; restock on the road
Kids
- Layers, not outfits: everything works with everything
- Rain jackets and one warm hat each, whatever the forecast says
- Trail shoes plus water shoes or sandals
- Junior Ranger vest space: badges accumulate, plan for it
- Audio player + headphones, books, one small toy bin with a lid
- Refillable water bottles, labeled
- Sunscreen, bug spray, kid medications, and the good band-aids
Dogs
- Food for the full trip plus three days, sealed bin
- Bowls, leashes (a spare), long tie-out line and stake
- Vaccination records (many campgrounds ask; some parks require)
- Flea/tick and heartworm meds on schedule
- Old towels: wet dog is not an if, it's a when
- Waste bags. More than that. More.
- The blanket that smells like home
Paperwork & essentials drawer
- Driver's licenses, insurance cards (rig, toad, health), roadside membership
- Rig manuals, tow bar and braking system manuals
- National parks pass, campground confirmations (offline copies)
- Basic first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher you've actually located
- Phone mounts, chargers for every device, one backup battery pack
- A paper map of the region. GPS dies in exactly the wrong canyons.
The only-forget-it-once list
- Clothesline and clips
- Camp chairs for everyone plus one
- Outdoor rug (dirt management is morale management)
- S'more sticks
- Duct tape and zip ties
- Quarters for laundry
- The kids' pillows from home. Not negotiable, we learned.
From the family behind Basecamp Bound. Free to print and share. Full episodes and guides: basecampbound.com/plan
