The Only RV Checklist Post You’ll Ever Need

By Carrie Wilder | Last Updated: September 11, 2024 

Whether you need an RV checklist for items to bring along, or one for departure and arrival, you're in the right place.

Checklists are an essential part of RVing. Even seasoned RVers use checklists or a checklist app like the one mentioned below. With so many things to do and bring, it's easy for even the most seasoned RVer to forget something!

You can download the entire bundle to print off for easy planning. Feel free to share with your RVing friends!

Download The Printable RV Checklists Bundle

Enter your name and email below to download the Ultimate Printable RV Checklists Bundle!

RV Essentials Checklist

In other words: you definitely don't want to be caught RVing without these items!

Essential RV Paperwork

  • Insurance Papers
  • Warranty Documents
  • RV Manual
  • Passports
  • Road Maps
  • Campground Discount Cards
  • Campground Directory
  • RV Registration
  • Vehicle Registration and Insurance

Essential RV Supplies

  • Sewer Hose and Extra Fittings
  • Freshwater Hose
  • Black Tank Flush Hose
  • Water Pressure Regulator
  • Inline Water Filter
  • Disposable Gloves
  • Work Gloves
  • Flashlight
  • RV Power Cord
  • 20, 30, and 50amp Power Adapters
  • RV Surge Protector
  • Jack and Tire Ramps
  • Tire Iron
  • Tire Pressure Gauge
  • Leveling Blocks
  • Bubble Level
  • Paper Towels or Rags
  • Bleach Water Spray Bottle for Sanitizing Fresh Water Hookups
  • Wheel Chocks

RV Campsite Checklist

It's time to set up the campsite… here's what you'll need!

  • Outdoor rug
  • Camp chairs
  • Bug Spray
  • Citronella Candles
  • Patio Lights
  • Fun Stuff – Bikes, Toys, Etc
  • Outdoor Extension Cord
  • Hammock
  • Firewood and Kindling
  • Fire Starter and Lighter or Matches
  • Water Bottles
  • Propane Fire Pit if applicable or desired
  • Sunscreen
  • Lanterns/headlamps
  • Grill

Related: Do you know what gear you need to bring along for your camper? Check out this list of 70+ Pop Up Camper Accessories for all your must-have RVing items!

RV Kitchen Checklist

Everything you'll need for cooking in your RV!

  • Dish Soap
  • Crock Pot or Instant Pot
  • Coffee Making Supplies/Devices
  • Trash Bags
  • Pots and Pans and Cast Iron
  • Food/Drinks
  • Spices and Condiments
  • Utensils
  • Can Opener
  • Don't forget the Pizza Cutter!
  • Hot Pads
  • Dish Towels and Rags
  • Dish Cleaning Brush or Sponge
  • Plates, Bowls, and Cups
  • Paper Towels and Napkins
  • Knives
  • Serving Bowls
  • Aluminum Foil and Saran Wrap
  • Food Storage Containers
  • Ziploc Baggies
  • Baking Dishes
  • Cooking Oil
  • Tongs
  • Bottle/Can Opener
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cutting Boards
  • Colander
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Blender
  • Matches/Lighter
  • Bag Clips
  • Wine Key
  • Broom or Dust Pan
  • Dish Rack
  • Scissors

RV Bathroom Checklist

  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Toothbrushes, Floss, and Toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Shaving Cream
  • Lotion
  • Body Wash/Soap
  • Aloe Gel
  • Deodorant
  • Tampons and Pads
  • Hair Brush
  • Pony Tail Holders
  • Nail Clippers
  • Shower Shoes
  • Shower Caddy/Tote
  • RV Toilet Paper
  • Bathroom Cleaners
  • Hand Soap
  • Towels – Hand and Body
  • First Aid Kit
  • Personal Medications
  • Laundry Bag
  • Laundry Detergent and Dryer Sheets
  • Quarters for Campground Laundry and/or Showers
  • Bath Mat

RV Bedroom Checklist

  • Bed sheets and blankets
  • Pillows and Pillow Cases
  • Clothes – pajamas, outdoor clothes, swim suits, everyday clothes, extra socks and underwear, etc
  • Hangers
  • Shoes – hiking shoes, water shoes, shower shoes, everyday shoes
  • Hats/Sunglasses
  • Coats and Vests if necessary

RVing Pets Checklist

Whether you're traveling with dogs or cats, here's a checklist to bring their essentials!

  • Essential Pet Paperwork: IDs, Vaccinations, Etc
  • Leash and Lead
  • Pet Kennel
  • Potty Pads
  • Poop Bags
  • Bedding
  • Food and Water Bowl
  • Pet Food
  • Any Pet Medications
  • Litterbox and Litter
  • Favorite Toys
  • Favorite Treats
  • Scratching Posts and Pads
  • Lint Roller for all that FUR!!
  • Thunder Jacket or Anxiety Reducing Supplies if Needed
  • Pet Brushes

RV Tools Checklist

There are a few tools you should always keep handy in your RV – because you never know what might happen!

  • Drill or Screwdriver with multiple bits and tips
  • Flashlights
  • Zip Ties
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Duct Tape
  • Bungee cords and Ratchet Straps
  • Electrical Tape
  • Extra Fuses
  • Spare Electrical Wire
  • Extension Cords
  • Voltmeter
  • Batteries
  • Jumper Cables
  • Tire Pressure Gauge
  • Collapsible Shovel
  • Rope
  • Rags
  • Super Glue
  • WD-40
  • Pocket Knife
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Tarp
  • Saw
  • Hatchet
  • Step Stool
  • Torque Wrench
  • RV sealant
  • Caulking gun
  • Slide cleaner and greaser
  • Hammer
  • Screws of various sizes and types
  • Nails of various sizes and types
  • Velcro
  • Command strips
  • Utility knife/box cutter and extra blades

RV First Aid Kit Checklist

  • Any Personal Medications
  • Band Aids
  • Menstrual Products
  • Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
  • Benadryl
  • Alcohol
  • Peroxide
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Gauze
  • Epi Pen
  • Thermometer
  • Antacid
  • Immodium
  • Pepto Bismol
  • Vitamins
  • Bug bite/itch ointment
  • Aloe gel sunburn relief
  • Anti-fungal cream

Essential Electronics Checklist

  • Chargers: Cell Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Etc
  • Electronic Items: Tablets, Laptops
  • Walkie Talkies
  • RV GPS
  • Wifi Signal Booster
  • Cell Signal Booster

Other Miscellaneous RV Supplies Checklist

  • Batteries – rechargeable are best!
  • Plastic Bags
  • Wet Wipes
  • Storage Containers
  • Games and Hobby Stuff – Cards, Board Games, etc
  • Books
  • Paper and Pens
  • Fishing Gear
  • Hiking Gear
  • Binoculars
  • Lawn Games

RV Departure Checklist

Run through this checklist every time you leave your campsite. This is essential for safety!

Download the entire printable RV checklist here! Just put in your name and email and I'll send it right over.

RV Interior Departure Checklist

  • All Items Stored and Secured
  • All Countertops Cleared Off
  • Cupboards Closed and Latched
  • Refrigerator Items Secured and Fridge Latched
  • Refrigerator Power Turned Off
  • Windows Closed
  • Roof Vents Closed
  • TV Antenna Down
  • Satellite Down
  • Slides In
  • Water Heater, AC, and Furnace turned off
  • Water Pump Off

RV Exterior Departure Checklist

  • Check Tire Pressure
  • Check Lights
  • Dump and Flush Black and Gray Tanks
  • Fill Fresh Water
  • Disconnect Water, Sewer, Power, and Cable
  • Shut Off Propane
  • Retract and Secure Awning
  • Put Away Outside Items
  • Raise Jacks
  • Connect RV to Tow Vehicle
  • Check All Lights
  • Pick Up All Chocks and Wheel Blocks
  • Close and Lock all Storage Bins, Make Sure They're Latched
  • Secure Steps
  • Do a final walk-around and check that all windows are closed, storage bins are latched, antenna and satellite are down, and visually plan your departure. Keep an eye out for protruding limbs or other obstacles.

RV Campsite Setup Checklist

Once you arrive to your campsite, follow these steps to get all set up!

  • Level RV
  • Chock Wheels
  • Connect Power
  • Connect Fresh Water
  • Connect Sewer and Open Gray Tank if Applicable
  • Open Slides
  • Set Up Campsite
  • Turn On Propane
  • Turn on Fridge
  • Start AC or Furnace to Set Temp

Ultimate RV Checklist App

A paper checklist for campsite departure and arrival is great, but not always practical.

My friend and former colleague J.P. Smith (you may know him as the Convergence Director for Escapees RV Club) created an app called Ultimate RV Checklist.

This easy-to-use app walks you through all the steps for RV travel day and campsite setup.

All you have to do is click each item as you complete it, and you'll be ready to go!

This app is very thorough and doesn't miss a thing, ensuring you and your RV's safety as you gear up for traveling or arrive to a new site. It's also fully customizable, and you can make or upload your own items/lists.

The Ultimate RV Checklist App has checklists for all types of RVs and activities:

  • Motorhome Departure and Arrival
  • Travel Trailer Departure and Arrival
  • Fifth Wheel Departure and Arrival
  • Camper Van Departure and Arrival
  • Tow Vehicle Departure and Arrival for Cars and Trucks
  • RV Winterizing and Dewinterizing Checklists
  • Bug Out Bag Checklist
  • …. all this and more!

Ultimate RV Checklist truly deserves the title of “Ultimate”.

This app is just $1.99 on the App Store or on Google Play.

$1.99 is a small price for such a helpful app, and it's supporting a fellow RVer and all around amazing person in the process! I am not paid to promote this, I just think JP is awesome and this app is incredibly useful for all RVers – even seasoned RVers forget stuff sometimes!

Get Ultimate RV Checklist on the Apple App Store here.

Get Ultimate RV Checklist for Android Here.

Carrie Wilder

Carrie has a passion for location independence and nomadic lifestyles. After traveling full-time in an RV and living the van life, she created Making Money and Traveling to help others make the switch to a remote lifestyle. Learn more about Carrie on the About page or connect on social media below. 

Keep Reading