Camping for the first time can be intimidating enough without the stress of wondering what to pack—and worrying about what you might have missed. Luckily, there’s tons of resources to help you figure out what to pack in a camper trailer and how to pack it, so that your first time camping goes off without a hitch. After all, camping can be a fantastic, eye-opening experience that bonds families and creates lifelong memories, so starting out on the right foot is key. This guide to what to pack in a camper trailer will ensure you don’t forget anything, while having exactly what you need for a memorable vacation, no matter where you go. What to pack in a camper trailer can be a fine line between under and over packing, which is never fun. Either you’ll wish you had more, or you’ll spend most of the time sifting through everything trying to find what you need. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to what to pack in a camper trailer for a first-time camper to feel like a pro and enjoy your camping trip to the max.
- Essentials
The essentials pretty much include anything your camper needs to run, inside and out. You want to make sure you have all the functional items, like an electrical adaptor, toilet chemicals, hoses, levelling blocks (so you don’t slowly roll to the edge of the camper each night), extension cords, sewer kit (the stuff you love thinking about), fire extinguisher, and toilet paper. Vehicle essentials like motor oil, transmission fluid, jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, emergency road kit and flashlight are smart to keep handy should anything happen, and a shovel and duct tape never hurt. In terms of the inside of your camper, you’ll want sheets, blankets, pillows, towels (to shower and swim), chargers, bug spray, sunscreen, maps, and batteries—you can never have too many. Clocks and watches are great to pack too, because time can fly by in the middle of nature!
- Cooking
Cooking in a camper can be tricky, but having the right supplies and cookware helps. In order to avoid living off hot dogs and beans, you’ll want to make sure you pack the following: a cutting board, utensils, tongs, can opener, pots and pans, strainer, storage containers, plates and bowls, cups and mugs (got to have that morning java!), spatula, and cutting knives. Of course, clean-up is just as real out in nature, so make sure you have sponges, dish soap, dish towels, a dish rack if possible, garbage bags, paper towels, matches and lighters, and plastic baggies.
In terms of what to bring for food, it’s a great idea to make and freeze some easy-to-cook meals ahead of time that can slowly thaw in a fridge or cooler, like chili, soup, pasta sauce, stews, etc. (keep the rest of your perishable food colder too!). Canned and dry goods pack easily, as do snack packs, granola bars, and cereal. Don’t forget the essentials, like cooking oils, spices, condiments, and of course, s’more ingredients!
- Clothing
When it comes to what to pack in a camper trailer for clothing, you definitely want to pack light. You can always stop by a laundromat, so pack just enough clothes for about a week at a time. Don’t forget warmer clothing for the evenings (depending on where you’re going), hiking boots, sandals, a hat, bathing suit, rain gear, and a good jacket.
- Personal
While you’re certainly not trying to impress anyone while camping, it’s nice to have creature comforts like your soap, shampoo, lotion, brush, deodorant, and toothbrush and paste. Some extras include makeup, razors and shaving cream (so you don’t get mixed up with Bigfoot), glasses, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit. Books and magazines are great to bring for entertainment (and e-book takes up less weight and space), as is a stereo, speakers, cards, board games, and crossword puzzles. Nature is a great entertainer, but sometimes you want to relax with some music and a great book and that’s absolutely okay. Don’t forget your camera for some great family shots!
- Outdoor
When you do venture out of your camper, you’re going to need a few things. Chairs, for instance, are key, but a hammock is a fun extra if you have room. Depending on your family’s hobbies, it can be worthwhile to bring fishing gear, sports equipment like baseball mitts or soccer balls, swimming and beach gear, binoculars, or even a guitar. Don’t forget wood for a campfire (although the campground will usually sell it), lanterns, marshmallow sticks, tarps, rope, and even a BBQ if you feel like getting fancy.
