What to Pack When Going Camping in a Camper?

Packing the right gear, food, and storage solutions for a camper van trip can make or break your adventure, especially when exploring the great outdoors. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned road tripper, our van life guide ensures you’re fully prepared for whatever the road throws your way. 

Read on as we explore key packing tips and guidelines to maximize your camper van experience.

What Is the 3 3 3 Rule for RV Camping? 

The 3 3 3 rule is one of the most popular travel guidelines for RV camping. It’s designed to make travel more enjoyable and less stressful. It recommends: 

• Driving no more than 300 miles a day
• Arriving at your destination by 3 PM
• Staying at each location for at least 3 nights

This approach helps reduce driver fatigue, allows ample time to set up camp before dark, and gives travelers a chance to truly explore their surroundings rather than rushing from one spot to the next.

Therefore, as you pack and plan for your trip, make sure you’re planning enough breaks and looking to take a slow enough pace in each destination for the best experience. 

How Do I Prepare My Camper for Camping?

A thorough inspection and organization are essential to prepare your camper van for a successful camping trip. 

Start by conducting a camper preparation inspection. This involves checking key systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC to ensure everything is functioning properly. Look for potential issues like leaks, faulty wiring, or low refrigerant levels in the HVAC system, which can make a huge difference in comfort and safety.

Next, review your pre-trip checklist to organize your essentials. What Accessories Do You Need for a Campervan? This includes safety equipment, tools, and must-have items for the trip, such as spare fuses, water hoses, and propane supplies​. 

Finally, assess your RV’s readiness by ensuring its maintenance needs are current, such as oil changes and tire rotations. Also, get your camper van stocked with essential gear, food, and emergency kits for your trip.  

How Do You Pack a Camper for the First Time?

Packing a camper for the first time is a very manageable task with the right plan. Start by creating a comprehensive RV packing list, focusing on must-have items. Here’s a breakdown of essential categories:

• Kitchenware: Pots, pans, utensils, cutting board, dish soap, and RV-safe toilet paper. 
• Safety gear: First-aid kit, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, flashlight, and extra batteries​. 
• Comfort items: Bedding, pillows, towels, and warm clothes for chilly nights. 
• Storage solutions: Collapsible containers, stackable bins, and slip-resistant liners. 

These essentials ensure you’re well-prepared for first-time RV camping. You can save this beginner’s guide and refer back to it as needed to stay well-equipped for all your trips. Plus, you can refine it as you learn your own personal preferences and travel needs. When you rent an Escape Camper Van, you can add some of these items to your trip to ease the stress of packing. 

Camper Van Packing Tips

When packing for a camper van trip, efficient use of space is key to ensure comfort and organization. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your limited storage:

• Use vertical space: Use wall-mounted hooks, hanging organizers, or shelves to organize items like kitchen utensils, toiletries, and tools.
• Invest in multipurpose items: Choose gear that serves multiple functions, such as a folding table that can double as a prep station or storage containers that can be used as seating​. 
• Opt for collapsible or stackable gear: Items like collapsible bowls, bins, and nesting cookware save space when not in use and help keep things compact. 
• Pack only what you need: Stick to the essentials and avoid overpacking. Create a streamlined list based on the duration of your trip and destination, focusing on items you’ll use daily.

What Food to Pack for RV Camping

When packing food for an RV camping trip, you must prioritize convenience and longevity. Here are some of the best foods to consider and some food storage tips to get you on the right track. 

Quick and Easy Options

Start by planning some quick and easy camping meals. Opt for simple meals like oatmeal, pasta, or pre-made sandwich wraps that require minimal cooking. Items like canned beans, instant rice, and freeze-dried meals are some other great options that are nutritious and easy to prepare. You can save cooking time by chopping and prepping any ingredients before you hit the road to make cooking a breeze. 

What to Bring on Longer Trips

For longer trips, stock up on long-lasting, non-perishable food items such as canned vegetables, grains (like quinoa and couscous), and dry snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and crackers. Foods that don’t require refrigeration are ideal for extended stays when you have minimal space in small camper van fridges. 

RV Food Packing Strategies

To pack your food efficiently, utilize stackable containers and resealable bags to maximize space and keep your items organized. Labeling containers with expiration dates and contents helps you quickly find what you need and ensures you’re rotating food efficiently​. 

Make Packing for a Camping Trip Easier with an Escape Camper Van

Now that you know all the essential packing tips and strategies, it’s time to choose the right camper van to rent for your adventure. Escape Camper Vans has you covered. Our vans come equipped with many essential amenities you’ll need for a great experience and make it easy to pack and store your items away with extra storage and streamlined designs. 

Some of the top features our vans come equipped with to make your journey easier are:

• Queen size beds
• Propane stove
• Refrigerator
• Sink with a water tank
• Extra storage
• Foldaway tables and benches
• Bucket seats that you don’t have to collapse to make your bed

Ready to plan your adventure? You can reserve an Escape Camper Van today or contact us with any other questions.