RV Camping Must Haves: Essential Gear for Your Trip

RV camping is the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. You get to roam wild landscapes, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and wake up with ever-changing views—all while keeping the cozy perks of home right at your fingertips. Your own bed? Check. A fridge stocked with snacks? You got it. A bathroom that isn’t a public restroom at a rest stop? Yes, please.

But anyone who's done more than a weekend in an RV knows the truth: it’s not all campfire stories and stargazing. Without the right gear, RV camping can quickly go from dreamy to frustrating. Ever tried leveling your rig on a crooked gravel spot without blocks? Or taken a “shower” with a single water bottle after hiking in 90-degree heat? Not fun. The magic of RV life lives in the balance between freedom and preparation—and packing the right gear makes all the difference.

In 2025, RV campers are smarter than ever. With more tools, tech, and gear available than ever before, there's no excuse to hit the road unprepared. Whether you’re a weekend warrior heading to national parks or a full-time RVer boondocking in the desert, this list will get you set for success.

Let’s break it all down. These are the ultimate RV camping must-haves—the gear that will keep you powered, comfortable, clean, and ready for whatever adventure comes your way.

Top 10 Essential RV Camping Must-Haves (and Why You’ll Love Them)

1. Portable Solar Power Setup

When you're off-grid and far from the nearest power hookup, solar power is your lifeline. A good solar setup can keep your batteries charged, devices running, and fans spinning—all without the noise or fumes of a generator.

In 2025, solar power is more efficient and user-friendly than ever. You can get portable solar panels that fold up for easy storage but still generate serious wattage. Brands like Jackery, EcoFlow, and Bluetti offer plug-and-play systems that even first-time RVers can figure out in minutes.

Imagine pulling into a remote canyon, no neighbors in sight, no hookups, and no generator noise—just you, nature, and enough juice to keep the coffee maker running. That’s solar freedom.

Pro Tip: Pair your solar panels with a high-capacity power station, so you can run lights, charge laptops, and even power your RV fridge during cloudy days.

2. Compact Water Filtration System

Water is a non-negotiable when you're on the road. But not every fill-up station gives you clean, safe water—and sometimes your only option is a questionable hose at a gas station.

That’s where a compact water filtration system comes in. Models from Berkey, Clear2O, or Camco make it easy to purify your water on the go. Some systems connect directly to your water inlet, while others filter drinking water separately.

Clean water means fewer plastic bottles, safer cooking, better tasting coffee, and peace of mind no matter where you’re parked.

3. Space-Saving Cookware for Small Kitchens

Let’s be honest—RV kitchens aren’t known for their spacious countertops or storage. That’s why stackable, nesting cookware is a must.

Look for compact cookware sets with nonstick coatings, collapsible handles, and lids that double as strainers or cutting boards. Magma’s nesting cookware is a favorite among RVers because it stores in a small footprint but performs like full-size kitchen gear.

You’ll thank yourself when you’re whipping up pasta with sautéed veggies on your two-burner stove without cluttering every available surface.

Bonus: Add a collapsible dish tub and drying rack to save even more space while keeping your kitchen tidy.

4. Leveling Blocks + Wheel Chocks

Trying to sleep in a crooked rig or use the bathroom when your trailer rocks every time someone walks is the worst. Leveling blocks help get your RV properly aligned so your fridge runs efficiently, your bed feels level, and your doors stop swinging shut on their own.

Pair them with heavy-duty wheel chocks to keep your rig secure—especially on uneven or sloped terrain.

Don’t let an unlevel campsite ruin your night’s sleep or mess with your appliances. A few minutes with these tools can save you a world of headaches.

5. All-Weather Outdoor Rug

It might seem like a luxury, but a good outdoor rug is one of the most underrated RV accessories out there. It defines your outdoor space, gives you a clean spot to take off shoes, and keeps dirt from getting tracked into your rig.

In muddy or dusty conditions (read: most campsites), a mildew-resistant, quick-drying outdoor mat makes all the difference. Some even come with built-in grommets to stake them down in windy conditions.

Plus, it gives your site a cozy, “homey” feel that makes it easier to settle in and relax.

6. Folding Camp Chairs & Table

Even if your RV has a dinette or couch inside, nothing beats lounging outside. A quality set of folding chairs and a portable camp table transforms your space into an open-air dining room or hangout zone.

Look for reclining models with padded headrests, cup holders, and breathable mesh backing for hot weather comfort. A folding table with adjustable height can double as a prep surface, game table, or workstation.

You’ll find yourself eating outside more often—and enjoying sunsets with a drink in hand just a little longer.

7. Smart Temperature Control System

Camping in the mountains one day and in the desert the next? Your RV thermostat needs to keep up.

In 2025, smart climate control systems like the Micro-Air EasyTouch let you monitor and adjust temps remotely, optimize battery usage, and even automate heating and cooling schedules.

Pair this with 12V fans, small space heaters, or even portable AC units for extreme conditions. RVs don’t always insulate well, so being able to control temperature efficiently can make a massive difference.

8. Collapsible Storage Bins & Gear Organizers

Space is always at a premium in an RV. Collapsible storage bins help you organize everything from food to hiking gear to emergency supplies without cluttering your space.

Use smaller bins in drawers, vertical organizers for closet spaces, and larger totes for garage compartments or under-bed storage.

The key is to label everything—nothing’s worse than tearing your RV apart looking for that one spare charging cable.

9. LED Lanterns & Solar String Lights

Light up your site without draining your batteries. LED lanterns are perfect for evening cooking, late-night card games, or navigating dark campsites. Many models now come with dimmable settings, USB charging, and emergency flash modes.

Solar-powered string lights add ambiance and help you find your rig at night (especially in busy campgrounds). Wrap them around your awning or picnic table and instantly create cozy vibes.

10. A Portable Shower

Whether you’re hiking dusty trails, camping at the beach, or boondocking miles from civilization, a portable shower is a total RV game-changer. Even if your rig has an indoor shower, they can be cramped, water-restricted, and a hassle to clean.

With a portable shower, you can rinse off gear, clean your feet, bathe pets, or just cool down after a hot day—all without filling your grey tank.

Why RinseKit Is the Portable Shower Built for RV Camping

Let’s get real—most portable showers fall short. Gravity-fed bags are a pain to hang and barely produce enough flow to rinse off. Manual pumps lose pressure fast. Solar showers? Great in theory, inconsistent in practice.

RinseKit changes the game by delivering strong, pressurized water—no gravity, no manual pumping, no waiting for the sun. With multiple models to fit your style of camping, there’s a RinseKit for every RV adventurer.

 RinseKit Cube

• 4-gallon capacity – perfect for couples or families
  

• Battery-powered pressure system – strong, reliable water flow at the push of a button
  

• USB charging ports – power your phone or Bluetooth speaker directly from the Cube
  

• Rugged, durable, and leak-proof – built for road life and unpredictable conditions
  

• Ideal for RVers who want a shower-like experience without the plumbing hassle
  
  

 RinseKit Pro

• 3.5-gallon tank – great for solo travelers or minimalist setups
  

• Same powerful pressurization as the Cube
  

• More affordable – perfect for budget-conscious campers
  

• Compact enough to store in tight RV spaces, yet rugged enough for the outdoors

Why RinseKit Beats the Rest

Other portable showers can’t compete with RinseKit’s pressure, convenience, and durability. You don’t need a tree. You don’t need to hand-pump. You just fill it, press a button, and spray.

Whether you’re washing sand off your feet, rinsing your mountain bike, or actually showering after a long day in the wild, RinseKit delivers comfort and cleanliness without compromise.

More Than Just a Shower: All the Ways to Use a RinseKit at the Campsite

A lot of people think of portable showers as a nice-to-have for rinsing off after a hike or washing up at the beach—and yes, RinseKit handles that job better than anything else out there. But the real value of RinseKit goes way beyond just taking showers.

Even if your RV already has a built-in shower, a RinseKit adds a new level of flexibility, convenience, and water-saving functionality that’s hard to beat. Think of it as your portable cleaning station, utility sink, gear washer, and outdoor faucet—all in one.

Here are some of the most useful and creative ways RV campers are using RinseKit to upgrade their campsite experience:

1. Outdoor Showers That Save Your Grey Tank

Let’s start with the obvious: showering. Your RV probably has a shower, but using it eats up fresh water and fills your grey tank fast—especially if you're boondocking or camping without hookups. With RinseKit, you can take full-body showers outside without worrying about plumbing or draining your onboard resources.

You stay fresh, your water tanks stay full, and your RV bathroom stays clean. It’s the perfect setup when you’re off-grid or just want to enjoy an open-air shower with a view.

2. A Portable Sink for Washing Dishes and Prepping Food

No one loves doing dishes in a cramped RV sink, especially when you’re cooking outside or trying to keep the interior clean. The RinseKit steps in as your portable sink at camp.

Just set it up next to a folding table or a collapsible basin and use it to:

• Rinse dirty dishes, pots, and pans
  

• Spray down cutting boards and utensils
  

• Wash produce before you cook
  

• Clean off your hands after handling raw meat or prepping over the fire
  
  

With strong, pressurized water, it actually feels like using a real faucet. And unlike those flimsy camp sinks with gravity-fed water, the RinseKit gets the job done quickly and efficiently.

3. Rinse Off Dirty Gear and Shoes Before Entering the RV

After a long hike, bike ride, or a day on the trail, you’re bringing a lot more than memories back to camp—you’re also hauling dirt, sand, mud, and who-knows-what on your boots and gear.

Use the RinseKit to:

• Spray off hiking boots and sneakers
  

• Clean mud-caked tires on your bike
  

• Rinse out climbing ropes, snowshoes, or fishing gear
  

• Wash off folding chairs or storage bins that sat on dusty ground
  
  

You’ll not only extend the life of your gear, but also keep your RV cleaner and easier to manage between adventures.

4. Keep Pets Clean Without Turning the RV into a Bathtub

Traveling with dogs? Then you already know how quickly they can go from cute and fluffy to muddy and chaotic. The RinseKit makes cleaning your pets quick, painless, and less messy.

Use the low-pressure setting for a gentle, pet-friendly rinse, or give them a full scrub after a romp through the woods or a swim in the lake. No more hauling wet dogs into your tiny RV shower—or worse, letting them dry off inside without a rinse.

5. Tidy Up After the Campfire

Campfires are great. Cleaning up after one? Not so much. Between sticky marshmallow skewers, greasy grilling tools, and ash-covered grates, you’ll want a reliable way to rinse off the mess.

Keep your RinseKit near the fire pit to:

• Rinse off BBQ tools or camp cookware
  

• Wash your hands and arms after tending the fire
  

• Clean up spilled drinks or food scraps
  
  

It’s like having a utility sink right next to your fire ring, without running inside every five minutes.

6. Wash Up Without Using the RV Bathroom

Sometimes you don’t need a full shower—you just want to wash your face, brush your teeth, or rinse off the day’s dust and grime. With a RinseKit set up outside, you can do all of that without stepping foot inside your RV.

Add a small mirror, a towel, and some biodegradable soap, and you’ve got yourself a minimalist but highly functional outdoor hygiene station. It’s especially handy during early mornings or late nights when you don’t want to run your water pump or disturb sleeping companions.

7. Cool Down on Hot Days

On scorching summer days, staying cool is crucial—especially if your RV doesn’t have great airflow or you’re camping somewhere without shade. The RinseKit provides instant relief with a cool, refreshing spray.

Use it to:

• Rinse sweat and sunscreen off your body
  

• Mist your face and neck to regulate body temperature
  

• Create a quick cooldown station for kids
  

• Fill a small kiddie pool for extra heat relief
  

It's a simple way to beat the heat and feel human again after long days in the sun.

8. Emergency Backup Water Supply

The RinseKit isn’t just convenient—it can also be a backup source of clean water when you need it most. Because it's a sealed, portable tank, it can be filled and stored ahead of time, giving you emergency access when water hookups are limited or your RV’s plumbing needs attention.

In a pinch, use your RinseKit to:

• Refill water bottles or pet bowls
  

• Mix powdered food or drinks
  

• Rinse wounds or wash up during first aid situations
  

• Flush the toilet if your pump goes out
  
  

Having a self-contained water source on hand adds a layer of confidence and flexibility to any campsite setup.

The Bottom Line: RinseKit Is a Multi-Tool for Outdoor Living

Most portable showers are limited in what they can actually do—low pressure, long setup times, and barely enough water to rinse off your feet. RinseKit flips that idea on its head. It’s not just a shower. It’s a portable sink, gear washer, hygiene station, cooling tool, pet washer, and backup water source all rolled into one.

For RV campers who want to simplify life at camp while staying clean, comfortable, and efficient, the RinseKit isn’t a luxury—it’s a must-have.

Whether you’re parked deep in the forest, set up on a beach bluff, or boondocking on public land, having pressurized water at your fingertips can change the way you camp for good. And once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever hit the road without one.