Every RV trip requires camping supplies. You need the essentials, such as food, clothing, and medications. But in all the hubbub of packing, it can be easy to forget a must-have item. No one wants to be stuck taking a long detour to grab an item that they forgot to bring along. That's why we created the following list of 10 must bring camping essentials. 

If you want more travel tips or want to shop RVs for sale in Iowa, visit Camp Site RV. Our dealership is in Cresco, Iowa, and we also serve those in Cedar Falls as well as Rochester, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.

1. A First Aid Kit

Hopefully, no issues will arise during your RV trip. But you will want to be prepared in case they do. Always pack a first aid kit so that you can handle medical emergencies. 

A basic kit should provide the supplies for dealing with allergies, pain, cuts, scrapes, and minor burns. If you are traveling with any pets, be sure you have the supplies to treat their medical ailments as well.

Be sure to go through all the supplies at least once a year. Toss anything that has expired and replenish any supplies that are getting low. Make sure every passenger knows where the kit is stored before you start a vacation.

2. A Set Of Tools

Even the highest quality RVs can experience small maintenance or performance issues on the road. If there's a loose screw here or a flat tire there, a tool kit will allow you to fix it without needing to take a detour to a service department. Pack a well-rounded set of tools that is tailored to your RV (and, if it’s also coming on the trip, your commuter car). 

3. Leveling Blocks

When you arrive at the campsite, it's important to level your RV. Failure to do so can result in a host of problems, from fridge issues to a bad night's sleep. Leveling blocks help you get your RV level - and ensure it stays level. Otherwise, all the walking around inside can undo your hard work.

4. Supplies For The RV's Plumbing System

Unless you plan on only using the campsite's restrooms, you will need the essentials for your RV's plumbing system. The specific products will depend on your given model, but this generally includes a drinking hose, a sewer hose, holding tank treatment (for cleaning the tanks out), and disposable gloves.

5. A Water Pressure Regulator

Different RVs can handle different amounts of water pressure. In some cases, the campsite's water pressure will be too strong for a rig. Hooking up to the system can cause expensive damage to the water system.

A water pressure regulator prevents this issue from happening. It allows you to access the campground's water...without any risk of damage.

6. A Surge Protector

A surge protector helps prevent damage to your electrical system. If there's too much or too little power coming into the RV, it will automatically shut off. This is a valuable investment that can save you huge amounts of money throughout the camper's lifespan.

7. Space-Saving Kitchen Items

RV kitchens are only so big. Make the most of cabinet space with stackable dishware, collapsible bowls, travel sized spices, and other space-saving items.

When you pack your food, try to stick to a meal plan. That way, you are only bringing the items you need and not packing your kitchen with goodies that likely won't get eaten.

8. Medications

No one wants to arrive at a campground and realize they forgot their medication! Make sure every passenger brings their medications. Parents should create a master list and double check that their children remembered to pack their medications.

9. The Right Clothing

You don't need to bring your entire wardrobe. But you do need to bring a variety of items so that you can adapt to any changes in weather or activities. Every traveler should have a waterproof jacket, for example, in case it rains.

10. An Attitude Of Flexibility

You never know what is going to happen on an RV trip. There may be sudden closures of a destination on your itinerary or you may uncover a hidden gem driving through a small town. It's part of the fun! Encourage all campers to maintain an attitude of flexibility, rather than getting too focused on what was planned or expected. It'll help everyone have a more enjoyable and more memorable trip.

We hope you enjoyed this list of camping essentials. For more suggestions or to shop RVs for sale in Iowa, visit Camp Site RV. Explore our inventory online or head over to our dealership in Cresco, Iowa. We also proudly serve those in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Rochester, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.