Confirm the Trip
- Reservation confirmationprint a copy + screenshot for offline access
- Confirm campsite utilities: 30 or 50 amp? Water and sewer hookups available?
- Check weather forecast for destinationbuild layers into clothing plan
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, AllTrails) before leaving home cell coverage
- Plan the drive routeconfirm no low bridges, weight restrictions, or road closures
- America the Beautiful / National Park annual passpacked or digital
Home Prep — Before You Leave
- Take out home trash and recycling
- Secure all windows and doors
- Set thermostat to vacation mode
- Pause mail or ask a neighbor to collect
- Lock up anything weather-sensitive outside
- Arrange for any pet or plant care
Food & Supplies
- Plan meals for the full trip (fridge and cabinet space is limitedplan before you shop)
- Grocery shop based on the meal plandon't over-buy
- Pack road snacks and lunch for departure day separately (in-vehicle, easy-access)
- Restock RV pantry staples that ran low on the last trip
- Check propane levelfill if under 25%
- Start RV fridge 4–8 hours before departure to pre-cool
Clothing & Personal Gear
Pack per person, per trip. These don't live in the trailer.
- Layers: base layer + fleece + waterproof rain jacketper person
- Hiking boots or trail shoesper person
- Camp sandals or water shoes
- Rain gear + rubber boots for wet weather
- Wide-brim sun hatsadults and kids
- Hiking pants with zip-off knees
- Swimsuitswater opportunities appear unexpectedly
- Sunglasses + spare pair per person
- Permethrin clothing spraySawyer (treat before packing, not on skin)
- Warm pajamas/sleepwear (temperatures drop at night even in summer)
- Plan 2 full outfit changes per child per day
Personal Care & Health
- Toiletry bag per personcheck quantities before packing
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Kids' sunscreenSPF 50+, reef-safe
- Bug spraySawyer Picaridin (DEET-free, family-safe)
- Kids' bug spraySawyer Picaridin, DEET-free
- Prescription medicationspack with 2 extra days' supply
- OTC meds: antacid, pain reliever, cold medicine, anti-diarrheal
- Children's Tylenol/ibuprofen, anti-itch cream, extra bandages (if traveling with kids)
Electronics & Devices
- Phones + chargersone per family member
- Tablets/iPads + chargers
- Camera + spare batteries + memory cards
- Charge all devices and battery banks before departure
- Download kids' offline entertainment: movies, games, audiobooks
- Kids' headphonesLilGadgets Untangled Pro (volume-limited, 85dB)
Kids' Trip Gear
- Each child's comfort item: stuffed animal, small blanket, pillow from home
- Kids' sleeping bags rated for destination temperature
- In-vehicle snack bag packed for the drive (separate from RV supplies)
- Kite
- Kids' sunscreenSPF 50+, reef-safe
Trip Documents
Bring these — they don't live in the trailer.
- Photo ID for all adults
- Passports if crossing a border
- Health insurance cards
- Any travel insurance documents