First-Time Travel Trailer Must-Haves: Essentials for a Smooth Adventure

Congratulations! If you’re here, you’re gearing up for your very first adventure in a travel trailer or RV — how exciting!

I’ll admit, my first trip was a bit of a whirlwind. While it was packed with unforgettable lessons, I also left behind half the things I needed. To help you avoid the same chaos, I’ve put together a list of essential first-time travel trailer must-haves.

This guide includes everything you truly need — and nothing you don’t — to outfit your camper and hit the road with confidence.

What’s On Deck:

First-Time Travel Trailer Must-Haves

Cooking & Kitchen Essentials

• Dehydrated Meals: Convenient, lightweight, and easy to store, they’re perfect for quick, hassle-free meals. They also come in handy when you hit unexpected delays in your trip or can’t get your propane stove top to work (speaking from personal experience).
• Biodegradable Plates & Reusable Cutlery: Sometimes you don’t have the space for clunky plates, which is where eco-friendly options come in handy. Biodegradable plates are durable, compact, and easy to store. I also have a set of bamboo cutlery which has been a compact and reliable option for meals at camp. Plus, the storage case keeps my fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks together so I don’t lose them in my kitchen cabinet while towing.  
• Wooden Bowls & Cutting Boards: These items add a rustic, homey feel and withstand wear and tear on the road. With a little wood oil, you can keep these items in peak condition for years. 

• Reusable Stainless Steel Cups with Lids: Durable, spill-proof, and easy to clean, stainless steel cups are superior and versatile cups that are a no-brainer for RV kitchens. The lids are critical especially if you’re traveling with kids or a dog. My dog, Rocky, has knocked over numerous campground mimosas and sparkling waters with a slight flick of his tail. Don’t make my mistake!
• Roll-Up Knife Set: A roll-up knife set is compact and keeps knives safely organized while stowed in any kitchen drawer or cabinet. I use this particular set with blade protector sleeves for another layer of security for both the blades and your fingers when you’re fishing around in a kitchen cabinet after you get to camp. 
• Natural Bamboo Sponge & Dish Soap (e.g., Camp Suds): For easy cleanup that’s safe for the environment, choose a biodegradable soap that’s tough on dirt without being tough on wildlife. I pair mine with a bamboo sponge that’s a natural swap for the standard yellow and green plastic sponges most of us are familiar with. 
• Wooden Cooking Utensils: Durable, eco-friendly, and easy to store without damaging cookware, wooden utensils are a useful and aesthetic addition to any RV kitchen. 
• Stackable Non-stick Cook Set: I used regular pots and pans on my first couple of trips and although they worked fine, they took up too much valuable space in my kitchen. I swapped to the Carote non-stick pot and pan set with detachable handles and never looked back! The detachable handles are sturdy, supporting a full pot of boiling water without issue. This set comes with lids that sit perfectly inside the lip of a pot and pan, keeping your leftovers from spilling out in your RV fridge. 

Comfort & Cleanliness Essentials

• Comfortable Camping Chair: This one is obvious. A camp chair is key for relaxing after a day of adventures.
• Compact & Lightweight Blankets: Even if you’re sleeping in a travel trailer, the temperature outside is a critical player in your level of comfort. That means you need a comfortable, lightweight blanket on hand for the cool fall or spring nights — you know the ones that don’t require AC blasting or the furnace cranked on high. For those moderate nights under the stars, you’ll be thankful you have lightweight yet cozy essentials to ensure a good night’s sleep.

• Pillows: Some campers prefer a small, packable pillow for travel and camping, but I need at least two pillows to get a good night’s sleep. If you’re setting up a small RV, consider investing in one quality pillow for your bed. Then, add two or three throw pillows with versatile, soft covers. These can double as decorative accents and extra comfort when needed.
• Microfiber Towels: These space-saving and quick-drying towels are perfect for showering or drying off. Snag yourself a bundle that includes a full body size, hand towel size, and wash cloth size so you’re prepared for anything. 
• Hand Broom: Great for keeping the trailer clean and free of sand or dirt from your shoes. This is single-handedly the only thing that keeps my tiny 12ft camper floors clean. It’s easy to stow and keep within arms reach. If you have a larger camper, I recommend getting a dust pan too. 

Outdoor Living Must-Haves

• Outdoor RV Rug (like Salty Aura): Adds comfort and style to your campsite while keeping dirt outside. This might not seem like a first-time trailer trailer must-have, but it makes a big impact when you’re looking to make your campsite feel more comfortable. 
• Camp Shoes (e.g., Crocs or Slides): Convenient for quick trips outside or lounging around the campsite, a comfortable pair of shoes will make all the difference after a long day of exploring. 
• Rechargeable & Solar-Powered String Lights: Provides a warm ambiance and save power for remote campsites. I currently use this compact set that’s easy to charge, stow when not in use, and is waterproof! 
• Bright Lanterns or Flashlights & Headlamps: Essential for evening activities and for navigating in the dark. A headlamp is ideal because it keeps your hands free, making it an essential light source for repairs or digging through a toolbox. 
• Trash Bags & a Trasharoo or Trash Can: Easy, eco-friendly waste disposal is not just for the cool kids. Packing everything out and leaving no trace is paramount when you’re spending time outdoors. If you’re like me, and tight on space on the camper interior, a Trasharoo comes in handy to have a protected, hanging trash can that keeps critters out and trash in. Plus, it’s easy to transport to a campground dumpster or home for easy disposal in my trash can. 

Safety & Hygiene Supplies

• Rain Coat: Weather changes without warning. My first three camping trips were cloaked in rain, giving me a unique opportunity to figure out exactly what I needed inside my camper to be comfortable in a three-hour thunderstorm. Do not go on any camping trip without a rain jacket. It will keep you dry and comfortable during unexpected weather.
• Wet Wipes & Extra Toilet Paper: Necessary for any length of trip, being caught with your pants down is a no-go. You cannot rely on campground facilities to have what you need. A lot of them do but trust me, it’s better to be prepared. With wet wipes and a stash of toilet paper, you can travel to remote spots with limited facilities more easily, knowing you have everything you need on board. If you don’t have an onboard toilet, purchase a pop-up toilet! I currently use this one and it’s extremely sturdy — almost to the point where breaking down the legs is a hassle. You could also opt for this microbial pee towel if you’re feeling super sustainable. 
• Paper Towels: This multi-purpose cleaning essential will feel like it’s never in stock if you don’t have at least two extra rolls at all times. I was shocked by how often I reached for a paper towel on my first couple of trips in my travel trailer. Now, I keep backstock in a saddle bag in my Jeep so they’re out of the way but easy to access when I need them. 
• Sunscreen & UV-Rated Hats: Protect your skin from sun exposure throughout your travels because no one likes sunburn. I always opt for non-toxic sunscreen and rarely travel without my favorite wide-brim wool or straw hat. This combination has kept my skin protected on even the sunniest of days. 

• Tactile Working Gloves: Ideal for handling gear and setting up camp, tactile working gloves make all the difference. Do yourself a favor and go into Ace Hardware or another local hardware store to try on a couple of pairs. If you order them online, they might be stiffer than you’d like. Trying on a pair in the store ensures you purchase gloves you can actually work in. They’re the difference between burning your fingers hooking up your hitch on a hot day or busting open your finger when it’s below-freezing temperatures. 
• Citronella Candle, Bug Spray or Thermacell, & Wondercide Bug Repellent: Keeping pests at bay ensures a more enjoyable outdoor experience. Depending on the weather, I usually combine all of these pest control methods to keep bugs, flies, and gnats away from me and my dog. Wondercide is a great pet-friendly option that’s safe and effective while Thermacell helps create a bug-free bubble that’s reliable and long-lasting. 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: I have a bad habit of always forgetting one-half of this pair whenever I travel. For my camper, I bought a tube of toothpaste and a set of extra bamboo toothbrushes to keep on board so I always have it when I need it. I highly recommend that you do the same. 
• Skincare Essentials: I am a skincare girly, which means I travel with two Dagne Dover bags to keep my glass skincare bottles secure and accessible. If you’re not big into skincare, I recommend you pack a neutral cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and your favorite SPF. If you’re concerned with clogged pores, opt for a daily exfoliating face wash like this one to keep your skin clean and clear. 

Storage & Organization Essentials

• Command Hooks or Customizable Peg Board: Securely hang keys, towels, or lightweight items without damaging your walls or worrying about screws. I use two command hooks to display my wide-brim hats and my customizable peg board from IKEA to keep essentials close to my bed. 
• Stackable Food Containers: Keep your kitchen tidy with airtight, stackable containers that prevent spills and save cabinet space. Airtight lids also help prevent pests from digging into your food supply. 
• Soft-sided Baskets: Flexible and lightweight, these are perfect for storing clothes, pantry items, or accessories, and they can easily fit into tight spaces. I have a couple of them in my kitchen cabinets to keep bowls, cups, and plates secure while dampening any noise on the road. 

Hit the Road with Confidence With These First-Time Travel Trailer Must-Haves

Embarking on your first trip in a travel trailer or RV is an exciting adventure, and having the right essentials can make all the difference. By packing smart and staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable experience, leaving more time to soak in the journey and less time worrying about what you forgot.

Remember, it’s okay to learn as you go — every trip is an opportunity to refine your setup and discover what works best for you. Whether you’re hitting the open road or setting up camp under the stars, the most important thing is to enjoy the ride and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy travels, and here’s to many amazing adventures ahead!