Just closed the deal on a camper or motorhome rental from Fractional Toys? You’re probably over the moon! Taking an RV out for a weekend camping adventure is one of the best ways to make the outdoors accessible, fun, and cozy.
But what if you've never been camping before?
It’s nothing to be ashamed about, of course, but you might be struggling when it comes to what to bring. Every online source says something different, so how do you know what items are necessary for you?
As your Oakdale and Rogers recreational rental services provider, we’re here to help. Let us help make your trip an adventure filled with memories – safe and comfortable memories!
Here are a few tips on how to pack for an ideal weekend camping trip...
First, a Word on Campgrounds
When cruising around online, you’ll find lots of recommendations to bring some pretty hefty stuff on your trip – anything from generators to gallons of drinking water!
However, not all of this stuff will be necessary all of the time. Modern campgrounds often have modern amenities, including electricity, running water, and sometimes even Wi-Fi.
All that “fancy” stuff might only be needed if your campground doesn’t offer it. That being said, never assume anything when it comes to roughing it. Always check the website of the local campground to see what amenities are available, or if you have any specific concerns, call ahead of time.
While you’re at it, go ahead and hash out parking. Check out our blog, “RV Trips: Where to Legally Park Your RV or Motorhome When Traveling” for a handy how-to guide!
Camping Packing Basics
Food, clothes, and toiletries: those are the three basic items you’ll always need for your trip, regardless of where you set up shop.
How much and what kind of each category is greatly affected by the length of your stay, and your luggage will also be affected by the fact that you’re camping, not staying at a hotel.
So let’s plan accordingly!
Nutritious Food
For many people, stocking up on adult beverages, sodas, brats, s’mores, and chips is an integral part of the camping experience. Go ahead and pack those foods, but make sure to prioritize nutrition too.
Chances are you’ll be spending a lot more time outside when you’re vacationing with an RV rental – hiking, swimming, fishing, you name it – so you’ll need long-lasting energy!
Apples, bananas, oranges, melons, and many other fruits are easy to bring, as they don’t need to be refrigerated, and they help to balance out the meat-and-carb-heavy diet that comes with the territory of most camping trips. Protein bars, nuts, and jerky also make for handy, energy-rich snacks to take with on the trails. In addition, consider sports drinks with electrolytes to keep you hydrated under the summer sun.
If you’re really feeling fancy, you can go all-out with a full itinerary of meals. You’d be surprised how many campground-friendly recipes outdoorsmen have shared online. And since many of our RV rentals come with ovens, fridges, and stoves, cooking an old favorite certainly isn’t outside the realm of possibilities!
Considering Clothing
It may feel tempting to pack for any weather condition imaginable, and in some cases, you may need to do this – especially if you’re planning sometimes-messy outdoor excursions like riding ATV rentals.
However, for the sake of space, in addition to weather-specific garments, stick to clothing that’s lightweight, breathable, and easily dried.
Cotton is a great choice, but many outdoors stores sell specially made clothing built for outdoor adventures. So if you want to treat yourself to a shopping spree, feel free!
As for socks, wool ones breathe the best and cushion feet against blisters. Bring broken-in hiking boots and a pair of shoes for “beating around” the campsite. Casual flip-flops work great for this.
Personal Care Is Paramount
Toothbrush, soap, shampoo, and conditioner are all necessary for staying anywhere, camper rental included.
Indeed, you’ll need all of the things you typically use when staying away from home – it’s not much different from vacationing at a hotel in this respect.
A word on showers, though: If you’re not investing in a RV rental that has one, you’ll need to use the ones at the campsite. Bring a shower caddy to prevent any of your supplies from touching the ground and wear flip-flops while washing. Safety and sanitation first!
Fractional Toys: Pro Providers of Recreational Equipment Rental Services
Overwhelmed with all the packing necessities? We’re here to help with our fully rentable camping collections! If you’re renting from Fractional Toys, everything you need to operate the camper or motorhome is included - the correct 30 amp electrical cord, fresh water hose, level, and wheel chocks. Items, such as bedding or sleeping bags, towels, hand & dish soap, and garbage bags are not provided. Fractional Toys also offers kitchen & linen convenience kits and other rental accessories. When you let us worry about the extras, you’ve got more time to plan a weekend full of memories.
To get the ball rolling on your next summer trip, phone our Oakdale office at 651-360-1617, or our Rogers location at 763-265-6891.