THE DIFFERENCE between a memorable summer RV camping trip and a miserable one often comes down to how prepared you are. The right gear makes traveling less stressful and allows you to better enjoy the destination. No matter if you’re a first-timer in an RV or a seasoned tent camper, these are the ten summer camping essentials that belong on every summer packing list.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation is Key: The quality of a summer camping trip depends heavily on preparation and the right gear, reducing stress and increasing comfort.
- Enhancing Recreation: The list highlights portable outdoor equipment—such as inflatable paddleboards, e-bikes, and collapsible kayaks—that make exploring local destinations easier and more fun.
- Practical Comfort: Practical essentials such as portable griddles for outdoor cooking, screen houses for bug protection, and power banks for portable power enhance the daily camping experience.
If you’re a new owner, ensure you grab your standard RV essentials before considering this additional summer camp gear.
Add These to Your Summer Camping Packing List
Most of these picks lean toward fun — but a few are the kind of practical you’ll be grateful for when it counts.
Inflatable Paddleboards (SUPs)
To me, there is absolutely nothing better than waking up at sunrise with the boards already blown up and ready to go. Walking down to the water, coffee in hand, and being out on the glassy surface before the rest of the campsite has even stirred is pure magic.
Inflatable paddleboards are a game-changer for summer beach camping because they stow away easily, but once they’re rigid, they’re the perfect platform for morning yoga or just a quiet paddle.
Who it’s for: Early birds, water lovers, and pet owners.
Brands to watch: Keep an eye on BOTE or Body Glove, but I’ve honestly had great luck with cheaper options, unless you’ll be using it multiple times a week all season!
Pro Tip: My inflatable paddleboard is surprisingly stable and has become one of my favorite ways to keep our dog cool on our summer camping trips!
Electric Bikes (e-Bikes)
Even if you’ve selected one of the coolest RV resorts, summer family camping typically comes with trips to the camp store, a local brewery, or the ice cream shop. Summer traffic near popular campgrounds can make even a quick trip away from your site a massive hassle.
I’ve found that taking the bike path instead of the main road, when available, is not only more scenic but way faster. With an e-bike, you get that “wind in your hair” feeling without arriving at your destination drenched in sweat.
Who it’s for: Campers who want to explore locally without moving the RV.
Brands to watch: Look for rugged builds from Lectric or Rad Power. Compare more economical options from JupiterBikes and Favorite.
Learn more about electric bikes:
Portable Griddles & Grills
Most of us love a barbecue when camping in the summer, but cooking inside an RV gets really hot, really fast when the outside temperatures are pushing triple digits. Taking the kitchen outside makes camp cooking more comfortable and keeps your air conditioner from working overtime.
Plus, a large portable griddle lets you push your culinary boundaries—you have so much more surface area to play with than on a tiny RV cooktop.
Who it’s for: The outdoor chef who values “elbow room” and a cool RV.
Brands to watch: Blackstone is the go-to for griddles; Weber is a classic outdoor grilling staple; Pit Boss offers excellent grills and smokers.
Explore our Blackstone Griddle reviews:
Lightweight Portable Hammocks
C’mon, is there anything better than climbing into a hammock to read in the afternoon, only to wind up dozing off for a relaxing nap? It’s the ultimate summer vibe, and hammocks are the quintessential summer camp accessory.
If you’re planning to string these up, choose a campsite with sturdy, available trees. Also, always double-check that your specific campground doesn’t have restrictions against hanging gear from the local flora!
Who it’s for: Professional nappers and bookworms.
Brands to watch: Grand Trunk and ENO remain top picks for easy-to-use suspension straps.
Read our tips for choosing an RV hammock.
Screen Houses & Gazebos
We’re taking a turn here from “pure fun” to the “purely practical.” As a nature lover who still can’t make peace with mosquitoes and biting flies, nothing ruins a trip faster than being eaten alive at dinner. (Honestly, what are mosquitoes actually good for anyway?)
You might use a screen house less than a paddleboard, but when the bugs are out, it becomes one of those summer camping essentials you can’t live without. Keep it ready to go, and keep the pests from making you their main course.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to eat dinner without becoming the dinner.
Brands to watch: Clam Quick-Set, Gazelle, and Coleman are great for fast setups.
High-Performance & 12V Coolers
I’ve learned from experience: you might not want to spend double on a high-end cooler initially, but it saves so much hassle. You won’t have to constantly hunt for ice, which significantly reduces your costs over the cooler’s lifespan.
Better yet, I recently got my first 12-volt camping cooler, and I’m hooked. With dual zones, I can keep one side at fridge temp and use the other as a freezer. Think popsicles for the kids, or keeping fresh seafood without worrying whether it will keep.
Who it’s for: Long-term travelers and beach-day enthusiasts.
Brands to watch: YETI, RTIC, Canyon, & K2 Coolers for rotomolded; Dometic or LionEnergy for 12V tech.
Explore our picks for the best RV cooler.
Portable Power Stations
Whether you’re summer tent camping or boondocking in an RV, you need a way to charge sensitive electronics. I’m a huge Goal Zero fan, but I know one of my co-workers swears by EcoFlow. No matter the brand, the intent is the same: providing additional, safe power for charging smaller, sensitive electronics like laptops and cameras.
This is a lifesaver for summer camping trips without hookups. If you’re going deep off-grid, a portable generator is a smart partner, but the power station is the “quiet” hero of the campsite.
Who it’s for: Remote workers and off-grid adventurers.
Brands to watch: Goal Zero, EcoFlow, and Jackery.
Read our EcoFlow River 2 Max Review.
Collapsible Kayaks
I once had the privilege of testing an Oru Kayak, and I’ve wanted one ever since. Unlike a paddleboard, a kayak gives you the ability to explore even when conditions get a bit windier without the constant worry of falling in.
Plus, if you opt for a tandem model, you and a partner (or a furry camp companion) can head out together without the logistical nightmare of storing and transporting multiple watercraft. It’s a top-tier addition to any summer camping packing list.
Who it’s for: Explorers who want stability and speed on the water.
Brands to watch: Oru Kayak for folding kayaks; Aqua Marina & HO Sports for inflatables.
Premium Camp Chairs
I can personally attest: all camp chairs are NOT created equal. If you’ve ever had to buy a $5 chair from the camp store because you forgot yours at home (yes, it happened to us), your back will tell you the truth within an hour.
For my money, GCI Outdoors makes some of the best reclining and rocker-style chairs. They might be a bit bulkier to store, but that campfire comfort is well worth the storage space. And if you’re traveling with little ones, don’t forget a summer infant camping chair to keep everyone comfortable around the picnic table or campfire.
Who it’s for: Anyone who values their lumbar support and a good “rock.”
Brands to watch: GCI Outdoors, Venture Forward, ALPS Mountaineering, & Grand Trunk.
Discover our picks for the best GCI rocker chair.
Outdoor Games & Entertainment
This is the most customizable summer camp gear on the list. Are you the active type that loves competitive games like Spikeball or Cornhole (two of my personal favorites)? Or do you prefer a game of skill and cunning like Giant Jenga?
Sometimes it’s even simpler—a frisbee, a deck of cards, or a set of dominoes doesn’t take up much room while providing multiple ways to have fun. Especially for summer family camping, having options to keep the kids entertained is the secret to a stress-free trip.
Who it’s for: Families and social campers who like a little friendly competition.
Brands to watch: GoSports for the big stuff; Hoyle for the classics; Camper’s Choice for the budget-friendly.
Ready to Upgrade Your Summer?
Whether you’re chasing a sunrise paddle or loading up beverages for an all-day beach day, the right summer camp accessories make the memories better. Explore these additional resources to make the most of your summer camping trips:
- Top Waterfront RV Parks
- How To Choose a Sleeping Bag for Summer Camping
- How To Keep a Camper Cool in the Summer
What’s on your summer camping packing list? Tell us in the comments below!
