Texas is home to wide-open spaces, vast rolling hills, and expansive skies that offer impeccable views of sprawling, vibrant sunsets. The state has a magic that makes it a beautiful and prime destination for RV adventures. Still, the diverse terrain and unpredictable weather mean campers must prepare accordingly. Before you hit the road for your great Texas adventure, make sure you’ve checked off the must-haves for RV camping.
Top 10 Must-Haves for RV Camping in Texas
Every activity requires tools and gear, from setting up the campsite to cooking family meals. One forgotten item can spell trouble for your vacation or trip. The 10 must-haves for RV camping cover the bare necessities but don’t limit your packing to these 10 items alone.
1. Wheel Chocks and Leveling Blocks
Texas campgrounds may have smooth or uneven terrain; some offer pavement parking for RVs, and others don’t. The key to a successful trip is ensuring your RV is level regardless of the site conditions, and that’s where wheel chocks and leveling blocks come in.
Wheel chocks are an integral safety feature for your RV. They ensure the vehicle does not move or shift unexpectedly on uneven sites and in windy conditions. You have a few chock options, including interlocking blocks, curved levelers, and simple wedges.
Interlocking blocks and curved levelers offer the most bang for your buck. Interlocking options allow you to adjust the heights for different tire sizes. Curved levelers allow for easy drive-on leveling.
Considering your chock and leveling options, you also want to account for Texas soil. The state has areas of hard and soft soil. While hard soil may not present challenges, soft soil does. Bringing RV base pads to avoid sinking or unwanted shifting because of soft soil is a good idea.
2. Sewer Hose Kit and Accessories
Waste management is one of the most unpleasant aspects of RV ownership, so a sewer hose kit and accessories are must-haves for RV camping. The hose kit and other accessories can make the job less unpleasant.
As you shop for the kit, look for a thick-walled hose (23 mm thickness is best) that is puncture- and leak-resistant. Other kit necessities are secure bayonet fittings, a clear elbow, and storage caps. You should also purchase:
- Disposable dump gloves
- Sewer support
- Rinse hose and wand
In Texas, the heat can make odors and cleanup worse. Consider adding waste treatment chemicals to help reduce smells.
3. Water Management Supplies
Water conservation is critical to responsible RVing, especially in Texas. Your water management plan should include a water regulator to protect your RV plumbing from sudden pressure surges, a water filter to improve the taste of stored water and eliminate impurities, and additional water containers to supplement your RV’s fresh water tank capacity.
4. Power Adapters and Extension Cords
Power adapters and extension cords are must-haves for RV traveling in Texas. Not all campgrounds have outlets to accommodate the different amperages of various RV models. Some of the most common adapters include:
- 30-amp to 50-amp
- 50-amp to 30-amp
- 15-amp
Extension cords are also must-haves for RV camping because you may want power outside your RV in different areas around the campsite. When purchasing extension cords, buy ones for outdoor use and pay attention to the gauge (10-gauge is ideal).
5. First-Aid Kit and Essential Medications
Any camping trip must include a first-aid kit. The basics of any kit include wound care, pain relief, tweezers, scissors, cotton swabs, sanitizer, and antiseptic. Beyond the basics, you may want to purchase antacids and antihistamines for allergies or bug bites.
For camping in Texas specifically, consider buying a snake bite kit and tick removal tweezers. While most snake encounters in Texas are harmless, the state does have venomous snake territories. Texas is home to several types of disease-carrying ticks, so identification and removal supplies are necessary.
Beyond the fundamentals, you should bring essential prescriptions or medications for your health needs. Depending on the length of your trip, you may want to ask your doctor for an extra supply.
6. RV-Specific Toolkit
A toolkit is a must-have for RV owners. You don’t need a mechanic’s toolset, but you should have a few essentials to help with many repairs or installations. Some of the must-haves for RV camping include:
- Tire pressure gauge
- Socket set
- Utility knife
- Multimeter
- Drill and screwdrivers
- Claw hammer
- Duct tape
7. Portable Grill and Campfire Cooking Supplies
RVs have capable kitchens, but they are compact and limit meal options. A portable grill or campfire cooking supplies can significantly expand your menu options. You can go from boxed mac and cheese to steak and potatoes. The best part is portable grills and campfire cooking supplies are small and do not take up a lot of room in your RV, making them practical travel items.
8. Portable and Lightweight Camping Chairs
Camping in Texas means enjoying the outdoors. Your RV might have comfy captain’s chairs, but nothing compares to breathing the fresh air blowing through the mesquite trees. Portable, lightweight camping chairs are must-haves for RV camping for those cool Texas evenings.
9. Games and Bluetooth Speaker
RV camping can get monotonous, so you want to invest in entertainment. Board games and playing cards are excellent options to cure boredom. A Bluetooth speaker can also liven up a dull evening. As you pack for your trip, think about the things your family loves to do for fun that are travel-friendly.
10. Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, Hats, and Sunglasses
Texas boasts abundant sunshine all year, translating to a higher UV index, increasing the risk of sunburn and heat-related ailments and illnesses. The state is also home to several species of insects, making bug bites a risk. Any camper must consider these factors and bring a supply of sun and insect protection.
Sunset Ridge RV Resort Can Help You Prepare Your List of Must-Haves for RV Camping
Sunset Ridge RV Resort is a beautiful RV campground in Corpus Christi, Texas. We have several on-site amenities, including a heated saltwater pool, a fenced dog park, a kids’ playground, and two fully stocked fishing ponds. We are happy to take your reservation and discuss specific must-haves for RV camping with you. Contact us for more information.