Table of Contents

17 Top Pop-Up Camper Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

pop-up camper packing list
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
By
Updated on

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to pack up the family, attach your pop-up camper and take a fun memory-making trip camping! Pop-up campers are so versatile and can fit anyone’s needs. From family weekend getaways to couples taking a hiking adventure for a week, pop-up campers have everything you need to stay comfortable and have a great time!

In the article below, we are going to be discussing everything you may need for a fun pop-up camper camping trip! We have all the information you’ll need on what to bring, what to wear, FAQ,s and more, keep reading!

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for a Pop-Up Camper Trip- 17 Essentials

  • 1. Packing Cubes

    In a pop-up camper, there isn’t a whole lot of space to bring lots of clothes and things. With these packing cubes, you can easily fold and fit all of your clothing in one organized space! They pack up nicely and fit in any backpack or suitcase.

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Camp Stove

    The number one thing you will need on a pop-up camper trip is definitely a camp stove. I prefer the double burner ones because they make life a whole lot easier and they are so easy to use.

    Camp Stove

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    When traveling or camping, you may want to stop in a coffee shop to check your messages and use the wifi, etc. Protect all your information and data by using a virtual private network anytime you are using your phone in public.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Portable Charger

    It can be hard to charge your phone while out on a camping trip. Make it easy with this portable charger. Charge your phone anywhere and don’t miss out on that perfect video moment or phone call. This charger fits perfectly into a pack or a purse, even a fanny pack, and will charge your phone for two full charges.

    Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. LifeStraw Water Bottle

    Water can be tricky while out camping. Though there are usually water fill-ups at most campsites, the quality of the water may be undetermined. Never fear with the LifeStraw water bottle that cleans 99.9% of bad bacteria out of your water.

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Quick Dry Travel Towel

    Having a towel is more important than you may think while out on a camping trip, they are so useful for so many things. This quick-dry travel towel is the perfect towel to bring out on a trip because it dries 10 times faster than a regular towel and rolls up nicely into a small bag.

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Toiletries are often found milling around the car or tent if they are not in a proper carrier, things get lost, etc. Have all your toiletries in one place with this hanging toiletry bag. It easily holds everything you may need and you can hang it anywhere for easy access.

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Neck Wallet

    Having your important IDs and cards get lost is never fun and can be stressful. Keep all of those important things in one place, close to you with the neck wallet.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Waterproof Phone Case

    Whether you will be around water or not, it’s way better to be safer rather than sorry when it comes to protecting your phone. This waterproof phone case will save your phone from any water-related accidents that may happen. It’s lightweight and you can even use the touch screen without taking your phone out of the case.

    Universa Waterproof

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Cooling Towel

    The cooling towel is honestly a lifesaver and never something I thought I would be bringing with me everywhere I go. All you have to do is dip it in cool water and drape it around your neck and it will provide you cooling relief for up to an hour! It’s perfect for hikes, and even just sitting around on hot summer days.

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Hiking Pack

    Hiking packs are very versatile and a perfect form of luggage for camping trips. You can pack your clothing in them, but also use them for any hikes you may end up doing. This model comes in different sizes and is a very good quality backpack.

    Hiking Pack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Travel Umbrella

    Not only does this travel umbrella provide protection from the rain, but it also provides shade and wind protection! It’s lightweight and is only 1 foot long, so it’s perfect for traveling with and camping with.

    Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Travel Insurance for Pop-Up Camper

    Travel insurance is actually amazing to have because you never know when you may need it. Whether you booked a hotel or made a reservation and you can’t make it, travel insurance has you covered for all your money back! We like to use TravelInsurance.com to compare policies from top companies and find the one that is best for us and our travel plans.

    travelinsurance.com

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 14. First Aid Kit

    First aid kits are essential for any camping or traveling trip. You never know when you may need it even for something small, but it also may have life-saving measures in the case of an emergency.

    First Aid Kit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Jumper Cables

    Lots of pop-up campers are towed along campers that must be towed with your vehicles. Having jumper cables is super important to always have in your vehicle in case anything goes wrong. You don’t want to be stuck at your campsite!

    Jumper Cables

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Head Lamp

    You need a source of light when you are camping and headlamps are the easiest way to see where you are going in the dark. This headlamp in particular is a quality brand, it’s easy to use and has bright LEDs to see far on the darkest nights.

    Head Lamp

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Camera

    What’s a good camping trip without memory-making photos? I highly recommend bringing a camera along with your camping trip to capture any fun family moments or beautiful landscape scenes.

    Camera

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear for a Pop-Up Camper Trip

On a pop-up camper trip, the main goal for the outfits you bring is usually to try to stay comfortable and have appropriate outdoor clothing. You will want to make sure you look ahead at the weather for the area you are camping in so you can pack accordingly.

Below, there are specific links for the best things you can bring on a pop-up camper camping trip. They will fit your needs for any type of weather and are great quality.

What to Wear in Pop-Up Camper
What Should Women Wear?- (Click to expand)

Below is a sample women’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Insulated Jacket
Women Fleece
Women Sweatshirt
Leggings
Moisture Wicking Pants
Women Shorts
Base Layer Shirt
Women T-Shirt
Women Dress
Waterproof-Sandals
Women Hiking Shoes
Women Beanie
Women Socks
Women Rain Jacket
Women Swim Suit

As a woman camping in a pop-up camper, the goal is to stay comfortable and make sure you have clothing that will keep you warm. No matter what, the most important clothing items to have are a nice quality pair of hiking shoes because whether or not you are doing any hiking, they are still good shoes to throw on and wear around the campsite.

Make sure you bring lots of layers in case it gets chilly at any time. A down jacket, a sweatshirt, and long pants will all suffice. Don’t forget a rain jacket even if it isn’t the rainy season! You never know when a rain shower may come rolling through.

What Should Men Wear?- (Click to expand)

Below is a sample men’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Men Insulated Jacket
Men Fleece
Women Sweatshirt
Men Long Johns
Moisture Wicking Pants
Men Shorts
Men Base Layer Shirt
Men T-Shirt
Men Button Up
Men Waterproof Sandals
Men Swim Suit
Men Hiking Shoes
Men Socks
Men Beanie
Men Rain Jacket

Men can wear a similar style to women. Keeping all your clothing breathable, athletic style, and comfortable, but also having warm clothing just in case are the key components to pop-up camper camping.

Make sure you have comfortable closed-toed shoes for any hiking or other activities you may be doing, however, it’s also good to have a pair of waterproof sandals especially if you are by a river or a lake. The other most important part? Layers, layers, layers!

Packing for the Seasons

Winter

Winter isn’t usually the ideal time for camping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bundle up and go exploring! Winter is also actually the perfect time for camping in the desert as it gets too hot to camp in the desert during the summer.

Obviously, winter camping means lots of bundling. You will definitely want insulated jackets, insulated pants, Merino wool socks, and some type of insulated winter boot. Base layers like long johns and shirt layers are also key. Hats, gloves, and scarves are all important winter bundling clothing items as well.

Winter Season

Spring

Spring can be a really beautiful time to take out the pop-up camper and enjoy a fun camping trip before the summer crowds start pouring in. Spring is the time when the grass is green, the flowers are blooming and even though nights may be chilly, it can be so nice to camp in the spring.

Even though it’s warming up, you will still want layers like a jacket, pants, and socks to stay warm. You can bring shorts and a t-shirt in case the days warm up a lot. It is important to bring rain gear like a rain jacket, rain boots, and even rain pants if you are camping in the spring since there is always the chance of a spring shower.

Summer

Summertime is the best time for camping. The weather is perfect, the nights are usually not cold, and the water is a great temperature to go swimming! However, with summer there will always be crowds, so make sure you book your campsite in advance or prepare for a crowd of people wherever you go.

Summer is easy to pack for because you don’t need many layers at all. A simple sweatshirt and maybe a pair of leggings should be fine to bring along with your regular summer clothes (t-shirt, shorts, etc). Waterproof sandals are excellent to have in case you go swimming and sunscreen is a must for hanging out outside in the heat. Bug spray is also important because summer is that buggy time of year in the woods.

Summer Season

Fall

As things begin to cool down for the fall, the crowds disperse and it can be easier to find camping. Although it’s chilly, fall is still a really beautiful time of year for camping, it can be very cozy if you pack the proper attire!

Since the weather is generally cooler in most places, definitely pack some long sleeves, a jacket, and some pants. The rain may even have started in some areas, so bring along with your rain jacket and rain boots just in case.

Dressing appropriately for the activity– (Click to expand)
Night Time: Night time is a special time when camping. Everyone gathered around a fire, eating camp dinner, making smores, telling stories, and making jokes! It’s the perfect way to wind down the day before crawling into your cozy tent.

Even in the summer, the nights tend to get chilly in most places around the country. They are especially chilly during the off-seasons. Have a warm jacket, like a fleece or a down jacket to bundle up. Merino wool socks and either leggings or sweatpants are always a good way to stay cozy. If it’s really chilly, a beanie and even a scarf will be helpful. Make sure you have a quality bug spray as well because dusk is the perfect time for mosquitos to come out!

Hiking: Lots of camping trips include fun hiking trips around your campsite. There are often designated trails in many camping areas that range from half-mile hikes to even 10-mile hikes if you are up to the challenge! All different hikes include all different sights and scenes depending on where you are.

Location and season have a lot to do with what clothes you are wearing. In all cases, you will want a quality pair of hiking shoes (or boots if it is winter). Moisture-wicking clothing like a base shirt, moisture-wicking pants or shorts, and breathable socks will be the perfect clothes for hiking in. Sunscreen, sunhats, and bug spray are all important things to also have when you go out for a hike.

Swimming: Many campsites have beautiful places nearby where you can swim and enjoy a lake, river or the ocean. If the weather is warm and the water isn’t too cold, it’s the perfect time to take a dip and cool off!

Obviously, you will want to bring a comfortable swimsuit. It is also nice to have a beach cover-up for lounging outside of the water and a beach towel to lay out on. Sunscreen and sun hats make great sun protection and sunglasses are also very nice to have. Waterproof sandals are perfect for walking to murky lakes or rocky streams.

Games: A fun part about camping is all the yard games and outdoor games that you may bring! From volleyball to cornhole, to yard Yahtzee the games are endless and fun for the whole family.

Yard games have no clothing requirements, so it’s best to wear athletic comfortable gear. Loose shorts and a tank top and sandals with straps are perfect for yard games. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also important to have when playing in the sun!

What NOT to Bring in a Pop-Up Camper

  • 1.DON’T Bring Glass

    Like with any outdoor activity, glass is not usually recommended to bring. Not only does it cause problems when it breaks, but it’s also heavy to carry in and out of wherever you are camping. Stick with cans or plastic.

  • 2.DON’T Bring Bulky Luggage

    While pop-up campers generally have more room than tent camping, they are still limited in space. They are also already heavy enough for a car to tow, so leave all that extra luggage at home. Pack only what you need to save space and weight limits.

  • 3.DON’T Bring Lots of Perishable Food

    I’ve learned the hard way to limit the amount of perishable food I bring camping. Or, make sure you only bring enough for the time that you are staying. Far too often does food go to waste because it’s not properly stored or cooked right away. If you are bringing perishable food, it’s best cooked right away.

  • 4.DON’T Bring Expensive Jewelry

    I never bring expensive jewelry on any camping trips because there are too many places and moments, where it could be lost, damaged, or even stolen! Play it safe and leave the expensive stuff at home.

  • 5.DON’T Bring Dress Clothes

    Normally, camping does not include any situations where you might be needing that fancy tux or party dress. High heels especially do not make for good camping attire. You can leave all of that at home for this trip.

  • 6.DON'T Bring Excessive Cash

    You don’t want to be carrying around loads of money and you also don’t want to leave wads of cash in your camper van either. Camper vans can easily get broken into so it’s best to bring small amounts of cash and withdraw as needed so you aren’t left with stacks of cash sitting in your pop-up camper.

What NOT To Wear for a Pop-up Camper Trip – (Click to expand)

Like most camping trips, you don’t need to pack a whole lot of clothing. Before you leave your home, check the weather and make sure you are packed for whatever weather is happening, and leave the rest at home. It is almost guaranteed that you can leave those fancy dress clothes and expensive jewelry at home as well where they will remain undamaged and in a safe place.

FAQs about Traveling in a Pop-Up Camper

  • 1. How much does a pop-up camper cost?

    How much does a pop-up camper cost?

    There are loads of different pop-up campers that all range in price. On the low end, a brand new pop-up camper cost somewhere around $7,00-9,000. The higher-end, extremely nice pop-up campers, brand new, cost around $10-,000 to even $20,000. You may be able to find pop-up campers used for around $2,000. If you’re interested in purchasing a pop-up camper, a good idea is to rent one first to see what you like/need in a camper of your own.

  • 2. What are the different types of pop-up campers?

    There are actually four main types of pop-up campers. The types are:

    • High-Wall Campers – High-wall campers are pretty much smaller trailers. They are fully equipped with a kitchen, counter space, and beds. They are great for larger families and for people taking longer trips.
    • A-Frames – A-frame camper is similar to high-wall campers because they have more space than other trailers, however, they don’t have as much room as high walls. They are easy to pack away for travel and are typically lighter than high-wall campers.
    • Teardrop Campers – A teardrop camper is rounded in the front, where there is usually cupboard and counter space. Teardrop campers are better for families of two as they are much smaller. There is space for kitchen things and they have a bed in the back. Teardrop campers are great for people looking for something lightweight and they are cheaper than other styles of campers.
    • Tent-Trailers – The cheapest versions of pop-up campers are tent trailers. These trailers are basically just a raised tent and are better for smaller families and for shorter trips.

  • 3. Best pop-up camper brands?

    Once you have found the style of pop-up camper you are interested in, now it’s time to find the right brand. There are a lot of wonderful brands that specialize in different versions of pop-up campers. Here are a few of the best brands of pop-up campers.

    • Jayco Jay Sport – A high wall camper style, higher end, super comfortable fully equipped camper.
    • Forest River Flagstaff Camper – There are two models of this camper, one being an A-frame and the other being a high wall version, another high-end, fully equipped camper.
    • Aliner Expedition – An A-Frame model, this is a sporty and extra lightweight camper that even a lighter car could tow! Smaller, but still very comfortable.
    • Jayco Jay Feather Micro – A teardrop camper, this is the perfect pop-up camper for those looking for a little bit of space, but on a budget.
    • SylvanSpot Go – A tent camper

  • 4. Best places to take a pop-up camper?

    Best places to take a pop-up camper?

    You can easily take a pop-up camper to any campsite in the nation! You may want to avoid some of the BLM land off-road trails as it can be hard to tow trailers down some of those logging trails, however, any other campsite will be perfect to bring a pop-up camper. They are perfect for the beach, mountains, and desert. Having a pop-up camper is a great way to experience the outdoors!

  • 5. Can you rent pop-up campers?

    It is actually very easy to rent your own pop-up camper for the weekend or even week if you’d like. There are websites like goriving.com and rvshare.com that will help you find a pop-up camper to rent and see if there are any available in your area.

  • 6. Are pop-up campers worth it?

    Are pop-up campers worth it?

    There are a lot of things to think about when deciding if you are going to buy a pop-up camper. For some who want a whole trailer but don’t want to spend the money, pop-up campers are perfect. For people who are totally happy tent camping, they probably don’t need a whole pop-up camper. For larger families, you may be able to get away with getting a high wall style pop-up camper, however, sometimes it’s just easier to get a big tent!

  • 7. Do pop-up campers have bathrooms like regular trailers?

    Some of the newer models of high-wall and A-frame pop-up campers are fully equipped with a full kitchen, and living quarters, AND some even include showers and toilets. If this is something you are looking for, make sure you check and make sure the model you want has these amenities included.