Best Gifts For RV Owners Selected By Camper Owners

37 Shares

Well, here we are in summer season, and it seems everyone has getaways on the brain. Today, I am here to share a fun gift guide with you. I have polled some RV owner friends and family members to formulate a collection of 100 best gifts for RV owners. Around here, many people are camper owners or tent camp often. So I thought it would be fitting to make a guide for gifts for camper owners.

RV owners drive away in a motorhome with grass and trees surrounding

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, or link to any products or services from this website.

My neighbor friends were nice enough to pull their RV out and unload all the things so I could get a clear understanding of what they consider to be things you need for a camper. They have owned their camper for a while so I consider them to be pretty competent on recommending gifts for other RV owners.

Also, I polled several other sets of friends and my in-laws. Some are new camper owners, and others have owned their 5th wheel campers or bumper pull campers for a while so I knew they would be perfect for sharing with me their favorite accessories for 5th wheel campers and other types of campers. By the way, do you know why campers are called a 5th wheel RV? You learn something new everyday!

Finally, I received a lot of input from my husband who lived in his parents’ bumper pull camper at the lake while he was in college. He is also a former park ranger who patrolled campsites so he has a lot of RV experience. His hope is that we own an RV once we retire so we can fill our time with road trips and camping trips galore.

motorhome with people sitting among camping gear essentials for RV owners off side of road

Who Can I Shop for with this RV Supplies Guide of Camping Must Haves?

Now on to the gift guide. Who can you use it for? Maybe you are searching for retirement gifts for RV owners at work or housewarming gifts for new RV owners in your neighborhood. This guide includes gifts for motorhome owners, bumper pull campers owners, or 5th wheel style RV owners.

Maybe you are looking for yourself – for things you need for your camper. There is nothing wrong with creating your own RV wish list!

Remember, all the RV supplies I’ve included were recommended by actual camper owner friends and family! Some of these people are minimalists and others are people who don’t like to be without. So you just need to consider the person you are buying for and how they stock their primary home, etc.

My in-laws as well as several other friends have always kept their RVs at the lake. Over time, they have stocked their RVs with most of their camping gear essentials. This makes camping trips more enjoyable and less stressful as they aren’t hauling a gazillion RV supplies every time they go and then hauling it all back home. Basically, they just take their food and clothing because everything else is stored in the RV.

Exterior Gifts for RV Owners

This section will include exterior gifts for RV owners, but also best gifts for campers, including tent campers. If you enjoy tent camping or know someone who does, you will probably appreciate some of these items for tent camping essentials. Some of them seem like camping must haves!

My friends recommend placing folding tables and camping chairs outside under an RV awning.

gray camping rocking chair with other camping gear essentials (camping must haves) and great gifts for campers in front of RV

My friends rave about their folding rocking chairs. These folding lounge recliner chairs are also quite popular.
These same friends also suggest inexpensive throw blankets to snuggle under on the lounge chairs. Since they get dirty easily at camp sites, you want inexpensive washable ones.
This folding table comes with two folding benches to make a complete outdoor dining set. If you already have enough chairs, you might just buy this simple folding table.
Meanwhile, this small collapsible side table is great for holding cooking supplies or acting as a small beverage table between the lounge chairs. It can be carried down to the lake too…many options.
One friend recommended disposable tablecloths so she can just dispose of the mess and be done. Another friend prefers a good quality vinyl fitted tablecloth that can be wiped down and used again and again. I love fitted tablecloths for outdoors – no blowing in the wind or ripping on the edges!
Under the awning, one will likely want a large outdoor mat or outdoor rug. You can choose from different sizes, colors, and patterns. This will not only offer a cozy look to the camper but will also help keep shoes from tracking dirt and mud into the camper. I have one of these recycled plastic mats and they are super easy to keep clean.
Speaking of awnings, some people can’t do without a sun shade that attaches to the awning.
Lighting preferences for the outside of the camper range from a more practical LED strip for RVs or pretty globe lights for RVs.
Many people with an RV prefer to do most of their cooking on the outside on nice days. This is why the use of a nice dutch oven (and maybe a tripod for the dutch oven), an outdoor propane camp grill, and an outdoor two burner stove are quite popular. This outdoor camp griddle goes well with the Coleman outdoor stove. Many camper owners also highly recommend a Blackstone griddle though it is a pricier choice.
One issue often found with outdoor cooking is the lack of places to set dishes and ingredients while cooking. This folding camp kitchen has amazing reviews! It even has a canvas sink for dirty dishes.
My husband insists that any RV owner needs a good ice chest. This Igloo cooler seems to fit the bill for him.
Is it even camping if morning coffee isn’t involved? Gift an RV owner with a percolating coffee pot so they can enjoy their camp coffee old school style.
Don’t forget the telescoping skewers for marshmallows and hot dogs!
Where there is cooking, there is often trash. This outdoor pop up trash can has a zip top which means you can keep out the bugs and camp critters! You will want the 33 gallon trash bags to go with it.
Speaking of bugs, this Thermacell mosquito repellent machine will keep the bugs away! You might want to grab some Thermacell refills. You may think you don’t want to spend money on bug repellent, but you might think twice when mosquitoes are swarming! My friend keeps hers out by the pool when she isn’t camping.

Interior Camping Gear Essentials for RV Owners

This section will highlight some interior gifts for RV owners. Stocking an RV is much like stocking a small home. You need the basics. Keep in mind some campers have more storage than others for camper must haves. Therefore, some camper owners may need more creative storage options than others.

This slim trashcan is great for those tiny little RV bathrooms. Don’t forget the special RV toilet paper!
Quick dry towels are handy for showering and for using at the lake.
Over the door organizers are fabulous options for storage in tight places.
As for cooking utensils, this portable camping utensil set in its own pouch seems quite popular. It includes knives with sheaths, a small cutting board, and essential spatulas and serving spoons. This would be great to use inside the camper kitchen and carry outside to the outdoor cooking area.
Depending on your person and his coffee preference, he might like a mini coffee maker for the inside of the camper.
If the person is southern, he might need to have a little 2-quart pitcher for making and serving sweet tea! (This suggestion comes courtesy of my very southern mother-in-law!)
My mother in-law also believes in keeping a slow cooker stored in the RV kitchen. This all-in-one slow cooker is an Insta-Pot, slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker and more all in one. For the purpose of saving space in a tiny RV kitchen, this might be a great choice!
Don’t forget a set of camper-designated pots and pans (so your friends don’t have to borrow from the main house for camping trips), and a small baking sheet for RV ovens.
Many people prefer not to use disposable utensils for environmental reasons. This 20-piece set of silverware is quite reasonable. This 13-piece set of silverware comes in a pouch which would be convenient for eating on the go or packing a picnic.
This coordinating set of bowls, plates, and tumblers is inexpensive and low-maintenance for an RV.
Many campers rely heavily on an electric skillet.
Where there is cooking, there is a need for oven mitts and dish towels, dish brush, and a collapsible RV dish rack.
This collapsible trash can could be used inside or outside. You will want the 13 gallon trash bags.
RV beds often require shorter sheets so RV queen sheets are a great gift choice! Don’t forget the pillows!
Some campers do not have much interior light. These dome LED lights would be great so RV owners can add more light wherever they need.
An indoor door mat might be appreciated by some camper owners. When paired with the outdoor mat, dirt has less of a chance of making it inside. How cute is this “Life is Better at the Campsite” mat?
A camper owner still will need a broom and a Swiffer to keep things clean.

Camping Gear Essentials – Functional Gifts for Camper Owners

Of course, we have to list the less exciting yet functional gifts for camper owners. And let’s face it, sometimes functional gifts make the best gifts because lots of people (myself included) hate spending their own money on practical things!

Many of these suggestions for essential RV supplies came from my practical former park ranger/former RV resident husband.

A heavy duty tarp can come in handy for a variety of things at a campsite.
For organization, clear 95-quart storage containers with specific labels (cooking supplies, disposables, mechanical supplies, kids’ toys, etc.) will help keep your cargo space organized. No more digging through bags and randomly scattered areas. However, you need to measure the cargo space to determine what size storage containers are needed. If the ones above are too tall, you might need these squattier 41-quart storage containers. Really, a wide variety of storage containers is recommended for different spaces.
Unfortunately, there are a few bad things about RV life: bad weather, going home, and emptying your waste tanks. One product that many RV owners recommend is this 36 gallon waste transportation tank kit. If you are just a weekend camper, this may or may not be necessary. But for extended camping, this will be helpful, according to my Hubs.
And speaking of waste, these toilet drop-in treatment tabs come in handy.
A heavy duty water hose gets water from the campsite water hydrant to the RV. Sometimes, the water hydrants are shared among several campers so the extra length may be helpful at certain times. For winter months, you may need a heated water hose. Also, you may want to look into a water pressure regulator valve to keep the water pressure inside the RV regulated.
Leveling blocks are a must to keep RVs level when parked.
Likewise, wheel chocks will help keep the RV from rolling.
Some of my sources say certain campsites have the power sources further away than their original RV extension cords can reach. This 50-foot 30 amp RV extension cord is recommended in those situations.
For typical electric use, you might want to purchase a regular 25-foot extension cord.
Is there ever a time when you have regretted having a good pair of scissors around? This pair is a 12-in-1 multi-function scissors. I feel the same way about tape. Duct tape to the rescue for so many things!
One of my friends was quick to mention the need for a travel clothesline.
For keeping the exterior of the RV clean, this cleaning solution is popular.
My husband thinks one should always be prepared with fire starters when camping.
A camper will likely want to have some flashlights or camping lanterns on hand as well as a weather radio, a battery kit filled with batteries, and a first aid kit.
Some will prefer to keep a mechanic’s tool set on hand for those times the camper or vehicle isn’t purring like a kitten.
Likewise, this heavy duty air compressor kit might be what you are looking for when those camper tires need a boost.
Another helpful tool for dealing with tires is the Trailer-Aid Plus which is basically a tire-changing ramp to help with tire changes on RVs.
Also, a small car vac will likely come in handy. This one features over 140,000 reviews!
Let’s talk disposables. My friends are adamant that these are essential camping gear items. If you are planning on gifting a friend, think of how functional a collection of these disposables could be in a small basket or storage container: Ziplock bags, foil, tissue, paper plates, plastic utensils, Solo cups, paper towels, and basically anything else than can run out of supply!
My mother-in-law suggests keeping plenty of paper, permanent markers, pencils, and such on hand.
You might want to gift some card games such as Uno and Phase 10 (the best games ever!), and some outdoor games such as this collapsible cornhole game or this glow in the dark football.
My friend swears by these Gojo wipes as part of her RV supply arsenal. In fact, while looking through her RV supplies, I helped her clean her camping chairs that are pictured below. Look at the difference this Gojo wipe made from the first picture to the second picture. I was certain the chair was stained for good, but the stains wiped right up with a bit of scrubbing!

collage image with Gojo scrubbing towels cleaning up essential camping gear (camper must haves) - best gifts for RV owners

Best Gifts for Campers with Young Children – Camping Essentials for Babies and Young Kids

Plenty of people load up their babies, toddlers, and other young children in their campers and head for adventure. Choose camping essentials for babies and for parents with young children to help make life easier while on the road. They will appreciate some of these family camping must haves!

camping high chair in front of bumper pull RV and gray truck for family camping must haves

My friend says her family could not make it without this particular traveling high chair (pictured above). She said it is awesome to be able to put the baby down in a safe place to eat just like he is used to at home.
Other times, a busy camping parent needs a safe place to put the baby down to play or nap while he or she goes about setting up camp. This portable play yard is perfect for just that. The play yard can be set under the awning on top of the outdoor rug.
Rainy days are going to happen. It’s best to be prepared with board games, coloring books, and other indoor entertainment. This stacking block game, brain games (for 6 years and up), Zingo (4 years and up), and scratch art keep my girls busy on trips. I like to keep particular travel games and toys available only during travel. That way, they don’t get bored with them and are excited to see them again when we travel.

Camping Essentials for Dogs

Many people go tent camping with dogs or stay in a camper with dogs. If your friend or family member is a dog owner, chances are high his furry kiddo is going along on the camping adventure. Help him be prepared with these camping essentials for dogs.

This collapsible dog feeding tray comes highly recommended because you can add water to the surrounding edges to keep bugs – especially pesky ants – out of the food and water.
This elevated pet cot is great because it can be inside or outside and is washable.
We keep this indoor and outdoor exercise pet pen at home for our dog because he gets so muddy in our backyard. It is foldable and portable, making it the perfect pet playpen for camping trips or road trips.
When one does want to let a dog wander a bit, this spiral pet stake and cable is a great combination.
This RV screen door protector might just save your friend’s RV door, especially if she has a dog that likes to scratch at things.

Other Cool Things for A Camper

These may not be camping trailer essentials, but they can definitely help a camping trip feel less….camp-y for those of us who struggle being away from the comforts of home. Check out these other cool things for a camper.

I would have never thought of keeping a set of nature or hiking books on hand for the area of the campsite. My friends have this Arkansas trails book. Although people look for geographic info online, it is nice to have a seat under the awning with a true book in hand and a plan in mind. A good starting point might be these National Geographic State Hiking Guides where you can narrow down your choice by state.
My neighbors recommend a Roku or a Firestick since many of the campsites they have visited offer WiFi these days. This is useful on those rainy days when you can’t really leave the camper.
These compact camp coffee mugs would be nice for coffee drinkers.
My in-laws bought a countertop ice maker machine for their RV for convenience for their extended camping stays.
Who doesn’t love an afternoon snooze in the breeze of trees? Gift someone this travel hammock which happens to have incredible reviews and seems reasonably priced.
And while this one is definitely not one of the camping must haves, it is almost a must in my book! Look how cute these magnetic United States maps are! They attach to the outside of an RV (with metal walls) to showcase which states have been visited. However, it really only works on RVs with metal walls. Fiberglass campers or aluminum don’t appear to work well. It could go on the RV fridge. Or you might check into this other similar idea – a USA photo map which you can order framed or without a frame. I have always wanted one of these for my U.S. travels.

And there you have it! I sure hope you found some essential camping gear worth gifting to someone else or to yourself! This post involved lots of planning, lots of researching, and lots of pestering my friends and family! Please do let me know in the comments if you found it helpful or if there are any other camper accessories must haves I missed!