What to Pack in Your RV’s Kitchen

KZ RV Kitchen Essentials

Food is a big part of enjoying any vacation, and in an RV, this is especially true. With kitchens inside your unit (and perhaps outside too!) and the campfire available, you have lots of options when it comes to preparing your own food. Having a properly stocked kitchen - which means the right tools, utensils, and pantry items - will help you live out your foodie dreams while enjoying nature.

Depending on the length of your trip, where you’ll be going, how many people will be traveling with you, and each individual person’s preferences, your list will likely look a little different from ours, but check out our list of the essentials you need in your RV’s kitchen to help springboard ideas for your own kitchen.

Essential Kitchen Accessories

  • Stackable measuring cups and spoons
  • Stackable mixing bowls
  • Cutting boards (you can lay these over the sink, creating more counter space)
  • Camping kitchen utensils, including a stirring spoon, spatula, whisk, ladle, tongs, and a scraper. These can be used inside the RV in the kitchen and outside at the campfire, saving you space.
  • Collapsible strainers/colanders
  • Cooking knives (you can find sets that can be mounted on the walls, helping save space)
  • Small, medium, and large pots
  • One medium frying pan
  • Dutch oven
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Potholders, oven mitts, and an apron
  • Plates, bowls, and drinking glasses
  • Coffee mugs and wine glasses
  • Cutlery
  • Peeler
  • Scissors
  • Thermometer
  • Can opener
  • Ice trays
  • Cookie sheets (find something that fits in your oven but can also be used as a tray to carry food to and from your RV)
  • Bottle opener
  • Water bottles
  • Coffee maker or kettle (or both, depending on what you like!)
  • Grill rack
  • Pie iron
  • Dish towels
  • A lighter and matches
  • Food storage containers
  • Cooler
  • Ziploc bags
  • Dish soap
  • Paper towels
  • Trash bags
  • Napkins
  • Sponges
  • Kitchen cleaner
  • Foil and plastic wrap
  • Coffee filters (if you have a coffee maker)

Staples for Your Pantry

  • Basic cooking ingredients, such as flour, sugar, cornmeal, etc.
  • Batter mixes (pancake mix, roll mix, cornbread mix, etc.)
  • Cooking oil or spray
  • Salt, pepper, herbs, and spices
  • Honey
  • Butter or margarine
  • Bread
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Eggs
  • Condiments, like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
  • Cereal
  • Coffee and tea
  • Milk
  • Meat for grilling (burgers, hot dogs, brats, etc.)
  • Snacks (crackers, pretzels, protein bars, popcorn, sweets, dried fruits, beef jerky, etc.)
  • S’mores supplies!
  • Soups or other ready-made meals/foods, such as ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, and freeze-dried meals
  • Canned goods
  • Beverages and drink mix packets
  • Fresh fruits and veggies