Complete Packing List
Organized by category, priority, and who needs what.
Table of Contents
- The Golden Rule of Packing
- Camp Kitchen
- Clothing (Per Person)
- Sleeping Gear
- Personal Care
- Medical & First Aid
- Fishing Gear
- Water Activities
- Camp Comfort
- Entertainment
- Tools & Repair
- Important Documents
- Final Packing Tips
The Golden Rule of Packing
At 8,600 feet, 40 miles from the nearest store, you’re largely on your own. Forget something critical and your options are limited. This list errs on the side of over-preparation—better to have it and not need it.
That said, you’re in an RV, not backpacking. Use the space. Comfort matters when you’re spending seven nights outside.
Camp Kitchen
Essential Cooking Gear
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camp stove (backup to RV) | 1 | Propane, with windscreen |
| Cast iron skillet, 12” | 1 | Nothing beats it for campfire cooking |
| Large pot with lid | 1 | Pasta, soup, boiling water |
| Griddle | 1 | Pancakes, bacon, grilled sandwiches |
| Dutch oven | 1 | Optional but magical for stews and bread |
| Coolers | 2–3 | One for drinks (opens often), others for food |
| Cutting boards | 2 | One for meat, one for everything else |
| Sharp knives | 3 | Chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated |
| Can opener | 1 | Manual, not electric |
| Bottle opener/corkscrew | 1 | Don’t forget this |
| Measuring cups/spoons | 1 set | If baking or following recipes |
| Mixing bowls | 2–3 | Nesting for storage |
| Colander | 1 | Draining pasta, washing produce |
| Spatula, tongs, ladle | 1 each | Long handles for fire cooking |
| Aluminum foil | 3 rolls | Heavy duty. You’ll use more than expected |
| Plastic wrap | 1 roll | Covering leftovers |
| Zip-lock bags | 2 boxes | Various sizes. Infinitely useful |
| Paper towels | 4 rolls | Can’t have too many |
| Dish soap | 1 bottle | Biodegradable preferred |
| Sponges/scrubbers | 4 | They get gross fast |
| Dish towels | 6 | Drying, pot holders, general use |
| Trash bags | 1 box | Heavy duty 30-gallon |
Per-Person Dinnerware
| Item | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Plate | 1 |
| Bowl | 1 |
| Cup/mug | 2 |
| Fork, knife, spoon | 1 each |
| Water bottle | 1 (32 oz minimum) |
Use durable camping dishes—melamine or enamelware. Paper plates are fine for some meals but generate waste.
Food Storage
- Bear-resistant containers (required for backcountry camping)
- Cooler locks if car camping in loops with wildlife activity
- Dry storage bins for pantry items
Clothing (Per Person)
The Layering System
High altitude means dramatic temperature swings—40°F mornings, 80°F afternoons, storms that drop temperatures 20 degrees in minutes. Layer everything.
| Layer | Purpose | Items |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Moisture wicking | Synthetic or merino wool shirts/underwear |
| Mid | Insulation | Fleece jacket, down vest |
| Outer | Weather protection | Rain jacket, windbreaker |
Daily Wear
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts/short sleeves | 4 | Moisture-wicking preferred |
| Long-sleeve shirts | 2 | Sun protection, cool evenings |
| Shorts | 3 | Quick-dry material |
| Long pants | 2 | One for hiking, one for camp |
| Fleece/light jacket | 1 | Essential for mornings |
| Rain jacket | 1 | Afternoon storms are common |
| Warm jacket | 1 | For cold nights—down or synthetic |
| Underwear | 7 | Enough for the week |
| Socks | 7 pairs | Wool blend for hiking, cotton for camp |
| Sleepwear | 2 sets | Layers for cold nights |
Footwear
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hiking boots | Ankle support, rocky trails |
| Water shoes/sandals | Reservoir, camp showers |
| Camp shoes | Comfortable around site |
| Warm socks | Sleeping if feet get cold |
Accessories
- Sun hat with brim (everyone)
- Warm beanie (yes, even in July)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Bandana/buff (dust, sun, sweat)
- Gloves (for cold mornings and campfire management)
For Kids: Extra Items
- Extra complete outfit (accidents happen)
- Rain boots if under 8
- Glow sticks/reflective gear for visibility after dark
Sleeping Gear
In the RV
- Fitted sheets for all beds
- Blankets (nights drop to 40s)
- Extra blankets for kids who kick them off
- Pillows (sleeping on bad pillows ruins trips)
For Backcountry/Overflow
| Item | Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | 1 | Rated to 30°F minimum |
| Sleeping pad | 1 | R-value 3+ for insulation |
| Tent (if backcountry) | Per needs | 3-season minimum |
| Pillow | 1 | Compressible camping pillow |
Personal Care
For Everyone
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Toothbrush + toothpaste | Bring backups |
| Biodegradable soap | For body and hair |
| Shampoo/conditioner | Biodegradable |
| Deodorant | You’re with family for 7 days |
| Razor | If needed |
| Sunscreen SPF 50+ | 2 bottles minimum |
| Lip balm with SPF | 2 per person |
| Insect repellent | DEET or picaridin based |
| Hand sanitizer | Multiple bottles |
| Medications | All prescriptions + OTC basics |
| First aid kit | See medical section |
| Feminine hygiene products | As needed |
| Contact lens supplies | Plus backup glasses |
| Prescription glasses | Plus backup pair |
| Small mirror | For contact lens users |
Nice to Have
- Baby wipes (everyone uses these, not just babies)
- Dry shampoo
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
Medical & First Aid
The Complete Kit
Wound Care:
- Assorted bandages (lots)
- Gauze pads (4x4)
- Medical tape
- Butterfly closures
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Moleskin (for blisters—critical)
Medications:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Antihistamine (Benadryl)
- Anti-diarrheal
- Antacid
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Aloe vera gel
Tools:
- Tweezers (splinters, ticks)
- Small scissors
- Safety pins
- Thermometer
- CPR mask
- Elastic bandage (ace wrap)
- Instant cold packs
Altitude & Environment:
- Electrolyte packets
- Glucose tablets
- Sunburn relief spray
- Eye drops (altitude dries eyes)
Emergency:
- EpiPen (if prescribed)
- Inhaler (if prescribed)
- Emergency contact list on waterproof paper
- Insurance cards (photocopies)
Fishing Gear
See the Fishing Guide for detailed recommendations. Essentials:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rods | 1 per angler (medium action for reservoir) |
| Reels | Spinning reels, 6-8 lb line |
| Tackle box | Organized with essentials |
| Bait | Powerbait, worms, salmon eggs |
| Lures | See fishing guide for specifics |
| Fishing licenses | Required for 16+, buy online before |
| Net | Landing net for larger fish |
| Stringer/cooler | For keeping catch |
| Pliers | Hook removal |
| Line cutter | Or small scissors |
| Polarized sunglasses | See through surface glare |
Water Activities
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kayak/canoe | Rentals available at marina |
| Life jackets | Required for all watercraft |
| Paddle | Sized appropriately |
| Dry bag | For phones, keys, wallet |
| Water shoes | Reservoir bottom is rocky |
| Towels | At least 2 per person |
| Swimsuits | Water-contact sports prohibited, but useful |
Note: Swimming, water skiing, tubing, wading, and jet skis are prohibited at Eleven Mile Reservoir. Kayaking and boating are permitted.
Camp Comfort
Furniture & Shelter
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Camp chairs | 1+ per person, including backups |
| Folding table | Extra prep/eating surface |
| Canopy/shade structure | Midday sun is intense |
| Hammock | Relaxation game-changer |
| Outdoor rug | Keeps dirt out of RV |
Lighting
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Headlamp | 1 per person |
| Lantern | 2–3 for camp |
| String lights | Nice for ambiance |
| Flashlight | Backup, always |
| Extra batteries | Lots |
Fire Supplies
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Firewood | Buy at marina or bring (no local collection) |
| Fire starters | Commercial or DIY |
| Matches/lighters | Multiple, in waterproof container |
| Fire gloves | For managing logs |
| Bucket | Water for extinguishing |
Entertainment
For Everyone
- Playing cards (multiple decks)
- Board games (travel versions)
- Books/e-readers
- Journals and pens
- Binoculars (wildlife, stargazing)
- Camera
For Kids
- Coloring books and crayons
- Nature scavenger hunt lists
- Bug catchers and magnifying glass
- Kid-friendly binoculars
- Glow sticks
- Fishing gear sized for kids
- Comfort item from home
For Teens
- Hammock with book
- Photography gear
- Sketchbook
- Frisbee/football
- Trail mix ingredients (let them make their own)
For Grandparents
- Comfortable reading glasses
- Crossword/sudoku books
- Knitting/handwork
- Birding field guide
- Quality binoculars
Offline Digital
Download before leaving cell service:
- Star map app (SkyView, Star Walk)
- Plant/animal identification apps
- Podcasts and audiobooks
- Music playlists
- Movies/shows (for rainy days in RV)
- This guide as PDF
Tools & Repair
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Multi-tool | Everything |
| Duct tape | Repairs anything |
| Paracord (50 ft) | Hanging, securing, emergency |
| Zip ties (assorted) | Quick fixes |
| Basic tool kit | Screwdrivers, pliers, wrench |
| RV-specific tools | Sewer hose repair, leveling blocks |
| Tire repair kit | For vehicles |
| Jumper cables | Dead batteries happen |
| Tow strap | For soft sand/mud |
Important Documents
Pack in waterproof bag:
- Driver’s licenses
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- RV rental agreement (if renting)
- Camping reservation confirmations
- Fishing licenses
- State park pass
- Emergency contact list
- Medical information for family members
- Cash ($200+ small bills)
- Credit cards
- Park map (paper backup)
Final Packing Tips
One Week Before: Lay everything out. Check against this list. Make shopping list for gaps.
Three Days Before: Load heavy/bulky items into vehicles. Don’t overload one side.
Day Before: Load perishables into coolers. Freeze water bottles for ice. Final walkthrough of house.
Morning Of: Take photos of house (stove off, doors locked). Final loading of fragile items.
The Forgotten Item: No matter how carefully you pack, you’ll forget something. Lake George has a small general store. The 11 Mile Marina sells basics. Colorado Springs is an hour away if you need something specific. Don’t let a forgotten item ruin the trip.