The Ultimate RV Camping Packing List for Texas Hill Country

Our RVs come fully stocked with kitchen essentials and bedding — but there are still plenty of things you'll want to bring for the perfect Texas Hill Country camping trip. Here's our complete packing list.

One of the best things about renting an RV from New Braunfels RV Rental is that we take care of the big stuff — your RV comes fully stocked with kitchen essentials, bedding, towels, and all the hookup equipment you need. But there are still plenty of personal items and activity-specific gear you'll want to pack to make your Texas Hill Country trip truly perfect.

We've put together this comprehensive packing list based on years of helping families and groups enjoy the Guadalupe River, River Road campgrounds, and the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Print it out, check it twice, and you'll be set for an amazing adventure.

River & Water Activities

• River tubes (most campgrounds rent these, but bringing your own saves money)
• Water shoes or sandals with straps — the river bottom is rocky
• Life jackets for children (required for kids under 13 in Texas)
• Dry bags for phones, keys, and valuables
• Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 50+ — the Texas sun is intense)
• Rash guards for kids and adults
• Kayak or canoe paddles if you're renting watercraft
• Cooler with ice for drinks on the river
• Waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Clothing & Personal Items

• Swimsuits (pack 2 per person — one to wear, one to dry)
• Light layers for cool evenings (Texas nights can be surprisingly cool)
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Rain jacket or poncho (Texas weather changes fast)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Personal toiletries and medications
• Bug spray (DEET-based for Texas mosquitoes and chiggers)
• After-sun lotion or aloe vera

Food & Kitchen Supplies

Your RV comes with all cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment. You just need to bring the food:

• Breakfast items: eggs, bacon, pancake mix, coffee, juice
• Lunch supplies: sandwich ingredients, chips, fruit
• Dinner ingredients: burgers, hot dogs, steaks, or whatever you love to grill
• Campfire s'mores supplies: graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows
• Plenty of water and beverages
• Snacks for the river: granola bars, trail mix, fruit
• Condiments, cooking oil, and spices
• Aluminum foil (great for campfire cooking)
• Ziploc bags in various sizes
• Paper towels and dish soap

Outdoor & Campfire Essentials

• Firewood (or plan to purchase at the campground — do not transport firewood across county lines in Texas)
• Fire starters or lighter fluid
• Long-handled roasting sticks for marshmallows and hot dogs
• Outdoor games: cornhole, ladder toss, frisbee, football
• Headlamps or flashlights with extra batteries
• Citronella candles for the picnic table
• Trash bags — always leave your site cleaner than you found it
• Camp chairs (your RV may include some, but extras are always useful)

Tech & Connectivity

• Phone chargers and portable battery packs
• Camera or GoPro for capturing river memories
• Bluetooth speaker for campsite music
• Download offline maps before you go — cell service can be spotty on River Road
• Portable WiFi hotspot if you need to stay connected

For Families with Kids

• Floaties and swim vests for young children
• Sand toys and buckets for river play
• Card games and board games for evenings
• Glow sticks for nighttime fun
• Portable white noise machine for naptime
• Extra changes of clothes — kids will get wet and muddy
• First aid kit with children's pain reliever

What You Don't Need to Bring

Since our RVs come fully stocked, you can leave these at home:

• Pots, pans, and cooking utensils
• Plates, bowls, cups, and silverware
• Pillows and bedding
• Bath towels
• Power cords and hookup equipment
• Leveling blocks (we handle setup and leveling)