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25 Must-Have RV Camping Gadgets (2024)

| Updated Jan 12, 2024

The RV Lifestyle is better with these must-have camping gadgets! This massive guide will help you find gifts for your RV friends and family!

In the olden days, camping was pretty simple: a tent, sleeping bag, compass, and some other basic items, and you were ready to go. Today, there are so many camping gadgets available that it’s hard to know which ones are really life-changing and which are excessive. 

Ranging in the definition of “necessity,” here are a bunch of RV camping gadgets that we love based on our own experience or recommended by others in our RV Lifestyle Community.

With only a couple of exceptions, most of these are fairly inexpensive. And MANY have been highlighted during on of our Amazon Live Shopping events! We enjoy presenting some of the items we use on our RV adventures. I'd love to see you there for our next one! Click the Follow button, and Amazon will notify you when we go live.

25 Must-Have RV Camping Gadgets

Here’s our list of 25 must-have camping gadgets. They are in no particular order. We love and use many of these, and the rest were highly recommended by members of our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group!

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

#1 TickKey Removal Key

TickKey Removal Key

Camping in the woods means you and your pets will likely encounter ticks. The TickKey products are great for easy and quick tick removal. 

We always keep them in the RV and often toss one in our backpack when going on a hike. These TickKeys are one of our main recommendations from How to Keep Ticks Off Dogs & Out of Your RV.

#2 MPOWERD Luci Outdoor Inflatable Solar Lantern

 MPOWERD Luci Outdoor Inflatable Solar Lantern

We have several of these solar lanterns, and they are awesome!

Rather than worrying about running out of batteries, you just place these in sunlight during the day, and they’ll produce light all night. 

We generally always have them on hand, especially if we’re boondocking

#3 Mophie Powerstation

Mophie Powerstation

This is one of my favorite must-have RV camping gadgets.

I always keep one fully charged and handy. There’s enough energy with a full charge to charge my laptop once or my smartphone three times. 

Plus, you don’t have to worry about running a vehicle battery down charging cellular devices. 

#4 Midland LXT500VP3 2-Way Radios

Midland LXT500VP3 2-Way Radios

Two-way radios are truly a must-have camping gadget that everyone should invest in!

Jennifer and I have a pair of these that we use when hiking or when we simply need to communicate from a distance. We’ve found this specific model to be very reliable, so I’d recommend them to anyone. 

One of our most common uses is when backing into a camping site. Instead of relying on hand signals in the mirror, Jennifer uses the walky-talky to tell me left or right or STOP! That's why we include walkie-talkies in our “Backing Up an RV” Learner’s Kit.

#5 A2S Survival Paracord Bracelet

A2S Survival Paracord Bracelet

This is a must-have camping gadget that could potentially save your life. It’s a cool all-purpose tool that you conveniently wear on your wrist.

If you do a great deal of hiking deep into the woods, then you should definitely check these out!

It has a built-in compass, fire starter, whistle, emergency knife, and yards of paracord you can use as a rope. It's a tool you hope never to need but should definitely have.

#6 J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight

J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight

This is my favorite flashlight, and I always keep one handy! It has LED bulbs, 300 Lumens, and has three modes. 

Not only is it bright, but it’s a great flashlight to carry in your pocket because of its small size. 

#7 Tractive GPS Dog Tracker & Health Monitoring Collar

25 Must-Have RV Camping Gadgets (2024) 1

This is a must-have camping gadget for anyone who camps with their dogs. As most of you know, Jennifer and I bring our boy Bo on every camping trip. Though he’s well-trained and won’t venture far away from us, we don't like to take any chances. 

If you’re camping with your beloved dog, then do yourself a favor and invest in a GPS dog tracker. On the off chance that your dog gets loose or spooked and runs away, it’ll be much easier to find him in the strange location. 

This Tractive GPS tracker requires a subscription (starting at $5/mo), which we think is well worth the peace of mind it brings us. Not to mention its value if Bo really does get lost!

#8 X-Plore Gear 3-in-1 Multifunction Survival Tool

X-Plore Gear 3-in-1 Multifunction Survival Tool

The X-Plore 3-in-1 is another must-have gadget for the survivalist-minded camper.

It's important to know how to start a fire without matches, and this tool helps with that. Plus, it has an emergency whistle and a compass. 

#9 Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

This is one bright headlamp! It has 165 lumens, and we love it! In fact, Jennifer and I both have one of these. 

We use them even just walking around the campsite at night and pack them in our hiking packs.

#10 EDC Survival Kit

25 Must-Have RV Camping Gadgets (2024) 2

An EDC Kit is an “Every Day Carry” kit that can work as an emergency survival kit. They usually include survival gear items, like medical supplies, fishing tools, folding cutting devices, poncho, and other excellent survival items.

If you looked at the previous survival gear items on this list and said, “I need that and that and that…” then you might as well just get this. It comes with those items and more.

#11 Resqme Original Car Escape Tool

Resqme Original Car Escape Tool

Okay, this isn't directly related to camping, but it is related to all the driving you do to go camping! We've seen too many accidents on the road in the hundreds of thousands of miles we've RVed to not have these.

We keep one in the RV and our passenger car and one on our keychain. In fact, I made sure each of my loved ones have one. 

This tool will cut vehicle seatbelts and break windows. Even if we don't get in an accident ourselves, it gives us the ability to help others we come across.

#12 Leatherman Multitool

Leatherman Multitool

A multitool can come in very handy when traveling. It can even help save a life! 

Whether you need to open a can of food for survival or cut a wire that no longer serves a purpose, this handy device does it all. 

The Leatherman Signal has 19 tools in one! Not only does it have a cutting device, but it comes with pliers, wire cutters, hammer, saw, bottle and can openers, and a diamond-coated sharpener. 

Talk about a great tool to throw in your RV drawer! 

#13 Portable LED-Light and Fan

Portable LED-Light and Fan

These little devices really come in handy! Not only can they provide light where you need it. They are also a fan to keep you cool on stuffy camping evenings.

Use the light for up to 37 hours without having to change batteries. 

They are small and compact to easily store when traveling. 

#14 Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow

Never get a bad night of sleep again while camping! This excellent camping pillow is 100% polyester memory foam to conform to your body. 

Lightweight and portable, the small pillow opens to a 12 x 16 inch rectangle. The medium expands to a 14 x 18 inch size for the ultimate in comfort. 

When you are done using it, compress it back down to fit into its waterproof stuff sack. It's a great option for an RVer's stargazing kit!

Did it get dirty while camping? When you get home, machine wash it and dry.

#15 Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern Best Mosquito Repellent Device for Camping

Thermacell products are fuel-powered technology that uses heat-activated repellent to keep bugs at bay. They are sometimes called a Thermacell lantern or repellent mat. They create a scent-free and invisible bug barrier.

They are powered by small gas canisters that give portable, cordless heat to a metal grill. The repellent mat sits on top of the heated grill and disperses the repellent into the air. That is what provides the zone of protection from mosquitos.

Some Thermacell devices can require a 12-hour refill, while others can last up to 90 hours!

#16 Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller

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This is a smaller, more portable version of the Thermacell Patio Shield. They are both supposed to cover a 15-foot zone, but I'd recommend the patio shield for your campsite, and this portable one for your hiking, fishing, etc.

It comes with a belt clip, as well as a 12-hour fuel cartridge, and three 4-hour repellent mats. It repels mosquitoes without DEET sprays or harsh odors and has a 2-year warranty with registration.

#17 Portable Solar Charger Power Bank

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This is a solar-powered version of the Mophie Powerstation we listed at the beginning. It's a great external backup battery pack in case you don't have access to any electricity.

It's highly durable, waterproof, and portable, so you can pop it into your hiking pack. It also has a 2-LED flashlight and compass, which are a nice bonus.

#18 weBoost Drive X RV Cellular Amplifier

weBoost Drive X RV Cellular Amplifier

Okay, this gadget is expensive. But it's the best in its class.

I work from the road, so having solid cellular coverage is essential, but it’s not always possible with just our carrier alone. 

This is why we use this weBoost cellular amplifier, which is geared to the RVer. These devices boost cellular signals, and with the one I use, I have coverage pretty much everywhere I go. 

They have lots of models from which to choose, and I can confidently recommend this brand because I’ve used several of their models throughout the years. The Drive X RV is the best of the bunch.

#19 JBL Flip Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Flip Bluetooth Speaker

This is one of our must-have camping gadgets for enjoying life on the road. The speaker is very versatile, waterproof, and has great sound quality. 

We use it mainly to listen to podcasts and music, but recently we started using it for the audio when we talk to our family at home via FaceTime. It's also handy when streaming movies over our laptop or tablet.

#20 Level Mate Pro

Level Mate Pro

Make leveling easy with the LevelMate PRO! It takes the frustrating guesswork out of leveling your RV. 

Use your smartphone to help you find the most level camping spot without ever leaving your vehicle! Install the device ahead of time, and then use an app on your phone to see how to level your RV is from both directions. 

This will come in handy when you are tired from driving and trying to set up your camping spot. 

Dramatically reduce your leveling time, and frustration, after a long day of driving. 

#21 Countertop Ice Machine

Countertop Ice Machine

Okay, okay, an icemkaer isn't necessarily a must-have but boy is it great to have in your RV! Especially if you're a big fan of ice-cold drinks after a long hike.

It also comes in handy if you need to stock an ice chest while camping. This countertop ice maker can start producing ice in as little as 8 minutes. It can produce up to 26 pounds of ice in one day!

I know that RV counter space is precious. But if you miss the luxury of having ice when on the road, this is the solution. For more options, check out these 7 Best Ice Makers for Camping.

#22 Stanley Battery Jumper

Stanley Battery Jumper

A portable jump starter can be a lifesaver when on the road. 

There may be a time that you forget to turn off your lights when stopping for a hike or in town at an event. Nothing is worse than getting back to your vehicle only to realize that you have a dead battery. 

Save yourself worry and hassle by keeping a portable jump starter in your RV. That way, you will not have to look for someone else to help you jumpstart your vehicle!

#23 Water Pump for 5-Gallon Water Jug

Water Pump for 5-Gallon Water Jug

Do you take large 5-gallon bottles of water when traveling? Don’t forget a pump! 

Pumps are lightweight and compact and make getting water from a 5-gallon jug very simple to do. 

As boondockers that lug their water everywhere, this pump is a great camping gadget to have. It's also ideal for RV winter camping, when you're not using your RV's water system.

#24 Portable Neck Fan

Portable Neck Fan STAY COOL While Camping with these 10 Summer Gadgets

One way to stay cool while camping is to use a neck fan. You simply turn it on and place it around your neck. 

It will help keep your entire body cool. The best part is that it’s hands-free, so you can do whatever activity you want. 

#25 Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

While the neck fans keep you cool, these hand warmers will keep you warm. Well, at least your hands while they're snug in your pockets.

Being rechargeable is a huge plus! You can use them again and again, reducing waste and avoiding running out of HotHands packs.


25 Must-Have RV Camping Gadgets (2024) 5
Mike and Jennifer Wendland

Curious about the gear, gadgets, accessories, and RV products Mike & Jennifer use and recommend?

On this RV Lifestyle Travel blog, our RV Podcast and our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel, we mention all sorts of RV-related products and gear that we use, So we created a special page that links to them. We update this all the time.  CLICK HERE to go to it directly. Have you caught one of our Amazon LIVE events yet? Just go here and Follow us – to be notified every time we go live.


Mike Wendland

Published on 2024-01-11

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

15 Responses to “25 Must-Have RV Camping Gadgets (2024)”

March 20, 2024at3:08 am, Neet And Angel said:

I totally agree with this list! As an RV owner, I can attest to the importance of having the right gadgets on hand. The portable power station is a game-changer for us, especially when we’re boondocking. And the solar panel mount is a must-have for maximum sun exposure. I’m definitely adding some of these to my wish list!

Reply

May 18, 2022at5:34 pm, drunk wineo said:

sounds like you need to tone down the wine consumption, 5 products are related to your alcoholism, not a good look

Reply

May 02, 2022at8:05 pm, 7 Great RV Kitchen Gadgets to Save Space said:

[…] 29 Must-Have Camping Gadgets for 2022 […]

Reply

May 02, 2022at6:15 am, 7 Great RV Kitchen Gadgets To Save Space | RV Lifestyle said:

[…] 29 Must-Have Camping Gadgets for 2022 […]

Reply

January 31, 2022at5:50 pm, Claudia Glenn said:

Lots of good ideas. I may get my son the paratrooper cord bracelet for his birthday!

Reply

December 25, 2021at6:16 am, Merry Christmas! | RV Lifestyle said:

[…] 29 Must-Have Camping Gadgets for 2022 […]

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October 09, 2021at6:17 pm, Chef Dave said:

I just read thru your list of 29 must have items, above here. I implore you to look at the 1 star reviews of all of those products. I never look at 5 star reviews as I’m afraid many of those posters get some compensation for those glowing reviews. I always look at the 1 star reviews as they are the most truthful. It’s sad how much junk Amazon sells. It’s cheap crap from who knows where, mostly China I bet, I’d rather pay more for made in America products than what Amazon sells.
I’m new to the Rv life, but well seasoned in being proactive in purchasing things I need.

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January 16, 2024at12:16 am, Beth Gorton said:

I am a huge fan of Luci lights – keep one on the dash of every vehicle. Boondocking, I can use all evening, saving the battery for things besides reading in bed, knitting, etc. Being solar, I never have to worry about having spare batteries. They are well designed, well made, and waterproof.

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March 14, 2021at8:33 pm, Brian Templeton said:

One further item could be added to to the must have survival list, that is the very rugged cylindrical steel mouth whistle
like what used to be used by British policemen, blown hard, it can be heard for at least half a mile, and if one is not visible, it can help rescuers find you.

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March 14, 2021at8:12 pm, Tara said:

A Merlitta pour over cone & brown filters are much more eco friendly & cheaper for coffee than using K Cups.

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March 13, 2022at8:34 am, Michael McKie said:

Absolutely! Your cup of coffee will taste a lot better as well. We normally use a French press at home but use the one cup Keurig for camping – less cleanup. Now you have me thinking…

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February 28, 2021at11:29 am, Jean hansard said:

I think you did an article on three ways to clean the black tank. I can’t find it, can you post it again? Thank you!

Reply

February 25, 2021at9:41 am, Stan Wutka said:

Must have item for us, Frig-A-Mate or that what it used to be called. We have been using these in our RV for over 40 years. It is a little battery operated fan, powered by 2 d cell batteries, that last 2 – 3 months. With the gravity type RV fridge air is circulated only when you open the door. This thing aids in cool downs, when you first turn it on. It helps equalizes the temp thru out the fridge. It prevents lettuce and other items from freezing. It doesn’t take care of all the issues of an RV type frig but I say improves things about 70 %. Here is a link to amazon, they are available at a lot of other places too. https://smile.amazon.com/Valterra-A10-2604-FridgeCool-Volt-9-1/dp/B0006MRQYU/ref=pd_sbs_4?pd_rd_w=0y1NS&pf_rd_p=c52600a3-624a-4791-b4c4-3b112e19fbbc&pf_rd_r=MFQE5R1X60BBY9N282DG&pd_rd_r=b663cf90-56f5-4ef1-908f-181064d4226d&pd_rd_wg=giSN0&pd_rd_i=B0006MRQYU&psc=1

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February 25, 2021at5:00 pm, Thomas said:

Thanks Stan. We are ordering the fan tonight. Not for RV but for home refrigerator which is famous for freezing our lettuce.

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February 25, 2021at9:34 am, Marcus said:

Remember, the headlamps are great but be courteous and turn them off or look down when you are approaching other walkers. The lights can be blinding. I don’t think you would shine a flashlight directly into someone’s face but that is what you are doing since the beam shines in the direction you are looking. Same etiquette applies with headlamps.

Thanks

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