Labor Day weekend is one of the best opportunities to squeeze in another family camping trip before summer comes to an end. Whether you are heading to a nearby lake, an Oklahoma state park, the mountains of Arkansas or a campground in East Texas, a little preparation can make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable.

Holiday weekends can also mean crowded campgrounds, busy roads and limited access to supplies. Forgetting something important may be more than a minor inconvenience when the nearest store is miles away.

Before you pull out of the driveway, use this Labor Day RV camping checklist to make sure your RV, campsite and family are ready for the adventure.

Start With Your Reservations and Travel Plans

Labor Day is a popular camping weekend, so confirm your plans before loading the RV.

·     Campground reservation confirmation

·     Check-in and check-out times

·     Campsite number

·     Campground address and directions

·     Gate codes or after-hours instructions

·     Campground contact information

·     Hookup information for your campsite

·     Pet policies

·     Campground rules

·     Information about fire restrictions or burn bans

·     Reservations for boats, kayaks or other activities

Do not assume you will have reliable cell service when you arrive. Save important information to your phone and consider keeping a printed copy in your tow vehicle or RV.

If you are traveling somewhere new, review your route in advance. Look for low clearances, steep grades, construction zones, narrow roads and fuel stops that can accommodate your RV.

Complete a Pre-Trip RV Inspection

A quick inspection can help prevent an avoidable problem from interrupting your Labor Day getaway.

·     Tire pressure and tire condition

·     Wheel lug nuts

·     Hitch and safety chains

·     Breakaway cable

·     Trailer brakes

·     Brake lights and turn signals

·     Battery charge

·     Propane supply

·     Freshwater tank

·     Roof and exterior seals

·     Slide-outs

·     Awning

·     Steps and handrails

·     Storage compartment doors

·     Smoke detector

·     Carbon monoxide detector

·     Fire extinguisher

Make sure antennas, vents, steps, awnings and slide-outs are completely secured before traveling. Walk around the entire RV one final time before pulling away.

If anything looks damaged or does not operate correctly, take care of it before the trip instead of hoping it will be fine until you return.

RV Hookup and Campsite Essentials

The right equipment can make setting up your campsite much easier.

·     Freshwater drinking hose

·     Water pressure regulator

·     Water filter

·     Sewer hose and fittings

·     Sewer hose support

·     Disposable gloves

·     Electrical power cord

·     Appropriate electrical adapters

·     Surge protector or electrical management system

·     Wheel chocks

·     Leveling blocks

·     Stabilizer jack pads

·     Basic tool kit

·     Tire pressure gauge

·     Flashlights or headlamps

·     Extension cord rated for outdoor use

·     Outdoor rug

·     Folding chairs

·     Small folding table

·     Trash bags

Keep your freshwater equipment separate from your sewer equipment. Storing them in clearly labeled containers can make campsite setup faster and help prevent cross-contamination.

Kitchen and Cooking Supplies

One of the best parts of RV camping is preparing meals at the campsite. Planning your menu before leaving home can help you avoid crowded holiday-weekend grocery stores.

·     Food for each planned meal

·     Snacks

·     Drinking water

·     Coffee and coffee supplies

·     Cooking oil

·     Seasonings

·     Condiments

·     Pots and pans

·     Cooking utensils

·     Can opener

·     Bottle opener

·     Cutting board

·     Sharp knife

·     Plates and bowls

·     Cups and mugs

·     Silverware

·     Paper towels

·     Aluminum foil

·     Food-storage bags

·     Reusable food containers

·     Dish soap and sponge

·     Kitchen towels

·     Trash bags

·     Grill tools

·     Matches or a lighter

Check the refrigerator before leaving and make sure it is operating properly. Secure food, dishes and appliances so they cannot shift while the RV is moving.

Prepare as much food as possible at home. Chopping vegetables, seasoning meat and organizing ingredients before the trip can give you more time to relax at the campground.

Clothing and Personal Items

Labor Day temperatures can still be hot during the afternoon, but mornings and evenings may begin to feel cooler. Pack clothing that can be layered as conditions change.

·     Comfortable shirts and shorts

·     Jeans or long pants

·     Sweatshirt or light jacket

·     Sleepwear

·     Undergarments and socks

·     Comfortable walking shoes

·     Water shoes or sandals

·     Swimsuits

·     Hats and sunglasses

·     Rain jackets or ponchos

·     Towels

·     Toiletries

·     Sunscreen

·     Insect repellent

·     Prescription medications

·     Extra eyeglasses or contact supplies

·     Laundry bag

·     Phone chargers

Pack at least one extra outfit for each child. Camping, hiking, swimming and unexpected rain can quickly turn clean clothes into wet or muddy ones.

Bedding and Bathroom Supplies

Even if your RV stays stocked throughout the camping season, check your supplies before every trip.

·     Sheets

·     Pillows

·     Blankets

·     Extra blanket for cooler nights

·     Bath towels

·     Washcloths

·     RV-safe toilet paper

·     Hand soap

·     Shampoo and conditioner

·     Toothbrushes and toothpaste

·     Shower shoes

·     Toilet chemicals

·     First-aid kit

If your RV has been sitting in warm weather, wash the bedding and air out the interior before packing. A clean, comfortable RV makes arriving at the campground feel even better.

Outdoor and Campfire Gear

Cool evenings, campfires and time outside are some of the best parts of Labor Day camping.

·     Camp chairs

·     Outdoor rug

·     Portable table

·     Lanterns

·     Flashlights

·     Extra batteries

·     Grill or approved outdoor cooking equipment

·     Grill fuel

·     Fire starters

·     Roasting sticks

·     Cooler

·     Refillable water bottles

·     Picnic blanket

·     Hammock

·     Binoculars

·     Fishing equipment

·     Bikes and helmets

·     Life jackets

·     Outdoor games

Always check local fire regulations before starting a campfire. Burn bans and campground restrictions can change quickly, especially during dry conditions. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the campsite or going to bed.

Avoid transporting firewood across long distances. Many destinations ask campers to purchase firewood locally to reduce the spread of invasive insects and tree diseases.

Entertainment for the Entire Family

A holiday camping trip does not need an elaborate schedule. Some of the best memories come from slowing down and enjoying simple activities together.

·     Board games

·     Playing cards

·     Books

·     Coloring supplies

·     Puzzles

·     Outdoor games

·     Fishing gear

·     Hiking backpacks

·     Portable speaker

·     Camera

·     Downloaded movies or shows

·     Chargers and power banks

Download entertainment before leaving home in case the campground has limited Wi-Fi or cellular service.

Labor Day weekend is also a good opportunity to put the phones away for a while, gather around the fire and enjoy time together.

Supplies for Children and Pets

If you are traveling with children, remember comfort items, favorite snacks, medications and anything needed for naps or bedtime.

For babies or young children, pack:

·     Diapers and wipes

·     Bottles or cups

·     Formula or baby food

·     Portable crib or sleep space

·     Stroller

·     Baby carrier

·     Life jacket

·     Favorite blanket or comfort item

·     Age-appropriate sunscreen

·     Extra clothing

If your pet is joining the trip, bring food and water, bowls, a leash and harness, waste bags, a bed or crate, medications, vaccination records, identification tags, a recent photo, flea and tick protection, and pet-safe first-aid supplies.

Never leave children or pets unattended inside an RV without reliable climate control and adult supervision. RV interiors can become dangerously hot very quickly.

Safety and Emergency Supplies

No one expects an emergency, but every RV should carry basic safety equipment.

·     First-aid kit

·     Emergency contact information

·     Prescription medications

·     Flashlights

·     Extra batteries

·     Weather radio

·     Portable phone charger

·     Roadside emergency kit

·     Reflective triangles or warning lights

·     Jumper cables or battery booster

·     Basic tool kit

·     Spare fuses

·     Tire-changing equipment

·     Drinking water

·     Nonperishable food

·     Printed campground and route information

Check the weather before departure and continue monitoring it during your trip. Summer heat, thunderstorms and strong winds can develop quickly throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas.

Know where your campground's storm shelter or designated safe area is located.

The Final Walk-Around Before You Leave

Once everyone is packed and ready, complete one final walk-around.

·     Slide-outs are fully retracted

·     Awning is secured

·     Steps are retracted

·     Antennas are lowered

·     Roof vents are closed

·     Exterior compartments are locked

·     Windows and doors are secured

·     Water and sewer lines are disconnected

·     Power cord is disconnected and stored

·     Wheel chocks and leveling blocks are removed

·     Hitch is connected correctly

·     Safety chains are crossed and secured

·     Breakaway cable is attached

·     Brake lights and turn signals work

·     Campsite is clean

·     Trash has been removed

Do not rush this step. A calm, methodical final inspection can prevent damage and help keep everyone safe on the road.

Make More Memories This Labor Day

The perfect Labor Day RV trip does not require elaborate plans. With the right supplies, a prepared RV and the people you enjoy most, even a short weekend close to home can become a favorite family memory.

If your current RV no longer fits the way your family camps - or you are ready to start your first RV adventure - now is a great time to find your next one.