Pop-up campers are typically smaller than RVs and other camping options, ranging in length from eight feet to 15 feet. Pop-up campers work well because they have solid walls on the bottom and collapsible walls on the upper part, with a solid roof. Depending on the length chosen, the camper can sleep up to eight people and provide a full kitchen, bath, sleeping and dining area. Keeping a pop-up camper stocked for travel is important so you don’t have to make last-minute stops to purchase things you need.

Fill your kitchen with the things you will need to cook standard meals. You will need a set of pots, ensuring that they will fit on the burners. Potholders, serving forks and spoons, seasonings and spices, measuring cups and spoons, a colander for straining foods, a cutting board and a set of knives are needed for preparing food. Disposable plates, bowls, cups and silverware can make storage simpler. Although not necessary, a coffeepot is nice. Cold items should be stored in a cooler, as many pop-up campers do not have refrigerators.

Stock your sleeping area with sheets, which can generally be folded up with the bed when it is put away, and sleeping bags for warmth. Keep a pillow for each person on hand as well. Pillows can be rolled up inside the sleeping bags for easy storage.

For use throughout your camping experience, make sure that you have some matches or a lighter, napkins or paper towels, sponges and dishcloths, a battery-powered lantern and spare batteries, cards and board games, broom and dustpan, garbage bags and a clock. All of these items can come in handy if there is no electricity or to cure boredom.

Store a towel and washcloth for each person, as well as their toiletries. Soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste are needed for each person to use. Toilet paper is an absolute necessity, as is a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.

Add items that will make your time spent outdoors more enjoyable, such as some folding chairs, a folding table and a portable radio or television. An ax and hand saw are useful for cutting firewood, while a camping stove or portable grill will let you cook outdoors. Tarps can be strung up with rope to provide shade, and a citronella candle will help keep insects away.

Include items that are needed for the outside maintenance of your pop-up camper for the best camping experience. These items include wheel chucks and camper levelers, a drain hose and water hose, an electrical cord, multipurpose tool with screwdrivers and pliers, duct tape and a spray lubricant. It is advisable to keep some spare parts for your camper, such as spare tires.

About the Author

Marsanne Petty has been a writer and photographer for over ten years, and is currently pursuing the combination in tandem. She attended Madison Community College, receiving a degree in Administration. She has published several articles for magazines, including Jack Magazine, and the local newspaper, the Jasper News. Her latest creation, a pictoral history of Hamilton County, Florida, was published in early 2009 through Arcadia Publishing.

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