From Basic to Bougie: My Favorite Amazon Finds for Our New Camper
Buying a camper is exciting. Outfitting it? Well...that's where things can get a little dangerous for your wallet.
When we brought our camper home, I quickly realized that while it technically came "ready to camp," there were about 100 little things that would make camping so much easier, more comfortable, and honestly...a lot more fun.
Some purchases were absolute necessities. Others definitely fell into the "Do we need this?" category.
The answer?
Probably not.
Did we buy it anyway?
Absolutely.
Our family camps a little differently than some. My daughter, VK, claimed the bunkhouse before we even pulled into the driveway, and of course it had to become her own little pink oasis. And then there's Duke Sixer—our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—who has no idea he's a dog and fully expects to come on every camping trip.
That means our camper isn't just stocked for Mom and Dad. It's stocked for a little girl who loves cozy spaces and a spoiled dog who somehow has more gear than anyone else in the family.
I've spent hours researching products, reading reviews, comparing options, and ordering what actually works. So instead of spending your first camping season wondering what you're forgetting, I've put everything in one place.
Whether you're looking for the basics, a few "bougie" upgrades, or those random items you'll be incredibly thankful you packed when something goes sideways, this list has you covered.
Start with the Basics
These are the items I would order before your very first camping trip.
Fresh water hose
Water pressure regulator
Sewer hose kit
Sewer hose supports
Electrical surge protector
Wheel chocks
Leveling blocks
Stabilizer jack pads
Water filter
RV toilet paper
Disposable gloves
Black tank treatment
Freshwater sanitizer
Basic tool kit
Flashlights
Extension cords
Outdoor broom
Collapsible trash can
Command hooks
Storage bins
These aren't the glamorous purchases, but they'll make your first trip much smoother.
The "Why Didn't We Buy This Sooner?" List
These are the products that quietly became our favorites.
A collapsible dish drying rack.
Motion sensor lights for late-night bathroom trips.
Drawer organizers that keep everything from turning into a junk drawer after every drive.
Stackable pantry bins.
A cordless vacuum that's small enough to tuck away but powerful enough to keep up with campground dirt.
Simple upgrades that don't seem exciting until you've used them once.
The Bougie Camper Upgrades
Camping is supposed to be relaxing.
These purchases made our camper feel much more like home.
Think outdoor rugs, decorative pillows, cozy blankets, string lights, matching dishes, camping wine glasses, Blackstone accessories, and all those little finishing touches that make your campsite feel inviting.
None of them are necessities.
Every one of them makes camping just a little more enjoyable.
VK's Pink Bunkhouse
One of my favorite parts of setting up our camper was creating a space that felt like it belonged to VK.
She immediately picked out pink blankets, fun pillows, soft lighting, storage baskets, and a few decorations that made her bunk feel like her own little bedroom on wheels.
Watching her get excited about having "her spot" in the camper has made every purchase worth it.
Duke Sixer's Camping Essentials
Let's be honest...
Leaving Duke Sixer home has never really been an option.
So naturally, he has his own packing list.
Food container.
Travel bowls.
Favorite toys.
Portable leash.
Seat cover.
Cooling mat.
Treat container.
Blanket.
And one purchase that has completely changed the game...
Our Waggle pet monitor.
Being able to check the camper temperature and see Duke while we're away for a little while has given us incredible peace of mind. If you camp with your dog, this is one item I would absolutely buy again.
Too bad Amazon doesn't sell "dog anxiety medication" in my storefront. 😉 That probably would've made the list, too.
The Items That Will Save the Day
These are the purchases you don't think about until you desperately need them.
Extra fuses.
Zip ties.
Duct tape.
Headlamps.
Battery-powered lanterns.
First aid kit.
Portable air compressor.
Extra phone chargers.
Bug spray.
Sunscreen.
Rain ponchos.
Power bank.
Paper towels.
Microfiber towels.
Disposable tablecloths.
Trust me.
One day you'll be incredibly happy you packed them.
Shop My Complete Camper Favorites
I've organized every camper product we've purchased—and the ones still on my wish list—into one easy-to-shop Amazon list.
Whether you're setting up your very first camper or just looking for a few upgrades before your next adventure, I hope this saves you time, money, and a whole lot of trial and error.
👉 Shop my complete "New Camper Must Haves" Amazon storefront here:
Happy camping!
— Beth
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting The Bethina Project! Every purchase made through my links helps me continue creating free content and sharing products we genuinely use and love.
