Packing list · 7 days

The Utah RV Week Packing List

By Jana Francis · About a 6-minute read · Tick items off as you go. Your progress saves in this browser.

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A week in Utah’s parks can mean dusty dry camping at Arches, cottonwood shade at Capitol Reef, and nights at Bryce that feel like a different season. Some park campgrounds have no hookups, a few have no water, and cell service vanishes in places. Pack for that and you’ll be fine.

The short version

Bring more water capacity than you think you need, and fill up whenever you find potable water.
Download everything: maps, reservations, rental papers.
Pack for hot days and cold nights in the same suitcase.
Put your rig’s measurements on a note on the dash.

0 packed

1. Rig & campsite basics

Leveling blocks. Park sites are rarely flat, and slickrock country is lumpy. See options on Amazon →
Wheel chocks, used every time you unhitch See options on Amazon →
White drinking-water hose (keep it separate from the rinse hose) See options on Amazon →
Water pressure regulator for campgrounds with spigots See options on Amazon →
Surge protector for nights you do get power See options on Amazon →
Sewer hose, a spare connector, and disposable gloves
Tire pressure gauge (check tires cold, in the morning)
Basic tool kit, work gloves, zip ties and duct tape
Spare fuses and bulbs for your rig’s exact types

Amazon links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. They open a product search, not one specific product, so compare reviews and sizes yourself.

2. Water & power for dry camping

Fresh tank full before you enter the park. Arches and Canyonlands campgrounds have no hookups.
Extra water containers. Island in the Sky’s campground has no water at all.
A list of dump stations on your route (Devils Garden has none; Capitol Reef has one near Fruita Loops A & B)
Headlamps for everyone, plus spare batteries
Power bank or two for phones and cameras
Your campground’s generator rules, read before you arrive

3. Desert living

Wide-brim hats, sunscreen and sunglasses
A refillable water bottle for each person, plus electrolyte mix
Warm layers and a beanie, because canyon nights get cold
Sturdy hiking shoes and camp sandals
Outdoor mat by the door, plus a little broom and dustpan for red sand
Shade: awning, pop-up canopy, or a reflective windshield cover

4. Kitchen

Easy one-pot meals for long driving days
Cooler or extra fridge space, since grocery stops can be far apart
Lighter, dish tub, biodegradable soap
Heavy-duty trash bags: pack it in, pack it out

5. Paperwork & navigation

Offline maps downloaded for every park on the route
A paper road map of Utah (for when the signal drops)
Campground confirmations, printed or saved offline
Park pass, if you have one
Rental agreement and roadside assistance number
Rig length, width and height on a sticky note on the dash

6. The fun stuff

Binoculars, for canyon wrens and far-off arches
A star chart or stargazing app (download it before you lose signal)
Camp chairs and a small folding table
Cards or a travel game for windy evenings

One way to spend the week

Just a starting idea. Check every road and campground for your rig size.

Days 1–2, Moab: Arches and Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky. Book Devils Garden early, or base at a Moab-area campground.
Days 3–4, Capitol Reef: Fruita Campground, orchards and the Scenic Drive. Skip the dirt spurs if your rig is over 27 ft.
Days 5–6, Bryce Canyon: leave the rig at camp and ride the shuttle in season.
Day 7, Zion: measure before you choose an entrance. Over-limit rigs should come in the South Entrance.

Before you go: open the parks guide and click through to each official page for your dates. Booking windows and closures change.

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