Author: Amanda Kennedy
Published: May 16, 2025
Updated: May 16, 2025

Preparing for a family camping trip with your travel trailer and bikes can be exciting – and a bit daunting. The key to a smooth adventure is planning ahead with a thorough travel trailer checklist.
A checklist ensures you pack all the essentials for sleeping, cooking, clothing, safety, and biking with your kids, so nothing important gets left behind. Fear not! With a bit of preparation (and a great checklist), you’ll be well-equipped to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Let’s dive into expert packing tips to make your next camping getaway fun, safe, and stress-free for the whole family.
Click here to download our printable checklist here!
A checklist keeps packing organized and ensures nothing important is forgotten. Involving kids in the process builds responsibility and excitement.
Key checklist categories:
Sleeping Gear: Rest easy by packing the basics for a good night’s sleep.
▢ Pillows for each family member
▢ Sleeping bags or sheets and blankets
▢ Stuffed animals or comfort items for kids
▢ Nightlights or clip-on reading lights
Cooking Gear: Be ready to cook meals and clean up with essential kitchen items.
▢ Portable grill or stove
▢ Bottled Water
▢ Fuel or propane
▢ Cookware (pots, pans, etc.)
▢ Cooking utensils
▢ Plates, cups, and silverware
▢ Cooler with ice packs
▢ Dish soap and sponge
▢ Trash bags (Check out our blog on sustainable camping for more trash packing ideas.)
Clothing & Toiletries: Pack for changing weather and personal hygiene needs.
▢ Weather-appropriate clothing (jackets, rain gear, etc.)
▢ Extra socks and underwear
▢ Sturdy shoes or boots
▢ Soap, shampoo, and toothbrushes
▢ Sunscreen and insect repellent
▢ Towels and washcloths
Safety Gear: Stay safe and prepared for unexpected situations.
▢ Medications (optional)
▢ First aid kit
▢ Flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries
▢ Fire extinguisher
▢ Multitool or pocket knife
▢ Emergency contact list and medical info
Kid-specific items: Keep little ones entertained and comfortable.
▢ Favorite snacks
▢ Travel games or small toys
▢ Comfort items (blankets, plush toys)
▢ Rainy-day kit (books, tablet with downloads, don't forget the power cords!)
Miscellaneous Essentials: Don’t forget the small but important items that keep everything running smoothly.
▢ Phone charging cords and power banks
▢ Wall plugs or car adapters
▢ Camp chairs
▢ Folding table
▢ Ziplock bags or storage containers
▢ Duct tape or gear repair tape
▢ Matches or a lighter
▢ Notebook and pens
▢ Campground reservation details or printed maps
▢ Extra batteries
▢ Bug spray
▢ Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes
▢ Reusable shopping bags
▢ Laundry bag or collapsible hamper
▢ Safety Chains (for winter camping)
(Optional) Pet Gear: Bringing your furry friend along? Make sure they’re as comfortable and prepared as you are.
▢ Food and water bowls
▢ Pet food and treats
▢ Leash and harness
▢ Waste bags
▢ Pet bed or blanket
▢ Crate or travel carrier
▢ Vaccination records or ID tags
▢ Towel for muddy paws
▢ Collapsible water bowl for hikes
▢ Toys or chews for downtime
Biking is often the highlight of a family camping trip, so take some time to pack smart for your two-wheeled adventures. You want your kids to be safe, comfortable, and prepared on the trails. Here’s how to make sure nothing bike-related gets left behind:
Helmets & Gloves: Basic protection and comfort go a long way when biking with kids.
▢ Helmets for each rider
▢ Protective gloves
Hydration: Stay hydrated on and off the trail.
▢ Water bottles or hydration packs
▢ Snacks for long rides
▢ Individual gear bags for each child
▢ Labels or markers to avoid mix-ups
Bike Tool Kit & Spares: Be prepared for quick repairs and adjustments.
▢ Tire pressure gauge and pump
▢ Patch kit
▢ Spare tubes
▢ Tire levers
▢ Bike multitool
Bike Locks: Keep bikes secure at the campsite and during travel.
▢ Sturdy bike locks & cables
By packing smart for family bike outings, you’ll set yourselves up for safe and enjoyable rides. With the right gear at the ready, you can focus on making memories – not making emergency trips to the store.
One often-overlooked item on a travel trailer checklist is how you’ll transport the family One essential but often-overlooked item on a travel trailer checklist is how you’ll transport your bikes. Standard bike racks may not handle the bouncing and sway of a trailer, which can lead to damage or safety issues. An RV-rated rack protects your bikes and trailer and gives peace of mind while towing. Let’s Go Aero offers travel trailer-specific racks that mount to either your trailer’s A-frame or your tow vehicle, making transport safer and more convenient.
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A-Frame Mounts for Standard Bikes: Jack-IT PRO A-Frame CarrierThe Jack-IT PRO Expandable 2-Bike A-Frame Mount transforms unused trailer tongue space into secure front-end bike storage. It mounts above your trailer’s jack and propane tanks, keeping bikes visible while towing and freeing up rear access. Engineered for RV use, it’s tough enough for e-bikes and expandable to carry more bikes or gear with add-ons—making it a great solution for growing families. Key Features:
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Check out this review of our original Jack-IT Bike Rack from an adventure like you!
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Truck Mounts for Standard Bikes: Full Nelson Truck Bed Bike RackThe Full Nelson Expandable Truck Bed Bike Carrier offers a smart way to transport bikes without sacrificing your truck bed’s storage space. It mounts tool-free across your pickup bed and holds bikes upright above the bed walls, leaving room below for coolers, firewood, and other camping essentials. With expansion kits available, it can carry up to six bikes—perfect for growing families or group adventures. This setup is especially handy if your trailer lacks a rear hitch or you’d rather not add weight to it. Key Features:
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Want more truck mount options for bikes? Check out our full article: 5 Best Ways to Transport a Bike with a Truck.
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A-Frame Mounts for E-Bikes: Jack-E Heavy-Duty A-Frame eBike CarrierThe Jack-E is a rugged A-frame-mounted bike rack built specifically to carry two heavy e-bikes right on the front of your travel trailer. It installs above your trailer’s jack and propane tanks, keeping your e-bikes visible while towing and leaving rear cargo areas free. With a 150 lb capacity (75 lbs per bike) and optional Lifter™ Winch Assist for easy lifting, the Jack-E is ideal for campers who need a strong, convenient bike transport solution. Key Features:
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Hitch Mounts for Any bike: V-Lectric VFR eBike CarrierThe V-Lectric VFR is a heavy-duty hitch-mounted bike rack engineered for carrying two large e-bikes with confidence and convenience. With an impressive 160 lb total capacity (80 lbs per bike), this rack is built for today’s heavier e-bikes. The slide-out design provides easy rear vehicle access, while its tilt-up feature allows compact storage when not in use—making it a great fit for SUVs, trucks, and RVs. Key Features:
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For even more information on bike racks and carriers rated for travel trailers check out our full blog: Bike Racks for Travel Trailers: What Works and What Doesn't
Now that we’ve covered the big stuff – gear and bikes – let’s talk about packing hacks to make your travel trailer life easier. Space in a trailer is limited, and an organized camp is a happy camp. These tips will help you optimize storage, keep things accessible, and generally level-up your packing game:
By employing these packing hacks, you’ll make the most of your travel trailer’s space and keep your trip running smoothly. An organized camper also means less time spent searching for stuff and more time enjoying the great outdoors with your family.
Sometimes the difference between an okay camping trip and an unforgettable one comes down to where you stay. Since biking is a big goal of your trip, it pays to do a bit of homework upfront and choose campgrounds that are bike-friendly for the whole family. What should you look for? Here are a few tips:
Choosing a bike-friendly campground means you’ll spend less time driving to find a trail and more time actually riding. It also sets the stage for a safer experience for your kids. When they can cruise straight from the campsite without dangerous roads, their independence and confidence will soar. And isn’t that what we want – happy, tired-at-bedtime kids who’ve had a full day of outdoor fun? Prioritize those pedal-friendly locations and you’ll be setting your family up for an awesome trip.
Packing smart with a detailed travel trailer checklist makes every family trip easier, safer, and more enjoyable. A well-thought-out plan ensures you’re prepared for changing weather, unexpected bike repairs, and all the little things that can add stress when you’re away from home. By organizing gear ahead of time and making sure everything has its place, you’ll spend less time unpacking and more time enjoying the outdoors with your family. Make packing easier and download the printable version here.
Let’s Go Aero’s RV-ready bike racks and transport solutions take the hassle out of bringing bikes along, with secure, space-saving designs built for trailers, trucks, and family adventures. Whether you need front-of-trailer storage or a high-capacity truck bed setup, our racks are designed to keep your bikes safe and your travels smooth. Explore our full lineup of bike racks and travel gear to get your trailer—and your family—road trip ready.
Happy trails and happy camping!
Want more camping checklist? Check out our Checklist for Car Camping with Kids