What to Pack for RV Camping in New England (Every Season Covered)

A simple, season-by-season packing guide for RV camping in New England. Get ready for any weather with this easy, no-nonsense checklist.

What to Pack for RV Camping in New England
Written by
Alex Johnson
Published on
June 9, 2025

Packing for a camping trip in New England is like packing for a surprise party… where the weather is the one throwing surprises. One minute it is sunshine and butterflies, the next it is a windstorm straight out of a pirate movie. That is why it pays to pack smart—especially when you are going RV camping in New England.

Whether you are a weekend warrior or a seasonal stay camper, this packing guide will help you get your gear in order, no matter the season. We will break it down season by season, so you do not end up freezing in July or sweating in October.

Spring – Mud, Showers, and New Beginnings

Photo by Aniket Bhattacharya on Unsplash

Spring in New England is full of blooming flowers, wet trails, and weather that can’t make up its mind. Mornings are chilly, afternoons are warm-ish, and evenings get nippy.

Pack This:

  • Waterproof boots (because mud waits for no one)

  • Rain jacket and poncho

  • Layers: flannel shirts, sweatshirts, and thermal tops

  • Gloves and a beanie (yes, even in April)

  • Lightweight hiking gear

  • Extra socks – trust me, you will thank yourself

  • Tarps and mats to keep your RV floor clean

  • Umbrella for quick walks

  • Allergy meds (pollen parties are real)

Think of spring as the season that plays hard to get. You will want to be ready for sunshine and showers all in the same hour.

Summer – Sun, Bugs, and Campfire Stories

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

Ah, summer. The season of s'mores, swimming, and mosquitoes that fly like they drank too much coffee. Days are warm and long, but New England nights can still surprise you with a chill.

Pack This:

  • Bug spray (bring the strong stuff)

  • Sunscreen

  • Lightweight clothes: T-shirts, tank tops, shorts

  • Swimsuit and towels

  • Portable fan or battery-powered fans

  • Reusable water bottles

  • Light blanket for cool nights

  • First-aid kit (scrapes happen)

  • Campfire cooking tools

  • Board games or cards for rainy afternoons

Do not forget to bring a small toolkit. Something always needs tightening, fixing, or duct-taping when camping.

Fall – Foliage, Flannels, and Firewood

Photo by Christopher Ott on Unsplash

Fall is a favorite for many campers. The colors are out of this world, and the air smells like apples and pine needles. It is beautiful, but it is also colder than it looks.

Pack This:

  • Flannel shirts and hoodies

  • Warm socks (wool works wonders)

  • Insulated boots

  • Thick sleeping bags

  • Hand warmers

  • Firewood (check rules where you camp)

  • Thermal leggings and long-sleeve shirts

  • Crockpot or Dutch oven for cozy meals

  • Hats and scarves

  • Camera or phone for leaf-peeping pics

Layering is the name of the game in fall. Mornings are like winter, afternoons like spring, and nights like—you guessed it—winter again.

Winter – Snow, Silence, and Serious Layers

Photo by David Schultz on Unsplash

If you are brave enough to go RV camping in New England during winter, hats off to you. It is peaceful, beautiful, and cold enough to freeze your eyelashes.

Pack This:

  • Heavy-duty winter jacket

  • Wool socks (bring extras)

  • Insulated gloves and hat

  • Space heater (only if your RV allows it safely)

  • Heated blankets or electric mattress pads

  • Snow shovel and ice scraper

  • Tire chains or snow-rated tires

  • Emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, extra food)

  • Thick curtains or insulation for your RV windows

  • Thermos for hot drinks

Also, make sure you know where the closest supply store is, just in case. You do not want to be snowed in with nothing but marshmallows and granola bars.

All-Year Must-Haves

No matter the season, there are a few things that should always be in your RV.

Do Not Leave Home Without:

  • Flashlights and lanterns

  • Camp chairs and folding table

  • Maps (paper ones too—electronics fail)

  • Trash bags

  • Toiletries and wet wipes

  • Cooking gear and reusable dishware

  • RV sewer hose and water filter

  • Power cords and adapters

  • First-aid kit

  • Duct tape (solves more problems than it causes)

It helps to keep a checklist in your RV or phone so you do not forget the essentials next time. Forgetting your can opener or pillow once is all it takes to start that habit.

Planning Where to Stay

Packing is one thing, but picking the right place to camp is just as important. You want somewhere with clean facilities, roomy sites, and a location that lets you breathe easy. If you are planning a trip around RV camping in New England, make sure to check out our RV site rentals.

At Lamb City Campground in Phillipston, Massachusetts, we welcome RV campers all year round. Whether you are just passing through or planning a seasonal stay, our campground is close to beautiful nature spots and major cities like Boston.

Final Thoughts Before You Hit the Road

RV camping in New England is the kind of adventure that sticks with you. One moment you are listening to owls in the woods, the next you are cooking pancakes while it snows outside. It is unpredictable, a little wild, and always worth it—just like camping should be.

So pack smart, layer up, keep your socks dry, and remember: the weather might throw you a curveball, but that is part of the fun.

Ready to plan your next RV camping trip in New England?
Visit Lamb City Campground and book your stay today. Come rain, shine, or snow—we have a spot ready for you.

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