1. Generator

One of the top accessories to purchase for an RV trip with friends is a portable generator. This allows you to go boondocking, traveling beyond the usual crowded campsites with hookups. With a portable generator, you don’t have to worry about powering your devices or having adequate lighting. You can rest assured that you and your friends can enjoy all of the amenities of home in the most remote locations.

Even if you have a solar powered battery system, you’ll likely need a generator, as well. That way, there’s no question about whether you’ll have enough power for everyone to last the weekend. You’ll be able to have effortless hot meals, endless music to keep the party going, and fully charged phones to share your trip on Instagram.

2. Cast iron skillet

If you plan to cook over a fire, a stovetop, or an oven, a good cast iron skillet is indispensable for any camping trip. There’s a reason cast iron is considered king of all cookware. It’s inexpensive, long-lasting, and incredibly versatile, allowing you to bake, sear, fry, and saute in just one pan.

The possibilities are endless. You can fry up a juicy steak, roast tender vegetables, prepare delicious eggs and bacon, or anything else you could possibly desire. As an RV owner with an operational kitchen, you have even more options than a camper with just a roaring fire. Still, a cast iron skillet is the most important cooking item you can bring with you on any trip. Don’t forget to season it after every use.

3. Camping chairs

What is a camping trip with friends without sitting around the campfire? Of course, to do this, you’re going to need sturdy, reliable, collapsible chairs.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good camping chair, but you don’t want to compromise quality on such an important part of the camping experience. When looking for the perfect camping chairs, know your budget and the features you want or need. You want yourself and your friends to be comfortable and have the convenience of cup holders, storage, and other features.

4. Games

Another thing to consider for a weekend getaway with friends is entertainment. Assuming the weather is in your favor, it’s always a good idea to pack yard games. Corn hole is a very popular choice for camping, but it can take up a lot of space inside your RV or vehicle storage. Other great yard games are horseshoes/ring toss, bocce ball, and Kubb. These are all just as simple and fun without taking up much of your precious storage space.

If yard games aren’t your thing, consider card or board games. There are many card game classics that are meant to be played with friends, such as euchre, gin, rummy, and bridge. If you prefer to keep things simple, you can always play poker. There are other popular card games perfect for camping such as Uno, Phase 10, or if you want to get silly, Cards Against Humanity.

Then of course there are board games. These are slightly less practical, as it is hard to fit a lot of people around a camping table, but depending on the size of your friend group, they shouldn’t be discounted entirely. After all, board games don’t blow away in the wind and are often waterproof. While it doesn’t have a board per se, Yahtzee and other dice games make an excellent choice. Bananagrams is also very easy and very portable. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Pick your favorite board game and ask yourself whether it is practical for your trip.

Pro tip: leave Monopoly at home. Nothing destroys friendships faster than when someone lands on a well-developed Boardwalk. 

5. WiFi signal booster

One of the most common struggles for any camper, but especially RV campers, is finding strong WiFi. The solution is investing in a WiFi signal booster. While this is easily the most expensive item on this list, it is worth every penny. If you have an RV, this is something you may already have so you can enjoy things like social media and Netflix anywhere you go.

To be clear, a signal booster doesn’t give you internet access. It strengthens already existing WiFi sources at campgrounds or other destinations. Unfortunately, free WiFi provided by campgrounds is usually so weak it renders it unusable. With a signal booster, you can actually benefit from these free internet connections.

If you bring along a signal booster to your weekend camping trip with friends, you’ll have the gratitude of everyone who comes along. It just makes life on the road much easier. No one will have to worry about staying connected to other friends and family, and you all can take turns streaming your favorite songs to that portable speaker without going over data limits.

Overall, the most important thing you bring on a weekend camping trip is your friends. It is always the company you are with that makes it all worthwhile. Focus on making memories together, and you’ll have a great time no matter what.

After your friends admire the luxury, value, and towability of your Grand Design RV, you might even convince them to get their own before your next weekend camping trip together.