What to Pack for a Healthier RV Camping Trip

With many folks avoiding travelling by plane, many are turning to touring the country in a recreational vehicle (RV). The kitchen in an RV is rather small and storage space is limited. You’ll have limited refrigerator and freezer space, counter space and cabinets. You may or may not have a stove, oven or microwave. If you do, they’ll probably be a smaller size than you’re used to. With the limited space in mind, here is a list of food to pack for your road trip.

Biltong is an air-dried meat, similar to jerky that originated in South Africa, and has a softer texture and richer flavor. Biltong is stored at room temperature and is an easy way to add protein to your day. Several companies in the U.S. now make biltong including Made By True, Stryve, Brooklyn Biltong and Kalahari Snacks.

Dietitian Sarah Ryan, MS, RDN, LD, media representative of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends jerky. "As a dietitian, my RV snack pack always includes beef jerky. Full of essential nutrients and satisfying protein, you can mix it into trail mix, add to your favorite energy bites or serve simply alongside some fruit."

If you’re still looking for meaty snacks you can also try Epic Provisions who sell meat-based bars, bites, and crisps.

"Eggs are a nutrient dense powerhouse that can easily fit in a small fridge or cooler to provide a tasty snack or full meal," explains Elizabeth Shaw, MS RDN CPT, author of Instant Pot Cookbook For Dummies and Air Fryer Cookbook For Dummies. Shaw recommends scrambling them on your RV stove or over the open flames on a campfire for a quick breakfast option to fold into a tortilla. You can also hard boil in water for a simple snack or sandwich. Plus, you can pick them up too at nearly any gas station or mini mart!

Store bought staple fruits like apples and pears are perfect for a RV trip because they "have a long shelf life, do not need to be refrigerated, and can easily be snacked on whole or sliced," says Katie Serbinski, MS, RD, founder of Mom to Mom Nutrition, LLC. These types of fruit usually last up to a week at room temperature, but you can keep them fresh for almost a month in the fridge. They also can be found fresh and are easily accessible any time of year. Plus Serbinski reminds us that these fruits are filled with nutrition with apples being an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C.