The RV essentials every seasonal camper needs fall into six groups: hookup gear, bathroom and tank supplies, a basic tool kit, safety items, kitchen and cleaning basics, and a few comforts for your campsite. You set up once and stay all season, so a little planning now means more time at the pool later.

Use this seasonal camper checklist to pack for a full season at Emrick Lake Campground and Resort, Wisconsin’s largest campground. Every one of our 555 campsites is a full hookup site, and the season runs mid-April through mid-October.

💡 Key Takeaway: Seasonal RV campers need hookup gear (drinking water hose, pressure regulator, sewer hose, surge protector), fast-dissolving RV toilet paper and tank treatment, a small tool kit, and safety basics. At Emrick Lake, leave outdoor rugs, clotheslines, and outside firewood at home, since resort rules do not allow them.

Hookup and Utility Essentials

Hookup gear comes first, because without it the RV is not livable. Our full hookup campsites give you water, sewer, and electricity at the site, but you supply everything between the pedestal and your rig.

Item What to Know
Drinking water hose Use a hose rated for drinking water, not a garden hose.
Water pressure regulator It protects the RV’s plumbing from high campground water pressure.
Inline water filter It improves taste and catches sediment over a long season.
Sewer hose, fittings, and hose support It keeps the sewer connection sealed and sloped so tanks drain cleanly.
Surge protector It guards your RV’s electrical system from power spikes and low voltage.
30- or 50-amp adapter It should match your RV’s plug to the pedestal. Know which one your rig uses before you arrive.
Leveling blocks and wheel chocks It gets the RV level on day one and keeps it in place all season.

One thing to note: If a pedestal has an electrical problem, call the office. Guests are not allowed to diagnose or repair our electrical pedestals, and maintenance will take care of it.

RV Toilet Paper and Holding Tank Supplies

The best RV toilet paper is any toilet paper that dissolves quickly. RV-labeled and septic-safe toilet paper both work in a black tank. Thick, quilted household paper breaks down slowly and can clog the tank or throw off the sensors.

Not sure about a brand? Drop a few squares in a jar of water and shake it. If the paper falls apart within a few seconds, it’s safe for your RV.

Items for your checklist:

  • Fast-dissolving toilet paper for the whole season
  • Holding tank treatment to control odor and break down waste
  • RV-safe toilet bowl cleaner
  • Disposable gloves for dumping and sewer hose work‍
  • Tank rinse wand or flush tool for a deeper clean between dumps

Tool Kit and Quick Fixes

A small tool kit handles setup, adjustments, and the loose fittings that come with a long season. Keep it inside the RV and make sure it has the following items:

  • Multi-bit screwdriver, adjustable wrench, and pliers
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Duct tape, electrical tape, and zip ties
  • Tape measure and a small level
  • Work gloves and a utility knife

Bigger RV repairs are not done on-site at Emrick Lake. Our list of preferred vendors includes a mobile RV service that comes right to your site.

Safety Essentials

Seasonal campers spend months at their site, so safety gear should be stocked and checked at the start of every season:

  • First aid kit with bandages, allergy medicine, itch cream, and any personal medications
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  • Fire extinguisher that is charged and easy to reach
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  • Smoke, carbon monoxide, and propane detectors tested, with fresh batteries
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  • Flashlights or headlamps with spare batteries
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  • Weather alerts on your phone for Wisconsin summer storms
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  • Sunscreen and bug spray

During severe weather at Emrick Lake, take shelter in the marked restroom buildings and bring your pets with you.

Kitchen and Cleaning Basics

Most seasonal campers cook at the site most weekends. Stock these items once and leave them in the RV:

  • Grill or griddle, cooking utensils, and roasting sticks
  • Reusable plates, cups, and food storage containers
  • Coffee maker, can opener, and a cooler for drinks
  • Dish soap, sponges, all-purpose cleaner, and paper towels
  • Broom and dustpan for the floor and steps
  • Heavy-duty trash bags you can tie tight to prevent animal intrusion

Comforts That Make Your Site Feel Like Home

The best part of seasonal camping is setting up your site once and enjoying it all season. A few extras can make it feel like a second home, so be sure to bring:

  • Camp chairs and folding side tables for evenings around the fire ring
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  • String lights or solar lanterns
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  • Bikes or a golf cart – we have golf cart rentals available if you don’t bring your own
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  • Storage totes that fit inside the RV, since gear cannot be stored under or around your rig
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  • Pet supplies, including a leash, waste bags, and proof of vaccinations for registration – check out our guide to pet-friendly camping at Emrick Lake
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  • Lawn games and fishing gear for slow afternoons

Do not overpack the entertainment. Seasonal campers get all season to enjoy the aquapark and its giant waterslide, the pool with a swim-up bar, and themed weekends ranging from Christmas in July to Halloween trick-or-treating.

What to Leave at Home

Many online packing lists include items that are not allowed at Emrick Lake. Skip these and save the space:

Leave at Home What to Know
Outdoor rugs Rugs kill the grass, and we want your site to look good for you and the next guest.
Clotheslines Clotheslines can complicate sites for other guests.
Outside firewood Carry-in firewood is prohibited. Firewood is sold on-site.
ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes These cannot be driven in the resort for safety reasons. Park them in the designated area at the west gate.
Fireworks, firearms, and drones All three are prohibited at the resort for safety reasons.
Pressure washer or wash hose RV washing is limited to one bucket of water and a sponge.

The full list of resort policies covers parking, pets, quiet hours, and visitors.

Opening and Closing Weekend Checklist

Seasonal camping has two big weekends: the day you open the RV and the day you close it up. A short list for each keeps the season running smoothly.

Opening Weekend
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  • Check tire pressure and inspect the roof and seals for winter damage
  • Sanitize and flush the freshwater system
  • Test the detectors, furnace, water heater, and A/C
  • Check propane levels and connections
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Closing Weekend
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  • Dump and flush the black and gray tanks
  • Drain the water lines and winterize before the first hard freeze
  • Remove all food and anything that could attract pests
  • Take home medications, valuables, and electronics

Seasonal RV Camping FAQs

What is the best toilet paper for RV use?

The best toilet paper for RV use dissolves quickly in water. RV-labeled and septic-safe toilet paper both work. Avoid thick, quilted household brands, which can clog black tanks.

Do I need a surge protector at a full hookup site?

Yes. A surge protector guards your RV’s electrical system from power spikes and low voltage, which matters most when the RV stays plugged in all season.

Can I bring my own firewood to Emrick Lake?

No. Carry-in firewood is prohibited at Emrick Lake Campground and Resort. Firewood is available to buy on-site, and campfires are allowed only in the provided fire rings.

When does the seasonal camping season run at Emrick Lake?

The camping season at Emrick Lake Campground and Resort typically runs from mid-April through mid-October.

Reserve Your Seasonal Site at Emrick Lake

Your checklist is ready. Now grab your spot for next season! Reserve your seasonal site online, or call us at (608) 254-7516 with any questions.

Still deciding whether a seasonal site is right for your family? Learn what to expect from a full season of camping in Wisconsin. Planning a family reunion or a company outing? Ask our team about group stays and we will help you plan it.

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