The Best Thrift Store Finds for RVers and Campers

Thrift stores can be a goldmine for RVers and campers looking to stock up on essentials without burning through their travel budget. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re a full-time road warrior, there’s something deeply satisfying about finding the perfect item for a fraction of retail price. Best of all, many thrifted items are already “broken in,” meaning they’ve proven their durability—and often fit the cozy, practical vibe of RV living perfectly.

While it’s tempting to rush out and buy everything brand-new, secondhand gear often works just as well (and sometimes better). From cookware and storage solutions to outdoor furniture and decor, your local thrift store may already have exactly what you need—without the shipping delay or sticker shock.

RVers and campers also appreciate the creative and flexible nature of secondhand shopping. Need a foldable table that fits in your under-storage? Or a cozy throw for chilly nights by the fire? Thrift stores let you think outside the box and outfit your tiny home-on-wheels with style and function.

One word of caution, don’t expect to go into a thrift store and find everything on your list. It will definitely be an experience of multiple trips to many different thrift stores for you to score all the things you need. If you have more limited time, it can be a great way to save money and then watch for sales of the remaining “must have” items still on your list.

Some also make it an adventure to hit thrift shops as they travel to new towns and places and if you have an eye for deals and quality, you can even turn it into a side business of re-selling those coveted items for flipping on eBay or even to other RVers at whatever campground you are at.

Don’t forget places like REI often have a section of gently used gear at a steep discount too.

Ready to go treasure hunting? Here are the top thrift store finds every RVer or camper should keep an eye out for—along with tips for how to use them on the road.

Compact Kitchen Gear

• Cast iron pans
• Camping pots and kettles
• Mixing bowls and measuring cups
  Cast iron, enamel cookware, and sturdy metal utensils often show up in great condition and are perfect for both RV stovetops and campfire cooking.

Pro Tip: Look for items with detachable handles or nesting designs for easy storage in cramped RV kitchens.

Storage Bins & Organizers

• Plastic totes
• Wire baskets and drawer dividers
• Over-the-door hooks and hanging organizers

Camp chairs wear out fast—and buying them new adds up quickly. Many thrift stores have gently-used versions at a steep discount.

Pro Tip: Even if bins don’t match, you can paint or label them for a unified look.

Outdoor Chairs & Tables

• Folding camp chairs
• Portable card tables
• Picnic gear and patio decor

Camp chairs wear out fast—and buying them new adds up quickly. Many thrift stores have gently-used versions at a steep discount.

Pro Tip: Always check for tears, mold, or bent legs before buying. Set them up in the aisle to test stability.

Bedding & Blankets

• Fleece throws and wool blankets
• Comforters and quilts
• Pillow shams and accent cushions

RV bedding takes a beating, and it’s wise to have backups. Vintage quilts and soft blankets make great cozy additions to your space.

Pro Tip: Wash items thoroughly and use a high-heat dryer cycle—or line dry in the sun to kill odors and germs.

Decor That Doubles as Storage

• Wooden crates
• Hanging fabric organizers
• Mason jars, baskets, and tins

Give your RV some personality with decorative finds that are also functional. Rustic or boho storage pieces are often easy to find at thrift stores.

Pro Tip: Mount crates to the wall for instant shelving or use mason jars for utensil holders.

Books, Maps, and Games

• Field guides and road atlases
• Board games and puzzles
• Paperbacks and regional travel guides

Offline entertainment is a must, especially when you’re off-grid. Thrift stores often have bins full of cheap and cheerful reading material and games.

Pro Tip: Create a rotating game/book bin to keep things fresh without adding weight.

Tools & DIY Supplies

• Hand tools, bungee cords, and extension cords
• Duct tape, velcro, and adhesives
• Small toolboxes or tackle boxes for organizing
  

These are essential for on-the-road fixes. Buying gently-used tools can save you a ton, especially for items you won’t use daily.

Pro Tip: Avoid power tools unless you can test them in-store—and only buy brands with readily available parts or that you have battery packs for. Picking up a cordless DeWalt flashlight when you already have the battery packs for your DeWalt drill makes sense.

RV Kitchen Extras

• Coffee makers, toasters, and blenders
• Manual can openers and peelers
• Serving trays and food storage containers

Appliances tend to be much cheaper at thrift stores—just be sure to test them! Manual tools are especially RV-friendly for off-grid cooking.

Pro Tip: Look for space-saving or dual-use kitchen gear, like a rice cooker that can double as a slow cooker. Or keep your eye out for a two-slice toaster instead of the more common four-slice ones, if you love toast.

Seasonal and Holiday Decor

• String lights and mini trees
• Camp-themed signs and dish towels
• Outdoor-friendly decor like lanterns or flags

When you’re living tiny, a little festive cheer goes a long way. Thrift stores are treasure troves for quirky seasonal finds that don’t take up too much space.

Pro Tip: Stick to one small box of decor items to rotate out each season.

Clothing and Rain Gear

• Flannels, layers, and jackets
• Raincoats and ponchos
• Hats, gloves, and scarves

The outdoors doesn’t care how new your gear is. Thrifted clothing is perfect for layering during unpredictable weather.

Pro Tip: Choose quick-dry or wool-based fabrics when possible—they stay warm even when wet. Damp cotton can make you cold very quickly!

Shopping Thrifty

Thrift store shopping isn’t just about saving money, it’s about getting creative, staying sustainable, and finding items with character that suit your life on the road. As you build your RV or camping setup, remember that the best gear is the kind you’ll actually use and if you can get it secondhand, even better.

Next time you’re near a small town or rolling through a new city, carve out a little time to explore their local thrift scene. You never know what gem you’ll stumble across… and that’s half the fun.