Because planning meals on the road is part strategy, part chaos, and part comedy.

🛒 The Overpacking Phenomenon

Somehow, every camper has been guilty of it: you open the pantry and there they are—five cans of corn, three bottles of mustard, or enough pasta to feed a rally.

Why? Because in the heat of pre-trip grocery runs, logic leaves the building. Instead of planning, we panic-buy.

🤔 Why This Happens

  1. Fear of scarcity
    “What if the campground store doesn’t have it?” Spoiler: they usually don’t—but that doesn’t mean you need a year’s supply.

  2. Lack of coordination
    Everyone in the family grabs “just in case” items. Congratulations—you now own a corn surplus.

  3. The Camping Illusion
    You tell yourself you’ll cook elaborate meals. Then you get there and realize… you’d rather grill hot dogs.

  4. The List That Lied
    Checklists are only as good as the person who remembered to cross things off.

🥫 The Most Common “Why Did We Bring So Much?” Items

  • Canned veggies (corn, beans, green beans)

  • Condiments (mustard, ketchup, hot sauce armies)

  • Pasta & rice (apparently, we think we’re feeding a village)

  • Snacks (who bought five family-size bags of pretzels?)

  • Coffee (actually, no regrets here—bring it all)

🧭 How to Avoid the Regret Pile

  • Make a realistic meal plan (burgers, sandwiches, easy pasta—be honest about your cooking energy).

  • Assign one person as “list master.” No duplicates, no freelancing.

  • Shop once, then stop. Every extra trip adds chaos.

  • Adopt the “one back-up only” rule. One spare condiment, one spare staple—not five.

  • Leave space. Remember, local shops exist. And supporting them is part of the adventure.

😂 Embrace the Chaos

Here’s the thing: no one actually suffers from too much corn. Or too many snacks. Worst case? You laugh about it, trade with your campground neighbour, or invent “Surprise Corn Casserole” night.

RV grocery regrets aren’t failures—they’re stories. And maybe, just maybe, your future self will be grateful for that extra can.

💡 Want to avoid packing regrets AND site regrets?
Use Campground Views to preview sites before you book—so you don’t bring corn to a campground with no can opener.