What to pack for a campervan adventure?

We’re always asked – what to pack for a campervan adventure so we though it would be great to talk about.

There is no greater fear than leaving your house for a trip, and feeling like you’ve forgotten something? Was it your phone charger? Was it your toothbrush? You tell yourself that it’ll be fine, you can just buy it later, you always forget something on a trip. But it doesn’t have to be that way, it’s actually possible to go on holiday with everything you want and need, particularly when you have a campervan to store it all in. One of the perks of a campervan is not having to constantly pack and repack, and having plenty of campervan storage space. So to ensure that you have everything you need, we’ve compiled a campervan packing list for you.

In this campervan essentials list, there may be a few items that don’t apply to you, such as ones directed for family travel or certain destinations and weather conditions. We’ll include everything to ensure you consider each possibility, but just skip over those you don’t require for your specific trip.

 

Documents

We’ve got this at the top of our list, as these are the items that you really can’t forget! Many other motorhome essentials can be purchased on the way, but without your documents, you won’t get very far. We provide insurance documents and campervan documents in your welcome pack.

• Passport
• Driving license
• Insurance documents
• Health insurance details
• Campervan documents
• Campsite details
• Booking confirmations for wherever you’re going

Also, have a list of necessary phone numbers on hand! This may seem redundant, but in an emergency, you’ll be so grateful to not be searching through your phone or email for necessary contact details. The one time that you need it makes all the difference.

• We include our contact details in your welcome pack including out of hours and breakdown.
• Your own emergency contact, in case of an accident.
• Contact details for any places your going, just in case.

Money matters

Sadly we don’t live in a free society just yet, and so you’ll be needing a way to pay during your trip. This may seem obvious enough, just don’t forget your debit card and credit card! But also consider if you may need cash, as not everywhere has the option to pay by card, including some campsites and many remote locations.

If you’re leaving the UK, also consider what payment methods are accepted there, will you need to exchange money or is it preferable to take it out there? You may also need to consider toll roads, as it is far more budget-friendly to arrange your toll badge ahead of time. On that note, also check for environmental zones – such as the London Low Emission Zone! You don’t want to come home to a nasty surprise.

• Debit card
• Credit card
• Cash
• Toll badges

Electronics

Everything is replaceable, but some things cost more than others to replace! These include your electronics. You may be thinking that since you’re going camping, you won’t need any electronics, but I don’t think you realise everything included in this category.

Did you know that phone chargers are the most forgotten item in hotel rooms? Consider how often you’ve misplaced your own charger, now imagine a campervan holiday without being able to easily get in touch. We always recommend packing your charger in your hand luggage, where it is easy to reach in case of need.

Electronics are about more than need, it’s also about heightening your trip. Being able to connect to the Bluetooth to play your own road trip playlist, being able to set an alarm and enjoy your days on the road, and navigation to find your way to the campsite! Here are some electronics that deserve a spot on your campervan essentials list.

• Batteries
• Camera + charger
• Mobile phone + charger
• Navigation system + charger
• Earphones/ headphones
• Radio?
• Power strip, adapters and extension cords
• USB cable
• Alarm?
• iPad/Tablet + charger
• Power bank – never be caught off guard without battery!

Personal care

People often hold quite an outdated view of camping, of dirt and poor hygiene, but with a campervan, this certainly doesn’t need to be the case. You want to enjoy your holiday, and that requires you feeling good about yourself and clean. A lot of these items seem obvious, but it’s shocking how often we forget something as simple as our toothbrush. Whilst many things can be obtained on the way, nothing beats having it on hand the minute you need it. It will definitely depend on the length of your trip and your plans for it, so adjust our campervan essentials list as required.

• After-sun care – nothing is worse than suffering through a bad sunburn with no relief!
• Suncream
• Glasses / contact lenses + spare
• Deodorant
• Shower gel
• Hairbrush
• Hairdryer
• Soap
• Lip balm
• Make-up
• Medicine
• Painkillers
• Bug spray + relief
• Nail clippers + nail scissors
• Perfume
• Plasters
• First aid kit
• Razor + shaving cream
• Shampoo (+conditioner)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Washcloths
• Toilet paper
• Wet wipes
• Tiger balm (ideal for a hot day or muscle ache after hiking!)

What a big list! Luckily most of these items take up little space, and purchasing travel-sized containers can be a huge help! Also be sure to discuss them with your travelling partners, to avoid all bringing the same things. There are great camping hacks to save space, such as removing the tube for the toilet roll so you can press it down and using shampoo bars.

Cold weather

Whether you’re heading out in autumn or winter, or going somewhere far colder, preparing for the worst is a must-do! Few things create more discomfort than being cold, even in your cosy campervan. So be sure to consider the cold-weather campervan packing list. Even if you’re going somewhere warm, always bring that extra sweater! No one has ever regretted having that back-up cosy jumper.

• Sweaters
• Coat
• Raincoat
• Gloves
• Hat/beanie
• Scarf
• Boots

Warm weather

Warm weather is ideal for a holiday, but not being prepared for it can lead to quite a bit of discomfort. Make sure you’ve considered the possible weather, even if rain or cold is predicted. If it’s summer and likely to be warm, take this into consideration when finding your ideal campsite – maybe one with a pool or plenty of space for your awning?

• Travel fan
• Ice cube tray
• Insect repellent
• Mosquito net
• Hats
• Tick remover
• Flip flops
• Swimsuit

This can seem like a lot of items for your campervan packing list, but with the right campervan storage, you won’t even realise everything that you have on board! Also consider what is required in each country, for example, France has additional rules for what must be on board, compared to other European destinations.

Campsite essentials

Travelling in a campervan isn’t just about being on the road, as a great deal of time is spent on campsites. It’s hard to rival the tranquil nature of a campsite, where you can relax inside and outside of your campervan, meet fellow travellers if you’d like, or simply enjoying some quiet time to yourself. Campsites vary in the facilities they offer, but even so, there are things you should always consider bringing to a campsite, and it can really put a dent in your plans if you’re missing on of these essentials. Camping isn’t all fun and games, there are chores and cleaning to be done, so make sure to have everything you need for exactly that.

• Barbecue
• Barbecue tongs
• Camping chairs (available free of charge from us)
• Camping table (available free of charge from us)
• Lamp
• Hammock
• Pillows
• Pillowcases
• Sheets
• Spare blanket
• Picnic blanket
• Chair cushions
• Dustpan and brush
• Tablecloth
• Firepit + wood (please be careful transporting)
• Washline + pegs
• Laundry basket
• Flashlight
• Pocket knife

Enjoyment

Camping isn’t all fun and games, but it certainly does require some! You’re on holiday, so make you sure that your extensive campervan packing list includes things for enjoying yourself. Whilst you’ll ideally spend most of your time outside, you must always prepare for the worst (weather). Also for longer trips, there will be times when you don’t feel like chatting and need something else to do. These are just suggestions to ensure you consider all your options, but choose which you have/would like.

• Board games
• Bikes (we have bike racks available to hire)
• Game console
• Books / e-reader
• Toys/floaties for the swimming pool
• Newspapers/magazines
• Kite
• Football/ Volleyball/ baseball
• Hula hoop – great for fitness too!
• Cards
• Colouring/sketchbook + pencils
• Journal

Into the campervan, into the kitchen!

One of the perks of campervan travel is the ability to cook your own meals. It can save you a lot of money and time on the trip and ensures you eat healthy and delicious meals.

We don’t provide any cutlery, crockery or pots and pans. If in doubt, bring it! The first time I went camping in a campervan (Adam, the owner), I brought a lovely bottle of red wine to celebrate… only to realise that I didn’t have a corkscrew opener in the van! Luckily, my ‘neighbours’ were happy to lend me theirs, but if I had been wild camping I would’ve certainly struggled. The second time, I came prepared with a corkscrew, only to realise that I didn’t bring a lighter for candles. There is always something, but there doesn’t have to be!

• Lighter/ matches (a long lighter will be safer/ easier when lighting a stove or campfire)
• Rubbish bin + bags
• Sponge/ scrubbing brush
• Dish soap
• Cups / glasses
• Cutlery
• Tin opener
• Plates
• Sandwich bags / tupperware
• Drying rack
• Corkscrew + bottle opener
• Jerry can
• Bucket
• Coolbox
• Cooling blocks
• Coffee / tea/ sugar/ milk
• Kettle (included in our campervans)
• Coffee appliance (+ possibly filters. We recommend using a french press for ease and delicious coffee every day.)
• Measuring jug
• Cookware
• Coasters
• Pans (keep them small because of the hob size)
• Scissors
• Bowls
• Scouring pads
• Tea towel
• Hand towel
• Cutting board
• Soap + soap dish
• Teapot
• Thermos
• Salt, pepper & more herbs
• Water bottle

On the road

Driving is part of the journey, and a great part of it too! It’s likely that you’ll rack up quite a few miles in your campervan, so make sure to prepare for the drive as well as the destination. Keep the following in mind for when you’re on the road:

• Drinks
• Food
• Wet wipes
• Music
• Accessible snacks
• Games
• Sunglasses
• Spare jumper
• Deodorant

Your own suitcase

Now, this really comes down to personal taste, as well as how long you’ll be going on holiday. If you’re going on holiday for a weekend, a clean shirt every day is great, but if you’re heading out for three weeks, you certainly don’t need twenty-one shirts. Really consider what your plans are, whether you’ll be getting dirty or sweating, or spending more time inside. Will your campsite offer washing services? Will you be shopping? Be realistic in what you’ll wear, but also remember that better safe than sorry!

• Towels (swimming + washing)
• Rucksack
• Handbag
• Spare warm/cold clothing in case
• Pyjamas
• Sweatpants and warm socks for the evening (even in summer!)
• Rain clothing, an umbrella
• Closed shoes
• Flip flops for on the campsite
• Walking shoes and socks
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit

This is an extremely extensive campervan holiday checklist but it does finish off our latest blog entry of what to pack for a campervan adventure and we hope it becomes useful, and we know that not everything will apply to you. But it ensures that everyone can consider what they bring, and try to use this to make your own motorhome essentials list. Even if you want to take your trip as it comes, planning ahead some basics will avoid disappointment later. Consider whether you’ll actually go hiking or will pretend to until the last day, whether you’ll use the kitchen facilities to cook or settle for takeaway. Design your trip to be everything you want and with that design your own campervan essentials list.