There is one moment that every traveler can relate to: that moment when you walk out of your door, wondering if you have forgotten to pack something for your trip. And, unfortunately, the majority of the time, you have!
Fortunately, most commonly forgotten items can easily be bought along the way; however, what a hassle it is when you find yourself needing that item and realise that you don’t have it on board. With this Camper essentials packing list, you shouldn’t miss a thing while on the road.
Which Items Do You Need for Traveling in a Campervan?
Here, we’ve created a foolproof packing guide of camper essentials to take while traveling so that you will never need to experience this frustrating situation again.
The next time you are about to walk through the door, simply pull up this guide to ensure that you can leave with confidence!
Download our FREE Camper Essentials Checklist!
Some items in this packing list of camper essentials may be irrelevant to you, but don’t be too quick to skip them. If you are traveling with family or friends, you may save them from the same predicament at the door. Therefore, consider each option thoroughly before moving on to the next so that you can be prepared for every situation along the road.
Must-Have Documents
This is definitely at the top of the list. Your documents are one thing that generally cannot be bought along the way. Consequently, it is crucial that you carry these camper essentials with you on your adventure.
If you are hiring a camper to travel in, there are some things that you’ll need to ask for. Thus, check this list before driving away in case they have forgotten some essentials:
- Passport
- Driving license
- Vehicle insurance
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Camper documents
- Registration certificates
- Spare keys
Your documents are especially important if you are crossing international borders. Some countries don’t require travel and health insurance; however, we always recommend having a policy. Of course, we hope that you never need to use it. Most of the time, this doesn’t cost much and could save you hundreds, ensuring you receive the necessary treatment if you find yourself in the hospital.
Keep Your Important Contacts Handy
It is also important to have a list of emergency contacts with you at all times. Indeed, if you find yourself in need, you want to be able to contact these people immediately:
- Insurance support
- Camper rental (if applicable)
- Roadside assistance
- Personal emergency contacts
Of course, most of these can be found online, but what if you are without phone reception or in a situation where the time spent searching could keep you in danger?
Payment Options
It is a reality that nothing comes for free; traveling on a budget is possible, though you will inevitably need to pay for things along the way. Nowadays, you can manage with just a bank card or even your phone for most expenses, but we recommend having some secondary options and planning some of your costs:
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Cash
- Toll badges (Europe)
Depending on where you go, it can be very handy to have some cash on hand. For instance, some regions or smaller shops may not accept other payment options or may add an extra fee if you choose not to pay with cash.
You can often save a lot on your trip if you book campsites in advance. Additionally, you may be able to score promotional discounts or avoid last-minute fees when you book in advance with Booking.com, which often provides free cancellation.
Efficient Toll Management for Hassle-Free Travel
Toll badges can save you time and possibly money. Therefore, these badges are worth looking into before your travel, as it may be necessary to use toll roads while crossing some countries. Instead of waiting in line to pay for the toll, especially in high season, you can continue through the electronic scanner and be billed from a pre-paid account.
Be sure to check the conditions before subscribing for a toll badge. If time is not of the essence, you may be fine without it. Some toll badges provide discounts, while others have added or ongoing fees, depending on how long you intend to use them.
Camper Essentials
Some items are required to have onboard while traveling. If you are renting a camper, most will be provided; otherwise, you need to ensure that you are sufficiently packed. Therefore, be sure to check the requirements of your destination, as they can vary a lot between countries.
Not everything on this list of camper essentials is required; some items simply make sense to have packed on an in-case basis:
- First aid kit
- Warning triangle
- Visibility vest
- Fire extinguisher
- Vehicle spare light bulbs set
- Parking disc
- Vignette stickers
- Motor oil and coolant
- Leveling ramps
- Toilet chemicals
- Disposable gloves
- General tools
If you find yourself in a first-response situation, some of these items could even be lifesaving. Therefore, we tend to store our safety items in the front of the camper for easy access, while the rest are stored conveniently in a toolbox in the rear so that we never get caught out while traveling on the road.
Campsite Essentials
Being prepared when you arrive at a campsite is crucial to enjoying your trip. Whether you will be staying at one campsite for a longer period or driving from one to another every other day, campsites will act as your temporary home base on your travels.
Some campsites provide all the necessary facilities, while others have limited services. In any case, some of these camper essentials will make your daily chores quicker and easier, thus leaving you with more time to enjoy your free time:
- Water filling connections
- Electricity charging adaptors
- Camp chairs and table
- Flashlight
- Pocket knife
- Dustpan and brush or vacuum
- Pillows and cushions
- Bed sheets and blankets
- Laundry basket
- Clothesline or handy clothes hanger
- Outdoor cushions and blanket
- Barbecue
Traveling isn’t only about relaxing and having fun; inevitably, you will need to do some chores along the way. Some of these items are necessary, while others are optional extras. Thus, you want to leave yourself as much time as possible to explore the areas or meet other travelers while enjoying the outdoors. That’s why we include some of these comfort features in our packing list for a perfect trip.
Must-Have Gadgets
A lot of gadgets have become a necessity in our lives, and sometimes a trip away can be a reprieve from our screens. However, some of these gadgets have improved our traveling experiences so much that they have earned a place on our packing guide of camper essentials.
Not all electronics are necessities; many can help create and save memories along the way. In addition, others have made our travels feel seamless or even saved us from getting caught out:
- Mobile phone
- Camera or drone
- Earphones
- Navigation
- International power adapter
- Charging cables
- Extension cords
- Power bank
Our mobile phones are essential these days. They allow us to keep in touch, navigate, and stay updated with a quick Google search. Additionally, they serve as a great safety feature, enabling instant contact in emergencies and helping us keep track of our belongings with Bluetooth.
A camera or drone can be an excellent tool for capturing the memories we make. And, of course, earphones can provide some alone time, especially if you travel with others. Remember, you won’t have your room to retreat to. All of these devices are great but can quickly become useless if they run out of power, so don’t forget your charging cables and a good power bank to ensure you never run out!
Personal Care: Maintaining Hygiene on the Road
Traveling in a camper does not mean you have to sacrifice hygiene. You are on holiday! Therefore, make sure you can stay clean and feel good about yourself while you are away. Everyone has forgotten something on this list at least once. While these items can be bought along the way, this list is designed to help you avoid the hassle.
Don’t forget to pack your toiletries bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant while you check through the list of camper essentials:
- Shower gel
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Suncream (and afterburn)
- Bug spray
- Medicine
- Paracetamol
- Nail clippers/scissors
- Razor or beard trimmer
- Lip balm
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Towels
Most of these items are small enough to fit in a spare toiletries bag for convenience; however, be sure to put them back so that you don’t lose them along the way.
Hygiene is one thing that won’t be limited when you make sure to check your packing list.
Kitchen Gear: Cooking on the Go
This section will depend on your plans. If you intend to indulge at restaurants or utilize campsite facilities, then you may not need much here.
If you prefer to be a little more self-sufficient, then some kitchen supplies will be needed. Some campers, like ours, have kitchen facilities built in, while others may not, meaning more packing is required:
- Portable gas cooker
- Omnia oven
- Barbecue
- Kettle
- Collapsible pots and pans
- Plates and bowls
- Cups and mugs
- Cutlery
- Cooking utensils
- Cutting board
- Tea towels
- Herbs, salt, and pepper (in handy herb jars)
- Sandwich bags or containers
- Rubbish bin and bags
- Lighter or matches
- Dish soap and sponge
- Coffee machine/coffee and tea
It’s a good idea to pack a little extra when it comes to kitchenware, if space allows, to invite some new travel friends over for a meal.
Clothing: Packing Smart for Any Climate
Packing your clothing can be a little tricky; space is often limited in a camper, so you’ll need to pack smart. The clothes you take will depend heavily on the climate you are heading toward, so we will split them into two categories: warm and cold climates.
Warm Climates
If you are traveling to warmer climates, you can generally pack more. Warm-weather clothing is often shorter and thinner, thus taking up less space and giving you more freedom of options. Warmer climates provide more appealing activities, such as hiking, rafting, surfing, or swimming, so you’ll need a variety of clothing:
- Swimwear
- Sportswear
- Thin t-shirts or singlets
- Short pants
- Long pants
- Jacket
- Sneakers
- Flip flops
Although you are going toward warmer climates, you still need to prepare for colder evenings or bad weather. Therefore, check the cold climates list before you move on.
Cold Climates
Traveling to colder climates can be tricky, as warmer clothing generally takes up more space. Consequently, we recommend working with layers so that you can mix and match depending on how extreme the weather gets.
Winter sports are big, and there are still many activities to do in colder climates; thus, don’t forget to pack accordingly:
- Thermal underwear
- T-shirts or singlets
- Jackets
- Waterproof/insulating jacket
- Thick socks
- Winter sports gear
- Winter boots
Of course, some of these items overlap with warmer climate gear; we try to add layers to combat the colder weather. This reduces the amount of thick clothing needed and takes up less space.
Preparing for Weather Changes: Stay Ready!
No matter the climate you travel to, you need to be prepared for the weather. Thus, we recommend doing some research to check the weather predictions for the areas you will be visiting. Don’t forget to pack a wind and rainproof jacket so you don’t get caught out, as well as weatherproof shoes to keep you dry.
Consider taking clothing for both climates in case the weather changes or your plans do. Zip-off pants can be a good idea in case the weather fluctuates throughout the day. An awning or gazebo can be a good investment, providing shelter from the heat or rain. Lastly, include a heater or ventilator to keep you comfortable inside the camper.
Entertainment: Camper Essentials for Travelers
Now that you are packed for every scenario, it’s important to include some fun!
We recommend looking for mini versions of your favorite games and multi-use card games. Additionally, books can also be great entertainment, whether you’re into reading, puzzles, or drawing/colouring:
- Mini board games
- Card games
- Game console
- Books or e-books
- Sports accessories
- Drawing or colouring book
You may also want to include larger entertainment options. For example, a bike, volleyball net, or portable projector can be great for outdoor fun if your space allows it.
Now we know that this is an extensive packing list, and not everything will apply to you. You now have an overview of all the possibilities and are welcome to pick and choose what you wish.
Some, like us, prefer to take their travel as it comes. Planning some details and ensuring a good packing list is necessary to avoid disappointment. Therefore, consider your destination and the activities you intend to partake in so that you can pack accordingly.
Free Download: Camper Essentials Checklist
To ensure that you pack the essentials for your travels, we’ve created an easy checklist that you can download for free: Camper Essentials Checklist. No printing is needed; the checklist is digital, so you can check your essentials on the go. Good luck!
