The Ultimate Campervan Trip Checklist

Taking a trip across the country in your campervan is an excellent way to experience a wide range of stunning sites whilst enjoying the comforts of a mobile home. When you’re embarking on a campervan trip, however, there are a lot of things you need to plan to take with you and it can be easy to forget some essentials.

That’s why we’ve created this ultimate campervan checklist so you can tick off everything you should take on your journey before you set off. From toiletries to clothing, we cover all angles so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying your trip.

If you’re looking for your own vehicle to get out on the road, check out our campervan finance options at Auto Finance. You’ll find affordable loan options that let you drive away in your dream vehicle.  

Linens and Bedding

When it comes to the bedroom campervan essentials, these are the same as any home bedroom. You’ll need to make sure you bring:

• Bedding – Duvets, duvet covers and sheets
• Mattress topper and protector
• Blankets or throws
• Pillows and pillowcases
• Sleeping bag – You should aim for a 4 season sleeping bag to accommodate all types of weather.

Kitchen

If you’ve got a kitchen in your campervan you’ll need to bring all the utensils you need to have a full meal, as well as the right food to cook for you or your family. 

Cooking utensils 

• Pots, saucepans, woks or frying pans
• Utensils like spatulas, tongs, whisk and wooden spoons
• Cutlery including forks, spoons, knives and butter knives
• Measuring spoons or measuring jugs
• Bowls and plates for serving food
• Mugs, glasses and cups to hold hot and cold drinks
• Coffee machine or portable coffee maker
• Kitchen appliances like microwave, kettle and air fryer – this will be dependent on the size and power supply available in your campervan.  
• Portable stove or hobs – If your campervan kitchen doesn’t have a built-in cooking area then these are a must-have for your campervan checklist
• Bin bags and bins for food disposal

Food 

You should aim to bring a mix of ready-made food like snacks as well as fresh ingredients for cooking.

• Dried foods like pasta, rice and noodles
• Snacks like crisps, biscuits and chocolate
• Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
• Bottles of water
• Tinned food
• Herbs and spices
• Ready-made sauces like curry and pasta sauces 
• Porridge
• Cupboard vegetables like potatoes, onions or root vegetables
• Fresh fruit including apples, bananas and pears
• Bread
• Eggs

If you’ve got a fridge in your campervan you can also take:

• Fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes and mushrooms
• Fresh meat like chicken, fish and beef
• Butter, cheese and milk 

Cleaning Supplies

Just as you’d clean a normal house, you need to clean your campervan to keep it fresh and clean. If you want some top tips, you can check out our ultimate cleaning guide. 

• Antibacterial wipes to wipe down any surfaces
• Cleaning spray
• Bleach for cleaning the toilet and bathroom area
• Teatowels
• Rubber gloves
• Detergent if you’re washing clothes 
• Washing up liquid
• Degreasing spray for ovens and hobs
• Deodoriser for waste tanks. This will help to stop your waste tank from smelling.

Toiletries 

If you’re staying in your campervan overnight then toiletries are essential for your campervan packing list. You should bring enough supplies to last you a few days in case of any emergencies.

• Soap or body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hand soap and sanitiser 
• Loofa or shower puff
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Face wash
• Toilet roll and baby wipes
• Nail file
• Tweezers and clippers
• Cotton swabs and pads
• Moisturiser and makeup
• Any ointments or creams
• Medications 
• Hairbrush
• Suncream
• Perfume and fragrances
• Hairspray
• Shaving kit
• Chapstick
• Dental floss
• Travel mirror
• Contact lenses or glasses
• Hair clips and ties
• Sanitary products like tampons and pads
• First aid kit including painkillers, plasters and bandages

Clothing

Wherever you’re travelling in the UK, be it to the beautiful beaches of Cornwall or up north to the stunning lakes of Scotland, you need a wide range of clothes for all weather on your campervan checklist. 

• Warm clothes including fleece jackets, jogging bottoms, thick socks and insulating coats
• Pyjamas for the nighttime 
• Basic clothes including T-shirts, jeans, underwear
• Thermal underlayers
• Cooler clothes like shorts and dresses
• Accessories including sunglasses, backpacks and watches
• Walking shoes/ boots as well as comfortable casual shoes like trainers or pumps
• Sandals for the beach
• Sun hat or cap
• Rain jacket, waterproof poncho
• Swimwear
• Slippers for use inside the campervan

If you’re not sure where you want to go on your trip, check out our blog on the best campsites in the UK and you can plan your outfits accordingly. 

Tech and gadgets 

When you’re out on the road, it’s important to stay connected in your campervan so you can continue talking to friends and family or navigating across the country. 

• GPS or Sat Nav – This is essential for any campervan checklist as it makes navigating the various routes and roads across the UK much easier. 
• Smartphone and charger
• Laptop and computer
• Handheld games consoles
• Earphones, headphones or speaker
• Portable Wifi router or hot spot device
• Powerbank or portable charger
• Solar panels – these will help to keep you powered throughout the trip and are a great energy-saving option for your campervan.
• Portable coffee machine
• Projector or mounted TV – You can actually get Sky TV in your campervan so you can watch all your favourite shows on the road.

Camping Essentials

If you’re going on a rural retreat you’ll need all of your standard camping essentials.

• Torch, or lantern
• Tent – If you’re staying the night outside of your campervan
• Camping chairs and fold-out table
• Portable fire pit
• Portable gas stove
• Lighter and matches
• Bottle opener 
• Pen knife
• Tin opener
• Waterproof campervan cover and windscreen cover
• Tent cover 

Travel Documents

Just as you would when going abroad, you should ensure you’ve got all your important ID and travel documents as part of your campervan essentials.

• Passport
• Driver’s license – As you’re driving the motorhome you will need this with you at all times.
• Proof of any campsite or hotel bookings
• Cash and debit/credit cards
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance documents
• Breakdown and services documents
• Travel insurance if you’re driving your campervan across the border

Vehicle Maintenance

You never know what the road might bring and you want to ensure you’re prepared for any breakdowns or mishaps with these campervan packing list items

• Spare tyres
• Tire iron
• A toolkit
• Jumper cables
• A fire extinguisher

Other Items

There are also some miscellaneous items you don’t want to forget on your campervan checklist.

• Portable Heater – great for keeping warm inside the campervan or whilst around a campfire.
• Led lights – Fairy lights or strip lights that give you soft lighting powered by batteries. Great for saving electricity.
• Board games and cards
• Umbrella
• Wetsuit – depending on where you’re travelling

Pet Essentials 

If you’re travelling with dogs in your campervan then you’ll need to pack for your pups too!

• Dog food and bowls
• Drinking water 
• Waste bags
• Toys
• Lead and collar
• Any medication they might need
• Pet beds
• Brush and comb
• Dog shampoo – this is great if you’ve gone on a muddy walk and don’t want to get your campervan dirty
• Portable dog bath

Be Road Ready with Campervan Finance from Auto Finance

Now you’re ready to get on the road with your campervan checklist in hand it’s time to get you some wheels to get you started. At Auto Finance we offer our customers the best loan rates alongside transparent repayment rates using our budgeting calculator. This allows you to see exactly how much you’ll repay each month before you choose your plan. 

To get more information on our loan rates and to find out what you’re entitled to borrow, get in contact with our finance experts.