We have all been there- you leave your house but feel like you have forgotten something important. This can be a major source of anxiety, especially if you are leaving for a trip. Do I have my phone charger? What about the toothbrush? It is a common occurrence where you reassure yourself that you can always purchase whatever you need on then go. But it does not have to be this way. With a campervan, you have the luxury of ample storage space, getting rid of the need to constantly pack and repack. You can embark on your holiday fully prepared, with everything you want and need neatly organized in your motorhome.
To make sure you do not overlook any essentials, we have compiled a comprehensive campervan packing list, covering all the necessities so that you can have peace of mind knowing you have everything you need for the trip. We have also included a handy campervan holiday checklist to make things much easier.
Keep in mind that this list contains a range of items that cater to different scenarios, including those tailored for family trips or specific destinations and weather conditions. While we would like to cover all possibilities, note that not everything may apply to your situation. So feel free to skip over anything that doesn’t match your specific needs.
We have this at the top of the list as it entails things you cannot afford to forget. Most campervan essentials can be bought along the way, but without the essential paperwork, your trip will quickly turn into a disappointment. If you are renting a campervan, you will probably have to ask the owner for most of these documents. These include:
-Driving license
-Passport
-Registration certificate
-Insurance papers
-Campervan documents
-Health insurance details
It’s also smart to have a list of necessary numbers at hand. This might sound redundant, but in case of an emergency, you will appreciate the convenience of not having to go through your phone or email for contacts.
If you are renting a campervan, keep the owner’s detail on hand. Ensure you ask what the best contact may be in case of an emergency. Do not forget your own emergency contact as well as the breakdown service.
We have become avid fans of packing cubes. After using them in our suitcases, we decided to bring them along on our recent motorhome trip, and we continue to use them during our campervan adventures in Australia. The convenience they provide is unparalleled when it comes to unpacking and keeping things organized in the motorhome. We found it incredibly efficient to store the cubes in the storage space above our bed, ensuring easy access whenever we needed them.
If you do not want to be constantly rummaging through bags and suitcases each day, we highly recommend giving packing cubes a shot!
This one is a no-brainer! After all, we do not live in a free society and so, you’ll need a form to pay during your travels. This sounds obvious, but you’ll want your credit card and debit card on hand. However, keep in mind that not all places have the option to pay by card, including some campsites and so, you may want to have cash on you.
If you're leaving the UK, think about how you can pay for things in the place you're going. Do you need to exchange money before you leave or can you take it out there? You should also consider toll roads. It's cheaper if you plan ahead and get a toll badge in advance. Also, check if there are any special zones you need to be aware of, like the London Low Emission Zone. You don't want to be surprised when you come back home, so make sure you know about these things beforehand.
-Credit card
-Debit card
-Toll badges
-Cash
We always make sure to have disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser readily available in the bathroom and at the front of the cabin. It's important to be prepared for situations where we may need to touch things that could be a bit unpleasant or dirty, such as when emptying the chemical toilet, using water hoses, or using public facilities.
Most items are replaceable, but some cost more than others and the last thing you want is to break your bank while travelling. Among these are electronics. You might think electronics are not essential when going camping, but there are a few items in this category that you shouldn’t overlook. Chargers, for example, are one of the most forgotten items in hotel rooms. Just think about the number of times you have misplaced your own charger and imagine going on a trip without the ability to easily stay in touch. To avoid this inconvenience, pack your charger in your hand luggage so you can easily access it.
Electronics play a vital role in enhancing your trip, providing additional enjoyment and convenience along the way. You can connect via Bluetooth and play your favourite tunes, utilize navigation applications to find your way to the next destination and set alarms to make the most of your time on the road. That said, here are some essential electronics that should not be left out of your campervan packing list:
-Phone and charger
-Batteries
-Navigation system and charger
-Camera and charger
-Headphones or earphones
-USB cable
-Extension cords, adapters and power strip
-Power bank
-Bluetooth speaker
We always aim to stay in quiet locations during our adventures, but this is not always possible. We still vividly remember moments like being parked outside a bustling bar and spending a night with scooters buzzing around us all night. In such situations, earplugs would have been a highly appreciated addition.
While light is not usually an issue with motorhomes that have blinds and curtains, it certainly helps to pack an eye mask for additional comfort, especially if you are a light sleeper.
Camping is usually associated with outdated notions of dirt and poor hygiene. With a motorhome, however, this could not be further from the truth. Your trip should be enjoyable, and part of that comes from feeling good and clean. While most of these items are a no-brainer, it is not uncommon to forget something as simple and important as a toothbrush.
While you can buy most of these items along the way, nothing beats the convenience of having what you need at your fingertips. The length of your trip and your specific plans will determine the adjustments you need to make to this campervan essentials list. So, prioritise what’s paramount for your comfort and convenience:
-Toilet paper
-Wet pipes
-Toothbrush and toothpaste
-Shampoo
-Soap
-Sun cream
-After-sun care
-Glasses or contact lenses
-Shower gel
-Deodorant
-Lip balm
-Perfume
-Hairbrush and hairdryer
-Nail clippers
-Razor and shaving cream
-Washcloths
-Medicine
-Painkillers
-First aid kit
This is an extensive list, but the good thing is that they do not consume much space. You make things even more compact by using travel-sized containers. If you are travelling with companions, coordinate with them to avoid bringing duplicate items. There are other clever hacks for saving space like removing the tube from the toilet roll to flatten or using shampoo bars instead of large bottles.
See our tips for cleaning your clothes when on the road.
If you plan on spending a significant amount of time in public campgrounds, we recommend packing a short, lightweight bathrobe. This is not something you could typically consider, but when you’re in a motorhome, it makes a lot of sense. Changing in public bathrooms can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially if there is limited hanging space for your clothes and toiletries.
A bathrobe allows you to get undressed and dressed comfortably in your motorhome, avoiding the hassle of cramped shower cubicles and wet floors. It is frustrating when your clothes fall onto a damp surface or when the whole shower space is soaking wet.
Camping is not just about practicality, but also about having fun and enjoying yourself. You are on holiday and so, why not have some fun while at it? There are different options for entertainment for different scenarios and it all comes down to what you prefer. Here are some appealing options to consider for your campervan packing list:
Outdoor games- football, baseball, volleyball, Frisbee, kite, bike or a set of bocce balls
Board games or card games for when the weather is not favourable
Musical instruments- guitar, harmonica, ukulele, piano, flute etc.
Books or e-readers for some literary escapades
Art supplies- watercolour paints, coloured pencils and sketchbooks for a relaxing and enjoyable pastime
A gaming console
See our list of simple campervan upgrades you can make to get the most out of your trip.
A motorhome hire in Ireland is the best and easiest way for you to enter the world of campervan roadtripping!
