Caravan and Motorhome Arrival Routine: What to Do When You Arrive at a Campsite (2026 UK Guide)

Arriving at a campsite for the first time with your caravan or motorhome can feel slightly overwhelming, especially if you’re new to touring. Knowing what to do when you arrive helps make the process smooth, safe, and stress-free.

In this guide we explain the simple arrival routine experienced caravanners and Motorhomers follow before setting up their pitch.

When you arrive at a campsite, most caravanners follow this routine:

1. Check in at reception

2. Find your pitch

3. Position your caravan or motorhome

4. Secure the vehicle

5. Walk the pitch and check ground level

6. Begin the campsite setup process

Once you’re positioned correctly, you can move on to the full campsite setup process.

➡ See our full guide:

The Ultimate Caravan & Motorhome Setup Guide (2026)

Step 1 – Check In at Reception

Most UK campsites require visitors to check in before driving to their pitch.

At reception you will usually receive:

• Pitch number

• Campsite map

• Gate access code

• WiFi information

• Safety instructions

Step 2 – Drive Slowly Around the Site

Caravans and motorhomes are large vehicles, so it’s important to drive slowly around campsites.

Look out for:

• Narrow roads

• Pedestrians

• Children on bikes

• Low trees

Many campsites have a 5mph speed limit.

Step 3 – Position Your Caravan or Motorhome on the Pitch

Once you reach your pitch, take a moment to look at the ground and plan your position.

Consider:

• Electric hook-up location

• Awning space

• Door side

• Ground slope

Positioning your caravan correctly now makes the setup process much easier.

Step 4 – Secure the Vehicle

Before leaving the vehicle:

• Apply the handbrake

• Use wheel chocks if needed

This prevents movement while you prepare to level the caravan.

Step 5 – Check the Ground Level

Before unpacking anything, take a quick look at the pitch.

Look for:

• Slopes

• Soft ground

• Drainage areas

• Obstacles

This helps you decide if levelling ramps will be needed.

Step 6 – Start the Setup Process

Once your caravan or motorhome is correctly positioned, you can begin the setup process.

This includes:

• Levelling the caravan

• Lowering corner steadies

• Connecting electric hook-up

• Connecting water systems

• Setting up your awning

Step 7. Arriving at a Campsite with Young Children

Arriving on a campsite can be exciting for children, but it’s also the time when parents need to be most aware of safety. Campsites often have narrow roads, pedestrians, and other vehicles manoeuvring caravans or motorhomes.

Here are a few simple tips to make arrival safer and less stressful when travelling with young children.

Keep Children Close During Arrival

When you first arrive on site, it’s best for young children to remain inside the tow car or motorhome until you have parked safely on your pitch.

Campsites can be busy places, and other caravanners may be reversing large vehicles.

Give Kids a Small Job

Once the caravan is safely positioned, children often enjoy helping with small tasks such as:

• Carrying lightweight camping chairs

• Holding the awning pegs or mallet

• Helping unpack outdoor toys

Giving them a simple job keeps them engaged and makes them feel part of the adventure.

Set Boundaries on the Pitch

Before unpacking everything, take a moment to explain to children where they can safely play.

Good rules include:

• Stay close to the caravan or motorhome

• Avoid roads and campsite entrances

• Watch for reversing vehicles

This helps children understand the campsite layout.

Create a Quick “Arrival Kit”

Many families keep a small arrival kit easily accessible when they reach the campsite.

This might include:

• Drinks or snacks

• Outdoor toys or a football

• A picnic blanket or mat

Keeping children entertained while the caravan is set up makes the arrival process much smoother.

Explore the Campsite Together

Once everything is safely set up, take a short walk with your children to explore the campsite.

Look for:

• Play areas

• Toilet blocks

• Safe walking routes

This helps children feel comfortable and familiar with the surroundings.

👉 Follow our full guide here:

The Ultimate Caravan & Motorhome Campsite Setup Guide (2026 UK Edition)

Common Arrival Mistakes

New caravanners often make small mistakes when arriving at campsites.

Avoid these common issues:

• Parking too close to pitch edges

• Blocking the electric hook-up

• Forgetting to check ground slope

• Not planning awning space

Taking a few minutes to assess the pitch makes the rest of the setup much easier.

FAQs

Should you level your caravan before putting the steadies down?

Yes. Always level the caravan first before lowering the corner steadies.

Do you reverse a caravan onto the pitch?

Most caravanners reverse onto the pitch because it makes connecting services and setting up the awning easier.

Do you check in before parking on your pitch?

Most UK campsites require visitors to check in at reception before going to their allocated pitch.