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Caravan,Motorhome and Campervan Blog

Caravan Packing List for Beginners and Seasoned Tourers

Caravan Packing Lists


Heading off on your first caravan holiday is exciting—but packing can feel overwhelming. What do you really need? What can you leave behind? And how do you make sure you don’t forget the essentials?


The packing lists below are all free to download



Beginner Caravan Packing List



Everything you need for a comfortable first trip—without overpacking.



🧾 Essential Documents



  • Driving licence

  • Caravan insurance documents

  • Caravan registration & manuals

  • Site booking confirmation

  • Breakdown cover details



Tip: Keep all documents together in a waterproof folder.


🔌 Caravan Hook-Up & Setup Essentials



  • Electric hook-up cable

  • Water carrier (Aquaroll-style or similar)

  • Waste water container

  • Levelling ramps

  • Wheel chocks

  • Caravan step

  • Small Spirit level





🍽️ Kitchen Basics



  • Melamine Plates, bowls, mugs & cutlery

  • Frying pan & saucepan

  • Kettle (electric or stovetop)

  • Chopping board

  • Sharp knife

  • Tea towels

  • Washing-up liquid & sponge

  • Bin bags





🛏️ Bedroom Essentials



  • Pillows

  • Duvets or sleeping bags

  • Bed sheets

  • Extra blanket





🚿 Bathroom & Toiletries



  • Toilet chemicals

  • Toilet paper (caravan-friendly)

  • Towels

  • Toiletries & shower caddy

  • Flip-flops for site showers





👕 Clothing



  • Weather-appropriate clothes

  • Warm layers (even in summer!)

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Nightwear





🪑 Outdoor Living



  • Folding chairs

  • Outdoor table (if not built-in)

  • Torch or headlamp

  • Door mat





🧰 Safety & Handy Items



  • First aid kit

  • Basic tool kit

  • Spare fuses

  • Duct tape

  • Phone chargers & power bank





The Ultimate Caravan Packing List



For longer trips, off-grid stays, or caravanners who like to be prepared for anything.



⚡ Advanced Setup & Maintenance



  • Solar panel or battery booster

  • Extension lead

  • Awning (or porch awning)

  • Awning carpet

  • Storm straps

  • Mallet

  • Extra water hose & connectors





🍳 Fully Equipped Caravan Kitchen



  • Toaster

  • Slow cooker or air fryer (site permitting)

  • Storage containers

  • Foil & cling film

  • BBQ & utensils

  • Cool box

  • Picnic set





🛋️ Comfort & Convenience



  • Scatter cushions

  • Fairy lights (awning-safe)

  • Clothes airer

  • Laundry basket

  • Shoe storage





🎲 Entertainment & Leisure



  • Board games & playing cards

  • Books & magazines

  • Tablet or laptop

  • Bluetooth speaker

  • Outdoor games (boules, football, frisbee)





🚲 Outdoor & Adventure Gear



  • Bicycles & locks

  • Bike rack

  • Walking boots

  • Rucksacks

  • Refillable water bottles





🧼 Cleaning & Organisation



  • Soft broom & dustpan

  • Microfibre cloths

  • Surface spray

  • Storage boxes

  • Vacuum (compact or 12V)





🧯 Extra Safety & Spares



  • Fire extinguisher

  • Fire blanket

  • Carbon monoxide alarm

  • Spare bulbs

  • Spare gas regulator





Final Packing Tips for Beginners



  • Less is more: You’ll quickly learn what you actually use.

  • Pack heavy items low down to help with towing stability.

  • Do a test night at home to spot anything you’ve forgotten.

  • Keep a permanent caravan kit so you’re not repacking every trip.





Ready for Your First Caravan Adventure?



Packing gets easier with every trip—and soon you’ll have your own personalised checklist. Whether you’re heading to a weekend campsite or planning a long summer tour, the right preparation makes all the difference.


Happy caravanning 🚐✨

 
 
 

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