Motorhome Departure Routine: What to Do Before Leaving a Campsite (2026 UK Guide)

Leaving a campsite in a motorhome should be quick and stress-free, but forgetting a few small things can cause problems. Many motorhome owners have experienced driving away with an electric cable still connected, leaving chairs behind, or discovering cupboards flying open while driving.

Fortunately, experienced travellers follow a simple departure routine.

If you’re new to motorhome touring, start with our Motorhome Beginner Guide (2026 UK Touring Guide) which explains the basics of owning and travelling in a motorhome.

You may also want to read:

• Motorhome Setup Checklist (First Campsite Setup)

• Motorhome Electric Hook-Up Guide (2026 UK Campsite Power Explained)

• Motorhome Packing List: 40 Essentials for Your First Trip

These guides form part of our Anyone Can Rough It beginner motorhome series.

Table of Contents

• Quick Motorhome Departure Checklist

• Step 1 – Disconnect Electric Hook-Up

• Step 2 – Pack Away Outdoor Equipment

• Step 3 – Secure Items Inside the Motorhome

• Step 4 – Close Roof Vents and Windows

• Step 5 – Check Water and Waste Tanks

• Step 6 – Perform a Final Walkaround Check

• Common Motorhome Departure Mistakes

• FAQs

Quick Motorhome Departure Checklist

Most motorhome departures follow the same routine:

1. Disconnect electric hook-up

2. Pack away chairs, tables and outdoor gear

3. Secure loose items inside the motorhome

4. Close roof vents and windows

5. Check water and waste systems

6. Perform a final walkaround safety check

Once you’ve done this routine a few times, the entire process usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Step 1 – Disconnect Electric Hook-Up

Before moving the motorhome, you must safely disconnect your campsite electricity supply.

Correct method:

1. Turn off the power at the campsite bollard

2. Unplug the cable from the bollard

3. Disconnect the cable from your motorhome

4. Coil the cable neatly and store it

Never drive away while connected to campsite power.

For a full explanation of campsite electricity, see our Motorhome Electric Hook-Up Guide (2026 UK Campsite Power Explained).

Step 2 – Pack Away Outdoor Equipment

Many motorhome travellers create an outdoor living space beside their vehicle.

Before leaving, pack away items such as:

• camping chairs

• outdoor tables

• windbreaks

• ground mats

• portable BBQs

• awnings or canopies

Take a quick look around the pitch to make sure nothing has been left behind.

You can see a full list of useful equipment in our guide:

➡ Motorhome Packing List: 40 Essentials for Your First Trip

Step 3 – Secure Items Inside the Motorhome

Loose items can move while driving, so securing the interior is essential.

Important checks include:

• close cupboard doors

• secure kitchen equipment

• store loose appliances

• close bathroom doors

• secure foldaway tables

Many motorhome owners also check that fridge contents are secure before travelling.

Step 4 – Close Roof Vents and Windows

Motorhomes often have roof vents, skylights and opening windows.

Before driving away:

• close roof vents

• lock skylights

• close all windows

• retract steps if fitted

Driving with open vents can cause damage due to wind pressure.

Step 5 – Check Water and Waste Tanks

It’s a good idea to check the status of your motorhome water system before leaving the campsite.

Things to check:

• fresh water tank level

• grey waste tank level

• toilet cassette status

Many travellers empty waste tanks at the campsite service point before departure.

If you’re still learning about motorhome systems, our Motorhome Setup Checklist (First Campsite Setup) explains the basic setup process.

Step 6 – Perform a Final Walkaround Check

Before getting into the driver’s seat, do one final walkaround inspection.

Check that:

• electric hook-up cable is disconnected

• outdoor gear is packed away

• lockers are closed

• steps are retracted

• bike racks are secure

• tyres look properly inflated

This quick safety check prevents many common touring problems.

Common Motorhome Departure Mistakes

Even experienced motorhome owners occasionally forget small details.

Here are some of the most common mistakes.

Forgetting to unplug electric hook-up

Driving away while still connected can damage both the cable and the campsite power point.

Leaving roof vents open

Open skylights can be damaged by wind when driving at speed.

Forgetting outdoor equipment

Small items like chairs, mats or pegs are easily left behind.

Not securing cupboards

Loose kitchen items can fall and break during travel.

Final Thoughts

Motorhome departures are simple once you develop a routine.

Most experienced motorhome travellers follow the same checklist:

• disconnect electric hook-up

• pack away outdoor equipment

• secure the interior

• close windows and vents

• perform a final safety check

Taking a few minutes to complete these steps helps ensure a safe and stress-free journey.

Continue Reading the Motorhome Beginner Series

If you’re learning about motorhome touring, these guides will help:

➡ Motorhome Beginner Guide (2026 UK Touring Guide)

➡ Motorhome Setup Checklist (First Campsite Setup)

➡ Motorhome Electric Hook-Up Guide (2026 UK Campsite Power Explained)

➡ Motorhome Packing List: 40 Essentials for Your First Trip

These step-by-step guides are designed to help beginners feel confident travelling in a motorhome.

FAQs

How long does it take to leave a campsite in a motorhome?

Most departures take 5–10 minutes once everything is packed away.

Should I empty my waste tanks before leaving?

Yes, many travellers empty grey waste and toilet cassettes at the campsite service point before departing.

Do I need to disconnect electric hook-up before driving?

Yes. Always switch off the power and disconnect your electric cable before moving the motorhome.

What is the most common motorhome departure mistake?

The most common mistake is forgetting to unplug electric hook-up cables.