The 10-Minute Caravan Arrival & Departure Checklist (2026 UK Touring Guide)
- IDS Camping & Leisure
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Introduction
When you arrive at or leave a campsite with your caravan or motorhome, following a simple checklist can make the process quicker and far less stressful.
Many experienced caravanners use a short arrival and departure routine to make sure nothing is forgotten and everything is set up safely.
In this guide we provide a simple 10-minute checklist used by UK caravanners in 2026.
Quick Caravan Arrival & Departure Checklist
Arrival Checklist
When you arrive at a campsite:
Check in at reception
Locate your pitch
Position the caravan or motorhome
Apply the handbrake and wheel chocks
Level the caravan using ramps
Lower the corner steadies
Connect electric hook-up
Connect water supply
Set up the awning
Arrange outdoor furniture
Departure Checklist
Before leaving a campsite:
Pack away outdoor furniture
Pack away the awning
Disconnect water systems
Disconnect electric hook-up
Raise corner steadies
Hitch caravan to tow vehicle
Connect breakaway cable
Check caravan lights
Check windows and roof vents
Do a final walk-around inspection
Why Many Caravanners Use Checklists
Even experienced caravanners occasionally forget small details when arriving at or leaving a campsite.
Using a simple checklist helps ensure that:
The caravan is set up safely
Equipment is not forgotten
The departure process is quick and organised
Many families even keep a printed checklist inside the caravan door.
Common Caravan Arrival and Departure Mistakes
Even experienced caravanners occasionally forget small details when arriving at or leaving a campsite. A simple checklist helps prevent these common mistakes.
Forgetting Wheel Chocks
When arriving on a pitch, always apply the handbrake and use wheel chocks if the ground is sloping. This prevents the caravan from moving while you begin setting up.
Lowering Corner Steadies Before Levelling
Corner steadies are designed to stabilise the caravan, not lift it. Always level the caravan first using levelling ramps before lowering the steadies.
Leaving the Electric Hook-Up Connected
One of the most common departure mistakes is forgetting to unplug the electric hook-up cable before hitching the caravan.
Always disconnect the hook-up cable and store it safely before leaving the pitch.
Forgetting Roof Vents or Windows
Before driving away, check that:
Roof vents are closed
Windows are secure
The caravan door is locked
This prevents damage while travelling.
Leaving Equipment on the Pitch
Small items are easy to forget when packing up.
Commonly forgotten items include:
Awning pegs
Wheel chocks
Water pumps
Outdoor mats
Doing a final walk-around of the pitch helps ensure nothing is left behind.
Printable Caravan Checklist
You may find it useful to keep a printed version of this checklist inside your caravan or motorhome.
Some caravanners laminate a checklist so they can quickly run through the steps before arriving or leaving a campsite.
We’ve created a free printable caravan arrival and departure checklist you can keep in your caravan or motorhome.
Related Guides
If you’re new to caravanning, these guides will help you understand the full campsite routine.
Learn what to do when you first arrive on a campsite.
Follow our complete step-by-step setup process.
Make sure nothing is forgotten before leaving your pitch.
FAQs
Why do caravanners use arrival checklists?
Checklists help ensure important setup steps such as levelling the caravan and connecting utilities are not forgotten.
Should you disconnect electric hook-up before hitching the caravan?
Yes. Electric hook-up cables should always be disconnected before preparing the caravan for towing.
Do motorhome owners also use arrival checklists?
Yes. Motorhome owners follow a similar process when parking on a campsite pitch and connecting services.
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