What essential items should be on your UK & Europe camper van packing list?

🇬🇧🇪🇺 UK & Europe Camper Van Packing List

🚐 Van Essentials

✔️ Vehicle registration (V5C), insurance & breakdown cover

✔️ European Green Card (if required)

✔️ UK sticker (if traveling abroad)

✔️ Driving licence & International Driving Permit (if needed)

✔️ Spare key

✔️ Roadside emergency kit (jumper cables, tow rope, tyre repair kit)

✔️ Fire extinguisher & carbon monoxide alarm

✔️ High-vis vests (required in France, Spain, Italy, etc.)

✔️ Warning triangle (required in most European countries)

✔️ Spare bulbs & headlamp beam deflectors (mandatory in some EU countries)

✔️ Breathalyzer kit (required in France)

✔️ Reflective vest & whistle for emergencies

✔️ Multi-tool & duct tape

✔️ Torch/headlamp & extra batteries

✔️ Levelling ramps & chocks

✔️ European campsite guidebook (eg. ACSI, Park4Night app)

🛏️ Sleeping & Comfort

✔️ Sleeping bags/duvets & pillows

✔️ Bed sheets & blankets

✔️ Blackout blinds or window covers (essential for northern Europe in summer)

✔️ Earplugs & eye mask (for noisy campsites)

🍳 Cooking & Food

✔️ Camping stove & spare gas canisters (check EU regulations on gas transport)

✔️ Pots, pans & utensils

✔️ Plates, bowls, cups & cutlery

✔️ Cutting board & knife

✔️ Dishwashing supplies (sponge, soap, tea towels)

✔️ Collapsible sink or washing-up bowl

✔️ Cool box/fridge & ice packs

✔️ Reusable water bottles & water filter (some parts of Europe have undrinkable tap water)

✔️ Non-perishable food (pasta, rice, canned goods, snacks)

✔️ Condiments, oil, salt & pepper

✔️ Coffee/tea & kettle (many European campsites don’t provide kettles)

✔️ Lighter/matches

✔️ Bin bags & food storage containers

*🚿 Toiletries & Hygiene

✔️ Biodegradable soap & shampoo

✔️ Toothbrush & toothpaste

✔️ Quick-dry towel & flannel

✔️ Wet wipes & hand sanitiser

✔️ Toilet paper (some campsites don’t provide it)

✔️ Small mirror

✔️ Laundry detergent & washing line

✔️ Portable shower & solar shower bag (handy for wild camping)

👕 Clothing & Footwear (for UK & European Weather)

✔️ Layered clothing (for unpredictable UK & European weather)

✔️ Waterproof jacket & trousers (essential for the UK, Alps, and northern Europe)

✔️ Comfortable walking shoes & sandals

✔️ Thermal base layers (for mountain/high-altitude areas)

✔️ Hat, gloves & scarf (for cold seasons)

✔️ Sunglasses & sunhat (for summer)

✔️ Swimsuit & towel (for beaches, lakes & thermal baths in Europe)

✔️ Sleepwear & loungewear

🎒 Outdoor & Camping Gear

✔️ Camping chairs & table

✔️ Awning or tarp for extra shelter

✔️ Hiking gear (backpack, trekking poles)

✔️ Portable BBQ or fire pit (check local fire restrictions)

✔️ Hammock

✔️ Binoculars & guidebooks (for wildlife and sightseeing)

✔️ Fishing gear & permit (if applicable)

✔️ Bikes & repair kit (many EU cities have great cycle routes)

✔️ Snow chains (if traveling in winter to mountainous areas)

📱 Gadgets & Navigation

✔️ Phone, charger & power bank

✔️ Sat nav or offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)

✔️ European plug adapter & extension lead

✔️ Dashcam (useful for insurance claims)

✔️ Camera & extra memory card

✔️ Bluetooth speaker

✔️ Kindle/books/magazines

🛡️ Safety & Emergency

✔️ First aid kit & any prescription meds

✔️ Emergency contact details

✔️ Personal ID, passport & travel insurance

✔️ EHIC/GHIC card (for healthcare in Europe)

✔️ Bear spray/pepper spray (only legal in some European countries—check regulations)

🎲 Entertainment & Extras

✔️ Playing cards, board games & travel journal

✔️ Notebook & pen

✔️ Yoga mat or fitness gear

✔️ Snacks & drinks for the road

✔️ Reusable shopping bags

✔️ European SIM card or roaming plan

💡 Extra Tips for UK & Europe Travel

✅ **Toll Roads & Vignettes:** Many European countries require toll payments or vignettes (e.g., France, Switzerland, Austria). Get a toll tag or vignette before travel.

✅ **Wild Camping:** Legal in some countries (e.g., Scotland, Norway) but restricted in others (e.g., France, Spain). Use apps like Park4Night to find spots.

✅ **Low Emission Zones (LEZ):** Many European cities have LEZ restrictions (e.g., London, Paris, Berlin). Check if your van meets emission standards.

✅ **Campsite Bookings:** Popular European sites book up fast in summer—reserve in advance.

✅ **Weather Preparedness:** Europe’s climate varies—pack for hot summers, chilly mountains, and wet UK weather.

This list ensures you’re well-prepared for an adventure across the UK and Europe. Anything specific you’d like to add based on your travel plans? 🚐🌍