One of the perks of travelling in a motorhome is not having to constantly pack and repack and having plenty of storage space. Yet with any type of travel, there's no greater fear than leaving your house for a trip and feeling like you’ve forgotten something. Was it your phone charger? Was it your toothbrush? Or worse, your passport?! To ensure that you have everything you need, we’ve compiled a complete campervan packing list for you, with all the camping essentials you could possibly require on your road trip adventure.
There may be a few items that don’t apply to you on this campervan essentials list, such as ones specifically for certain types of travel parties, destinations and weather conditions. But we'd thought we'd be as extensive as possible, so you can consider yourself which items you will or will not need on your trip. 
Documents
We’ve got this at the top of our list, as these are the items that you really can’t forget! Many other motorhome essentials can be purchased on the way, but without your documents, you won’t get very far. If you’re hiring a campervan, you’ll probably need to ask the owner for many of these documents, so you can use our checklist to ensure that they haven’t forgotten any either!
- Passport
- Driving license
- Insurance papers
- Health insurance details
- Registration certificate
- Motorhome documents
- Spare keys
Also, have a list of necessary phone numbers on hand! This may seem redundant, but in an emergency, you’ll be so grateful to not be searching through your phone or email for necessary contact details. The one time that you need it makes all the difference.
- Your insurance details
- Your emergency contact's contact details
- Breakdown service / AA
Money matters
Sadly we don’t live in a free society just yet, so you’ll need a way to pay during your trip. This may seem obvious enough, but don’t forget your debit card and credit card! But also consider if you may need cash, as not everywhere has the option to pay by card, including some campsites.
If you’re leaving the UK, also consider what payment methods are accepted there, will you need to exchange money or is it preferable to take it out there? You may also need to consider toll roads, as it is far more budget-friendly to arrange your toll badge ahead of time. On that note, also check for environmental zones - such as the London Low Emission Zone! You don’t want to come home to a nasty surprise.
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Cash
- Toll badges
Electronics
Everything is replaceable, but some things cost more than others to replace! These include your electronics. You may be thinking that since you’re going camping, you won’t need any electronics, but I don’t think you realise everything is included in this category.
Did you know that phone chargers are the most forgotten item in hotel rooms? Consider how often you’ve misplaced your own charger, now imagine a campervan holiday without being able to easily get in touch. We always recommend packing your charger in your hand luggage, where it is easy to reach in case of need.
Electronics are about more than need, it’s also about heightening your trip. Being able to connect to Bluetooth to play your own road trip playlist, being able to set an alarm to enjoy your days on the road, and navigating to find your way to the campsite! Here are some electronics that deserve a spot on your motorhome essentials list.
- Batteries
- Camera + charger
- Mobile phone + charger
- Navigation system + charger
- Earphones/ headphones
- Radio
- Power strips, adapters and extension cords
- USB cable
- Alarm
- iPad/ tablet + charger
- Power bank — never be caught off guard without a battery!
Personal care
People often hold quite an outdated view of camping, dirt and poor hygiene, but with a motorhome, this certainly doesn’t need to be the case. You want to enjoy your holiday, and that requires you to feel good about yourself and clean. A lot of these items seem obvious, but it’s shocking how often we forget something as simple as our toothbrush. Whilst many things can be obtained on the way, nothing beats having it on hand the minute you need it. It will definitely depend on the length of your trip and your plans for it, so adjust our motorhome essentials list as required.
- Suncream
- After sun
- Glasses or contact lenses + spare
- Deodorant
- Shower gel
- Hairbrush
- Hairdryer
- Soap
- Lip balm
- Make-up
- Medicine
- Painkillers
- Bug spray + relief
- Nail clippers + nail scissors
- Perfume
- Plasters
- First aid kit
- Razor + shaving cream
- Shampoo + conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Washcloths
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Tiger balm (ideal for a hot day or muscle ache after hiking!)
What a big list! Luckily most of these items take up little space, and purchasing travel-sized containers can be a huge help! Also be sure to discuss them with your travelling partners, to avoid all bringing the same things. There are great camping hacks to save space, such as removing the tube for the toilet roll so you can press it down and using shampoo bars.
Cold weather
Whether you’re heading out in autumn or winter, or going somewhere far colder, preparing for the worst is a must-do! Few things create more discomfort than being cold, even in your cosy motorhome. So be sure to consider the cold-weather motorhome packing list. Even if you’re going somewhere warm, always bring that extra sweater! No one has ever regretted having that back-up cosy jumper.
- Sweaters
- Coat
- Raincoat
- Gloves
- Hat/ beanie
- Scarf
- Boots
But cold weather is about more than clothing, so here is your campervan essentials list for battling the frost. These are particularly vital for a skiing or snowboarding holiday in a motorhome.
- Antifrost screen cover
- Antifrost spray
- Campervan heater
- Roof box
- Fleece blanket
- Frost scraper
- Lip balm
- Backpack
- Ski supplies
- Snow tyres and snow chains
Warm weather
Warm weather is ideal for a holiday, but not being prepared for it can lead to quite a bit of discomfort. Make sure you’ve considered the possible weather, even if rain or cold is predicted. If it’s summer and likely to be warm, consider this when finding your ideal campsite - maybe one with a pool or plenty of space for your awning?
- Travel fan
- Ice cube tray
- Insect repellent
- Mosquito net
- Hats
- Tick remover
- Flip flops
- Swimsuit
Motorhome essentials
There are a few things that you should always have lying around in your campervan. If you’re renting a van, these will likely be included, but there is always no harm in checking!
- Maps (You never know when navigation will fail!)
- Oil and coolant
- Levelling ramps
- Parking disc
- Warning triangle
- Awning
- Claim form
- Toilet chemicals
- Safety vests
- First aid kit
- Adapters (preferably world travel adapter)
- Wheel clamp
- Vignettes
- Hi-visibility vests
- Backup maps
- Doormat
- Disposable gloves and disinfectant
- Hand-held vacuum
- Spare light bulbs
This can seem like a lot of items for your campervan packing list, but with the right motorhome storage, you won’t even realise everything that you have on board! Also consider what is required in each country, for example, France has additional rules for what must be on board, compared to other European destinations.
Campsite essentials
Travelling in a campervan isn’t just about being on the road, as a great deal of time is spent on campsites. It’s hard to rival the tranquil nature of a campsite, where you can relax inside and outside of your motorhome, meet fellow travellers if you’d like, or simply enjoy some quiet time to yourself. Campsites vary in the facilities they offer, but even so, there are things you should always consider bringing to a campsite, and it can really put a dent in your plans if you’re missing on of these essentials. Camping isn’t all fun and games, there are chores and cleaning to be done, so make sure to have everything you need for exactly that.
- Barbecue
- Barbecue tongs
- Camping chairs
- Camping table
- Lamp
- Hammock
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Sheets
- Spare blanket
- Picnic blanket
- Chair cushions
- Dustpan and brush
- Tablecloth
- Firepit + wood
- Washline + pegs
- Laundry basket
- Flashlight
- Pocket knife
Enjoyment
Camping isn’t all fun and games, but it certainly does require some! You’re on holiday, so make sure that your extensive motorhome packing list includes things for enjoying yourself. Whilst you’ll ideally spend most of your time outside, you must always prepare for the worst (weather). Also for longer trips, there will be times when you don’t feel like chatting and need something else to do. These are just suggestions to ensure you consider all your options, but choose which you have/would like.
- Board games
- Bikes
- Game console
- Books/ e-reader
- Toys/ floaties for the swimming pool
- Newspapers/magazines
- Kite
- Football/ volleyball/ baseball
- Hula hoop
- Cards
- Colouring/sketchbook + pencils
- Journal
Cooking and kitchen
One of the perks of motorhome travel is the ability to cook your own meals. It can save you a lot of money and time on the trip and ensures you eat healthy and delicious meals.
If you’re hiring a motorhome, you can contact the owner to see what’s already offered in the motorhome, this will allow you to avoid ending up with double items. If in doubt, bring it! The first time I went camping in a motorhome, I brought a lovely bottle of red wine to celebrate… only to realise that I didn’t have a corkscrew opener in the van! Luckily, my ‘neighbours’ were happy to lend me theirs, but if I had been wild camping I would’ve certainly struggled. The second time, I came prepared with a corkscrew, only to realise that I didn’t bring a lighter for candles. There is always something, but there doesn’t have to be!
- Lighter/ matches
- Rubbish bin + bags
- Sponge/ scrubbing brush
- Dish soap
- Cups/ glasses
- Cutlery
- Tin opener
- Plates
- Sandwich bags / tupperware
- Drying rack
- Corkscrew + bottle opener
- Jerry can
- Bucket
- Coolbox
- Cooling blocks
- Coffee/ tea/ sugar/ milk
- Kettle
- Coffee appliance
- Measuring jug
- Cookware
- Coasters
- Pans
- Scissors
- Bowls
- Scouring pads
- Tea towel
- Hand towel
- Cutting board
- Soap + soap dish
- Teapot
- Thermos
- Salt, pepper & more herbs
- Water bottle
On the road
Driving is part of the journey, and a great part of it too! You’ll likely rack up quite a few miles in your motorhome, so make sure to prepare for the drive as well as the destination. Keep the following in mind for when you’re on the road:
- Drinks
- Food
- Wet wipes
- Music
- Accessible snacks
- Games
- Sunglasses
- Spare jumper
- Deodorant
Your personal bag or suitcase
Now, this comes down to personal taste, as well as how long you’ll be going on holiday. If you’re going on holiday for a weekend, a clean shirt every day is great, but if you’re heading out for three weeks, you certainly don’t need twenty-one shirts. Consider what your plans are, whether you’ll be getting dirty or sweating, or spending more time inside. Will your campsite offer washing services? Will you be shopping? Be realistic about what you’ll wear, but also remember that better safe than sorry!
- Towels (swimming + washing)
- Rucksack
- Handbag
- Spare warm/cold clothing in case
- Pyjamas
- Sweatpants and warm socks for the evening
- Rain clothing, an umbrella
- Closed shoes
- Flip flops for on the campsite
- Walking shoes and socks
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
This is an extremely extensive campervan holiday checklist, on which not all items will apply to you, but I'll help you consider what to bring yourself and design your trip to be everything you want.
All that's left to pack — or grab — is your very own home on wheels to pack all these essentials into. Find the ideal motorhome for your trip right here on Goboony.
