Camping with a camper trailer can be a wonderful outdoor experience… when you remember to pack everything you need and want! Here’s a comprehensive Camper Van Packing List / Checklist of essentials and nice-to-haves to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip. Before we get into that, here are a few tips for a happy and safe Camper Trailer Adventure!
Table of Contents
Camper Trailer Adventure Tips
- Plan Ahead: Research and plan your trip in advance. Make campground reservations if they are required, check the weather forecast, and familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations of the campsite. If you are camping with your dog, check they are permitted at the camping location.
- Safety First: Ensure your camper trailer is in good working condition before hitting the road. Check tyres, brakes, lights, and other essential systems. In particular check your spare tyre! Even though it may never have been used, it’s important to inspect it’s condition and ensure it’s replaced at least every 5 years. Carry emergency tools and a first aid kit.
- Don’t Bring Glassware: broken glass is not fun to clean up, especially if it breaks and causes damage to other items. Consider bringing items like cups, plates and bottles that are made out of silicone or stainless steel instead.
- Avoid Perfume/Cologne: mosquitos and other bugs can be attracted to scents such as perfume and cologne, which are the last thing you want flying around you while camping. This is also why it’s a good idea to bring along unscented soap.
- Leave No Trace: Practice responsible camping by leaving your campsite as you found it. Bring bags to dispose of rubbish properly, minimise campfire impact, and respect wildlife. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace to protect the environment.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local conditions, including fire bans, wildlife activity, and any safety alerts. Stay connected with a charged mobile phone and communicate your itinerary with someone at home.
- Be Flexible: Camping is all about enjoying the outdoors and having fun. Be flexible with your plans, adapt to changing weather, and embrace the unexpected adventures that come your way.
By following these tips and using the checklist below, we are sure you’ll be well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable camper trailer camping adventure.
Camper Van / Trailer Packing List
Clothing & Footwear Essentials
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Rain Proof clothing
- Hiking boots
- Aqua Shoes
- Hats
- Sunglasses
Personal Essentials
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Portable shower
- Portable toilet
- Toilet Paper
Night time & Sleep Essentials
- Sleeping Bags
- Pillows
- Sheets & Blankets
- Camping slippers
- Wearable blanket
Cooking Essentials
- Portable Camping Stove (and gas cylinders)
- Pots and pans
- Cooking / BBQ tools
- Utensils (spoons, forks, knives)
- Cups and mugs
- Plates and bowls
- Cooking grill
- Roasting sticks
- Wash cloths or dish stick
- Drying towels / tea towels
- Waterproof matches / lighter
Food & Storage Essentials
- Reusable food storage bags
- Reusable food storage containers
- Cooler /ice packs or bags of ice
- Cooler / Eski or Portable Fridge / Freezer
- Food, snacks and water
Camping Gear & Set Up Essentials
- Head lamp or
- Beanie with head lamp
- Torch / Flash light
- Lantern
- Camping Chairs
- Gazebo
- Foldup Table
- Picnic Rug
- Firepit (check local regulations and camp rules)
- Portable fan
- Fire lighters
- Rubbish disposal bags
Safety, Medical & Emergency Essentials
- First Aid Kit
- Insect Repellant
- Sting / Bite Cream
- Sunscreen
- Paracetamol
Entertainment Essentials
- Portable Projector
- Portable Speaker
- Board games
- Cards
- Books
- Electronic Devices
Power Essentials
Don’t forget a thing and be prepared for anything with an Always Adventure Ready Packing list for your next adventure. Find more Packing Lists here!
Lauren Angove is an adventurous Perth (Western Australia) Mum of two boys who loves to blog about her experiences to inspire other mid-lifers to choose their most adventurous lives now. Keep up to date with her latest adventure inspiration and advice at Always Adventure Ready on facebook.