The Ultimate Campervan Packing List

John Courtney • July 9, 2025

Adventure is Calling — But Don’t Forget the Corkscrew!

There’s nothing like the thrill of hitting the road with a campervan full of promise and hopefully, all your essentials! Whether you're glamping in the Highlands or beach-hopping in Devon, packing smart can be the difference between ‘Best. Trip. Ever.’ and ‘Why didn’t we bring a tin opener?’


At Gatwick Campers, we’ve helped countless road trippers hit the highways fully prepped. So, here’s our ultimate packing checklist to make sure you’re adventure-ready, not disaster-bound.


The Campervan Basics

Luckily, when you hire from us, your van is already kitted out with:

  • Fresh bedding & snug blankets
  • Towels (because soggy is not a vibe)
  • Cooking essentials: pots, pans, utensils
  • Fridge & hob
  • Crockery, cutlery, and yes — a cafetière!


All that, so you can focus on what matters — the view, the vibe, and the vino.

Clothing Must-Haves

  • Layers: British weather can’t be trusted.
  • Waterproofs: For those ‘refreshing’ rain showers.
  • Comfy shoes: For hikes, strolls, and the dash to the ice cream van.
  • Warm socks & hat: Even in summer, evenings can be chilly.
  • Flip flops: Essential for campsite showers.


Food & Kitchen Essentials

  • Your favourite brew (tea/coffee is sacred)
  • Easy-to-cook meals & snacks
  • Condiments (because nobody likes a dry sandwich)
  • Bin bags, washing up liquid, tea towels


Handy Extras

  • Torch or headlamp
  • Power bank
  • First aid kit
  • Travel games or a pack of cards
  • Bluetooth speaker for those campfire playlists
  • Maps & a compass (or just a fully charged phone — we won’t judge)


Adventure Gear

  • Bikes or paddleboards (just ask us about racks!)
  • Hiking boots
  • Camera or GoPro
  • Picnic blanket


Campsite Comforts

  • Camping chairs & table
  • Marshmallows & skewers (for the proper campfire experience)
  • Fire pit (check site rules first!)
  • Extra blankets


Don’t Forget

  • Driver’s licence
  • Insurance docs (covered with us, but handy to have)
  • Booking confirmations
  • Emergency contact details


Ready to Hit the Road?

At Gatwick Campers, we make adventures easy — the van’s packed with essentials, and now you’ve got the rest of the list sorted. Whether you’re hiring, buying, or just dreaming, we’ve got you.


Explore our vans and start your next adventure. Because life’s too short for ‘staycations’ on the sofa.

A camper van is parked on the side of the road near the ocean.
By John Courtney July 19, 2025
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Campervan in the UK? Lets take a moment to explore the real cost of adventure.
By Mark Williams July 3, 2025
Read by a Wild Viewpoint Bring a stack of paperbacks (or your Kindle), a cosy blanket and pick a dramatic overlook—cliffs, fields, or woodland nooks. Challenge yourself: no moving until the sunset or you finish a chapter (or the whole book!). Ask Locals for Their Secret Spots Skip the tourist traps, Chat to a friendly local and discover hidden waterfalls, secret trails, or that cosy country café known only to the regulars. Wild Swim Adventure Find a secluded river, pine‑fringed lake, or coastal cove and take the plunge. The shock, giggles and eventual triumph are pure magic. Afterwards, lounge on a rock and sip tea from your flask while the world wakes up. Create a Road‑Trip Sketchbook No skills needed, doodle road signs, clouds shaped like sheep, or the face of that grumpy village shopkeeper. Captions optional but highly encouraged! Stumble Upon a Local Market, Then Picnic Wander the stalls, grab cheeses, fresh bread, berries, or something unrecognisable and feast al fresco. Imperfect utensils? No problem crisps double as spoons here. Local‑Only Cook‑Off Challenge yourself to cook using only fresh, local ingredients, egg, wild herbs, mystery veg, maybe a local cheese. Whip it up over your camp stove or under the stars. Take a “Stay‑Put” Day Park by a lake or forest and simply don’t drive. Nap, journal, stretch, cloud‑watch, or turn your camper into a spa with a face mask. No world-saving required today. Scatter Little Kindness Notes Leave cheerful messages (“You’ve got this!”) tucked into menus, trail rocks or loo mirrors. You’ll never see the smiles you spark, but it’s a quiet joy to spread. Navigate the Old‑School Way Pull out a paper map, plot your route with coloured pens, doodle stops and surprises. No GPS? No problem, embrace the mystery. Postcard Time Capsule Buy cheesy postcards and write to your future self about this moment how free, silly, peaceful you feel. Don’t mail them… stash them away and revisit during a dreary Tuesday back home. Why Go Offline? Unplugging from Wi‑Fi helps you plug into real moments: breathtaking views, spontaneous conversations, and the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing without distraction. You'll return with stories, smiles, and perhaps just a tad of mud, exactly what makes a campervan trip unforgettable.
A woman is petting a dog in a van.
By John Courtney June 30, 2025
Discover how to make campervan adventures unforgettable for your pets with our top tips on comfort, safety, and pet-friendly travel across the UK.
A green and white van is parked in a field with a mountain in the background.
By Michael Humphrey June 27, 2025
Van ownership is exciting, but it’s also a big decision. What if it is not for you, but you find out too late? Consider camper van hire to find out if it is for you.
Show More