Packing list for your camper van holiday.

Packing list for your camper van – what will you need on holiday?

If you’re a seasoned camper then you’ll know that packing to go away can be a little like moving house. So, make sure you don’t leave anything at home. Depending on where you set up camp, it might not be so easy to pop to the shops if you forget your toothbrush. We’ve put together a handy packing list for your camper van to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Just to let you know... Some things may take a little preparation. So, ideally you should start thinking about what you need to do a few weeks in advance:

Important papers, like your travel documents (and they have to be valid!), ID or passport, need to be ready before your trip.
Take out your insurance in advance so that is in place.
Depending on where you’re headed, a small amount of cash (in the local currency) may be handy. Ask your bank about this in advance as they don’t always have every currency in stock.
Check that your credit card is valid for the period of your trip.

All the things that you have collected over the years as an experienced camper can be packed more spontaneously. Use lists to make sure you have all the most important things with you. You can even print out our checklist and tick off everything you have already packed. Easy, right?

Basic equipment

Documents and papers

Passport/identity card
Driver’s licence
Vehicle documents
Credit/debit card
Health insurance certificate
Documents for any travel health insurance (if you have any)
Other insurance documents (e.g. vehicle insurance)
Accident and breakdown coverage (if you have any)
Campsite or parking space booking if you have organised these in advance
Ferry tickets (if needed)
Road tax documents (if needed)
List of emergency numbers (e.g. number to call if you need to block your credit card)

_{Handy tip: having paper copies of all of your documents will be enough. However, you can also store some of your documents electronically on your smartphone.}

Tech and electronics

Industrial CEE plug for the vehicle (CEE adapter)
Charging cables and adapters
Batteries and rechargeable batteries
Chargers
Power bank
Torch/head torch
Smartphone
Camera/GoPro
Laptop/Tablet
Wi-Fi hotspot
Cable reel
Pocket knife

Clothing

Outfits

When you’re camping, you spend most of your time outdoors, apart from when you’re in the van. So, make sure you pack appropriate clothing.

Waterproof trousers and jackets
Comfy casual clothing, like t-shirts and hoodies
Trousers, jumpers, shirts, polo shirts
Enough underwear
Shoes (walking shoes, trainers or flip-flops)
Socks

You’ll find a range of cool casual clothing, including some weather-proof items, in our California Accessories shop – have a browse and explore the latest styles.

_{Our tip: plan what you want to pack a few days before you leave. This will give you the chance to wash your holiday wardrobe first.}

Will I be able to do my washing?

If you don’t want to fill your van with huge piles of clothes, then you’ll probably need to do some washing at some point on your trip. And when you’re on holiday, you tend to change clothes more regularly anyway, depending on what you’ve been doing. T-shirts and trousers get dirty quickly, particularly when you’re out in the great outdoors, so they will always need a wash. If you prefer to make a bit of a pile before doing a wash, then take a dirty laundry bag with you.

You aren’t guaranteed to find a launderette on the campsite or in the local area. But with the right preparations you should be okay. So, make sure you pack some hand detergent. If you don’t want to use the sink, then take a bowl with you as well.

When it’s time to dry, you can simply put up a washing line outside. Sitting in amongst your freshly washed clothes only adds to the camping vibe.

Toiletries, sun cream, etc.

You always need plenty of toiletries, even when you’re on the road. And, of course, you don’t need us to tell you that sun cream is essential whenever you’re outside. Nevertheless, we’ve put together a quick list of must-haves for you:

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toilet paper
Shower gel and shampoo
Razor and shaving cream
Nail clippers
Hand towels (you’ll find some in our California Accessories shop)
Shower shoes
Toiletries bag/travel bag
Sun cream (at least SPF 30)
Hat/cap (a California cap will protect you from too much sun and looks good, too)
Sunglasses

Camping equipment

The new California already has the most important piece of equipment on board: a stove. Remember to pack enough gas canisters, though. The gas supply should last you until arrival on site at least.

The van comfortably sleeps four people. Depending on what you prefer, take bedding or sleeping bags with you. A comfy pillow is always essential. It is good to remember that you may need different bedding in the summer than you do in winter.

If you’re planning to chill outside the van, then you’ll also need the right outdoor furniture.

What else will you need? Read our article about the most important camper van gadgets for inspiration.

Saucepans and pans
Table mats/pot holders
Cutlery, crockery and cups
Utensils and BBQ tools
Chopping boards and kitchen knives
Scissors
Tupperware
Tin opener
Bottle opener, corkscrew
Washing-up equipment (washing-up bowl, brush, sponge, clothes and washing-up liquid) and tea towels
Kitchen roll
Bin bags
Matches/lighter
Candles/tea lights
Piezo stove lighter
Dustpan and brush

Outdoor equipment

You always need a camping table and chairs.

Camping is all about learning to switch off – so make sure you have everything you need. To help you become the most relaxed campers on the site, you’ll need:

Camping chairs and table
Parasol or sail
Awning (available as an option for the California) and an additional awning/tent if necessary
Tent pegs and a rubber mallet
BBQ and utensils
Hammock
Lanterns to help you get cosy as night falls

Free time and entertainment

Camping is a lot of things, but it is never boring. After all, campers have adventuring in their blood. Planning for an action-packed holiday full of hiking, mountain biking and climbing? Then don’t forget your sports gear.

To keep you entertained in the van, pack some simple games, crosswords or an exciting book.

Sport and activities

Camper vans have lots of space for your sports gear.

Depending on what your favourite sport is, you’ll need:

Swimwear
Bikes and helmets
Hiking and trekking equipment, backpack
Fishing kit
Surfboard/SUP board
Kayak, oars, helmet, life jacket, spraydeck
Wetsuit
Climbing equipment
Running clothes and shoes
Frisbee, volleyball for the beach
Beach mats, picnic blanket, beach towels

Safety first: The right way to transport bulky items

Things can get pretty tight pretty quickly when you’ve got an SUP board, bike or kayak on board. So, a bike carrier for the towing bracket is crucial if you want to transport any of these items. The Volkswagen Accessories shop has models suitable for the California and Grand California. For the Grand model, you can also attach a bike carrier to the rear wing door.

Whatever you are transporting, make sure you have the right straps on board.

Food and supplies

To make sure you don’t go hungry while you’re on the road, pack enough food and drinks to keep you going. Go shopping in advance depending on how long your journey is. You’ll need plenty of drinks for journey at least. And thanks to the California’s built-in fridge, they will always be nice and cool.

If beer is too expensive in your country of destination, pack a crate from home.

When it comes to food, you can’t got wrong with tinned foods, pasta and rice as they all have a long shelf life. Use your supplies as a base and then buy fresh ingredients while you’re there. This gives you the ideal excuse to take a stroll through the markets and try local produce.

Lacking inspiration for some tasty camp site meals? We’ve put together our own collection of recipe ideas.

Store cupboard essentials

Pasta, rice, bread
Tinned items
Spices, stock and oil
Snacks and sweets

Drinks

Water
Juices and soft drinks
Coffees and teas
Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine)

If you’ve got a water tank or water carrier

Fill your tank or carrier so that you’ve got enough drinking water for your journey. Think about whether you might be making teas or coffees with this water, too. If your tank is particularly large, you can only fill it part way and then top it up when you get to your destination. This will reduce the weight of the vehicle, helping you to lower your fuel consumption.

Don’t forget your hose and a suitable adapter for the tap.

Breakdowns and emergencies

Your vehicle is already well-equipped to deal with breakdowns and emergencies. However, use a checklist to make sure everything is complete and in-date before you go.

Carefully inspect your vehicle and tyres before you leave to help avoid any nasty surprises.

Vehicle and emergency equipment checklist

Check the tyre tread and pressure levels (the tyres need to be at a different pressure level if the van is fully loaded than they do for day-to-day driving)
Check the level of the oil and other fluids (tip: take some oil with you)
Spare bulbs
Warning triangle, hi-vis jacket and in-date first aid kit
Spare tyre, vehicle jack, chock, wheel spider, key to the wheel lock and wrench if necessary
Tools for minor repairs to the camper van
Duct tape
Ramp (good for using at appropriate parking spaces as well as during a breakdown)
If you are a member: emergency number for your breakdown service
International accident report

If you’re camping in autumn or winter...

Check the validity of winter tyres/check their tread
Snow chains
Scraper and de-icer
Windscreen washer fluid with frost protection
Jump leads (the battery can go flat, particularly in winter)

_{Pro tip: hot tea, coffee or soup from the California thermos mug will help you to stay warm if you’re left waiting. The flask is also a lovely gift.}

Good to know

Some of the countries that you travel to may require you to have certain warning signs (e.g. signs for bikes/rear loads in Italy, “Blind spot” sign for large camper vans in France). Research the topic in advance so you can attach the necessary signs.