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Our Ultimate Campervan Packing List: 10 Essentials You'll Be Glad You Packed

  • Writer: Lucy
    Lucy
  • Jul 31
  • 3 min read
Backpack, fleece jackets, and a Van Life book inside a colorful camper van interior, suggesting travel planning and cozy adventure

Packing for a campervan adventure is a little different to packing for a hotel stay.


The beauty of travelling by campervan is having everything you need with you, but there are always a few little items people forget.


After welcoming hundreds of guests on their adventures, we've noticed the same things cropping up time and time again.


Here are ten simple additions that can make your next trip even better.


We hope this campervan packing list helps you feel prepared for your next adventure and gives you a few ideas you may not have thought of before.




Packing for a campervan adventure is a little different to packing for a hotel stay. The beauty of travelling by campervan is having everything you need with you, but there are always a few little items people forget.

After welcoming hundreds of guests on their adventures, we've noticed the same things cropping up time and time again.

Here are ten simple additions that can make your next trip even better.


Our Ultimate Campervan Packing List


1. A Head Torch


There's nothing worse than trying to find your way back from the campsite facilities in the dark while balancing a toothbrush and towel.

A lightweight head torch keeps your hands free and quickly becomes one of the most useful things you packed.


2. Slippers


Campervans are cosy spaces.

A comfortable pair of slippers makes those early mornings and relaxed evenings feel even better, especially if the ground outside is damp.



3. A Picnic Blanket


Elderly couple relaxes on a dock by a calm lake, sharing drinks beside a picnic basket in warm sunset light, smiling happily

Even if you're taking camping chairs, a picnic blanket is surprisingly versatile.

Perfect for:

  • Beach days

  • Watching the sunset

  • Impromptu lunches

  • Stargazing


4. Layers (Even in Summer)


British weather likes to keep us guessing.

A warm jumper and lightweight waterproof often get more use than you'd expect, especially once the sun disappears.


5. A Power Bank


Although your campervan has plenty of charging options, having a fully charged power bank is always useful for long walks, beach days or taking lots of photos.


6. A Reusable Water Bottle


Hand holds a Pure Clear water bottle under a trickling mossy waterfall in a rocky green stream.

Easy to refill.

Better for the environment.

Always handy after a long walk.


We love these from Pure Clear - Adventure ready bottles, so you can filter water anywhere.


7. Your Favourite Board Game (or Pack of Cards)


Some of the best campervan evenings aren't spent looking at screens.

Whether it's cards, dominoes or your favourite travel game, it's amazing how quickly time passes with a good view and a little friendly competition. - Don't worry if you forget -we pop a pack of cards in every campervan.


8. A Small Basket or Tote Bag


Perfect for carrying bits to the campsite shower block, collecting breakfast from the campsite shop or heading down to the beach without taking everything.


The Adventure Tote
£5.99
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9. A Notebook


Some of our guests keep a little travel journal during their trip.

Favourite cafés.

Hidden beaches.

Amazing walks.

You'll be surprised how nice it is to look back on those memories.


Two people sit in a sunlit forest, one sketching in a notebook while the other examines a flower with a magnifying glass.

10. An Open Mind


This might be the most important thing of all.

Some of the best campervan adventures happen when plans change.

You discover a beach you weren't expecting, stay an extra night somewhere beautiful or take the scenic route just because it feels right.

Sometimes the unplanned moments become the ones you'll remember most.


Before You Go...


At Up Sticks Campers, we've tried to include the essentials to get your adventure started, but every trip is different.

Adding a few thoughtful extras to your packing list can make your campervan feel even more like home.

Wherever the road takes you, we hope you have an unforgettable adventure.


Cozy camper kitchen with moka pot, coffee mug, pan, YETI tumbler and St. Ali coffee bag by a window overlooking a forest.

Lucy's Picks


If you're looking to upgrade your campervan kit, here are a few products we genuinely love.



Until next time...


Keep exploring.


Lucy & the Up Sticks Team



Blue VW camper van with awning, chairs and campfire by a lake at sunset; text reads Join and THE CAMPFIRE WITH UP STICKS CAMPERS

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