Our Caravan Trip Packing List
LESS IS MORE.
It sounds like a bold statement when you're packing for a caravan trip, but honestly, you can do without most things!
After plenty of trips, we've worked out what we actually use, what stays in the van permanently, and what we can happily leave at home. This is our practical caravan and camping packing list to help make getting ready for your next adventure a little easier.
Caravan & Camp Setup
Most of these items stay in the van, ready to go whenever we are.
☐ Levelling blocks – We sometimes use these, or dig a hole under the wheel!
☐ Power cord
☐ Water hose & fittings
☐ Water filter – We bought one for our trip and used it once. It takes sooooo long to fill!
☐ Drinking water – The kids love cheap bottled water.
☐ Gas bottles – We keep two bottles in the van.
☐ Outdoor mat – We have a huge 6 x 3 mat and absolutely love it!
☐ Camping chairs – One each.
☐ Outdoor table – We take two small adjustable white camping tables.
☐ Washing line & pegs
☐ Torch/headlamps
☐ Rubbish bags
Don't Forget the Important Stuff
These are the things you hope you never need, but you'll be very glad you packed them if something goes wrong.
☐ Spare tyre
☐ Tyre pressure gauge
☐ Air compressor
☐ Tyre repair kit
☐ Basic tool kit
☐ Jumper leads/jump starter
☐ Recovery gear
☐ Spare fuses
☐ Spare batteries
☐ First aid kit
☐ Fire extinguisher
☐ UHF radio
☐ Power banks
☐ Solar panels/charging equipment
Inside the Caravan
This is where keeping things simple really helps. We try to have the everyday essentials ready to go, without filling every cupboard with things we rarely use.
☐ Sheets
☐ Pillows
☐ Blankets/doona
☐ Bath towels – Yes, we take fluffy bath towels for showers! They stay inside the van on the back of the shower door.
☐ Toiletries
☐ Toilet paper
☐ Cleaning products
☐ Dishwashing liquid
☐ Tea towels – Outback Sun of course!
☐ Laundry basket – This stays in the shower area.
☐ Clothes
☐ Shoes/thongs
☐ Hats
☐ Swimmers
☐ Jackets/warm clothes
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Medications
Our Towel Tip
Don't forget a quick-dry towel!
There's nothing worse than packing wet towels away after swimming, only to discover them days later.
A lightweight microfibre towel takes up hardly any room and dries quickly — especially useful when you're travelling for weeks.
It's one of those little things that doesn't take up much space but can make caravan life much easier.
Our Camp Cooking Checklist
Cooking while travelling doesn't have to mean eating sausages every night!
I invested in a solid cooking plate and swing arm, which I just love cooking on over the fire. There's something pretty special about preparing dinner outdoors after a day of exploring.
Kitchen Essentials
☐ Frying pan – I use my local Aussie Campfire pan.
☐ Saucepan
☐ Camp oven – I tried the Bedourie but went back to cast iron.
☐ BBQ – Sometimes we take the Weber, but rarely use it.
☐ Sharp knife
☐ Chopping board
☐ Tongs – Long tongs are a must.
☐ Wooden spoon
☐ Spatula
☐ Foil
☐ Baking paper
☐ Food containers
☐ Zip-lock bags
☐ Paper towel – Heaps of it!
☐ Ice cubes for the freezer
☐ Coffee & tea ☕ – And a coffee machine if you have power.
☐ Salt & pepper
☐ Cooking oil
Pantry Staples
We like to keep these basics on hand because they can turn a random collection of ingredients into dinner.
☐ Pasta
☐ Rice
☐ Wraps
☐ Potatoes
☐ Tinned tomatoes
☐ Baked beans
☐ Tuna
☐ Coconut milk
☐ Stock
☐ Pasta sauce
☐ Eggs
☐ Flour
☐ Crackers
☐ Cereal
☐ Long-life milk
☐ Coffee
☐ Tea
☐ Herbs & spices
☐ Garlic
☐ Olive oil
☐ BBQ sauce
☐ Tomato sauce
The Golden Rule: Pack What You'll Actually Use
After travelling in the caravan, we've learned that you really don't need to take everything with you.
The best packing list is the one that works for your family, your caravan and the way you travel. Keep the essentials in the van, don't overpack, and leave a little room for the things you inevitably pick up along the way.
Because at the end of the day, less stuff means less packing, less unpacking and more time enjoying the adventure.
Happy camping! 🏕️