Camper Van Road Trip Packing List: Vehicle, Kitchen and Camp Kit

This list is for longer road trips where the vehicle is your home: a camper van along the Mediterranean, an overland rig heading off the tarmac, or a converted van touring through several countries.

A van can carry more than a backpack, which is exactly why it fills up with things you never use. Pack what you'll need, know where everything lives, and keep the safety kit where you can reach it fast.

Before you pack

Give every item a fixed home in the van, and put it back there every time.
Check the driving rules for each country on your route before you leave. Required kit varies from country to country.
Keep the warning triangle and high-visibility vests reachable without unloading the van.
Do a short test night close to home before the big trip. You'll find what's missing.

Off-road extras (if you leave the tarmac)

Recovery boards
Shovel
Shackles and a recovery rope rated for your vehicle
Tyre repair kit

Documents

Driving licence (and an International Driving Permit where needed)
Vehicle registration document
Insurance certificate valid for every country on the route
Breakdown cover details and phone number
Passports or ID for everyone
Ferry, campsite and toll-pass bookings
Copies of everything saved on your phone

Water and power

Fresh-water hose with a selection of tap connectors
Water containers or jerry cans
Water filter for drinking water
Campsite hook-up cable and the right plug adapters
Leisure-battery charger or solar panel
12V and USB chargers for phones and lights

Sleeping

Bedding or sleeping bags
Pillows
Window blackout covers
Insect screens or a mosquito net

Camp living

Toilet and washing

Toilet chemicals for a cassette toilet
Toilet paper
Towels
Wash kit and shower shoes for campsite showers

Navigation

Phone with offline maps for every country
Paper road atlas as a backup
Phone mount and car charger

Camper van road trip packing list