Loading Up Your Campervan: A Comprehensive Guide
Essential Items to Organize for Your Road Trip in a Campervan
Plan an unforgettable adventure with our campervans equipped with a bed/dining room and kitchenette boasting a sink, stove, and refrigerator. To make your Escape even better, check out our available extras (bedding kits, kitchen kits, camp chairs, picnic tables, and more) or bring your own personal comfort items. Here's a helpful list of suggestions from our past explorers to ensure a smooth journey.
Expert Tip
Packing List
- Soft luggage is ideal for campervan trips as it makes packing a breeze.
- Check out past renter's extensive tips of 51 Vanlife Essentials for what to pack on your voyage.
- Feel free to browse through left-behind items from previous travelers when you pick up your van.
Necessities
- Driver's license
- Credit card
- Cash
- Mobile device and charger
- Passport
- Annual National Parks Pass (save money if you plan on visiting 4+ national parks on your trip, learn more here)
- Travel companion
Cooking Essentials
- Coffee maker of your preference - our Kitchen Kit includes a simple coffee drip, but if you'd like something fancier (French press or AeroPress), bring your own!
- Large mug - We provide standard smaller mugs, but you might prefer your own
- Cooler - This can be helpful if you'd like to store larger items such as ice and beverages. For size reference, the refrigerator can fit approximately 24 soda cans.
- Dishwashing liquid, salt, pepper, cooking oil, paper towels, trash bags, ziplock bags, tin foil, etc. may be found in our past renter gear stash.
- Picnic blanket
Clothing Suggestions
Pack layers for variable temperatures, especially in the desert, where it can get extremely hot during the day and chilly at night. In addition to basic t-shirts and shorts, we recommend:
- Thick wool socks
- Long pants
- Hat (both a beanie and a baseball cap to shield from the sun)
- Warm jacket
- Raincoat
- Hiking shoes
- Swimsuit
Personal Items
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sandals (great for campsite showers and lounge time)
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Laundry bag and small container of detergent (if you're going on a longer trip, it can be nice to do some laundry at larger campgrounds)
- Towels (you may want one for showering and one for swimming/beaches. Quick-drying towels are best for on-the-road use)
Additional Items
- First aid kit
- Dashboard mount for smartphones (especially useful for navigation)
- Festive fairy lights and other decorations (for some magical flair)
- A small battery-powered fan (great for hot destinations - we provide heaters during winter months)
- A lantern, flashlight, or headlamp (or all three - our vans come equipped with a solar-powered light over the kitchen, but you may want extra light for the picnic table or restroom)
- Bear spray ( Expensive, but worth it if you come across a bear on the trail!)
- Daypack
- Wet wipes
- Water bottle
- Duct tape
- Clothesline
- Small sewing kit
- Aux cable and USB converter (available for purchase for $5 at our Escape Campervan depots)
- Books
- Playing cards
- Quarters for showers at campgrounds (we also offer solar showers - check Extras for info)
- Hammock
Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any packing questions! Reach out to us today to learn more. Not your first camping trip? We'd love to hear your packing tips!
Book your campervan adventure today to get started.
Enrichment Data:
The Essentials and Clothing sections were enriched with a list of suggested items to improve the camping experience. The Cooking Essentials were supplemented with expanded gear list for efficient cooking and outdoor dining, including:
- Stove and Cookware:
- Coleman Cascade 2-burner camp stove for easy setup and fine temperature control
- Gas stove for easy van use
- Cookware and Utensils:
- Durable cutting board, sharp knives, peelers, spatulas, and multipurpose frying pan for versatile meal prep
- Cast iron griddle for cooking over fire or stove
- Dishware and Storage:
- Plates, bowls, cups (preferably insulated mugs like the YETI Rambler), cutlery, and airtight containers or Tupperware for food storage
- Coffee Equipment:
- AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press for quality coffee on the road
- Other Cooking Tools:
- Can opener, corkscrew, bottle opener, measuring jug, tea kettle or thermos for hot water, salt, pepper, herbs, a sponge or scrubbing brush, dish soap, tea towels, etc.
- Additional Gear:
- Cooler or coolbox with cooling blocks for keeping perishables fresh, sandwich bags, drying rack, coasters, scissors, etc.
- To enhance your outdoor lifestyle during your road trip, consider bringing additional outdoor cooking equipment such as a Coleman Cascade 2-burner camp stove for better temperature control and versatile meal preparation.
- Durable cutlery, a multipurpose frying pan, and a cast iron griddle can make outdoor dining more enjoyable.
- Proper cookware and utensils like a sharp knife, peeler, spatula, and durable cutting board are essential for efficient meal preparation.
- Don't forget to pack insulated mugs, airtight food storage containers, and a tea kettle or thermos for hot water to complete your campground kitchen setup.
