The Most Comprehensive Campervan Packing List - Native Campervans

The Most Comprehensive Campervan Packing List

A man poses in his fully-outfitted campervan rental in Death Valley

Having a packing list for a campervan trip can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the experience. However, with a bit of planning and organization, you’ll be able to pack everything you need to have a successful trip without feeling overwhelmed.

We will break down types of gear into categories, such as must-haves and nice-to-haves, including a detailed checklist to help ensure you have everything you need for a successful trip.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time camper vanner, this guide will help you make the most of your adventure. So grab your bags, and let’s get to packing!


Items Included In Your Campervan Rental

We’ve taken the time to put together a curated list of Must-Haves that are included in every campervan rental. Check out the items you can leave off your packing list below:

Cooking

  • Propane
  • Dual Burner Propane Stovetop
  • Refrigerator
  • 7-Gallon Water Tank
  • 7-Gallon Gray Water Tank
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife Set
  • Forks (2)
  • Spoons (2)
  • Knives (2)
  • Cooking Pot (1)
  • Cooking Pan (1)
  • Plates (2)
  • Bowls (2)
  • Cups (2)
  • Wine Glasses (2)
  • Cork Screw
  • Large Spoon
  • Spatula
  • Can Opener
  • Tongs
  • Lighter
  • Coffee Percolator
  • Cork Heat Board
  • Dish Rag
  • Dish Soap and Scrubbing Brush

Seating/Dining/Relaxing

  • Camping chairs (2)
  • Camping Table

Bedding/Sleep Essentials

  • Bed (6′ long, 4’8″ wide)
  • Pillows (2)
  • Pillow Cases (2)
  • Fitted Sheet
  • Flat Sheet
  • Rumpl Blanket
  • Window Coverings

Electronics

  • 1000 Watt Inverter
  • Remote Operated Fan
  • 150-Watt Solar Panel
  • Bluetooth Speaker
  • LED Lights
  • USB Chord

*The Squads come with (4) forks, spoons, knives, plates, bowls, and cups.


Must-Haves You Should Bring With You

While we’ve thought of most things, you’ll absolutely need to make the most of your campervan trip. There are still a few Must-Have items you should bring with you.

Documents/Information

  • Drivers License
  • National Park Pass
  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • Cash for campgrounds and park entrances
  • Insurance Cards – auto and medical for any emergencies
  • Passport if you’re traveling over country lines
  • Phone
  • Phone charger

Emergency Equipment

  • Sattelite Phone
  • Bandages
  • Pain relievers
  • Prescribed medication
  • Flares
  • Flashlight
  • Whistle
  • Emergency blanket
  • Bear spray
  • Pepper spray
  • Extra first aid kit
  • Small sewing kit
  • Duct tape
  • Quarters for showers at campgrounds 
  • Extra batteries

Personal Items & Toiletries

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Feminine hygiene products, if needed
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Baby wipes
  • Water bottle
  • Towels – microfiber is a good option because it is quick drying.

Entertainment

  • Board games
  • Cards
  • Dice
  • Hammock

Organizational tools

  • Packing cubes to store clothes
  • Hanging toiletry bag
  • Clear plastic bags for food storage
  • Laundry bag for dirty clothes
  • Magnetic hooks for hanging clothes or towels to dry

Tools and Equipment

  • Camping lantern or headlight
  • Multi-tool or a pocket knife
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Bungee cords/rope
  • Camping hatchet or ax
  • Firestarter
  • Clothesline 
  • Portable space heater

Clothing and Gear

Layering up is important, and so is having all the right equipment. The type of clothes you pack will generally be determined by the time of year and the location of your trip. We’ve included a few pieces of clothing and gear that are essential to any trip:

Clothing

  • Long pants
  • Wool socks
  • Baselayer t-shirts
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Mid-layer fleece
  • Rain jacket
  • Head protection like a hat or beanie
  • Clothes with quick drying material such as merino wool
  • Hiking shoes
  • Tennis shoes
  • Swimsuit
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Backpack for day trips
  • Sandals

Make sure to pack items that contain the following technologies:

  • Moisture wicking
  • Light colored
  • Lightweight

Gear

  • Fishing poles and tackle boxes
  • Bikes
  • Hiking poles, boots, and backpack
  • Water toys such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards
  • Rock climbing gear like harnesses, ropes, and chalk bags
  • Skis, ski boots, poles
  • Snowboard, snowboard boots

Our renters can rent bike racks and roof boxes to carry their gear. Check out the add-ons we offer here.


Campervan gear packing list

Tech

While many people like to remain unplugged and unbothered by technology, we’ve chosen a few tech items that will only make your campervan experience better:


Activities Specific

There are specific activities that have their own list of must-have items. We’ve picked the most popular activities that our campervan travelers partake in and created a packing list. If you’re planning any of these activities during your trip, make sure to pack accordingly!

Hiking

  • Hiking shoes
  • Long pants
  • Hat
  • Wool socks
  • Layers – short sleeve t-shirt and fleece or puffer jacket
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking poles
  • Day pack
  • Snacks like granola bars and trail mix
  • Map or compass
  • Rain jacket
  • A multi-tool or pocket knife
  • First aid kit
  • Bug spray
  • Water purifying equipment

Skiing

  • Skis
  • Poles
  • Ski boots
  • Season pass or lift ticket
  • Skiing pants
  • Ski jacket
  • Gloves
  • Hat
  • Helmet
  • Hand warmers
  • Wool socks
  • Base layers like a long sleeve shirt
  • Mid layers like a fleece or light puffer jacket
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Backcountry gear like avalanche equipment, shovel, beacon, and GPS tracker if you plan to go off-resort
  • Water bottle 
  • Apres ski attitude

Dispersed Camping

  • First aid kits
  • Headlamps, lanterns, and flashlights
  • Warm clothing
  • Download offline maps
  • Satellite phone
  • Check out our article on Dispersed Camping

Weather Specific

For hot weather trips, make sure to bring or rent the following:

  • Sunshades
  • Extra water
  • Portable fans
  • Shade or canopy for your camping area
  • Check out our article on warm-weather camping.

For cold-weather trips, you’ll want to make sure to bring or rent the following:

  • Choose the Ski Bum Winter Package when you rent your campervan with us. It includes snow tires, a built-in heater, snow chains, two sleeping bags, and an ice scraper.
  • Layers, layers, layers – pack as much of your warm clothes as possible such as ear protection, base layers, mid layers, and outer layers.
  • Check out our article on winter camping.

camping gear and supplies lits

Nice-to-Haves

We’ve put together a comprehensive packing list of must-haves that every campervan traveler should have. To close out our article, we’ve also listed a few of our favorite items to bring along:


Get To Packing

It’s important to be well-prepared with the necessary gear and supplies. A comprehensive packing list should include must-have items such as camping gear, cooking equipment, personal items, navigation tools, and safety equipment. Additionally, many nice-to-have items can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable, such as cozy blankets from home, a portable toilet, a solar shower, and other items.

It’s important to pack according to your travel itinerary, the length of your trip, and the weather forecast. Also, check the regulations and limitations of the campground or the area you plan to visit before traveling, as some places may have restrictions or require permits.

With a well-prepared packing list, you’ll be able to enjoy your campervan trip to the fullest and make the most out of your outdoor adventure! Comment below or tag us on social (@nativecampervan) and tell us what your must-have and nice-to-have packing lists include!

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