RV and camper van travel lets you see Australia in a way you never have before. The open road and endless bitumen provide you with the freedom to explore endlessly, with no particular destination in mind. Ralph Waldo Emerson told us the number one rule to travel years ago - Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.

Although you may not plan your destination, it’s crucial to prepare for your trip in your RV van. With the mystery of some unknown ahead of you and your RV, you’ll want to pack the essential things and make sure you know precisely what to take caravanning. Campervan equipment lists can include a range of items, and it’s vital to be smart when it comes to packing, or your RV will soon be packed to the brim with things you don’t need!

For first time travellers, it may be a tall task to know exactly what things you need to live on the road for days, weeks, or if you’re lucky, months. We at Emprise Global have made the rookie mistakes when it comes to long campervan trips, so you don’t have to! We know all about the learning curve to travelling and packing properly. Check out our story and see just what we’ve done over the last two decades.

This blog is to highlight some of the essential things you should pack when going on your first adventure

What to Take Caravanning. The Packing List!

If you have ever been camping or backpacking, the packing list will be similar. However, with additional space in your camper van, you will be able to pack a little more, including some luxury items that will make the experience that much sweeter. By packing smart, you will be able to cut down on frequent stops to buy goods, helping eliminate lost time and the stress of maneuvering and finding a parking spot in tight parking lots.

Essentials to take:

You need to be prepared for your trip and any situation that may arise. By planning ahead and considering the different places you will go, you can make a list that will prepare you for anything. In addition to our list below, we recommend visiting your campsites website or giving them a call to understand what things you may need to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible

• Clothes - Giving special attention to clothes that are wicking, warm, and rain-resistant layers. It’s essential to check the weather before you leave your house so you can plan accordingly. However, Mother Nature can be unpredictable at times, so you may want to bring extra clothes for any weather that might happen during the season you are camping in. 
• Backpack - This is a must-have for when you go for short day trips around the campground or into the city. It will help you carry water, snacks, a medkit, a change of clothes or anything else your day trip may need.
• First aid kit - It’s crucial to be ready for any emergency that may happen. It’s smart to have a larger one for your RV as well as a smaller one that can be taken in your backpack for those day trips.
• Food - If you pre-plan your meals you can save a lot of time that you may otherwise spend on shopping and deciding what to eat. It will help you stay stress-free while being able to enjoy more time outdoors relaxing.
• Tools and Equipment - Depending on uncertain things that may happen along your trip, you’ll want to be prepared for minor fixes or for any situation that may arise! Properly being prepared means bringing along things that will make your life a little bit easier, like: surge protectors, extension cords, tire pressure gauge, flashlight, motor oil, and shovel.

Luxury Items to consider:

Camping trips are about relaxing and reducing stress! Campervans are perfect for reducing stress as they allow you to take things that you may not have been able to if you were just going backpacking or camping. Below are some of our favourite things we suggest you may also want to bring along!

• Smaller Car - Depending on how long your trip will be, and if you want to take short trips around your destination, it will be smart to bring a smaller car. Another car will allow you to save fuel as well as time by not having to clean up everything at your campsite anytime you need to go somewhere. In order to bring another car, you can either tow it directly behind your camper van or you can load it on a trailer. You should, however, note, that if you go with this option, driving will be more difficult and backing up will need special attention. 
• Bicycles - Biking around your campground is a fun way to go sightseeing, get your shopping done, or connect with fellow campers while enjoying your exercise. Plus it’s sustainable and eco-friendly, and who doesn’t love keeping our campgrounds green!
• Firewood - If you’re an outdoor lover who loves gazing at the stars next to a warm fire, it might be a good idea to bring your own firewood. It cuts down on time looking for wood, and it can help save money as buying firewood everywhere can get expensive. Just make sure to follow fire protocol at the campsites, and don’t forget the marshmallows!
• Board and outdoor games - You will have a lot of downtimes to play fun games with your family and friends. So make sure to bring board games to play indoors in case of a rainy day (cards, Jenga, monopoly), as well as outdoor games to enjoy the sunshine and to get some exercise. Most campgrounds have ample space in your personal site, or an open area to play some long-distance games too. Some of our favourites are Frisbee, Cricket, or Football. 
• Personal Items and Toiletries - With the added storage space that RVs and camper vans add, as well as the amenities built into your rig, you can splurge and bring some items that you usually couldn’t. Take the chance to bring things that make you feel at home, and make you feel stress-free. Some things you might consider are shampoo and conditioner, blowdryer, lotion, makeup, razor, shaving gel, and face masks.
• Camera - Your RV trip will provide you with countless new experiences and sights to be seen. Bring your nice DSLR camera along so you can document your journey and remember it for later! The campervan allows you to bring more photography gear with you like tripods and sound equipment.

The things to pack for camping in a camper will be different for everyone, especially when it comes to luxury items. The open road is home to surprising events that you may have never planned for before your trip. Unforeseen events may be problematic, but if you plan and make a well thought out and prepared packing list of essential items, you’ll be ready for anything! 

The Emprise Global brand is home to a community of campervan and camping trip lovers. We are always excited to hear about our friends’ camping trips and their ‘essential things to pack for camping in a camper’ checklist. If you have anything we should add, contact us and let us know.

Emprise Global wants to make sure you’re ready for every trip you take in your campervan. No matter if it’s your first, or your fiftieth, we are here to help! Our dedicated team has over two decades of experience, and we are focused on making sure your trip is fun, easy and seamless. With these values in mind, we push ourselves to deliver the level of satisfaction our customers deserve. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for advice on what to take caravanning, a new window, or looking to share a story about your latest adventure, we’re here to listen!