Interested in trying out a campervan for your next adventure but unsure of what it really entails or how to pack? Keep reading for a list of ten things that you need to add to your campervan packing list no matter where or when you are traveling. If any of the below items catch your eye, click the item name or any of the images within the carousel at the beginning or end of the post to learn more!
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Durable Travel Backpack
You’ll want to travel with a backpack rather than a hard suitcase because storage inside most vans is limited and you will want to keep the interior as organized as possible. Most campervans have a storage area where you can unpack your clothes and usually somewhere out of the way where you can stow your pack.
When I spent 8 days traveling the U.S. Southwest in an Escape Campervan, I stored my backpack in the bottom of the storage bench and leveraged packing cubes and cheap bins to organize my clothes on top of the bag. If you’re in a van without a storage bench, there is usually space under the seating/bed area where you can store your backpack!
I love using my Osprey Farpoint 55. Considering making the switch to a backpack? Check out my top five reasons why you should already be traveling with a backpack.
Portable Lantern
Most campervans will have interior lighting that can be utilized when the van is either on or off but we found it super handy to have a small battery powered lantern that we could hang from the ceiling once it got dark. It can also be used when relaxing outside the van, in the pop-up tent if you’re choosing to sleep outside of the van, and to go to the bathroom.
Check out this Energizer lantern that has a 150 hour run-time and is water-resistant.
Collapsible Cooler
The campervan we rented had a solar powered refrigerator drawer that we used to store all of our cold food for the week. We brought a soft collapsible cooler like this one so that we could store ice and drinks in order to leave more room for food in the fridge. This allowed us to stock up on food items but also keep cold water, beer and juice on hand.
This cooler can fold flat and easily be packed with your other belongings.
Day/Hydration Pack
A good day and/or hydration pack will come in handy for adventuring away from the van. If you will be doing any sort of hiking or outdoor activities, consider a hydration pack so that you always have your water handy in addition to a spot to store everything else that you may need.
I love this Osprey Skarab hydration pack because it also has plenty of storage space like a traditional daypack. I used this as my personal item when I flew out to Las Vegas to explore Utah and Arizona and it held everything that I needed it to like snacks, books, and other flight essentials.
Clip-On Cellphone Holder
If you’re renting a campervan, it’s likely you will be referring to Google/Apple Maps or some other direction app on your phone throughout the trip. Throw one of these air vent clip in phone holders into your bag so that you can holster your phone throughout your drive. This will allow you to focus on driving and enjoying the view instead of juggling your phone.
This came in handy when exploring Utah and Arizona and it was super lightweight and fit in my backpack.
First Aid Kit
Never be without a first aid kid. Keep this handy in your day kit when you are exploring in case you need anything.
This travel size is perfect because you can keep it in your day/hydration pack when adventuring away from the van.
Mission Cooling Neck Gator
This will change your life. Whether you are traveling somewhere warm and want this to cool off or are looking for a mask to wear while adventuring, this gator by Mission is for you.
We packed these for our hiking trip and they were awesome to have with us. Easy to pull up and down and also kept us cool when it was well over 100 degrees.
Water/Shower Shoes
Campsites have varying levels of bathrooms but no matter how clean, you’ll want flip flops or water shoes. These can also double as shoes to easily slide on while you’re in the van or relaxing so that your dirty boots/sneakers can stay tucked away.
We stayed at campsites that had very nice coin operated showers and these came in handy! We also wore them swimming throughout the trip and often wore them to climb the ladder to our pop up tent on top of the camper.
Insider Tip: Remember, it’s all about keeping the interior of the van clean and organized. The better you do that, the easier it is to adapt to van life. Anything you can do to stay organized or clean will help keep your spirits high in the long run. Trust me, I had to make multiple stops to just organize and straighten up. Your campervan packing list should include items that you will definitely need!
Towel/Rug
You’ll want to lay down a “rug” or an old towel to act like a doormat for your van. Take all of your dirty shoes off there, your hiking boots, etc. so that you don’t bring unnecessary dirt and germs into the van. This also comes in handy if you have a pop-up sleeper on top of your van because you can leave flip flops on the rug while you are up in tent sleeping. Just remember not to leave boots, sneakers or anything with closed-toes out overnight or you could wake up to critters in your shoes.
Quick Dry Towels
These quick-dry towels will definitely come in handy on the road. You don’t have to worry about your bath towels getting moldy or musty when you have nowhere to hang them dry.
You can even find packs that include both a bath towel and a wash cloth!
Bonus Item: Portable Charger
A portable charger needs to be on your campervan packing list! You can charge it in the van while you’re driving and can throw it into your day pack when you are adventuring.
Looking for campervan itinerary inspiration now that you have ideas for what to include on your campervan packing list? Check out my post on 8 days exploring Utah and Arizona in an Escape campervan!
this is such a good list!
Thanks so much!!
My friend and I rented a van for a month and all of these items are a must! I didn’t have the neck gator and it sure would have come in handy!
That sounds awesome!! Yes, was super convenient for hiking and exploring!
Love this so helpful! Can’t wait to start these types of trips again!
These items would be great for RV camping, too! Which is my favorite way to camp. Those shower shoes are adorable. Checking them out now.
They were great!! But yes, you are totally right! I can’t wait to experience RV camping.
Never thought about the cooling neck gator and the water shoes before! These will be a gamechanger for me when i go camping next time.
Yes, definitely check them out! Hopefully they’ll benefit you like they do me!
Yes, this article was exactly what I needed! The “Mission Cooling Neck Gator” love that one; I had actually never heard of that before. I’ll make sure to pass these tips on to some of our van-traveling-friends 🙂
Awesome – so glad it was helpful to you!! Thank you so much.
I’ve never traveled in a campervan but these items could apply to other types of traveling as well 🙂 wouldn’t have thought of the Mission Cooling Neck Gator!
Definitely could apply to all sorts of travel, such a good point!!
These are great to have during camping too! We have a lamp/fan for our tent so our dogs don’t overheat 🙂
That is a great idea!! I’ve taken my dog camping in the fall but not during the summer heat yet, will definitely remember that!
so helpful!! I was actually supposed to rent an Escape Campervan over NYE to do a road trip through California but unfortunately had to cancel due to COVID lockdowns 🙁
I loved Escape, had such a great experience. I’m so sorry that you had to cancel, hopefully you can reschedule soon! I am actually supposed to rent one later this year to explore California! Would love any recommendations.
Portable charge is also on my “must have” list! I also like van shoes or sleeping socks! Great list!
I’ve never used one of those neck gaitors, but I’m now tempted to look into it! I have a hard time handling any amount of heat, which makes summer outdoor travel tricky!
Definitely check them out! They can be dipped in water to help keep you cool and worked great while we were hiking!
Portable charger is top on our list. We have a Sprinter and keep our little charger going with a tiny solar panel on the dash! Simple but an effective way to keep the phone charged when away from the van
Taking advantage of solar power is an amazing idea!!
Love the idea of the shower shoes!! And the cooling neck gaiter! I’m running a marathon in Sierra Leone next year (COVID permitting) and that gaiter will certainly come in handy!!
That’s awesome! It definitely will, it was great for hiking!!
These are some great suggestions! We invested in some hydration packs and they are an absolute game changer! Thanks for the great guide!
Thank you! Aren’t they the best?