What to pack for a caravan holiday: useful tips from well-travelled Mumsnetters

Flexible, affordable and fun, it's no surprise that caravan holidays are a popular choice for families. Whether you’re heading to one of the best UK holiday parks or travelling further afield to one of the best Eurocamp sites in Europe, caravans make a comfortable base for your family to explore new surroundings. And with fully equipped kitchens, they also provide the freedom to plan your day and feed your brood without being restricted by set menus or fixed mealtimes.

Whether you’re a seasoned caravaner or are heading off on your first self-catering caravan holiday with your family, it’s important to plan ahead. Working through a list of caravan essentials will ensure you don’t leave any must-have items behind – keeping your family safe, entertained and happy in your temporary home from home. 

Holiday parks vary from one site to the next, with some providing towels and bed linen and others requiring you to bring your own. It’s worth checking your booking carefully to see what’s included in the price and enquire whether items like high chairs, booster seats and cots are available to hire. 

We’ve tapped into the experiences of Mumsnet users to get their insights into the kinds of products they pack for hassle-free holidays. From caravan kitchen essentials to must-have entertainment for the kids, here’s our Mumsnetter-approved caravan holiday packing list. 

Caravan holiday basics

First things first, whether you’re travelling in the UK or heading to Europe, ensure to pack your essential paperwork somewhere that’s easily accessible before you head off. Yes, you’ve probably got all this stuff on your phone but if you’re heading somewhere rural or off-the-beaten track, it’s handy to have the important documents to hand without having to rely on phone signals/WiFi/battery life. 

The basics:

• Bank cards

• Holiday park/campsite booking confirmation

• Passports (if applicable)

• Insurance/breakdown insurance documentation

• Breakdown insurance numbers 

Accommodation essentials 

Check your accommodation inventory to see what items you may need to pack in order to make your stay more comfortable. These may include:

• Bed linen (if not supplied)

• Towels (if not supplied)

• Blackout blinds for child’s bedroom

• Toilet rolls

• Spare plastic bags

What Mumsnet users say

One year in a caravan and I resorted to bin bags and towels on the windows as the curtains were paper thin and my then 2yo was waking up at 4 am” Ellemeg82 

Empty plastic bags. For dirty laundry, wet things, anything that breaks, spills or consists of small parts, for beach finds and found souvenirs, the list goes on” - NudgeUnit

Most caravans or self-catering lodges come with well-equipped kitchens. As a general rule, you can expect them to have key appliances like a kettle, a fridge/freezer, an oven, a toaster and a microwave, as well as cutlery, glasses and basic cooking utensils. If you enjoy cooking from scratch, you may want to pack these handy extras to make life easier in the kitchen:

• A sharp knife

• Washing up liquid

• Laundry detergent and pegs 

• Tea towels

• Salt, pepper and condiments

• Cooking oil

• Kitchen roll 

• Large frying pan (optional)

• Tea and coffee 

• Bottle opener

• Kitchen scissors 

• Anti-bac spray or wipes 

• Coolbag or coolbox

• Snacks and basic food items 

• Dishwasher tablets (if applicable)

• Coffee pods (if applicable)

What Mumsnet users say 

Definitely a sharp knife! They are always blunt in hired vans. I usually take my own bread knife too, rolled up safely in a couple of tea towels. I also bring a thin lightweight chopping board, as the vans always have the glass ones (no wonder their knives are blunt!) - SkankingWombat 

There’s likely to be a couple of dishwasher tablets and one disposable cloth but not much more” - LemonRoses

We always take a pack of those sponges with green abrasive pads on one side - good for both washing up and wiping down.” - FrivolousTreeDuck

We take laundry powder in a little tub or hand wash for washing or spot washing items. We also take some pegs to hang swim stuff or towels out on the veranda’ – SuperGecko

Tea towels (we had 1 thin one last time we went, did my head in)” - HesterPrincess 

Don’t take a food shop. You can get it delivered to your caravan.” - MyDcAreMarvel

I make a lasagne in a foil carton then freeze it whole. Wrap in foil and use it to cool the cool bag from the bottom. Coolbag has all the stuff for the 1st day - milk, bread, butter, sandwiches for the journey.” - FofB

Clothing and personal items

Weather-appropriate clothes

As well as your family's usual clothes and accessories, it’s important to pack for every weather eventuality - especially if you’re travelling in the UK. 

Don’t forget the following:

• Wellies

• Coats

• Waterproof macs or jackets

• Sandals 

• Swimwear 

• Sunhats/sunglasses  

• Slippers

• Thick socks

• Walking boots or trainers

Toiletries and personal care products

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Shower gel/bubble bath

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste 

• Sun cream 

• Medication 

• First aid kit

• Calpol!

What Mumsnet users say

Lots of clothing. Ignore the weather forecast and take clothes for all weather. Shorts, t-shirts, jumper, big coats, light jackets, waterproofs, standard pj's, thick pj's. However many items of clothing you think you need – double it.” - Bigglebiggle 

Get crocs. They’re great for shower block, slip them on and off easily when you’re in and out.” - WhatwouldHopperdo

Family-friendly items

Entertainment and games

One of the big advantages of a caravan holiday is being able to create a home-from-home setup. If the weather takes a turn or you’re worn out after a day of exploring, toys, games and entertainment can provide some comfortable downtime. A great opportunity for you to spend some quality time together too – as long as you can agree on the rules! 

• Books or Kindles 

• Puzzle books/colouring books/stickers

• iPad or tablet

• Selection of DVDs (if there’s a DVD player)

• Board games (see our best family board games for Mumsnet users’ faves)

• Outdoor toys -  (see our best beach toys for inspiration)

• Bluetooth speaker 

Comfort items for children

It can take a while for children to adjust to a new environment, especially at night. Familiarity is key, so simple items from home can make them feel more relaxed and at ease when it's time to go to bed. 

• Favourite teddy

• Pillow, cushion or pillow case

• Nightlight 

• Lightweight buggy

Most caravans have plenty of green space outside for children to play. If the weather is on your side, you may also like to consider the following:

Outdoor gear

• Bikes or scooters

• Foldable chairs 

• Awning 

• Outdoor rug/picnic blanket 

What Mumsnet users say 

Download favourite films/TV shows on a tablet - Wifi may be expensive, reception patchy or non-existent.” - Needtolovemyself 

 If it’s going to be sunny a small inflatable paddling pool. You can then relax outside your caravan without dragging everyone down to the pool.” - Itsgottobebetter

I like the scuttle bug idea. We always take something with wheels, which was a scooter when they were little and still now when needing to pack lighter (with the luxury of space, we take their bikes).” - SkankingWombat 

​​Sometimes I take the kids own character pillow cases to pop on over the bedding there, just makes them feel homely and smells like home for sleeping” - SuperGecko

A ball you always need a ball.” - Hellocatshome

Nightlight of they have one at home, we always took one to hang on the travel cot.” - kessiebird

Gadgets/technology

• Phone chargers

• Extension leads 

• Camera 

• Torch or lantern

• Bluetooth speaker 

• Power bank 

What Mumsnet users say

Chargers and leads, Bluetooth speaker, plus a couple of fully charged power bars, just in case.” - WarmSausageTea

A wind up torch, I'm not a camper/caravaner but I have a wind up torch in my handbag and you'd be surprised how often it is used.” - sashh 

Packing and storage tips

Packing your car for a caravan holiday can feel a bit like a game of Tetris. It’s important to keep items you may need on your journey accessible while maximising space for larger bulkier items. 

Mumsnet users suggest:

• Rethinking the suitcases - consider using storage containers such as boxes, flexible tubs and storage cubes which are easier to stack and can be carried straight into the caravan for easy unpacking. Ikea bags are also great. 

• Vacuum storage bags - flatten bulkier items like sleeping bags, duvets, pillows or even clothing to maximise space in the car.

• Carry bag for the kids - Give each child their own bag for the journey, so you don’t need to rummage around for items in the car. 

What Mumsnet users say

Folding holdall you can scoop all the extra bits lying around into when it comes to going home” - Icedlatteplease

If driving I swear by those collapsible crates to pack things in, can be used for all sorts when you’re there.” - Upanddownthemerrygoround

Those big flexible buckets are great for transporting things/storing shoes and make a great toddler bath.” - Treasureboxkey 

Packing cubes are great. They are cheap to buy and much easier to unpack. Use a different colour for each family member.” - Roselilly36 

Perhaps the most important tip is this one from TweetleBeetlesBattle 

My best tip is to explain to your other half in a menacing fashion that if he changes your packing system to his packing system you won't be held responsible.”

Are there any weight restrictions when packing for a caravan holiday?

If you’re towing a caravan, you’ll need to consider your caravan's MTPLM (Maximum technically permissible laden mass’ and avoid overloading your caravan, as excess weight can be unsafe and cause the caravan to tip. You should take care to distribute items evenly across the caravan, with heavier items near the floor to ensure balance and stability. 

Keep an eye on the weight of everything as it quickly racks up. There are limits to what your caravan can weigh and your car can tow. When you've got everything in your caravan go and weigh it on a public weigh bridge (or at a local builders yard if you have one). Check you're within your legal limits and also get a receipt as to what it weighs.” - HollyBollyBooBoo 

There are no limits as to how much you can take if you’re staying in a static caravan. Note that if you’re flying to a Eurocamp site, you’ll need to consider airline luggage restrictions when packing for your trip. 

What are the must-have kitchen items for a caravan holiday?

There’s much debate on our UK travel and camping forums about caravan packing essentials. The general consensus is that the following items are well worth slipping into your luggage:

• Bin liners: while one or two may be supplied, you’re likely to need more during your stay and they’re often expensive to buy at the on-site shop. Be sure to take them to designated refuse areas when full however, as those seagulls don’t hang about! 

• Tea towel/s: while one may be supplied, they tend to be relatively thin and poor in quality.

• Condiments and seasoning: if your kid insists on having ketchup with every meal, bring a small bottle from home, or even better, create small pots of the items you use most regularly, like ketchup, brown sauce, salt and pepper. 

• Knife: seasoned caravanners agree that the knives are the most frustrating part of the kitchen inventory (in second place, glass chopping boards). If you’re planning to cook during your stay, you may want to bring your own. Be sure to pack it carefully, ensuring the blade is protected before stashing it in a large cool box or container. 

What are the best storage solutions for small caravan spaces?

We've tried and tested the best vacuum storage bags on the market.

While caravans are compact inside, you’d be surprised just how much they can accommodate with some sensible storage solutions. We recommend the following:

• Vertical hanging storage space: such as over the door organisers - these can be great for makeup and toiletries, underwear and socks, and even the kids’ favourite toys and teddies.

• Storage boxes: can be stacked in the cleaning cupboard for simple storage of outdoor shoes, wet weather gear or items that get occasional use during your break. 

• Vacuum storage bags: can be stashed under the beds to make the most of the floor space. 

• Collapsible storage cubes: which can be folded flat when not in use.

What kind of luggage is best to take on a caravan holiday?

Suitcases aren’t the best solution for caravan holidays. Not only are they bulky to put in the car, you’ll also struggle to keep them out of the way once you’ve unpacked. Instead, Mumsnet users recommend opting for soft sided holdalls, collapsible storage baskets, rucksacks or Ikea bags, which can also double up as storage for day trips and days out with the kids. 

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and roundups. Having written product reviews on her own blog, Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.  

As a city dweller from Birmingham, Lucy has spent many of her summers in caravan and holiday parks in Devon and Cornwall with her family and prides herself on her holiday packing skills (no matter how much her other half moans!)