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Camping Checklist

Don't know what to pack for your next trip? This Camping Checklist from CSTROM will ensure you have everything you need to be able to kick back and enjoy your camping holiday!

Planning ahead and being prepared for your caravan camping holiday with a Camping Checklist makes life so much easier! Less trips to the shops for forgotten basics and more time relaxing and enjoying yourself.

As with the pack-down to do list, we have virtually committed this list to memory now, but in the early days we would often forget to do one or more of these things; driving off without surfboards and clotheslines or forgetting to close windows or secure cupboards inside…made for a messy surprise!

We’ve found we have fallen into a bit of a flow with each of us having our own ‘jobs’ to do. Planning, lists and packing and jobs to be done at set up and pack down. Hopefully this Camping Checklist for Caravan Hirers helps make for a smooth relaxing camping trip!

Our Camping Checklist for caravan hirers

What to pack? What not to pack? Our caravans for hire here at CSTORM are stocked with pretty much everything you need as far as cooking, eating, cleaning, first aid, basic tool kit etc and we also offer a huge range of optional extras for hire to help reduce the things you need to pack.

The following Camping Checklist For Caravan hirers covers most things that you’ll need for your camping holiday.

  • Lists & meal plan; Start with a list of items you want or need to take. You can then ‘cull’ the list if needed and add things as you think of them. Tick off the list as you pack. Meal planning (maybe for all days or just a few) is really worth it. You can reduce the amount of food you take by using some of the same ingredients for a few dishes or plan to use leftovers for the next meal / lunch. We like to research if where we are going has local farmers markets on and check out the local butcher and bakery too. 
  • Kitchen; tupperware for leftovers, Picnic basket, green bags, thermos, water bottles, matches/lighter (all hired caravans from CSTORM are kitted out with everything else you’ll need for cooking, eating and cleaning.
  • If we are on a powered site, we also like to take along either our Thermomix or Induction cooker. May seem excessive BUT we meal plan around using these appliances simply because it reduces the time I spend cooking, less washing up and bonus…the thermo makes a BRILLIANT cocktail!
  • Bedding; Mattress topper/egg shells, sheets (+1 spare set, blankets (+spare), pillows
  • Towels & Beach towels. You can save space by using turkish towels that can be used as bath towels & beach towels. 
  • Toiletries & shower kit;  invest in a good hanging toiletries bag that folds up. It can be hung in the shower stall with easy access to everything you need. We like to use a small plastic tub with handles or a waterproof bag to carry everything in to keep everything nice and dry. A square rubber tile mat is handy to put down after drying yourself so your feet stay dry while getting dressed. Another good tip is to change into your fresh clothes and wear them to the showers. You’ll only have them on for a minute or two before you shower and it saves having a tangle of clothes to deal with in the shower block.
  • Toilet paper; never hurts to have a back up!
  • 12v fan & heater
  • Washing kit; washing liquid or powder (dispensed into a smaller container), $1/$2 coins for the laundry, pegs and a length of rope for a spot to have towels and such at camp.
  • Cleaning kit; essentials for washing up, drying, cleaning, sweeping etc. All our CSTORM caravans are kitted out cleaning supplies. 
  • First Aid Kit & Medicine; Basic first aid kits should be supplied in ANY hired caravan but depending on where you are headed, you may want to also back specific items and also don’t forget personal medicine (plus backup or extra scripts if you are delayed or have to extend your holiday)
  • Book, card / board games, portable DVD player or laptop. It’s great to switch off from devices while on holidays but days of rain mean you may need to resort to some screen time for your own sanity!
  • Insect repellent & Sun protection. if using mozzie coils, make sure to use the diffuser or container for them…we’ve burned a hole in our floor matt using the coils. Also check out thermacell Repellents https://www.bunnings.com.au/brands/t/thermacell
  • Beach gear; Umbrella, chairs, toys 
  • Torch / head torches; ( + extra batteries) Have a specific spot where they live so they are easily accessed in the dark.
  • Chargers, batteries 
  • Outside; BBQ, Table, Chairs, Floor Matt, Picnic Blanket, Fire wood, Solar Pannel (some items are included in our caravans for hire at CSTORM and others are available for hire) 
  • Inline Water Filter. Fitted to the water hose, it filters your tap water to make it more safe and suitable for drinking.
  • Tool kit; basic tools for repair….hammer, screwdriver, drill, tomahawk, zip ties, electric tape or masking tape, superglue
  • Combination bike locks; Not just for securing your bikes but also handy for securing your esky, BBQ or any other items that have to be left outside. It’s unfortunate, but caravan parks can be hotspots for theft.

Pack down to-do list

Check Inside

  • Pop-top lowered (if applicable)
  • Close all roof vents / hatches
  • Close and lock windows
  • All cupboard doors are closed and secure
  • Make sure TV aerial is DOWN and TV is secure (if applicable)
  • All loose items are secure
  • Nothing left on benchtops
  • Cover over hotplates is down and secure
  • Fridge door is locked
  • Fridge is switched OFF
  • Unplug 12V power (we know of someone who left the 12v power connected in their pop-top and when the roof was wound down one of the roof lights turned on, burning a hole through the canvas! They were incredibly lucky the van didn’t catch alight)

Around the Outside

  • Put step up or inside
  • Shut and Lock the door
  • Make sure awning is up, and locked into place
  • Inspect tyres for wear & check you have all the wheel chocks
  • Storage access doors shut / locked
  • Check all windows are closed
  • LOCK roof clips (if applicable)
  • Double check that TV aerial is down
  • Double check Roof vents/hatches are shut
  • Make sure power cords, portable solar, water hoses and waste buckets are all disconnected and stowed
  • Quick scan for any little bits of rubbish around camp – one of our biggest gripes is seeing people leave rubbish behind for wildlife to find or the next campers to come across.

Hook Up Caravan

  • Towbar and towball are secure
  • Hitch is secure
  • Chains attached and crossed over
  • Electronic brakes connected and tested
  • Jockey Wheel Up or Off
  • Handbrake Off
  • Gas Bottle/s turned OFF
  • All legs/stabilizers are UP
  • Check the park lights, brake lights & blinkers
Safe Towing Towing set up Camping Checklist Camping Checklist Towing set up Towing set up

It sounds like a lot to remember but once you have done it a few times it will become second nature. Remember, lists are your friend! It’s also a good idea that when you make a stop for petrol or for food etc, that you do a bit of a check to make sure nothing has come loose or unsecure during the trip

Double check tow hitch, chains, electrical connections, hand brake etc. Check your car side mirrors for correct alignment

We hope this helps. Obviously, every caravan and camper is different and will have different setups, but in general this list should help you remember some key points while you find your own flow.

Happy Caravanning!!

Explore caravans for hire – Ready to book the ultimate adventure camping holiday? Let’s get you on your way! No Van? No Problem! See the range of Caravans and Pop Top Campers CSTORM has for hire to help you have the most memorable and relaxing holiday experience possible.

CSTORM is based in the Great Lakes NSW area, so it’s the perfect spot to start your holiday from.