Your first caravan trip is exciting, but the packing can be stressful. What do you actually need? What can you leave behind? And what will you kick yourself for forgetting?
Here’s a no-nonsense packing list based on years of caravan camping experience. Print this out and tick things off as you go.
Kitchen and Cooking
Your caravan probably has a fridge, stove, and sink. But you still need to stock it:
- Pots and pans (one large, one small is enough)
- Frying pan
- Kettle
- Plates, bowls, and mugs (melamine or enamel, not glass)
- Cutlery
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Can opener and bottle opener
- Braai tongs, grid, and firelighters
- Dish soap, sponge, and dish towel
- Cling wrap, foil, and zip-lock bags
- Salt, pepper, and cooking oil
- Coffee, tea, sugar, and long-life milk
- Cooler box for overflow if the caravan fridge is small
Tip: Keep a dedicated set of camping kitchen gear in a plastic crate. That way you never have to pack and unpack from your home kitchen.
Bedding and Linen
- Sleeping bags or duvet and sheets (caravan beds can be cold)
- Pillows
- Extra blankets (Highveld nights drop below 10 degrees in winter)
- Towels (quick-dry camping towels are ideal)
Clothing
Pack for the weather, plus one layer warmer than you think you’ll need:
- Warm jacket or fleece for evenings
- Rain jacket (summer thunderstorms are sudden)
- Comfortable shoes and flip-flops
- Sun hat
- Swimsuit
Don’t overpack clothes. You’re camping, not going to a fashion show. Three days’ worth is usually plenty for a weekend.
Campsite Setup
- Electrical extension lead (minimum 20m, outdoor rated)
- Multi-plug adapter
- Levelling ramps or blocks
- Wheel chocks
- Water hose (food-grade, at least 10m)
- Bucket (multi-purpose, trust us)
- Pegs and mallet (if you’re setting up a tent or awning)
- Broom (for sweeping out the caravan)
Safety and Tools
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher (should be in the caravan already)
- Torch and spare batteries (or a rechargeable headlamp)
- Multi-tool or basic tool kit
- Duct tape (fixes everything temporarily)
- Cable ties
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Wheel spanner for the caravan
- Jack that works on the caravan
- Jumper cables
- Spare fuses for the caravan (12V)
Gas
- Full gas bottles (check levels before you leave)
- Spare gas bottle if you have space
- Gas lighter or matches
Most caravans run on 3kg or 4.5kg gas bottles. A full bottle lasts a weekend of cooking easily. Running out of gas on a Sunday morning when you’re trying to make coffee is not fun.
Personal and Comfort
- Sunscreen (SPF50 in SA)
- Insect repellent
- Wet wipes (the camper’s best friend)
- Toilet paper (even if the campsite has ablutions, carry your own)
- Hand sanitiser
- Headache tablets and personal medication
- Camping chairs (good ones, your back will thank you)
- Camping table (if your caravan doesn’t have an outside table)
- Small mat or carpet for under the awning
Entertainment
- Books or magazines
- Board games or cards
- Bluetooth speaker (keep the volume considerate)
- Binoculars (for game reserves and bird watching)
- Fishing gear (if applicable)
- Kids’ toys and games
- Charcoal or firewood for the braai
Documents and Admin
- Driver’s licence
- Caravan registration papers
- Insurance documents
- Campsite booking confirmation
- Cash for firewood, ice, and gate fees (not everywhere takes cards)
- Power adapter if your caravan plug differs from the campsite outlets
What NOT to Pack
- Your entire wardrobe
- Expensive electronics you’ll worry about
- Glass anything (it breaks, always)
- Too much food (you’ll eat less than you think)
- Stress (leave it in Joburg)
The Golden Rule
After your first trip, make a note of what you used and what you didn’t. Within three trips, you’ll have your packing list dialled in and you’ll be able to pack in 30 minutes.
Need a Caravan to Pack For?
At Caravan Center in Vereeniging, we sell quality second hand caravans ready for your first adventure. We can also help with accessories, gas fittings, and everything else you need to get started.
Visit us at caravancenter.co.za or get in touch.
