Camping checklist – What do you really need when camping?
October 14, 2025

Introduction
Whether you're traveling by motorhome, campervan, or caravan – good preparation makes the difference between chaos and relaxation. To ensure you don't forget anything on your next camping trip, we've compiled a clear camping packing list – from important documents to the right equipment.
Of course, a lot depends on where you're traveling: Are you going to the sea, the mountains, or northern Europe? Depending on your destination and the time of year, you'll need different things – and you can easily plan exactly that in the CampPilot app: route, pitches, campsites, and even local supply stations.
Here's your handy camping checklist – with everything you really need:
🗂️ Papers & Documents
Before you start, check that all important documents are on board:
- ID card/passport
- driver's license (international driver's license if applicable)
- vehicle registration/insurance card
- international health insurance/EHIC
- credit card & some cash
- ADAC or camping club card
- vignettes and toll documents
- documents for the dog (EU pet passport
- proof of vaccination)
Tip: Make digital copies of all important documents and save them on your smartphone or in the cloud – in case something gets lost.
💊 Medications & Travel Pharmacy
A small first-aid kit belongs in every vehicle. Adapt it individually depending on the destination and climate:
- Painkillers
- plasters
- disinfectant spray
- thermometer
- electrolytes
- insect repellent & mosquito spray
- tick repellent for dog and human
- remedies for diarrhea or travel sickness
- personal medications (with prescription copy if necessary)
💡 Tip: Insect repellent is especially important in southern countries – tick repellent, on the other hand, is crucial in Scandinavia.
🧴 Hygiene products
Even when you're on the go, you want to feel comfortable. So pack:
- Toothbrush
- toothpaste
- shower gel
- shampoo
- sunscreen & after-sun lotion
- toilet paper (an extra roll never hurts)
- wet wipes & disinfectant
- microfiber towels (they dry quickly)
- hand wash for clothes
- cleaning supplies & small household items
🧰 Household goods & camping equipment
The little things are often the most important when camping:
- Pocket knife & scissors
- candles
- lighter or matches
- flashlight or outdoor lamp
- outdoor string lights 🌟
- dish soap
- dish sponge
- brush
- garbage bags & clothesline
- duct tape
- small shovel
- watering can or canister
- adapters for gas & water connection
Tip: Check in advance what connections your destination has – this will save you unnecessary luggage.
🍳 Kitchen & Catering
Eating on the go is often the best part of the day! With this basic equipment, you're ready for anything:
- Pots
- pans
- cutlery
- plates
- bowls
- cutting board & sharp knife
- corkscrew
- can & bottle opener
- washing-up bowl or collapsible bowl
- basic foodstuffs & spices
- snacks & drinks
- cooler or refrigerator
- grill & accessories
Tip: Plan meals with regional products – this saves space and supports local markets.
🌳 For outdoors
Outside is your second living room:
- Camping table & chairs
- grill or camping stove
- work gloves (for setting up tents or chopping firewood)
- air mattress or hammock
- yoga mat for stretching or relaxation 🧘♀️
- mosquito net & spray
- spirit level – to ensure your camper is level
- earplugs – for quiet nights
- even in noisy campsites
⚡ Electronics & Power Supply
- Chargers & power bank
- extension cords & cable reel
- CEE power cable & adapter
- smartphone
- tablet
- GPS
- internet router / camping Wi-Fi
- spare batteries
- flashlight
👕 Clothing, Bedding & Comfort
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- fleece jacket or sweater
- swimwear and rain jacket
- bed linen
- blankets
- pillows
- fitted sheets and sleeping bags
- extra towels
🐾 Extras for safety & pets
Safety and well-being are just as important as adventure:
- Gas detector & smoke alarm
- camera or GPS tracker for the vehicle
- first aid kit
- dog food
- water bowl & leash
- muzzle (mandatory on some ferries)
- travel documents & vaccination certificate for pets
🌅 Conclusion – Travel well prepared
Keep it simple, stay flexible – and enjoy the freedom on wheels. 🚐💨
Published on October 14, 2025