Goodbye routine, hello nature, adventure and a change of pace! Your next camping trip is coming up and you're wondering what to take along? VanSite has gathered the most important camping and outdoor accessories for you, so you're well equipped for your next trip.

Camping packing list: the most important gear for a camping holiday

On your trips by motorhome, campervan or with a backpack and tent, you have the chance to camp in beautiful natural spots and fully enjoy the peace and solitude of an outdoor trip. But that only works if you prepare well before your trip, get the necessary camping gear and equip yourself for all situations, weather conditions and challenges.

Image by Freepik |

Camping gear for overnight stays in a tent

If you'd like to spend your next camping trip entirely in a tent, you'll need a fair bit of gear. The most important gear for tent trips includes:

• Camping pillow

• Camping dishes and cutlery

• Camping stove and gas cartridge

• First-aid kit

• Lighter or fire steel

• Phone charging cable

• Tent pegs and cord

• Hygiene kit and toilet paper

• Sleeping mat or air mattress

• Microfibre towel

• Multitool or knife

• Bin bags

• Sleeping bag

• Sponge and natural detergent

• Solar charger

• Solar lamp or headlamp

• Tarp or groundsheet

• Trekking food

• Hiking backpack

• Clothesline

• Water bottle or water filter

• Solar charger

Tip: You'll find the right gear for hikes and a packing list here.

Camping gear for overnight stays in a motorhome

An outdoor trip in a fully equipped motorhome is probably the most luxurious option. Here you only need the following accessories, provided you have a kitchen and a camping toilet:

• Bed linen

• Camping table and camping chairs

• First-aid kit

• Lighter or matches

• Doormat

• Gas bottle

• Dishes, pots and cutlery

• Hand brush

• Towels

• Toiletries

• Cloths and natural washing-up liquid

• Bin bags

• Food and drinks

• Power cable (CEE connector)

• Torch

• Toilet paper

• Breakdown kit

• Smartphone charging cable

• Water hose or watering can

• Clothesline

Unsplash Image by Clem Onojeghuo |

Camping gear for overnight stays in a van

Most vans don't offer the space of a motorhome and, depending on how they're fitted out, have only basic or functional equipment. That's why you'll need the following accessories here:

• Bedding and bed linen

• Camping furniture

• Camping stove and gas cartridge

• Camping dishes and cutlery

• First-aid kit

• Lighter

• Doormat

• Hand brush

• Phone charging cable

• Hygiene kit and toilet paper

• Microfibre towel

• Bin bags

• Multitool or knife

• Food

• Breakdown kit

• Sponge and natural detergent

• Solar charger

• Solar lamp or headlamp

• Water supply or water filter

• Clothesline

Here's what you should have with you on every camping trip:

• Cash and debit card or credit card

• Driving licence (international driving licence if needed)

• The relevant cooking gear

• Copies of the most important documents

• Health insurance card and international health insurance

• Emergency number

• Passports or ID cards

• VanSite pitch app for Android or iOS

As you can see, there's quite a bit of gear that shouldn't be missing on any of your camping trips. When preparing, planning and packing, what matters most is always where your trip takes you, what conditions await you at your destination and whether you're travelling on foot, by bike, by train or in a van or motorhome.

Now you know exactly what to pack for your next camping trip. Why not take a look at our pitch search and book your next pitch in nature!