Planning a campervan road trip? There are a few things you’re going to need before you hit the road. For example, where are you going to shower? Or go to the toilet? Eek! But not to worry – we just got back from our own campervan road trip and we’ve put together this list of the ultimate campervan essentials for you! Enjoy!
Here are the ultimate campervan essentials you need for your road trip:
- Camping plates & utensils
- Mini lantern
- Glowsticks
- Silicone funnel & toilet stuff
- Bag clips
- Outdoor shower & travel toiletries
- Face wipes
- Car charger
- Collapsible water bottle
- Offline map
- Trash bags
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Our Road Trip Itinerary
For this trip we headed out to Phoenix, Arizona where we picked up our Boho Campervan!
We went from Phoenix → Sedona → The Grand Canyon → Monument Valley → Phoenix. You can see our exact itinerary right here.
We also got access to their Secret Map which was super useful along the way!
It was our first time in a camper and the guys out there were so helpful before, during, and even after our trip – they even gave us a mini van tour & campervan crash-course when we got there!
So not to worry if this is your first time in a camper!
Here are some tips to get the most out of your road trip:
- Make sure to pick up some groceries before you head out
- Allow extra time between destinations for resting, bumpy dirt roads, and restocking on ice for the cooler
- Pre-book campsites before your trip & remember that campers don’t need any hook ups like RVs do
What should I bring for my trip?
A few of the campervan essentials listed below actually came in our campervan already!
But I know that not all campervan companies are created equal, so be sure to double check what your rental comes with before your trip. (And if you’re road tripping Arizona then definitely check out Boho Campervans – they’re the best!)
Be sure to pack light since space is limited and only bring what you really, really need!
Below you can find a list of the ultimate campervan essentials!
Can you park a campervan anywhere?
We had no problems parking in regular parking spots during the day when we needed to stop for groceries and other activities.
At night we parked in campsites and even spent a night dispersed camping – which basically means staying on public lands overnight for free.
How do I cook in the van?
Most campervans come equipped with some way to cook – like a mini stove or propane grill.
Ours came with a propane grill that was stored under the bed. So whenever we needed to prepare meals, we just pulled it out and tucked it back in afterwards.
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The Ultimate Campervan Essentials
1) Camping plates & utensils
Of course, if you’re going to cook at all while you’re on your trip, you’ll need plates, utentils, a cutting board, and a sink. Make sure to check if your rental includes these items!
If not you can get a set of camping plates and utensils to take with you.
2) mini lantern
A mini lantern is essential if you’re camping, especially if you’re dispersed camping and there aren’t any lights around.
Yes, you can always turn on the van and use the lights inside, but you’ll be wasting a whole lot of battery life if you’re constantly doing this on your trip.
So for things like taking an outdoor shower at night, nighttime cooking, using the “restroom” and other things that require you to go outside, a mini lantern works best!
Plus you can use it inside the campervan for reading, getting dressed, etc.
3) glow sticks
Okay so truth be told, I’m not a fan of the dark.
And when you’re camping – it’s pitch black outside. You know, the whole middle-of-nowhere-thing.
So I bought a pack of glow sticks before we went on our trip and used one each night as a mini nightlight.
They worked perfectly and stayed lit for the whole night.
Great if you’re like me and hate the dark – or have kids who don’t like it either!
4) Silicone funnel & toilet stuff
Now the fun part – how do you use the restroom in a campervan?
Well simply put, you get an empty bottle, some toilet paper, and a funnel – since us girls just don’t have great “aim.” 😛
I got a silicone funnel that’s actually meant for cooking which worked out just fine, or you can buy an actual “female urination device” – yes that’s a thing.
But basically it’s the same things as a funnel, just shaped to fit better.
Either way you’ll need something, because peeing in the bushes makes you itchy #howdoIknowthat 😛
5) bag clips
Next up is bag clips – you know, the kind you used to close the bag of chips so they stay fresh.
Yes, those 🙂
Bag clips come in super handy to keep the curtains in the campervan closed – because there’s always a little bit of a gap to peek inside.
We just clipped the window coverings together at night so no one could look in through the cracks, and then again when we left all our stuff in the van.
This tip we learned from the guys at Boho Campervans who actually had a set of them on all the window curtains!
6) outdoor shower & travel toiletries
You are definitely going to want to take a shower on your trip, and the best way is to use an outdoor shower.
So if your van rental doesn’t come with one, then you will need to bring it with you!
This one uses solar power to heat the water, plus it has a temperature gauge to control the water temperature.
Sounds like a relaxing shower with a great view is in order!
7) face wipes
Face wipes are something I always have with me when we travel! I even included it in the Surprisingly Essential Things to Pack for your Vacation post.
They can be used for cleaning hands and faces, wiping up spills, cleaning down toilet seats at rest stops – and the list goes on.
I always grab a pack before we go on vacation and I think you totally should too!
8) car charger
On a road trip, you’ll probably be driving a fair amount and using your GPS a ton!
So don’t forget to pack a car charger for the road – it really comes in handy when the only other outlets in the van are occupied with other electronics!
I completely forgot to pack one on our Arizona trip and my phone ended up dying before we got back into town!
So take the one in your car and pack it before you leave, or just get an extra one and keep it in your luggage!
9) collapsible water bottle
Collapsible water bottles are another thing I always have in my travel bag since they are so handy anywhere you go!
In a campervan they are quick and easy if you need a drink, but the dishes are tucked away underneath the bed.
Plus you’ll likely be hiking a bit on your camping trip and you’ll need a good water bottle to keep hydrated.
10) offline map
Sometimes on a camping trip, you tend to lose cell phone signal – again, the whole middle-of-nowhere-thing 😉
And along with that signal, you’ll probably lose GPS service.
So if you download an offline map it will be much easier to navigate and get to where you need to be!
Google Maps has great offline maps that you can download before you head out!
11) trash bags
One thing that I definitely overlooked when I started planning our camper trip was where to put the trash.
Many places will not have trash cans and you are not allowed to leave food scraps and waste behind in a lot of places.
So either bring a few trash bags in your luggage or simply save the grocery bags like we did to use as trash bags later!
So what did you think of our Ultimate Campervan Essentials List?
Now all you need to do it stock up on the things you’ll need and hit the road!
And for more travel resources, subscribe to our free travel resource library! It will help you plan your campervan trip like a pro and it only takes 5 seconds!
Happy travels!
– Veronica
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