Caravan trip checklist: what to arrange and when

A caravan trip runs more smoothly when you handle the practical details in the right order. Start with the travel dates, route and campsite, then collect everyone’s details and confirm departure times. Before packing, inspect the caravan, test the tow hitch, lights, gas, water, refrigerator and battery. In the final days, check the forecast, shop for food, load the caravan and keep documents and keys together for the departure check.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Determine travel dates and route
2 people
Reserve campsite
Check travel insurance
Check license and insurance papers
Process registrations
Collect participant details
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm departure times
Have caravan technically inspected
Test tow hitch and lights
2 people
Check tires and tire pressure
Check gas cylinders
Check the water tank and pipes
Test the refrigerator and battery
Set the route and stops
Check the weather forecast
Pack luggage and clothes
2 people
Gather camping gear
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Store chilled products in the fridge
2 people
Clean caravan
2 people
Load the caravan
3 people
Lay out documents and keys

Event

Perform departure check
2 people
Safely hitch the caravan
2 people
Drive to the first stop
Provide the break and lunch
2 people
Drive to the campsite
Check in at the campsite
Set up the caravan on site
3 people
Connect power and water
2 people
Set up the awning and outdoor table
2 people
Prepare beds and sleeping places
2 people
Prepare evening meal
2 people
Wash up and clear the kitchen
2 people
Go over tomorrow's schedule
2 people
Prepare breakfast
2 people
Prepare day trip
2 people
Check water supply and fridge
Prepare lunch package
2 people
Refill drinks
Prepare evening meal
2 people
Collect and sort waste
Air out caravan daily
Restock supplies
2 people
Clean the restrooms
Wash and hang clothes
Check gas and power consumption
Plan return trip and breaks
Gather personal belongings
2 people
Remove personal belongings from the caravan
2 people
Empty and clean refrigerator
Clear and clean the caravan
3 people
Take down the awning and camping gear
3 people
Disconnect power and water
2 people
Make caravan safe and road-ready
2 people
Check out at the campsite
Drive back home

Aftercare

Unhitch the caravan
2 people
Unload luggage
2 people
Thoroughly clean the caravan
3 people
Drain water tank and pipes
Check inventory
2 people
Wash and store laundry
2 people
Recycle empty packaging
Return rental items
Park caravan and car

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Camping gear

Caravan
Awning
Herringqty 20
Guy ropesqty 6
Rubber mallet
Foldable chairsqty 4
Outdoor table
Camping matsqty 4
Sleeping bagsqty 4
Cushionsqty 4

Kitchen

Cool box
Gas stove
Gas cylindersqty 2
Pot set
Frying pan
Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knife
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Storage binsqty 6

Tableware

Platesqty 6
Bowlsqty 6
Drinking glassesqty 6
Mugsqty 6
Cutlery setsqty 6

Travel supplies

Navigation system
Paper route mapsqty 2
Document folder
Flashlightsqty 3
Power banksqty 2
Extension cord
CEE adapter
Water hose
Leveling blocksqty 4

Safety

Safety vestsqty 4
Warning triangle
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher

Cleaning

Hand brush and dustpan
Bucket
Trash bin

Clothing

Towelsqty 8
Kitchen towelsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the campsite as soon as your travel dates and route are fixed, especially if your plan includes several stops. Write down each booking and the check-in details in the document folder.
Arrange the caravan inspection before the final packing day. Test the tow hitch and lights, check the tires and pressure, and inspect the gas cylinders, water pipes, refrigerator and battery before you load anything.
Collect participant details and dietary requirements at least 7 days before departure. This gives you time to plan meals and avoid discovering missing information during the shopping trip.
Pack by use rather than by person: keep the awning, herring, guy ropes, rubber mallet, chairs and outdoor table together, and store kitchen equipment in clearly labelled bins. Keep flashlights, power banks and the navigation system easy to reach.
Do the final load and departure check on the day before leaving, not just before driving away. Put chilled products in the refrigerator, lay out documents and keys, and confirm the caravan is safely hitched before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a campsite for a caravan trip?: Book once your dates and route are agreed, ideally at least 4 to 8 weeks before departure. For busy periods or popular sites, allow several months and confirm every stop separately.
What should I check on a caravan before towing it?: Check the tow hitch, lights, tires and tire pressure, gas cylinders, water system, refrigerator and battery. Complete these checks 1 to 2 days before departure so there is time to fix a problem.
When should I start packing for a caravan trip?: Gather camping gear, clothes and kitchen supplies 2 to 3 days before departure. Load the caravan the day before, then place chilled food in the refrigerator and complete the departure check on the morning of travel.
How much food and drink should I buy for a caravan trip?: Plan food for each travel day plus at least one spare meal, and check dietary requirements before shopping. Buy chilled products last and refrigerate them immediately after loading; keep a cool box available for the journey.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.