Caravan Packing Checklist for Families (The One That Actually Works)
You've booked the site, hitched the van, and told the kids approximately forty-seven times that yes, we are going. Now comes the part that trips most families up: actually packing the thing without losing your mind or forgetting something important.
This checklist is organised by category so you can tick things off as you go, delegate sections to different family members, and arrive at the campsite with everything you need - and nothing you don't.
Our tip before you start: Pack each category into its own bag before loading the caravan. That way everything has a home, nothing gets buried under a pile of sleeping bags, and you can actually find what you need when you need it.
ToiletriesEverything for the daily routine
| Toothbrush & toothpaste | Toilet paper |
| Shampoo & conditioner | Microfibre towel |
| Body wash or soap | Nail clippers & tweezers |
| Deodorant | Cotton tips & band-aids |
| Sunscreen (SPF 50+) | Mini mirror |
| Insect repellent | |
| Moisturiser & lip balm | |
| Hairbrush & hair ties | |
| Razor & shaving cream | |
| Medications & scripts | |
| Wet wipes & hand sanitiser |
🎒 CamPaq suggestion
The CamPaq Toiletry Bag has five practical compartments: one large inner compartment, two privacy pockets, including one detachable pocket, and two mesh-bottom wet compartments. It provides plenty of room for shared family toiletries while keeping smaller items organised and easy to find.
ClothingOne outfit per day, plus spares
| T-shirts & singlets | Walking shoes or boots |
| Shorts | Spare outfit ready to grab |
| Long pants or jeans | Kids' spare clothes (x2!) |
| Warm jumper or hoodie | Laundry bag for dirties |
| Rain jacket | Gloves & scarf (winter trips) |
| Underwear & socks | |
| Sleepwear | |
| Swimmers | |
| Hat & sunglasses | |
| Beanie for cold nights | |
| Thongs or sandals |
💡 Pro tip
A CamPaq Medium Camping Bag works perfectly for one person's clothes. Kids can pack it themselves (yes, really), you can see at a glance if they've run out of clean clothes, and their stuff stays separate from everyone else's. Two adults sharing? A CamPaq Large Camping Bag gives you plenty of room.
Bedding & SparesBulky items and overflow gear
| Spare bedding & blankets | Spare linen for guests |
| Sheets & pillowcases | Seasonal & bulky clothing |
| Bath & beach towels | Rainy-day activities |
| Extra pillows | Spare doona or sleeping bags |
| Spare jackets & shoes | |
| Beach gear & swim toys | |
| Torches & lanterns | |
| Spare batteries & chargers | |
| Books, cards & games | |
| Picnic rug |
🎒 CamPaq suggestion
The CamPaq Caravan Under Bed Bag is perfect for bedding - linen, pillows and blankets slide in and tuck away neatly. For bulkier items, a CamPaq Clear Large Camping Bag keeps everything visible and together during transit.
Kitchen & CookingMealtime essentials
| Plates, bowls & cups | Matches or lighter |
| Cutlery & sharp knife | Bin bags & zip-lock bags |
| Pots, pans & camp oven | Bottle & can opener |
| Portable stove & gas | Paper towel & foil |
| BBQ tongs & spatula | |
| Chopping board | |
| Esky or fridge | |
| Water containers | |
| Tea towels & dish cloths | |
| Washing-up liquid & tub |
Food & PantryStock up before you head off
| Breakfast basics | Long-life milk & juice |
| Bread & wraps | Plenty of drinking water |
| Snacks & muesli bars | |
| Tea, coffee & milk | |
| Salt, pepper & sauces | |
| Pasta, rice & tins | |
| Marshmallows (non-negotiable) | |
| Fresh food for day one |
💡 Packing tip
Use a Medium Camping Bag for sealed dry pantry items, snacks and condiments so everything remains visible and easy to find. Store sharp utensils, cookware and other hard kitchen equipment separately in a secure container, with blades properly covered.
Campsite SetupThe big stuff for the boot or trailer
| Tent, poles & pegs | Extension lead & power board |
| Mallet & peg puller | Gaffer tape & cable ties |
| Tarp & ground sheet | Broom or dustpan |
| Guy ropes & spares | Doormat for the tent |
| Camp chairs | |
| Camp table | |
| Sleeping bags & mats | |
| Air mattress & pump | |
| Awning or shade shelter | |
| Lanterns & camp lighting |
First Aid & SafetyEasy to grab when it matters
| First aid kit | Maps (phone reception fails!) |
| Snake bite bandage | Personal medications |
| Pain relief & antihistamines | Hand sanitiser |
| Tweezers & scissors | |
| Burn cream & antiseptic | |
| Emergency contact list | |
| Torch & spare batteries | |
| Whistle | |
| Fire extinguisher or blanket |
💡 Easy win
Use the separate pockets in your CamPaq Toiletry Bag to organise toiletries, medications and first-aid supplies. Give each category its own pocket so everything stays together and is easy to find when needed.
Kids, Pets & ExtrasSo everyone finds their own gear
| Kids' favourite toys & comforter | Firewood & fire starters |
| Bikes, scooters & helmets | Cash for camp fees |
| Beach cricket set & balls | Bookings & ID |
| Dog lead, bowls & food | |
| Poo bags & pet bedding | |
| Phone chargers & power bank | |
| Camera | |
| Bluetooth speaker | |
| Fishing gear |
One last thing before you hit the road
The secret to stress-free caravan packing isn't having more stuff - it's knowing where everything is. When each person has their own bag, each category has its own home, and everything is visible at a glance, setting up camp becomes something you actually enjoy instead of something you just survive.
That's exactly what CamPaq bags are designed for. Clear, sturdy, and built by a family who actually camps - so they work in real life, not just in theory.
Ready to pack smarter?
Browse the full CamPaq range and find the bags that work for your family.
Therese designed CamPaq clear camping and travel bags after years of experiencing the frustration of searching through traditional luggage during family camping trips.