What to pack for a static caravan holiday

Whether you’re heading off to your home-away-from-home or renting a static caravan for a family break, there are a range of items you should pack to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Items to keep in your static caravan

For static caravan owners, being fully stocked with non-perishable items that may be useful for your stay can lighten the packing load, making it much easier to pop down to your caravan for an impromptu weekend away.

Keep these everyday essentials in your caravan so you’re never caught without them:

• Washing up liquid and sponges
• Hand soap
• Bin bags
• Cooking trays, pots, and pans
• Cleaning products like surface wipes, sprays, bleach, etc.
• A dustpan and brush and/or a vacuum cleaner
• Laundry detergent (if your caravan has a washing machine)
• Clothes pegs to hang out washed/wet clothing
• Toilet roll
• Toiletries including suncream
• A first aid kit
• A torch
• Spare batteries
• Chargers for various electronics like phones, tablets, laptops, etc.
• Umbrellas

Plenty of recreational items can also be stored in the caravan for easy access on trips away:

• Books, board games, puzzles, and cards
• Outdoor games like frisbee, a football, etc.
• Camping chairs
• BBQ equipment (if allowed by your caravan park)
• A cool box
• A windbreaker
• Local maps and guidebooks

If any of the above items run out or break while you’re holidaying, make a note to restock/replace them when you next head down to the caravan!

It’s important to keep your static caravan as empty as possible when you’re leaving it unattended for extended periods of time, helping promote good airflow and prevent mould or mildew. Never leave soft furnishings like bedding, towels, and rugs, for long periods, especially over winter when your caravan is not in use. You should also always take valuable items home with you. A static caravan insurance policy may cover you against theft, but prevention is always better than cure!

Visiting your static caravan: packing list

Keeping the above items stocked up ensures easy packing whenever you head down to your caravan. Other things you may wish to pack include:

• Any of the above-mentioned items that need restocking or replacing
• Soft furnishings like bedding, blankets, cushions, net curtains, towels, rugs, shower mats, a picnic blanket, etc.
• Cooking essentials like oil, seasonings, spices, tea, coffee, and sugar. While you can leave these items in your cupboards between frequent trips, it’s advised to take them home when you’re planning to leave your caravan vacant for longer periods to avoid spoilage, or the risk of attracting vermin
• Groceries
• Clothing
• Any required prescription medication
• For dog owners, remember to pack their essentials like bowls, food, poo bags, collar, and lead

Renting a static caravan: packing list

It can be difficult to gauge what you need to bring on holiday when renting a static caravan, as unless you’ve stayed in this exact caravan before, it’s hard to tell what amenities will be provided and what you will need to supply yourself. When booking a static caravan holiday, check the listing to see what items are stated as being supplied, but when in doubt, bring a backup with you just in case!

Lots of caravan parks will have an on-site shop for any essential items you may have forgotten, but it’s better to come prepared.

What clothes to pack for a caravan holiday

When packing clothes for a static caravan holiday, it’s important to remember that the British weather can be anything but predictable.

Bring plenty of layers to keep warm if the temperature dips, and pack items like jumpers and hoodies to layer over a t-shirt and shorts for enjoying milder evenings spent outdoors. You should also prepare for potential rainfall (we are in the UK, after all), so pack a raincoat and/or an umbrella, but also take a hat and sunglasses for when the sun does make an appearance!

If the caravan park has an on-site pool, or you’re planning a trip to the beach, bring swimwear and some suitable shoes like flip-flops, sandals, or Crocs. For holidaymakers who enjoy long walks or hikes, be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes.

The caravan park may have evening entertainment, or perhaps you’re planning to dine at nearby restaurants. If so, pack some nicer clothing to change into once the daytime activities are over. And, of course, don’t forget to pack your pyjamas!

Taking the time to ensure you’re sensibly and suitably packing for a static caravan holiday can alleviate any stress of arriving to find you’ve forgotten something important. Use the above lists as guidance to ensure you’re covering all the major bases when packing for your holiday. Happy caravanning!