The time has finally come - the sun is shining, the temperatures are rising and your motorhome is just waiting to be packed for your summer vacation! But before you can set off full of anticipation, there is one more important task: packing. Especially when camping with a motorhome, a well-thought-out packing list often makes the difference between relaxation and frustration on vacation. We have put together the ultimate motorhome packing list for your summer vacation so that you don't forget anything important and still don't pack too much.
Table of contents
What should be on every motorhome packing list for your summer vacation?
What basic equipment is essential for a motorhome?
Which kitchen utensils should be on the camping packing list?
The right clothes for a camping vacation: what to pack?
Which first-aid kit is useful in a motorhome?
Which important documents should not be missing on a camping vacation?
How does the packing list differ depending on the destination and season?
Conclusion
What should be on every motorhome packing list for a summer vacation?
Whether you are an experienced camper or traveling by motorhome for the first time - a well-thought-out packing list is your best friend! Camping newbies in particular are often overwhelmed by the question: What do I actually need to pack in my motorhome?
The perfect motorhome packing list takes several factors into account: the duration of your vacation, your personal needs and, of course, the technical features of your home on wheels. A weekend trip requires significantly less than a three-week family vacation, but the basic equipment always remains the same.
The trickiest part of packing for a motorhome? Finding the right balance! On the one hand, you don't want to forget anything important, but on the other hand, your motorhome has a load limit that you should always adhere to. Too much weight not only impairs the driving characteristics, but can also have legal consequences.
Our motorhome packing list covers all the essential categories:
- Technical equipment (CEE cable, adapter, tools)
- Kitchen utensils (crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils)
- Clothing (weatherproof, functional, space-saving)
- Leisure equipment (depending on vacation plans)
- Hygiene articles and first-aid kit
- Important documents
Tip: Create a personalized checklist that you have at hand for every motorhome vacation and continuously optimize. That way, you won't forget anything you missed last time.
Download our free motorhome packing list as a PDF here
What basic equipment is essential for a motorhome?
You won't get far on the campsite without the right basic technical equipment. You should always have these basics packed for your motorhome:
Power supply and water:
- Power cable with CEE plug (at least 25 meters)
- Various adapters for different connections on the campsite
- Cable reel for normal Schuko plugs
- Multiple socket for the interior
- Water canister (foldable to save space)
- Water hose with campsite-compatible connections
- Water filter for hygienic drinking water
Pitch equipment:
- Wheel chocks for uneven pitches
- Wheel chocks for securing
- Awning or awning for shade
- Camping chairs and table for outside
- Outdoor carpet for more living comfort in front of the camper
Tools should also be included in the basic equipment for your motorhome. A small toolbox with the most important screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer and adjustable wrenches can be worth its weight in gold. Supplement it with puncture spray, adhesive tape, cable ties and waterproof repair tape - so you can fix the most common minor problems yourself.
Basic sanitary equipment is essential for every camper:
- Environmentally friendly toilet chemicals
- Special camping toilet paper (normal toilet paper clogs the systems!)
- Cleaning agent for the waste water tank
- Waste water hose with adapter
Do not forget: The safety equipment! A fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm can save lives. Safety vests for all travelers are mandatory in many countries. A small flashlight and a headlamp for going to the toilet at night on the campsite are also part of the essential basic equipment for a motorhome.
Tip: Build up a camping accessories must-have box that always stays packed in the motorhome. This will save you having to search for the basic equipment every time you go on a trip.
Which kitchen utensils belong on the camping packing list?
The motorhome kitchen is often the heart of camper life - it's where you cook, eat and chat. But space is limited, so your camping packing list for the kitchen should be well thought out.
Essential cookware and cutlery:
- 1-2 pots with lids in different sizes (preferably with removable handles)
- 1 pan (coated and with removable handle)
- Cutting board (thin and flexible)
- Sharp kitchen knife with blade guard
- Outdoor cutlery for all fellow travelers
- Outdoor tableware (plates, bowls, cups) - preferably stackable and unbreakable
- Thermo mug for on the go
- Can opener, corkscrew and bottle opener (multifunctional tool)
Space-saving kitchen utensils can make your everyday camping life much more pleasant:
- Foldable kettle
- Portable grill for the outdoor kitchen
- Espresso maker or French press for real coffee enjoyment while camping
- Camping stove as a backup or for the outdoor kitchen
Tip for food: Pack a few durable staple foods to start with, which you can supplement if necessary:
- Spices in small containers
- Oil, vinegar, salt and pepper
- Coffee, tea, long-life milk
- Canned food for quick meals
- Pasta, rice as a base
- Snacks for on the go
The cooling capacity in the motorhome is usually limited - so plan well what you really need fresh. Additional cool boxes are worth considering for longer trips or in hot weather.
Your camping packing list for the kitchen should also be complete:
- Washing-up liquid and brush (biodegradable)
- Tea towels and sponge cloths
- Bin liners in various sizes
- Cling film and aluminum foil
- Reusable tins for leftovers
Don't forget: the fewer disposable products you use, the better it is for the environment. Invest in durable, space-saving reusable products instead - this not only saves space in the motorhome in the long term, but also money and protects the environment.
The right clothes for your camping vacation: what to pack?
When packing clothes for your camping vacation, the golden rule is: less is more! Storage space in the motorhome is limited and nobody wants to be constantly rummaging through a mess of clothes. Concentrate on comfortable, functional items that can be easily combined.
For a summer motorhome vacation, we recommend the following basics per person (for approx. 7-10 days):
- 5-7 T-shirts or tops
- 2-3 shorts or skirts
- 1 pair of long trousers (even in summer it can get cool)
- 1 light sweater or sweatshirt
- 1 windproof, waterproof jacket
- 1 fleece jacket for cooler evenings
- Underwear and socks for 7-8 days
- 2 pyjamas/nightwear
- 1-2 swimwear
- 2 pairs of shoes (comfortable hiking boots and sandals/flip-flops)
- Sun hat or cap
Tip: Loden clothing is a real insider tip for campers - naturally temperature-regulating, water-repellent and odor-resistant.
Don't forget the weather-specific equipment:
- Light rain jacket (even in summer it can rain)
- UV protective clothing, especially for children
- Buff/scarf as a versatile accessory
You won't be able to avoid doing laundry on a longer motorhome vacation. So pack:
- Small pack of travel detergent
- Foldable washing line with clips
- Small foldable laundry basket
Choose clothes made of quick-drying materials that don't crease easily and don't take up much space. Functional clothing is ideal for camping as it is usually lightweight, easy to care for and versatile.
Adapt your clothing to your destination:
- At the beach: more swimwear, sun protection, light cover-ups
- In the mountains: sturdier hiking boots, functional clothing for layering
- For city tours: perhaps a more chic outfit for restaurant visits
My most important tip: plan outfits, not individual items! This will help you keep an overview and only pack things that you will actually wear. And remember: in an emergency, you can find a launderette almost anywhere or buy a missing item - you don't have to be prepared for every eventuality.
Which first-aid kit is useful in a motorhome?
A well-stocked first-aid kit in a motorhome is essential - after all, you want to be prepared for minor ailments without having to go to the nearest pharmacy. Your camping packing list should therefore contain a well thought-out selection of medicines and aids.
The basic first-aid kit for your motorhome:
- Pain medication (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
- Remedies for nausea and motion sickness
- Diarrhea medication and electrolyte powder
- Cough suppressants and lozenges for sore throats
- Clinical thermometer
- Wound and blister plasters in various sizes
- Disinfectant for wounds
- Dressing material (gauze bandages, plasters, sterile compresses)
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers and small scissors
- Tick tweezers (especially important when camping!)
- Cool pack or cooling spray
Sunscreen and insect repellent are particularly useful when camping:
- Sun cream with a high sun protection factor
- After-sun lotion
- Lip protection with UV filter
- Insect repellent for body and clothing
- Gel against insect bites
Don't forget your personal medication that you need to take regularly - this belongs at the top of your packing list! Always pack a little more than you are likely to need.
You should choose a cool, dry place to store your first-aid kit in your motorhome. A box with a lid protects against moisture and direct sunlight, which can damage many medications. Make sure that the first-aid kit is easily accessible but out of reach of children.
You can supplement your first-aid kit in your motorhome for certain destinations:
- Mediterranean region: more intensive sun protection, more remedies for insect bites
- Scandinavia: mosquito repellent in large quantities
- Mountain regions: Ointment for sore muscles, blister plasters for hikes
Tip: Find out about medical care options at your destination before your trip and check out our tips for a first aid kit when hiking - many of them are also useful for camping with a motorhome!
Remember: it's better to have a well-stocked first-aid kit with you and not need it than to be without it in an emergency. A well thought-out first-aid kit in a motorhome can be worth its weight in gold, especially with children or on remote pitches.
Which important documents should not be missing on a camping vacation?
Nothing is more annoying than finding out on the way to the campsite or even at the border that important documents are missing. Here is your ultimate checklist for all the essential papers you should tick off before you set off:
Vehicle and driver's license documents:
- Driver's license (check the validity!)
- vehicle registration document
- Insurance card/green card
- Gas test report (mandatory at many campsites)
- HU/AU certificate
- Operating instructions for the motorhome (particularly important for rental vehicles)
- Breakdown assistance/protection certificate documents
Personal documents:
- Identity card or passport (check validity!)
- Health insurance card
- Vaccination card (depending on destination)
- International health insurance card for EU travel
- Contact details of your family doctor
Camping-specific documents:
- Campsite reservations
- Membership cards of camping associations (ADAC, ACSI, etc.)
- Vignettes for toll roads (depending on your destination)
- Environmental stickers (especially important in cities)
For trips abroad, additional documents are required depending on the destination:
- International driving license (often required outside the EU)
- Visa (if required)
- Proof of health insurance abroad
- Proof of vaccinations (especially up-to-date)
- Special permits for transit or certain regions
Tip: Make digital copies of all important documents and save them in an encrypted cloud or on a protected USB stick. This way you at least have the data to hand in an emergency. A waterproof document folder is recommended for the originals, which should be stored in the motorhome in a safe but accessible place.
In addition to papers, you should also have these digital helpers on your smartphone:
- Camping apps for finding a pitch (e.g. park4night, ACSI, pitch guide apps)
- Navigation app with offline maps
- Translation app with offline function
- Weather app for travel planning
- Banking app and digital payment options
Check your documents particularly thoroughly before setting off - ideally with a separate document checklist that you can tick off. This will ensure that you only have to relax at the campsite and don't suddenly find yourself faced with bureaucratic problems.
How does the packing list differ depending on the destination and time of year?
Your motorhome packing list should be as individual as your camping adventure! The ideal equipment can vary significantly depending on your destination, the time of year and your personal preferences. Let's take a look at the most important adaptations:
Destination-specific adaptations:
Beach vacation on the coast:
- Beach mats, chairs and parasol
- Bathing shoes (especially on rocky beaches)
- Snorkeling equipment
- Surfboard or SUP board (if space is available)
- Sand toys for children
- Wind protection for the beach
Mountains and hiking areas:
- High-quality hiking boots and socks
- Hiking poles
- Backpack with hydration bladder
- Rainproof equipment (even in summer!)
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Topographical maps or hiking apps
City trips with a camper van:
- Foldable bikes or e-scooters for city tours
- City maps and travel guides
- A slightly more chic outfit for restaurant visits
- Compact camera bag
- Theft-proof backpacks for sightseeing
Seasonal adaptations for the summer:
These things are particularly important on a summer vacation with a motorhome:
- Sufficient sun protection (cream, clothing, awning)
- Barbecue for cozy evenings on the pitch
- Cool boxes and ice cube bags
- Insect repellent and mosquito net
- Fans for hot nights
- Extra water canister
Tip: Even in midsummer, nights can get chilly in certain regions - always pack a light jacket and long trousers!
Note country specifics:
You will need to adapt your packing list for different destinations:
- Southern Europe: adapters for other power outlets, mosquito repellent
- Scandinavia: Mosquito repellent in large quantities, headlamp for bright nights
- Great Britain: Left-hand traffic headlight adapter, other power adapters
- Eastern Europe: Often more cash required, less card payment
Adapt to the camping style:
Comfort camping on well-equipped campsites:
- More homeliness (decoration, fairy lights, outdoor carpet)
- Larger kitchen equipment possible
- Entertainment equipment (games, books, tablet)
Self-sufficient camping on pitches close to nature:
- Solar system or generator
- Larger water and waste water tanks
- Camping toilet, if not available in the motorhome
- First aid kit and emergency equipment
What is often forgotten: Adapt your equipment to the length of your stay! You need much less for a weekend than for a tour lasting several weeks. And remember: most forgotten items can be bought on the road - enjoy the flexibility of camper life!
Whether you're exploring the Mediterranean coast or the Scandinavian forests in your motorhome - with the right packing list, your camping adventure is guaranteed to be a complete success.
Conclusion: The most important things for your motorhome vacation
A well-thought-out packing list for your motorhome is the key to a relaxed camping vacation. The right balance between completeness and payload limit is crucial - with our checklist, you can systematically tick off all the important categories.
The basic technical equipment of your motorhome should include CEE adapters, water canisters, wheel chocks and basic tools, while space-saving solutions, multifunctional cutlery and a compact barbecue should not be missing in the kitchen.
When it comes to clothing, less is more - pack functional, quick-drying items for your camping vacation and remember a washing line for longer stays.
A well-stocked first-aid kit in the camper van with sunscreen, insect repellent and medication for common ailments is essential, as are all important documents from the vehicle registration document to the campsite membership card.
Adapt your packing list to your destination and the time of year - different equipment is needed for a summer vacation by the sea than for mountain regions or city tours, and the type of pitch you choose will also determine which items you should take with you.
Want to find out more about camping? Then also read our articles on the 10 most beautiful campsites in Germany and The biggest camping myths.
