By Claire
Triple Crown marathon swimmer · Level 2 swim teacher · 8 years of vanlife with kids
Updated
May 2026
Family Campervan Packing Checklist for Surf Trips and Wild Swims
This is the family campervan packing list we actually use for 10‑day surf and wild‑swim trips in our VW California. Practical, tested on tired teenagers, and designed to stop you overpacking while still making sure you don’t forget the one thing you’ll regret. Download the printable checklist and tick things off as you shove them in the van.
This family campervan packing checklist covers documents, clothing, surf and swim kit, van essentials, kitchen gear and the tiny comforts that make a trip feel like a holiday. Use the quick pack list if you’re short on time, or scroll the full list and tick everything off properly.
Quick Pack List
If you’ve got an hour, do these first — the essentials that make the trip work.
- Passports, money, tickets, keys
- Wetsuits, boots, glove and hoods for surfers
- Swimwear, goggles, cap/tow float for swimmers
- Boards, leashes, fins and roof straps
- Phone chargers, GoPro, SD cards and spare batteries
- Warm layers and waterproof jackets for each person
- Snacks and food and water for the first 24 hours
- Bedding and pillows and basic washkit
Download the Printable Checklist
A tidy 3‑page PDF you can print or save to your phone. Tick boxes, pack faster, forget less.
Family Campervan Packing Checklist
See the full family campervan packing checklist by expanding each section below:
- Passports and driving licences
- Vehicle documents: V5, insurance, breakdown cover details
- Spare vehicle key (keep separate from the main set)
- Cards and cash
- Health cards (GHIC) and prescription details
- Screenshots of any booking confirmations or printouts
- Maps or guidebooks
- Keys and spare keys
- Bedding and pillows, including fitted sheets
- Wheel chocks/levelling ramps
- Porta Potti, chemicals (blue) and degradable toilet paper
- Utility tent for storage
- Gas bottle and spare
- Water containers and filling hose
- Tool kit, duct tape, torch and headlamps with spare batteries, spare bulbs and fuses
- Portable tyre inflator, jump leads
- Tent or Awning pegs (rock pegs)
- Camping chairs, small table
- Picnic rug or beach blanket
- Small collapsible rubbish bin and collapsible crate for recycling
- Brush for sand control
The following is based on a UK Spring trip – adjust accordingly. We use colour coded packing cubes for ease.
- Base layers x2 per person (merino or quick‑dry)
- Warm mid layers (fleece or wool)
- Waterproof jacket for each person (breathable)
- Lightweight down or insulated jacket
- Hat, buff, gloves
- Quick‑dry trousers and shorts
- Thermal leggings for cold swims and evenings
- Underwear and spare socks
- Sleepwear
- Footwear (e.g. hiking boots, sliders)
- Sunglasses/sun hats in case the sun shines
- Wetsuits (full suits; 4/3 or 5/4 for early season). Our specific wetsuit / board / tow float recommendations are on the Family Campervan Kit List.
- Boots, gloves, hoods if the water is cold (assume it will be!)
- Surfboards with leashes and fins; roof rack straps
- Board bag or protective covers; wax, surfboard and wetsuit repair kit
- Rash vests for sun and chafe protection, ear plugs, anti-chafe balm
- SUP, paddle, pump and leash, PFDs (personal flotation devices).
The kit you take depends on whether you’re going for smiles or miles.
- Swimsuits and/or wetsuits
- Neoprene vest, boots, hats, gloves if you use them
- Brightly coloured swim cap and tow float
- Large changing robe or towelling robe
- Towels and dry bags for wet kit and valuables
- Thermos or hot flask for post‑dip hot drinks
- Warm change layers for after swims
- Anti-chafe balm
- Portable stove and fuel
- Pots, pans, utensils (inc. Can opener / bottle opener / corkscrew) collapsible kettle and coffee kit
- Chopping board and small sharp knife
- Plates, bowls and cutlery; mugs, reusable food containers/tubs
- Aluminium foil, sandwich bags, clip-its, re-usable shopping bags
- Cool bag and ice blocks (if you’re lucky enough to need them!)
- Food staples for first 48 hours; snacks and quick breakfasts, tea, coffee, sugar, milk
- Reusable water bottles
- Bin bags and washing up liquid; oil, salt, spices in small containers
- Lighter and matches
- Quick‑dry towels
- Body wash, shampoo + conditioner, deodorant, moisturiser
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss (don’t neglect your gums)
- Minimal makeup kit
- Hairbrush / small comb and hair ties
- Razor (if needed) and small mirror, nail clippers, scissors, tweezers
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Personal items (glasses, contacts, tampons etc.)
- Devices and chargers (if you allow them!)
- Books, cards and small games
- Beach toys and games (e.g. balls, frisbee, juggling poi)
We’re not dog owners, but as many of you are I’ve included a few essentials.
- Lead, harness and collar with ID tag
- Poo bags and a small dispenser
- Travel water bowl and bottle
- Towels for muddy paws
- Dog bed or blanket, ball and favourite toys
- Food, treats and any medication
- Long line for beaches with seasonal restrictions
- Phones and other devices
- Chargers and power banks
- iPhone tripod and mounts; GoPro with spare batteries and SD cards
- Drone and spare batteries (Check local no‑fly zones and respect privacy)
- Portable SSD or extra SD cards for backups
- Multi‑plug and USB hub; car charger and USB‑C cables
- Comprehensive first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, antihistamine, painkillers)
- Travel sickness tablets and sick bags if you’re that way inclined, sunscreen, insect repellent
- High‑vis vest and warning triangle for breakdowns
- Small fire extinguisher (yes we’ve had to use ours!)
- Head torches
- Collapsible washing up bowl, sponge, washing up liquid
- Quick‑dry tea towel and microfibre cloths
- Laundry soap and peg bag; small clothesline/hangers for drying wetsuits
- Drawstring bag for dirty laundry
- Small speaker for evening music
- Projector for movie night
- Fire pit, logs and firelighters (don’t forget the marshmallows)
- Cushions and a throw for the van bed
- Portable shower if you like to rinse off sand quickly
- Table lamp, fairy lights
Now see what we actually pack
The list above tells you what to pack. Our Kit List page tells you which ones — eight years of tested wetsuits, surfboards, tow floats, stoves, cameras and everything that’s earned its place in the van. Honest notes on what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d buy again.
See our Family Campervan Kit List →Planning a surf trip? See our Galician campervan itinerary or Ring of Kerry road trip for family surf routes we’ve actually driven.
Into outdoor swimming? Our Gower Adventure and French Alpine Lakes route are built around some of the best swim spots we’ve found.
Download the Printable Packing Checklist
A tidy 3‑page PDF you can print or save to your phone.
Want the exact kit we use? See our full gear list and affiliate links on the Resources page or visit our Amazon storefront. We may earn a small commission from purchases made through our Amazon Storefront at no extra cost to you.
Work With Us
We create authentic campervan travel content, family itineraries and sponsored reels. If you’re a brand or tourism board looking for honest storytelling and engaged family audiences, let’s talk.
Planning a trip right now? See our Itineraries and guides for route inspiration.
If this checklist made your packing easier or saved you from forgetting something important (the pillows again?!), you can buy me a coffee to support more guides and adventures. It’s never expected and always appreciated, and it helps keep TheVanFam4 rolling.
About Claire
I’m Claire — a Chill Swim Triple Crown marathon swimmer, Level 2 swim teacher and published travel writer. I share real family campervan adventures across the UK and Europe with my husband Dan and our two boys, all from our VW California.