Your Ultimate Guide to Camping Gear for Campervans: Equip Your UK Adventure

So, you’ve got a campervan. Maybe you built it yourself, lovingly crafting every cupboard. Perhaps you bought it ready-made, eager for the open road. Either way, you’re now part of a fantastic community, ready to explore the UK’s stunning coastlines, ancient forests, and rugged highlands. But here’s the thing: a campervan isn't just a vehicle; it's a mobile home, and like any home, it needs equipping. This isn't about throwing a few bits in the boot; it's about smart, efficient, and durable gear that enhances every trip.

Forget those bulky tent camping setups. Campervan life demands a different kind of kit. We're talking about clever, space-saving solutions that work hard and last long. As someone who’s spent countless hours building and living in these rolling homes, I've learned what truly works and what's just dead weight. This guide cuts through the noise, giving you the direct, honest advice you need to kit out your rig for adventure.

The Golden Rules of Campervan Gear: Our Philosophy

Before we dive into specific products, let's nail down the core principles. These aren't just suggestions; they’re commandments for happy campervan living. Ignoring them means frustration, clutter, and wasted money.

Rule 1: Space is Gold Dust

Your campervan is a compact living area. Every square inch, every cubic centimetre, is precious. This means you need gear that's either tiny, collapsible, stackable, or multi-functional. There's no room for single-use gadgets that sit idle for 90% of your trip. Think vertically, think under benches, think behind doors.

Rule 2: Multi-Purpose is King

Why carry a knife, a bottle opener, and a screwdriver when one tool can do all three? This principle applies to everything. A chopping board that doubles as a pan lid. A storage box that becomes a seat. The more jobs an item can do, the less you need to pack, and the more organised your space remains.

Rule 3: Durability Matters More Than You Think

Life on the road is tough. Gear gets packed, unpacked, bumped, dropped, and exposed to all sorts of weather. Cheap plastic might save you a few quid upfront, but it'll fail when you least expect it, leaving you scrambling. Invest in quality materials: stainless steel, robust fabrics, well-constructed plastics. You want items that can handle the rigours of constant travel and outdoor exposure.

Rule 4: Weatherproof, Always

This is the UK, folks. Sunshine is a bonus, rain is a given. Your gear needs to cope with dampness, condensation, and sudden downpours. Even items stored inside can suffer from humidity. Look for waterproof, quick-drying, and rust-resistant options. This means less faffing about drying things out and more time enjoying your trip.

Rule 5: Don't Overpack – Seriously

It’s tempting to bring everything "just in case." Resist this urge. Every extra item adds weight, reduces fuel efficiency, and clutters your living space. Start with this checklist of absolute essentials. As you gain experience, you'll naturally identify what you genuinely need and what you can live without. A lighter van handles better, stops faster, and costs less to run.

Essential Categories of Camping Gear for Campervans

Let’s break down the gear you’ll need into manageable categories. We’ll look at what to prioritise, what to look for, and how to integrate specific, tried-and-tested products into your setup.

I. Outdoor Living & Shelter: Extending Your Home

Your campervan might be small, but your living space doesn't have to be. Extending your footprint outdoors is key to enjoying the British countryside, come rain or shine.

Awnings & Tarpaulins: Your Flexible Outdoor Room

An awning is a game-changer. It provides shelter from rain, shade from the sun (if we’re lucky!), and a dedicated space for cooking, relaxing, or just kicking off muddy boots. You've got options:

• Roll-out awnings: Permanently fixed to your van, these are quick to deploy but can be pricey (£300-£1,500+).
• Drive-away awnings: These are like small tents that attach to your van, allowing you to leave them pitched while you drive off. Expect to pay £150-£600 for a decent one. They offer significant extra space but take longer to set up.
• Simple tarpaulins: Don't underestimate the humble tarp. It's incredibly versatile, lightweight, and affordable. You can rig it up between your van and a tree, use it as a ground sheet, or create an instant rain shelter over your side door.

What to look for:

• Waterproofing: Hydrostatic head rating of at least 3000mm is good for UK weather.
• UV resistance: Protects from sun degradation.
• Pack size: Crucial for storage in your van.
• Attachment method: Suction cups, kador strip, or guy ropes – make sure it suits your van.

Our Pick: SolaDirect Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarpaulin for Campervans (£6.49)
This isn't an awning, it's a workhorse. For a mere £6.49, the SolaDirect Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarpaulin is an absolute no-brainer. I always have at least one in my van. In practice, this means you’ve got an instant emergency shelter. Need to work on something under the van in the rain? Tarp. Want to keep your gear dry next to the van? Tarp. Need an extra groundsheet for muddy boots? Tarp. It’s heavy-duty, which means it resists tears, and it folds down to almost nothing. For most builders, this is the ultimate low-cost, high-utility item. Don't leave home without one.

Outdoor Furniture: Comfort Beyond the Cab

Eating outside, reading a book, or just watching the world go by – outdoor chairs and a table are essential.

• Chairs: Look for compact, folding chairs. Aluminium frames are lighter than steel. Some even fold into a small bag. Expect to pay £20-£80 per chair for decent quality.
• Tables: Collapsible tables are ideal. Aluminium roll-top tables are popular as they pack down small. A small sturdy side table is often more useful than a large dining table. Prices range from £30-£120.

My advice: Don’t buy the cheapest chairs you find. They’ll wobble, rust, and tear within a season. Invest a little more for comfort and longevity. Your back will thank you after a long day of hiking.

Lighting: Illuminate Your Evenings

When the sun dips, good lighting transforms your outdoor space.

• Headlamps: Essential for faffing in the dark, cooking, or finding the loo block. Petzl or Black Diamond are reliable brands, costing £20-£60.
• Lanterns: Battery-powered or rechargeable LED lanterns cast a softer, ambient light. Collapsible versions save space. Prices are typically £15-£40.
• Fairy lights: Solar-powered fairy lights strung around your awning or inside the van add a wonderful, cosy atmosphere for around £10-£25.

Groundsheets & Mats: Keep the Dirt Out

A simple outdoor mat or groundsheet at your van door makes a huge difference. It acts as a dirt trap, preventing mud and grit from being trekked inside.

• Material: Outdoor rugs made from polypropylene are durable, easy to clean, and quick-drying.
• Size: Choose one that fits comfortably outside your main door.
• Price: Expect to pay £15-£40.

II. Kitchen & Cooking Essentials: Fueling Your Adventures

Eating well is a huge part of the campervan experience. Your kitchen needs to be functional, even if it's tiny.

Cooking Systems: Hot Meals on the Go

Unless you have a fully fitted internal hob, you'll want a portable option.

• Portable gas stoves: Single or double burner butane/propane stoves are compact and efficient. Brands like Campingaz or Cadac are popular. Prices £25-£100. Always ensure good ventilation when using gas indoors.
• Portable BBQs: Small charcoal or gas BBQs are fantastic for outdoor cooking. Look for models that are easy to clean and store. £40-£150.
• Electric hot plates: If you're on a campsite with hook-up, a small electric hob is a great alternative, saving your gas. £20-£50.

My take: A decent two-burner gas stove is your bread and butter. It offers flexibility to cook inside (with ventilation!) or out. For most builders, this is the most practical choice.

Cooling: Keeping Your Grub Fresh

A good fridge or cool box is non-negotiable for longer trips.

• Compressor fridges: The gold standard. They perform like a domestic fridge, even in hot weather, and can run on 12V DC or 240V AC. They are expensive (£300-£800+) but worth every penny for serious travellers.
• Thermoelectric cool boxes: Cheaper (£50-£150), but less efficient. They cool to about 20°C below ambient temperature, which isn't always enough on a hot day.
• Passive cool boxes: Basic insulated boxes requiring ice packs. Good for short trips, very affordable (£20-£80).

My recommendation: If your budget allows, go for a compressor fridge. They use surprisingly little power and mean you’re not constantly buying ice. In practice, this freedom to store fresh food for days is invaluable.

Cookware & Utensils: Smart Storage Solutions

Space is tight, remember?

• Nesting pots and pans: Sets that stack perfectly inside each other are a lifesaver. Stainless steel or non-stick aluminium are good choices. £40-£120 for a quality set.
• Collapsible bowls and cups: Silicone bowls fold flat, saving significant cupboard space. £5-£20 per item.
• Multi-tool utensils: Spatulas that double as tongs, or a single utensil kit that covers all bases.
• Sharp knife: One good, sharp chef's knife is better than a drawer full of blunt ones. Keep it sheathed for safety. £15-£40.

Washing Up: Keeping Things Clean

Nobody enjoys washing up, but it’s part of the deal. Make it as easy as possible.

• Collapsible washing up bowl: Essential for carrying water to and from the tap, and for doing the dishes.
• Quick-drying tea towels: Microfibre towels are excellent.
• Small scrubbing brush and eco-friendly washing up liquid.

Our Pick: THANSTAR Collapsible Dish Drainer for Campervans (£14.99)
This is a perfect example of smart campervan design. The THANSTAR Collapsible Dish Drainer costs just £14.99 and solves a common problem: where do you put wet dishes to dry without taking up your entire counter? It folds down to a mere 5cm height, meaning it slides easily into a cupboard or under a seat. This means you get a full-sized dish rack when you need it, and it vanishes when you don't. For most builders, this is a simple, effective solution to a daily chore. It’s robust enough for regular use and drains directly into your sink or a bowl.

Water Storage: Staying Hydrated

Access to fresh water is critical.

• Water jerry cans: Robust plastic containers (10-20 litres) are ideal for transporting and storing drinking water. Look for food-grade plastic. £10-£25 each.
• Water filter: A small, portable water filter (like a Sawyer Mini or Lifestraw) is a brilliant backup for emergencies or when you're unsure of water quality. £20-£40.
• Grey water container: A separate container for your waste water is often required on campsites. £15-£30.

III. Comfort & Sleeping: Your Home Away From Home

After a day of exploring, a comfortable night's sleep is paramount.

Bedding: Cosy Nights

Your bedding choice depends on your van’s setup.

• Sleeping bags: If you convert your seating area to a bed daily, sleeping bags can be a convenient, compact option. Choose a rating suitable for UK temperatures (3-season is a good all-rounder). £40-£150.
• Duvets and pillows: If you have a permanent bed, domestic bedding feels more homely. Opt for synthetic fillings as they dry faster if they get damp. Remember to air them regularly. £30-£100 for a decent set.
• Mattress: A high-quality foam mattress (at least 4-6 inches thick) is key. Don't skimp here. Custom cut foam can be bought from £100-£300 depending on size and density.

Heating: Staying Warm When It's Chilly

UK evenings can get cold, even in summer.

• Diesel heaters buying guide: The ultimate campervan heating solution. They run off your van’s diesel tank, are efficient, and provide dry heat. Installation can be complex, and units cost £100-£300 (Chinese diesel heaters) or £500-£1500+ (branded options like Webasto/Eberspacher).
• Portable gas heaters: Small butane heaters are an option for occasional use, but always use with extreme caution and excellent ventilation due to carbon monoxide risk. Never use them overnight. £30-£80.
• Electric fan heaters: If you have 240V hook-up, a small electric fan heater is safe and effective. £15-£40.

My opinion: A properly installed diesel heater is a game changer for year-round comfort. It extends your camping season significantly.

Ventilation & Airflow: Banish Condensation

Condensation is the enemy of campervans. It leads to damp, mould, and rust.

• Roof vents/fans: Essential for moving air. Maxxair fans are popular for their ability to run in the rain. £150-£400.
• Window vents: Simple mesh inserts for your windows allow airflow while keeping bugs out. £10-£30 per pair.
• Dehumidifiers: Even with good ventilation, moisture can build up.

Our Pick: Hillington 1kg 2-Pack Reusable Car Dehumidifier Bags (£16.99)
Condensation is a constant battle in a campervan. The Hillington 1kg 2-Pack Reusable Car Dehumidifier Bags for £16.99 are a brilliant, low-tech solution. They absorb moisture from the air, preventing dampness, mould, and that horrid musty smell. This means your bedding stays drier, your clothes feel fresher, and you reduce the risk of long-term damp issues. When they're saturated, you simply dry them out on a radiator or in a microwave and reuse them. For most builders, these are an inexpensive, passive way to combat moisture, especially overnight when ventilation might be reduced. I keep one under the bed and one in the main living area.

IV. Tools, Maintenance & Safety: Prepared for Anything

Things break. Tyres go flat. Being prepared means less stress and safer travels.

Basic Tool Kit: The Essentials

You don't need a full workshop, but a few key items are invaluable.

• Adjustable spanner: One good one can replace a whole set of open-ended spanners for many tasks.
• Pliers: Combination pliers, perhaps needle-nose too.
• Screwdrivers: A multi-bit screwdriver or a set of flat and Phillips head drivers.
• Duct tape & cable ties: The ultimate roadside repair duo.
• Tyre pressure gauge: Crucial for safety and fuel efficiency.
• Small hammer: For tent pegs or minor repairs.
• Headlamp: Already mentioned, but bears repeating here for emergency repairs in the dark.

My advice: Don't buy the cheapest tool set. A few decent quality tools will serve you better than a large, flimsy kit.

Emergency & Survival: Better Safe Than Sorry

This isn't about doomsday prepping, it's about common sense.

• First aid kit buying guide: Comprehensive and up-to-date. Include pain killers, antiseptic wipes, plasters, bandages, blister treatment. £20-£50.
• Jump leads: A dead battery can ruin your day. Good quality leads are essential. £25-£60.
• High-vis vest & warning triangle: A legal requirement in some European countries, and good practice in the UK. £10-£20.
• Fire extinguisher & fire blanket: Non-negotiable for any vehicle with cooking or heating appliances. £20-£50.
• Roadside assistance membership: RAC or AA are worth their weight in gold for peace of mind.

Our Pick: GIRIAITUS Multi Tool: 16-in-1 Camping & Survival Gear (£19.98)
The GIRIAITUS Multi Tool: 16-in-1 Camping & Survival Gear for £19.98 embodies the "multi-purpose is king" rule. This isn't just a gimmick; it's a genuinely useful piece of kit. It combines pliers, wire cutters, multiple knife blades, screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and more into one compact unit. This means you’ve got a surprising array of tools for minor repairs, opening packaging, or just general utility, all without taking up valuable space. For most builders, it’s the perfect addition to a small tool kit, especially when you need a specific tool quickly and don’t want to rummage through a larger box. Keep it in an easily accessible spot.

Levelling Ramps & Chocks: A Flat Pitch Every Time

Few pitches are perfectly flat. Levelling ramps ensure a comfortable night's sleep and proper fridge operation.

• Levelling ramps: Sturdy plastic ramps that you drive your wheels onto. Look for robust construction and a non-slip surface. £20-£50 a pair.
• Wheel chocks: Used to prevent your van from rolling once levelled. £10-£20 a pair.

Power & Charging: Stay Connected

Keeping your devices charged and your van powered is essential for modern travel.

• Inverter: Converts your 12V DC leisure battery power to 240V AC, allowing you to run standard household appliances (within wattage limits). £50-£200 for a decent pure sine wave inverter.
• Power bank: A large capacity power bank is great for charging phones, tablets, and even laptops when you're off-grid. £30-£100.
• Solar panels: If you plan to spend time off-grid, solar panels (fixed or portable) are a fantastic investment for keeping your leisure batteries topped up. £100-£500+ depending on wattage and type.

V. Hygiene & Waste Management: Respecting the Environment

Responsible campervan ownership means managing your waste properly and maintaining good hygiene.

Toilets: Your Personal Loo Solution

This is a big one for many.

• Portable chemical toilets: Self-contained units that use chemicals to break down waste. Brands like Thetford Porta Potti are popular. They require emptying at designated disposal points. £70-£150.
• Composting toilets: A more eco-friendly option that separates liquid and solid waste. Solids are composted, liquids drained. No chemicals needed. More expensive upfront (£500-£1000+) but save on consumables.
• Emergency bucket toilet: A simple bucket with a lid and waste bags can be a lifesaver for late-night emergencies. £10-£20.

My honest view: If you can fit a composting toilet, do it. It’s far more pleasant to empty and better for the environment. If not, a good chemical toilet is perfectly fine for occasional use.

Showers: Staying Fresh

Not all vans have built-in showers, but portable options are available.

• Portable 12V showers: Small pumps with a showerhead that draw water from a bucket or jerry can. £20-£50.
• Solar showers: Black bags that heat water in the sun. Simple, effective, and cheap. £10-£20.
• Campsite showers: Don't forget this option! Many campsites have excellent facilities.

Rubbish & Recycling: Leave No Trace

• Collapsible rubbish bin: A bin that folds flat when not in use is ideal.
• Separate bags for recycling: Make it easy to sort your waste.
• Carrying out what you carry in: Always take all your rubbish with you.

Beyond the Basics: Nice-to-Haves & Upgrades

Once you've got the essentials dialled in, you might consider these items to further enhance your campervan life.

• Outdoor cooking accessories: A portable pizza oven (£100-£300) or a small fire pit (£50-£150) can elevate your outdoor dining experience.
• Navigation & communication: A dedicated campervan sat nav (e.g., Garmin Camper series, £250-£500) offers RV-specific routing. A satellite messenger (e.g., Garmin InReach, £250-£500 + subscription) is invaluable for remote areas without phone signal.
• Leisure items: Bike rack (£100-£400), inflatable paddleboard or kayak (£200-£600), hiking poles (£30-£100) – these add another dimension to your adventures.
• Portable projector: For movie nights under the stars. £50-£150.

Where to Buy Your Gear: UK-Focused Retailers

You've got the list; now where do you find it? The UK has a great selection of retailers.

• Specialist Campervan/Camping Shops:

  • Go Outdoors: Huge range, often has sales, good for everything from tents to clothing to basic camping gear.
  • Towsure: Excellent for caravan and motorhome accessories, often has niche items.
  • Decathlon: Great for outdoor sports gear, often good value on chairs, headlamps, and cooking equipment.
  • Leisure Outlet / Outdoor Bits: Specific motorhome and campervan accessory specialists.
  • Local independent camping shops: Don't forget to support them; they often have knowledgeable staff.

• Online Retailers:

  • Amazon UK: Unbeatable for choice, price comparison, and quick delivery. Our specific product examples (Hillington, SolaDirect, THANSTAR, GIRIAITUS) are all readily available here.
  • eBay: Good for second-hand bargains or specific hard-to-find items.
  • Direct from brands: Many manufacturers sell directly from their websites.

• DIY & Hardware Stores:

  • Screwfix / Toolstation: Excellent for robust tools, hardware, and some electrical components.
  • B&Q / Wickes: Good for basic storage solutions, cleaning supplies, and some DIY materials.

• Second-Hand Market:

  • Facebook Marketplace / Gumtree: Brilliant for finding used camping gear, tools, or even entire van setups at a fraction of the new price. Be prepared to travel and haggle.
  • Charity Shops: You'd be surprised what you can find – cooking utensils, blankets, books.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Explore Freely

Equipping a campervan can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. My advice? Start with the absolute essentials. Get out there, use your van, and you'll quickly discover what you truly need and what you can happily live without.

Test your gear. Does that chair really fold easily? Does that stove light reliably in a breeze? Don't wait until you're deep in the Scottish Highlands to find out your new gadget is a dud.

Campervan life in the UK is about freedom, flexibility, and experiencing our incredible landscapes up close. With the right gear, you're not just ready for a trip; you're ready for an adventure. Happy travels!