Your first campervan weekend: checklist and preparation

How should you prepare for a first campervan weekend?

For a first campervan weekend, choose an easy-to-reach area, plan two overnight options and check water, toilets and the vehicle’s onboard supplies. The aim is to discover your own travel style without filling every hour. A short route leaves time to learn how to set up the bed, cook and pack away.

Before booking an activity or choosing a scenic viewpoint, read our guide to choosing where to sleep in a campervan or motorhome. A stop with clear conditions makes a first trip easier, even if it looks less spectacular in photos.

The day before: try the vehicle as if you were already away

Set up the bed and check that your bags still have somewhere to go. Try the lights, phone charging, fridge if fitted and the equipment provided. If hiring, ask the rental company to demonstrate water filling, wastewater emptying, electrical controls and the vehicle-specific instructions.

Note the vehicle’s height, width and relevant weight for access checks; also check its applicable load limits.
Locate safety equipment and check the documents needed for the journey.
Check what runs on the battery and what needs an external power connection.
Secure items for travelling; keep documents and a torch accessible.

A trial night close to home or a full setup while parked can reveal an awkward bed, a missing cable or storage blocking a door. It is easier to fix these before reaching an unfamiliar area.

Plan water and toilets before choosing your spot

Check the actual equipment: water supply, wastewater capacity, onboard toilet or need for accessible facilities. There is no single quantity of water suitable for every van. Needs vary with the number of travellers, cooking, temperature and shower use.

For a first trip, note when and where you can refill. The guide to finding water, showers and wastewater disposal explains what to check before travelling to a service. Do not assume a fountain supplies drinking water without reliable information, and not every service area has wastewater facilities.

If your van has no toilet facilities and you need them in the evening or early morning, check opening times rather than relying on a symbol. A nearby facility may close before you arrive.

A simple plan for two nights

Friday: reach a stop identified in advance, arrive before dark if possible, read the instructions and set up the bed.
Saturday: plan one main activity, allow time for services and choose your second overnight stop before late evening.
Sunday: pack away, use suitable wastewater facilities if needed, check the vehicle and allow enough time to return.

This example is an organising framework, not a reserved itinerary. Adapt it to weather, opening times and tiredness. If you need to change area, our method for planning a campervan road trip helps distribute stops and services.

What to pack without overloading the van

Bedding suitable for the expected temperatures, spare clothes and rain protection.
Water for drinking, simple meals, utensils you will use and rubbish bags.
A torch, charged phone, compatible charger and saved useful contact details.
Filling and wastewater equipment suitable for the vehicle, if required.
Information about your main overnight stop, an alternative and service opening times.

For cooking or heating equipment, follow the manufacturer’s and rental company’s instructions, particularly ventilation requirements. Keep access clear. Another traveller’s packing list is a starting point, not a replacement for the vehicle instructions.

After returning: note what will make the next trip easier

Identify three things: what was missing, what took up too much space and which service you left too late to find. Then adjust equipment and plans. A first trip is useful precisely because it reveals your needs before a longer journey.

In VanSpot Finder, compare several listings and the services around a spot (in French) before choosing a stop. The available information helps preparation; availability, access and local rules still need checking on site.

Frequently asked questions

Should I travel far for my first campervan weekend?

No. A nearby area leaves more time to try the bed, storage and equipment. Keep the distance compatible with tiredness and arrival times.

Can I travel without a shower in the van?

Yes, by planning around your needs: a campsite, accessible shower or another facility whose conditions and opening times you have checked. Do not assume a car park has toilet or washing facilities.

Should I book the first night?

It depends on the destination, season and type of stop. For a managed site, ask whether booking is needed and check arrival times. Keep an alternative.