How to Create a Comfy Caravan Campsite
There’s something pretty special about setting up your campsite, opening the door of your car, and stepping into a space that feels like your own little home on the road, a true reflection of you. Whether you’re chasing the sun for a weekend, embarking on an extended adventure, or seeking your winter haven, comfort makes the journey truly enjoyable.
Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not just the destination that matters; it’s how you set yourself up once you get there. A few clever additions and a bit of thoughtful planning, and suddenly, you’re not just camping, you’re living.
At RV Spares Online, we’re all about helping you find those little upgrades that make a big difference at the end of a long day, travel, or exploring. So, if you’re ready to turn your campsite into a cosy, practical, but personal retreat, let’s dive in!
Every Campsite Starts with Preparation
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination, only to realise you’ve left something behind. I feel everyone has a story of that one time they left something important at home, which completely overshadowed the entire trip.
When it comes to creating a campsite that feels like home, it really does come down to a bit of planning. The gear you bring can make or break your experience, but you also don’t want to make the mistake of packing everything you own. It’s about finding that sweet spot between comfort and practicality, leaving room for a bit of space.
Some travellers like to go all-in with big rigs loaded with gadgets, and others take more of a minimalist route, carrying just the essentials. What’s on my list? Power, water, food, shade, waste and climate control. I often consider what a mate of mine often says, “If it doesn’t serve more than one purpose, leave it behind.” And while I don’t always follow his advice, it’s a solid principle when space and weight are tight.
In the end, your setup should suit your travel style. Whether you go off-grid or stay in a powered site, comfort doesn’t have to mean excess. Sometimes, the simplest setups are the most satisfying.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Location to Set Up Camp
Finding the perfect spot to park your caravan is the first step toward a truly comfortable and enjoyable stay. Where you park can make or break your whole camping adventure, and I’m not just talking about a pretty view. Whether you’re pulling into a bustling caravan park with all the trimmings or finding your own little slice of peace out in the bush, it’s worth looking around before settling in. I’ve included a list below that I always check before setting up camp.
Caravan Park or Free Camp?
When considering whether to park at a legitimate caravan park or free camp for the night, each comes with perks and pitfalls. Holiday parks often offer the convenience of power, water, and amenities, which can make your stay super smooth, especially if you don’t have an ensuite setup. But even in a caravan park, it pays to pick your site wisely. Steer clear of noisy roads, late-night hotspots, or areas that might get too much afternoon sun.
If you’re free camping, the checklist grows. That postcard-perfect waterfront spot might look ideal, but what happens when the tide rolls in or the mozzies come out? Look for signs of wildlife, standing water (hello, insects), and any overhanging branches that might pose a safety risk. I always take a quick walk around to check for animal tracks, nests, or burrows to avoid unwelcome neighbours.
Privacy
Privacy matters, especially when you’re looking to switch off. In more remote spots, other travellers can be a delight, or a disaster. I’ve had neighbours who made me want to pack up on the spot. Trust your gut regarding nearby campers, and choose your patch accordingly.
If security is a concern, sticking to managed parks with lighting, fencing, or on-site staff might offer extra peace of mind.
Wildlife
Let’s face it: in Australia, the wildlife is just as much a part of the adventure as the scenery. But it pays to be cautious. Depending on where you’re camped, you could deal with anything from snakes and spiders to crocodiles, wild pigs, and even thieving possums (I’ve seen them unzip tents and raid eskies like seasoned criminals).
Birds, too, can go from charming to chaotic if you feed them. So maybe keep that piece of toast to yourself.
The main thing is to research the local fauna before you go, and pack repellants and a good first-aid kit just in case.
Swimming Spots
Not every swimming spot is safe, whether it’s a river, beach, or waterhole. Strong currents, submerged obstacles, or even shallow patches can catch you off guard. And then there’s the wildlife: jellyfish, rays, crocs, sharks… You get the idea. It’s always worth checking local signage or asking fellow travellers before diving in. And when you do, make sure someone’s there to watch you from the shore. You never know what could be lurking under the surface.
Level Ground
Once you’ve found the right spot, make sure your caravan is parked on level, solid ground. Uneven terrain or soft sand might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can turn your comfy stay into a frustrating one.
I’m a bit obsessive about levelling. It greatly affects how you sleep, cook, and move around inside. A set of portable chocks, a spirit level (or app), and a cordless drill for the stabiliser legs can make setting up a breeze. If you’re lucky enough to have automated suspension or airbag systems, that’s even better. Just avoid areas with mud, rocks, puddles, or nests for comfort and safety.
The Right Gear Makes All the Difference
When it comes to creating a comfy campsite that actually feels like home and isn’t just functional, what you bring along really counts. It’s not about cramming in every gadget you own, but packing with purpose. The right gear can turn a basic setup into a cosy retreat, while the wrong stuff (or too much of it) can get in the way. Here are a few things worth considering to help make your site feel more like a home away from home.
Heating and Cooling
No matter how great your location is, if you’re sweating through the night or freezing in your caravan, you won’t enjoy your stay.
Your caravan or motorhome should be a place where you can easily warm up or cool down, depending on where you’re parked. Reverse-cycle air conditioners are great if you have access to power. The Webasto Roof Air Conditioner Cool Top Trail 24 is my pick of the litter.
If it’s heat you need, I’d be looking at a diesel heater to offer warmth without relying on mains electricity, perfect for those off-grid stays. One option that truly ticks the boxes is the Truma Combi D 6 Diesel Heater / Hot Water System Kit. It’s compact, quiet, and easy to use, even for us non-techy types. With integrated climate control and hot water, your caravan becomes a full-on cosy retreat, no matter the weather conditions outside. And yes, you can still run the heating even if the water tank is empty. That’s a game-changer for remote travel.
Shade and Shelter for Maximum Comfort
Shade and shelter are vital in all climates. Our Australian weather can be harsh; we often laugh that it’s perfect one minute and terrible the next!
Shade and shelter can come in many formats, including gazebos, tents, tarpaulins, a beach umbrella, and a caravan favourite: slide-out awnings. Every holidaymaker has experienced the harmful rays of our Aussie sun or the sogginess of a rained-out camp, and slide-out awnings are a versatile answer.
Roof-mounted slide-out awnings are terrific! They provide shade in a jiffy, and in most cases, almost double the livable footprint of your caravan. I even have them on both sides of my vehicle for those adventures where I have a table, chairs and cooking items on one side, and a swag on the other in more difficult off-road terrain, or for a quick overnighter. The slide-out versions are superior to portable or clip-on awnings, which always seem heavy and awkward, and require a person of considerable height to assemble. It all adds to the liveability of your comfy campsite.
If you’re after a reliable and affordable option from a reputable brand, the Aussie Traveller Roof Mounted Slide Out Awning is well priced, easy to fit, and easy to assemble.
Making A House A Home
An annexe floor mat is an excellent idea for added comfort and cleanliness! They really do seem to extend your comfortable living space and keep the nasties away. When it comes to all things annexes, you can’t go past Camec, and the Camec Outdoor Annexe Mat is the perfect addition to any outdoor space, measuring 7m x 2.5m.
You may also want a privacy screen or two to provide some added protection from gusting wind and keep your living area out of the sight of your neighbours. Again, look no further than Camec and their terrific Camec Awning Privacy Screen End.
Some other comfort items include:
- Folding table and camping chairs
- Portable barbeque
- Portable fire pit and cooking accessories
- Privacy tent with porta-loo/ shower with a hot water system
- Suitable clothing and sleepware for all climates
- Non-breakable cooking and serving implements
- Rubbish disposal bags/containers
- Personal protection includes hats, sunglasses, suitable clothing, pest protection and treatment, and first aid kits (and knowing how to use them!).
Creating a Warm Ambience
Modern caravans provide a host of essential and mood lighting options that mostly extend into lighting the annexe as well. However, there’s nothing quite like the natural lighting from the moon, the stars and the good old bush TV – a campfire!
If you are lighting a fire, your priority is safety, but the second is placement according to the predicted wind conditions. There’s nothing worse than smoke in your eyes while trying to relax!
Additional lighting options include strip lighting, torches, magnetic lights, fairy lights, insect lanterns and solar garden stakes.
In my opinion, one of the best innovations in caravanning was the introduction of the exterior grab handle with an LED light. With their stylish and warming glow, exterior handles provide great safety and excellent ambient light. They are particularly welcomed for that late-night dash to the facilities!
Bringing the Essentials
Every camper is different and supplies its own levels of comfort and equipment. Some camping trips are made for swags or sleeping bags and scraping by on only the most essential items, while others are meant for taking the comforts of home with you. This can vary with the time you spend in your caravan and perhaps age, physical needs, destinations, and personal preferences.
Many caravans provide full kitchens with ovens, grills, microwaves, coffee machines, full en-suites, heating/cooling, and all the comforts of home and then some! What some people consider essential, others may reject as a total bother and perhaps prefer the simplicities of life.
No matter your personal preferences, we all must eventually wash some clothes. Some may use a freshwater lake or river (with appropriate biodegradable soap, of course!), others a bucket or trough, and others the local laundromat or camp laundry, if there is one!
No doubt having your own conveniences makes a caravan feel more like home and reduces the stress of cleaning chores. With the advancements in RV washing machines, you can be assured of clean, fresh clothes and very water-efficient camping. The NCE 3.0kg Wall-Mounted Washing Machine is a ripper unit, and being wall-mounted, it fits into confined areas such as en-suites without taking up valuable floor and cabinet space. Combine it with a portable clothes line, or perhaps just a rope stretched between a couple of trees, but don’t forget the pegs!
Adding Personal Touches To Your Camping Experience
Many new travellers are often quite nervous about how much they will enjoy caravaning. Having a suitable caravan with all your personal needs will make that journey much more enjoyable. Take your time to select a caravan or camper that is well-suited to your own tastes and desires. The layout, sleeping facilities, and accessories are most important, but so are the creature comforts.
It is worth considering the decor, colour and finishes that suit your own taste. I once had a very good caravan with plenty of comfort and attractions, except its 1970s lime green interior. It just had to go!
Take some time to personalise your own home on wheels. It will pay off in the pleasure it gives you. Simple things like a nook for keys, wallets, and telephones, added padding around doors to reduce head impact, magazine racks, USB charging and power sources, floor rugs, reading lights, and even pull-out footrests can make a mobile house a home. Some will even go as far as plants, pictures and table decorations – it’s up to you!
Your Home Away from Home
Creature comforts and human amenities play a vital role in your personal caravan experience. Having familiar and well-designed facilities such as a well-appointed kitchen, comfortable beds, and reliable hot water can be the difference between suffering through your journey, or having the time of your life!
Let’s face it: we have all had to face stress in our daily lives, but these shouldn’t follow you on your vacation, no matter the distance, length of time, or ultimate destination. Having a well-considered and appropriate caravan, towing vehicle, and a variety of essential equipment and comforts will ensure that you are keen to travel further for longer in your comfy campsite.
But Before You Go!
Be sure to create a checklist of all the items you need, and explore the latest camping products, campsite essentials, and accessories at RV Spares Online.