Everything to pack for a motorhome or campervan trip to Cornwall, from levelling blocks to waterproofs.
A motorhome or campervan trip to Cornwall is a brilliant way to explore the coast. But forgetting a key item, such as a hook-up cable or levelling blocks, can make a holiday much harder than it needs to be. This checklist covers everything we recommend, based on many years of welcoming motorhomes and campervans to our farm campsite near Boscastle.
If you are camping in a tent, see our North Cornwall camping packing list instead.
Before you leave
- Check tyres, including the spare, and tyre pressures for a loaded vehicle.
- Check oil, coolant and screenwash.
- Test lights and indicators.
- Check your gas level and bring a spare bottle if you have room.
- Check your habitation equipment: fridge, heater, water pump and toilet.
- Make sure your breakdown cover includes motorhomes, if needed.
- Plan your route in, avoiding very narrow lanes where possible.
Electric hook-up
- Hook-up cable, ideally 25m, as grass sites can need a long cable.
- A mains adaptor if your van needs one.
- A cable reel or bag for storage.
- Polarity tester, if you use one.
Read our electric hook-up explained guide for more.
Levelling
- Levelling ramps or blocks, essential on grass pitches.
- Chocks.
- Jack pads or boards to put under steadies or jacks on soft ground.
- A spirit level or a levelling app.
Our pitches at Lower Pennycrocker Farm are on grass, so levelling equipment is a must. See our guide to levelling a motorhome on grass.
Water
- Fresh water hose or a water carrier with a fill adaptor.
- Water container for drinking.
- Waste water container, if your van doesn't have a built-in tank.
- Spare fuses for the pump.
Toilet and waste
- Toilet chemicals or eco-friendly alternatives.
- Toilet roll suitable for chemical toilets.
- Disposable gloves.
- A bag for rubbish and one for recycling.
Ask your campsite about waste disposal before you arrive. At Lower Pennycrocker Farm, please ask us when you book. Our motorhome toilet and waste tips post has more advice.
Kitchen
- Pans, kettle and utensils.
- Plates, bowls, cups and cutlery.
- Washing-up bowl, sponge, tea towels and washing-up liquid.
- Cool box or fridge packs for day trips.
- Easy, store-cupboard meals; see easy camping meals.
- A small barbecue, if your campsite allows it.
Outdoor living
- Awning or sun canopy, plus pegs and a mallet.
- Windbreak. Very useful on the Cornish coast.
- Camping chairs and table.
- Outdoor mat.
- Lantern and head torches.
Clothing for Cornwall
The weather on the Cornish coast can change quickly. Pack:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Warm layers, even in summer, for evenings.
- Walking boots and sandals.
- Swimwear and towels.
- Sun hat and sun cream.
- Woolly hat for chilly spring and autumn nights.
Bedding
- Duvets or sleeping bags.
- Pillows.
- Extra blankets for cool nights.
- Hot water bottle for spring and autumn trips.
Safety
- First aid kit.
- Fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
- Carbon monoxide alarm.
- Torch.
- Wheel lock or other security devices.
Documents and apps
- Driving licence and insurance documents.
- Breakdown cover details.
- Campsite booking confirmation and phone number.
- Tide times app or tide tables.
- What3words app: our gate is happen.violinist.inserted.
For days out
- Daypack.
- Water bottles.
- Binoculars.
- OS map or walking app.
- Bikes and bike locks, if you have a rack.
Many guests leave the motorhome on the pitch and explore by bike, bus or on foot. Boscastle is about two miles from our campsite. See our touring caravans and motorhomes page.
Dogs
- Lead, a long line and harness.
- Food, water bowl and treats.
- Poo bags.
- Towel for wet or sandy dogs.
- Dog bed.
We welcome up to two dogs per pitch at £2 each per night.
Packing tips
- Pack heavy items low and over the axles.
- Secure everything before moving. Cornish lanes are bendy.
- Don't overload. Check your vehicle's weight limits.
- Keep wet gear separate with a bag or box for waterproofs and muddy boots.
Arriving on site
When you arrive, take a few minutes before setting up. Walk the pitch to look for the flattest spot and work out which way your door should face, ideally away from the prevailing wind, which on the north Cornish coast often comes from the west. Check where the hook-up point is before you position the van, so your cable will reach. Then level the van, chock the wheels, connect the hook-up and set up your awning or windbreak.
Things people often forget
- A long enough hook-up cable.
- Levelling ramps.
- Spare gas.
- Cash or a card for parking in villages.
- A torch for night-time trips to the toilet block.
- Pegs suitable for firm ground.
- Phone chargers and a 12V adaptor.
Frequently asked questions
What length of hook-up cable do I need?
A 25m cable is a good choice, as hook-up points can be some distance from your pitch on grass sites.
Do I need levelling blocks in Cornwall?
On grass pitches, yes. Our pitches are on grass, so bring ramps or blocks.
What clothing should I pack for Cornwall?
Layers and waterproofs, even in summer, plus warm clothes for the evenings.
Can I leave my motorhome on site and explore?
Yes. Many guests leave their van on the pitch and explore on foot, by bike or by bus.
For kit lists that change with the weather, read what to pack for camping in Cornwall, season by season.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
Bringing a campervan to north Cornwall? See campervan camping near Boscastle at Lower Pennycrocker Farm.
Touring by motorhome? Follow our north Cornwall motorhome route along the Atlantic Highway.
