New to caravanning, or just bought your first motorhome or campervan? You’re in the right place. This page takes you through the basics in a simple order, with every guide based on real touring experience.
Touring can feel like a lot to learn at first. There are hook-ups, towing weights, pitches and plenty of new words. However, you don’t need to know it all before your first trip.
Every guide below is based on real touring experience, not guesswork. So you get practical advice that works on a real pitch. Also, Caravan Adventuring only reviews campsites it has stayed at, and no site pays to be featured.
Most new tourers make the same small mistakes. For instance, they forget the hook-up cable, pack too much or arrive after dark. Luckily, a bit of planning sorts most of these out.
Work through the steps in order, or jump to the part you need. If you get stuck, you can ask Ellie at any time.
Ellie is the Caravan Adventuring touring assistant, and she’s ideal when you’re new to caravanning. You can ask her anything. No question is too basic, so ask the things you might feel silly asking on site.
For example, Ellie can help with:
Then, once you have a shortlist, read the first-hand campsite reviews.
Each step links to the most useful guides. Start with step one, then move on when you feel ready.
First, learn how the main systems work. Then very little on site will catch you out.
Try everything at home before your first trip. For example, run the heating, fill the water and test the fridge on your drive. It is much easier to learn without other tourers watching.
Next, check what your licence lets you tow. GOV.UK sets out the rules on towing with a car. After that, the guides below cover the practical side.
Towing is the part most people worry about. However, it soon feels normal. Take it slowly, plan your route and practise reversing in an empty car park first.
Now for the fun part. For your first trip, pick a site close to home and keep it short. That way, small problems are easy to sort out.
Also, try to arrive in daylight, ideally mid-afternoon. You will have time to set up calmly before dark. Then you can relax and enjoy your first evening on site.
Before you set off, make sure you’re covered. In addition, keep on top of security and servicing. Both save you money in the long run.
Many new owners skip breakdown cover for the caravan itself. So check that your policy covers the caravan as well as the car before you go.
Finally, choose where to go. Each reviewed site has a score, photos and honest notes from a real stay.
If you are new to caravanning, a quiet site with good facilities is a great first choice. Ask Ellie can also match sites to what you need, such as hardstanding or dog-friendly walks.
Most of this page works for motorhomes and campervans too. For example, pitches, hook-ups and site etiquette are the same. These guides are especially useful if you tour in one.
The campsite reviews are just as useful, whatever you tour in.
Being new to caravanning doesn’t last long. After a few trips, you’ll probably want to explore further. The European Touring guides cover ferries, tolls, documents and driving abroad.
Meanwhile, the Caravan Glossary explains any words you don’t recognise. You can also test yourself with the Caravan & Motorhome Quiz.
Above all, enjoy it. Every tourer was new once, and most are happy to help on site. Then, when you’re ready, share your own stays with other members in the Community.
Save campsites, plan upcoming stays and meet other tourers in the Community. Joining is free and takes under a minute.
