🏕️ Setup & Campsite
Practical caravan setup and campsite guides to help you arrive, set up, settle in and pack up with less stress.
🚐 Arrived at the Caravan Park — Now What?
Arriving at a caravan park or campsite is when your trip really starts. For new caravanners, setting up can seem like a lot to remember, especially when you’re trying to position the caravan, connect everything and get comfortable.
A simple setup routine can make the whole process easier. Take your time, follow a consistent order and don’t be afraid to stop and double-check something before moving on.
📚 Setup & Campsite Guides
How to Set Up Your Caravan
Follow a practical arrival routine covering positioning, levelling, stabilising and getting your campsite ready.
🎥 Watch: How to Set Up Your Caravan at a Campsite Step-by-Step
What to Do When You Arrive
Learn what to check immediately after arriving, before you start unpacking and settling into your campsite.
🎥 Watch: 10 Things to Check Immediately After Arriving at a Caravan Park
Levelling Your Caravan
A level caravan is more comfortable and can make everyday life inside your van easier. Learn about positioning and practical levelling considerations.
🚐 Guide coming soon.
Connecting Power, Water & Other Services
Understand the basic process of connecting campsite services and checking that everything is working before you settle in.
🚐 Guide coming soon.
Caravan Setup Checklist
Use a repeatable setup routine so important steps aren’t forgotten when you arrive at a new campsite.
- Position the caravan safely.
- Apply the handbrake.
- Disconnect from the tow vehicle when appropriate.
- Level the caravan.
- Lower stabilisers as required.
- Connect approved campsite services.
- Check everything is secure.
- Set up your living area.
Packing Up Before You Leave
Packing up is just as important as setting up. A consistent pack-up routine can help prevent forgotten connections, unsecured items and other avoidable problems.
🚐 Pack-up guide coming soon.
🛡️ Set Up Safely
Always follow the instructions for your particular caravan, equipment and campsite. If you’re unsure about electrical, gas or other safety-critical systems, use a suitably qualified professional.
- Take your time when positioning the caravan.
- Keep people clear of the vehicle and caravan while manoeuvring.
- Check the ground and campsite conditions before setting up.
- Use appropriate equipment for levelling and stabilising.
- Follow campsite rules for power, water and waste connections.
- Secure loose items before leaving the campsite.
- Never take shortcuts with gas or electrical safety.
🚙 Need Towing Help?
Before you arrive at the campsite, make sure you’re comfortable with towing, reversing and preparing your caravan for the road.
🏕️ Make Caravan Life Easier
Once your caravan is set up, it’s time to relax and enjoy it. Explore our caravan life guides for practical ideas about organisation, comfort, cooking, storage and everyday camping.
🚐 Explore More Caravan Guides
Keep exploring Australian Caravanning for practical information about buying, towing, setup, maintenance, travel and caravan life.