Must-Have Campervan Accessories for First-Time Van Lifers (Europe Guide 2026)

Planning your first campervan trip around Europe is exciting — but knowing what you actually need can be overwhelming. The truth is, most first-time van lifers either overpack or forget a few critical accessories that make life on the road much easier.

This guide cuts through the noise and lists the essential campervan accessories you’ll actually use on a European road trip — all available on Amazon, beginner-friendly, and tested by real campervan travellers.

Driftly helps you plan the perfect route — these accessories help you enjoy every stop along the way.

Quick Checklist: Campervan Essentials for Beginners

If you’re short on time, these are the non-negotiables:

• Portable power station

• Levelling ramps

• Camping chairs & table

• Storage organisers

• Kitchen essentials

• Safety & legal gear

Below, we explain why each matters and what to buy.

1. Portable Power Station (Your #1 Upgrade)

A portable power station allows you to camp without hookups, charge devices, and run essentials like lights and fridges.

Beginner-Friendly Brands to Trust

• Jackery – extremely reliable, very simple to use

• EcoFlow – fast charging, compact

• Bluetti – best value for money

Why beginners love them:
No wiring, no installation, just plug and go.

👉 Check the official Jackery store on Amazon →

2. Levelling Ramps & Wheel Chocks

Uneven parking spots are common across Europe — especially on aires and wild camping locations.

Why You Need Them

• Better sleep

• Fridge works properly

• Sliding doors don’t slam shut

Amazon levelling ramps are lightweight, stackable, and essential for beginners.

3. Campervan Kitchen Essentials

You don’t need everything — just the right things.

Beginner Kitchen Gear

• Collapsible bowls & kettles

• Non-stick pan

• Coffee maker (AeroPress & moka pots are popular)

• Refillable water containers

All widely available on Amazon and easy to store.

👉 Check today’s best campervan kitchen gear on Amazon →

4. Portable Toilet or Privacy Setup (Optional but Popular)

Not mandatory — but extremely popular with:

• Families

• Wild campers

• First-time travellers nervous about facilities

Perfect for These Vans

All accessories above work well with:

• VW California

• VW Transporter conversions

• Ford Nugget

• Marco Polo

• Rental campervans across Europe
  
  

  👉 Check today’s best campervan toilets on Amazon →

  
  

What should I buy first for a campervan?
Start with power, levelling ramps, chairs, and basic kitchen gear.

Can beginners use these without experience?
Yes — all items are plug-and-play and beginner-friendly.

Are these suitable for rented campervans?
Absolutely. None require permanent installation.

Driftly – The Ultimate European Road Trip Planner
Launching January 2026