Your first caravan park visit can feel a bit overwhelming. There are rules you don’t know about, processes you haven’t done before, and cultural norms that aren’t written down anywhere.
The truth is, it’s not complicated. Most of it’s just common sense applied to a shared outdoor space. But it’s helpful to know what to expect so you’re not scrambling, embarrassed, or making mistakes that annoy your neighbours.
This guide walks you through what actually matters for your first time.
Before You Arrive: The Basics
Booking: You’ll book online or over the phone. You’ll get a confirmation with:
- Your site number
- Check-in date and time
- Check-out date and time
- The rate (double-check it matches)
- Contact number for the park
Write these down. Or take a photo. Don’t rely on memory.
What You’ll Need to Bring:
- Caravan, tent, or motorhome (obviously)
- ID (usually driver’s license)
- Proof of booking (email or confirmation)
- Your belongings (camping gear, food, clothes, toiletries)
Some parks require:
- Pet certificates if you’ve got animals
- Proof of pet vaccinations (sometimes)
- Caravan registration papers
Check your booking confirmation or contact the park if you’re unsure.
Arrival & Check-In: What to Expect
When You Arrive:
- Drive to the office/check-in area (it’ll be signed)
- Park in the visitor parking (don’t park on your site yet)
- Go to the office
At Check-In: You’ll give your name and get:
- Your site number
- A site map (usually)
- Park rules (as a printed sheet or digital)
- WiFi password (if available)
- Your access card/gate code (if the park is gated)
- Information about facilities
Questions to Ask:
- “Where’s my site?”
- “Where’s the amenity block?” (showers, toilets)
- “Any local information?” (good cafes, fishing spots, etc.)
- “What are the quiet hours?” (usually 10 pm–8 am)
- “Any park-specific rules?” (fire pits, pets, etc.)
Don’t pretend you know things. Ask. The staff expects first-timers.
Then What: Drive to your site. They’ll either point you there or give you a map.
Setting Up Your Site
Powered Site (Caravan/Motorhome): You’ll have:
- A plot of land with your caravan/motorhome space
- An electrical pedestal (the box on a pole with power outlets)
- Water tap nearby (usually)
- Sewerage point (a pit or outlet; ask if you’re not sure)
Your Setup:
- Park your van in the space
- Connect your electrical cable to the pedestal (use a caravan plug adapter if needed)
- Connect water if you’re using it (most modern vans have hookups)
- Connect sewerage outlet or use your built-in tanks
- Level your van if needed (use levelling blocks)
- Set up outside furniture, shade, etc.
Don’t overthink this. You’re not being assessed. Just get it set up in a way that works for you.
Unpowered Site (Tent or Van Without Power):
- Park your vehicle
- Set up your tent nearby (if you’re using one)
- Set up your camping setup (chairs, table, cooking area)
- Find the water tap for your site (ask if you can’t find it)
You’ll use the park’s water supply and amenity block for facilities.
Important Facilities to Know About
Amenity Block (Showers, Toilets): This is the public bathroom/shower area. It’s usually a building with multiple stalls. You’ll use this for showering and toilets (even if you’re in a powered caravan, you’ll use the amenity block for main showers usually).
Laundry: If the park has a laundry, it’s usually a separate building with washers and dryers. You’ll need coins or a card. Ask at check-in.
Dump Station: If you’re in a caravan with a portable toilet or sewerage tank, you’ll use this to empty it. It’s a pit or receptacle specifically for this. Ask where it is and how to use it.
Water Taps: Tap locations vary. Your site might have one; if not, there’ll be communal taps. Fill your caravan water tank or bring containers.
Rubbish: Find the rubbish area (usually a bin area). Don’t leave rubbish on your site. Keep it tidy.
Park Rules (The Important Bits)
You’ll get a printed list, but here’s what actually matters:
Noise: 10 pm–8 am is usually “quiet hours.” Respect this. No loud music, loud talking, or revving engines. It’s reasonable and non-negotiable.
Pets: If you’ve got a dog, it’s usually on-lead in communal areas. Off-lead only in designated areas. Pick up poo immediately. Every time. It’s basic.
Fires: Some sites allow fires (firepit), some don’t. It’ll be on your site info. If allowed, keep fires small and controlled. Always extinguish completely. Use the provided firepit, don’t start fires anywhere else.
Speed: Most parks have a 10 km/h speed limit. It’s there for safety. Follow it.
Vehicles on Site: Usually one vehicle per site. Parking’s defined by the space. Don’t park on grass if you can help it.
Children: Supervise them. Teach them the rules. The park’s shared space, not a playground.
Alcohol: Usually permitted in moderation. Not encouraged getting loud or obnoxious about it.
Quiet Enjoyment: Other guests have the same right to relax as you. If something you’re doing is annoying others, management will tell you. Sort it out.
These aren’t arbitrary. They exist so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.
What to Actually Pack
Essentials:
- Sleeping bag or blankets (even powered sites have cold nights)
- Pillow
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
- Change of clothes
- Shoes (camp shoes for walking around)
- Jacket (for evening)
- Underwear and socks
Food & Cooking:
- Non-perishable groceries (pasta, tinned stuff, rice, etc.)
- Perishables (cheese, milk, meat) if you’ve got a fridge
- Cooking utensils (pots, pans, utensils)
- Plates, bowls, cups
- Kettle or camp stove
- Matches/lighter
Comfort:
- Torch or headlamp
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Pain relief (headache stuff, etc.)
- Phone charger
- Entertainment (books, cards, games)
- Chairs if you like sitting outside
Not Necessary:
- Fancy camping gear you’ve never used
- Every tool ever
- More clothes than you’ll wear
- Restaurant-quality cookware
Pack what you’ll actually use. Your first trip, you’ll figure out what you really need.
Parking & Vehicle Logistics
Your Own Vehicle: Usually kept on-site. Some parks designate visitor parking. Ask at check-in.
Leaving the Park: If you want to go into town or explore, you can leave whenever. Your site’s booked for the whole time; you don’t lose it by leaving during the day.
Recycling/Rubbish: Know where to put it. Most parks have recycling bins. Use them. Don’t leave rubbish on your site or around the park.
The First Night
It’s the weirdest. You’re in a new place. The noises are different. People might be nearby. It’s all a bit much.
This is normal. By the second night, you’ll settle. By the third, you’ll feel at home.
Don’t expect to sleep brilliantly the first night. You will the subsequent nights, likely better than at home because of the fresh air and quiet.
Common Beginner Mistakes (Don’t Make These)
Parking in someone else’s site. Check your site number. You’re in the right place.
Leaving rubbish around. It attracts animals and bugs. Take your rubbish to the bin immediately.
Ignoring quiet hours. People work hard to get a quiet caravan park holiday. Respect that. No loud music, loud talking, early-morning revving.
Assuming you can have a fire. Check your site. Some don’t allow them. Just assume you can’t until you confirm.
Not levelling your caravan. You’ll sleep terrible if your van’s tilted. Grab a levelling block and level it out. Five-minute job, huge difference.
Being awkward about bathrooms. Everyone’s using communal facilities. It’s normal. You’ll get over the weirdness in 20 minutes.
Not knowing your site number. Seriously, write it down.
Checking Out
On your last day:
Morning of Checkout: Usually checkout’s 10 am. Don’t wait until 9:55 am to start packing.
Your Checklist:
- Empty your rubbish
- Take down any setup (chairs, etc.)
- Empty your caravan (if it’s yours)
- Turn off water/power
- Lock your gate (if there is one)
- Leave the site clean
At the Office:
- Drive to check-out
- Return any cards/keys you were given
- Ask if there’s anything you should know
They’ll inspect the site after you leave. It should be clean and empty. Don’t leave rubbish or damage.
Why Your First Time Matters
Your first caravan park experience sets the tone. A good park with helpful staff and nice amenities makes a huge difference. That’s why choosing well matters.
Lakes Bushland’s set up for first-timers. Onsite management means there’s someone to ask. Spacious sites mean you’re not jammed against neighbours. Clean amenities and facilities mean you’re comfortable. Quiet atmosphere means you’re actually relaxing.
It’s a good place to have your first caravan park experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a caravan license to drive my van? Depends on the caravan’s weight. If it’s over 2,000 kg tare weight, you need a special endorsement on your driver’s license. Check when you get your van. Do this before you trip.
What if I’ve never towed a caravan before? YouTube tutorials for towing fundamentals. Drive slowly and carefully on your first trip. Practice backing up somewhere safe before you arrive. It’s a skill; you’ll get the hang of it.
Can I stay longer than I’ve booked? Maybe. Contact the park and ask if they have availability. Some parks let you extend on the spot; some don’t.
What if something breaks? Tell the park immediately. Management can help or point you to a tradesperson. Don’t try to fix things yourself unless you know what you’re doing.
Is there Internet? Most parks have WiFi. It’s usually included. It’s not always super fast, but it exists. Check during booking if this matters to you.
Can I invite friends to visit? Usually yes, but they’ll need to park in visitor parking or you might get charged per extra vehicle. Ask during check-in.
What if I hate it? Unlikely, but it happens. Most parks let you leave early (though you’ll lose the money for unused nights). Some caravan parks aren’t for everyone. At least you’ll know for next time.
