Before driving away from camp: a departure check

By the Overlanding.info team · Updated 24 October 2026 · Sources checked 24 October 2026

Packing can involve several people and repeated interruptions. Make one deliberate pause before the vehicle moves, and treat it as a shared routine rather than assuming someone else checked.

Close the tent by its own instructions

Use the maker's procedure for closing, securing and checking the tent, ladder and fittings. This page cannot replace model-specific fastenings, tightening or inspection steps. Resolve damaged or uncertain fittings before moving, and see the guide on leaving a roof tent on the car for what stays on between trips.

Check around the vehicle

Account for cables, hoses, pegs, ramps and anything used on the pitch. The Camping and Caravanning Club says to keep everyone clear of moving vehicles, that reversing caravans and motorhomes are a particular hazard because the driver's view is limited, and that someone outside guiding the driver is ideal. Agree how the guide and driver will communicate, and stop if you lose contact. It also says trips over guy lines and pegs are common, especially in the dark, so count the pegs.

Keep a note of anything temporarily attached to the vehicle during the stay so it is not left behind.

Recheck the load

Secure luggage and containers according to the vehicle's and equipment's instructions. GOV.UK defines maximum authorised mass as the vehicle's weight including the maximum load that can be carried safely, normally shown on a plate or sticker, so refilling water or adding supplies uses up some of that allowance. The vehicle payload worked example shows how to add it up.

If you carry fuel, the Camping and Caravanning Club says containers should be upright and secured so they cannot disconnect, fall over or leak. Keep the exits, your view and access to essential kit clear, and confirm that the height you noted for the loaded car still applies (measuring loaded height).

Finish the pitch

Return anything hired and follow the site's departure arrangements. Take your litter and belongings; the leave no trace guide covers waste, fires and parking from the official codes. Let cooking equipment cool before it is packed.

One final confirmation

Ask each person to confirm their task, then have the driver do the final walk-round and checks they are responsible for. Do not rely on assuming everyone else finished.

Before you move off

• [ ] Tent closed and secured by the maker's instructions.
• [ ] Pegs, cables, hoses and ramps accounted for.
• [ ] People and animals clear, guide agreed if reversing.
• [ ] Load secured and within the vehicle's limits.
• [ ] Cooking equipment cooled and not in the sleeping area.
• [ ] Height and fuel containers rechecked.

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