Arriving at a campsite is one of the best parts of a caravan holiday. After hours on the road, you’re finally ready to settle in, put the kettle on and enjoy your surroundings.

However, before you can relax, there are a few important jobs to complete.

From positioning your caravan correctly to connecting electricity and water, following a sensible setup routine can save time, prevent unnecessary problems and make your stay more comfortable.

Whether you’re new to caravanning or an experienced tourer, this practical caravan pitch setup checklist covers everything you should do when arriving at a campsite.

What Should You Do First When Arriving at a Caravan Site?

When arriving at a caravan site, check in, locate your allocated pitch, inspect the ground and position your caravan safely. Next, level and secure the caravan, lower the corner steadies, connect electricity and water, and complete your internal safety checks before settling in.

Following the same routine each time helps ensure important tasks aren’t forgotten.

1. Check Your Pitch Before Positioning the Caravan

Before unhitching, take a few moments to inspect your allocated pitch.

Not all caravan pitches are perfectly flat, and ground conditions can vary considerably between campsites.

Look for:

• Sloping or uneven ground.
• Soft grass or muddy areas.
• Loose gravel or sharp stones.
• Overhanging branches.
• Drainage channels or potholes.
• The position of electricity and water connections.

If you’re staying on a grass pitch, consider whether recent rainfall has softened the ground.

Hardstanding pitches generally provide a firmer surface, although they can still have noticeable slopes.

It’s also worth checking the campsite’s positioning requirements. Some sites specify exactly where the caravan must be parked to maintain appropriate spacing between units.

2. Position Your Caravan for Easy Access

Once you’ve assessed the pitch, position the caravan where it will be most convenient during your stay.

Consider the location of the entrance door, awning area, electricity hook-up and nearby facilities.

If your caravan has a motor mover, this can make positioning easier, particularly on tighter pitches.

Before unhitching, check that you have enough space to open windows, access storage lockers and set up your awning.

Remember to leave sufficient clearance for neighbouring pitches and any campsite access routes.

Taking a few extra minutes at this stage can prevent having to reposition everything later.

3. Check That Your Caravan Is Level

One of the most important parts of setting up is ensuring your caravan is reasonably level.

An uneven caravan can affect comfort, sleeping arrangements, drainage and the operation of certain appliances.

Start by checking the side-to-side level with a spirit level.

If one side is lower, you’ll need to raise the appropriate wheel using suitable levelling equipment.

Traditional caravan ramps can be used, although they may require several attempts to achieve the correct height.

An alternative is an inflatable caravan levelling system.

The LocknLevel Single Axle Caravan Levelling System allows you to position the caravan on a deflated air cushion and inflate it gradually to achieve the required height.

For larger caravans, the Twin Axle LocknLevel System is designed to accommodate twin axle arrangements.

Once the side-to-side level is correct, secure and unhitch the caravan according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then use the jockey wheel to adjust the front-to-back angle.

For more detailed instructions, read our step-by-step guide to levelling a caravan.

4. Secure Your Caravan Properly

Once the caravan is positioned and levelled, make sure it is secure.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the handbrake and using wheel chocks.

If your caravan has an AL-KO through-the-wheel security lock, ensure it is fitted correctly.

Wheel-lock alignment can sometimes be awkward, particularly when the caravan needs to be raised on uneven ground.

LocknLevel systems are designed to assist with levelling and wheel-lock fitting.

For twin axle owners who need to fit two through-the-wheel locks, the LocknLevel Twin Axle Combo Pack provides a dedicated arrangement.

Always follow the relevant instructions when securing the caravan.

5. Lower the Corner Steadies

After the caravan is level and safely secured, lower the corner steadies.

These provide stability and help reduce movement when people walk around inside.

It’s important to remember that corner steadies are not designed to lift or level the caravan.

They should be lowered until they make suitable contact with the ground, following the caravan manufacturer’s guidance.

On soft surfaces, appropriately rated steady pads may help distribute the load.

Avoid overtightening, as this can place unnecessary strain on the caravan structure.

6. Connect Your Electric Hook-Up

Many UK caravan sites provide electric hook-up points.

Before connecting, inspect your cable for visible damage and ensure the equipment is suitable for campsite use.

Follow the campsite’s instructions and the recommended connection sequence for your caravan.

As a general practice, connect the cable to the caravan inlet before connecting it to the site’s electricity supply.

Keep excess cable safely arranged and avoid leaving it coiled tightly under significant electrical load.

Once connected, check that the caravan’s electrical system is operating correctly.

If you experience repeated trips or electrical faults, stop using the affected equipment and seek appropriate assistance.

7. Connect Fresh Water and Waste Water

The next step is preparing your caravan’s water system.

Depending on your caravan, you may have an external water container, onboard tank or direct connection arrangement.

Position your fresh water container on a stable surface and connect the appropriate hose or pump.

Then place the waste water container beneath the correct outlet.

Before using the taps or shower, follow your caravan manufacturer’s instructions for filling and priming the water system.

Check for leaks around the connections and ensure waste water is directed into the appropriate container.

Never dispose of grey water or toilet waste anywhere other than designated campsite facilities.

8. Check Your Gas Supply and Appliances

If your caravan uses LPG for cooking, heating or refrigeration, check that the gas system is correctly connected and operating safely.

Ensure gas cylinders are secured in their designated compartment and that ventilation openings remain clear.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when opening the gas supply and using appliances.

Never use a naked flame to check for gas leaks.

If you smell gas, turn off the supply if safe to do so, avoid operating electrical switches and seek professional assistance.

It’s also important to test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm.

These simple checks help protect everyone staying in the caravan.

9. Set Up Your Awning or Outdoor Area

Once the essential services are connected, you can start organising your outdoor living space.

If you’re using an awning, check the ground conditions before installing pegs or supports.

Make sure the awning is properly secured and suitable for the expected weather.

Avoid blocking access routes or extending beyond the boundaries of your allocated pitch.

If you’re using outdoor furniture, position it on stable ground where it won’t obstruct doors or walkways.

Keep electrical cables and other equipment away from areas where people may trip.

10. Complete a Final Caravan Safety Check

Before settling in, walk around your caravan and check that everything is ready.

Make sure:

• The caravan is stable and correctly supported.
• Wheel chocks and security locks are fitted.
• Corner steadies are correctly positioned.
• Electrical and water connections are secure.
• Gas appliances are operating correctly.
• Fire safety equipment is accessible.
• Exterior lockers are closed.
• Children and pets are safe around the pitch.

It’s also sensible to familiarise yourself with the campsite’s emergency procedures and the location of its facilities.

Once these checks are complete, you can finally relax and enjoy your holiday.

What Equipment Should You Keep in Your Caravan Setup Kit?

Keeping essential equipment together can make campsite arrivals much easier.

A practical caravan setup kit might include:

• A spirit level.
• Suitable caravan levelling equipment.
• Wheel chocks and security locks.
• An electric hook-up cable.
• Fresh and waste water containers.
• Corner steady pads.
• A suitable tyre compressor if using an inflatable levelling system.
• Basic cleaning and maintenance supplies.

For caravanners who regularly visit uneven pitches, an inflatable levelling system can be particularly convenient.

LocknLevel products are designed to work on grass, gravel and hardstanding surfaces, with appropriate protection against sharp objects.

The equipment also folds away into a storage bag, helping reduce the amount of bulky levelling equipment carried.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caravan Pitch Setup

How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Caravan?

The time required depends on your experience, pitch conditions and equipment. A straightforward setup may take 20–40 minutes, while awnings and additional accessories can extend the process considerably.

Should You Level a Caravan Before Unhitching?

Side-to-side levelling is generally completed before unhitching. Once the caravan is safely secured and unhitched, the jockey wheel can be used to adjust the front-to-back level.

Can You Set Up a Caravan on a Sloping Pitch?

Yes, provided the ground is suitable and the slope is within the safe operating limits of your caravan and levelling equipment.

Do You Need Levelling Ramps for a Caravan?

Not necessarily. Inflatable levelling systems offer an alternative to traditional ramps and can allow more precise height adjustments.

What Should You Connect First at a Campsite?

Position, level and secure the caravan before connecting campsite utilities. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the campsite’s rules for electrical, water and gas connections.

Make Your Next Caravan Holiday Easier with LocknLevel

A well-organised campsite arrival makes the beginning of your caravan holiday far more enjoyable.

By following a consistent setup routine, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your caravan is comfortable, secure and ready for your stay.

Although every stage is important, getting your caravan correctly levelled is one task worth making as straightforward as possible.

At LocknLevel, we manufacture innovative inflatable levelling systems designed to simplify caravan setup and help owners avoid the repeated manoeuvring associated with traditional ramps.

Whether you own a single axle or twin axle caravan, our systems provide a practical approach to levelling and wheel-lock alignment.

Explore the LocknLevel range of caravan levelling systems and discover how to make your next campsite arrival easier.