AI Summary: This guide explains what we pack for a one-week campervan trip to Croyde Bay in North Devon. Rather than a long checklist, it focuses on the items that make the biggest difference when coastal weather changes quickly, including awnings, groundsheets, heating, cooking equipment, and wetsuits. Based on more than ten visits to Croyde, it reflects what has genuinely worked for our family and VW T25 in both sunshine and Atlantic rain.
Why Packing for Croyde Is Different
I’ve been to Croyde enough times to know one thing — you’re never really packing for one trip. You’re packing for two.
One with sun, calm evenings and light kit. We happened to catch a heatwave in 2026. After plenty of previous visits, I wouldn’t plan on that happening again. Croyde usually has other ideas. Best pack for the worst weather, and hope for the best.
The T25, the roomiest of the rear engine vans, feels surprisingly roomy on warm evenings when everyone is outside. Add a day of Atlantic rain and when three or more adult sized people are trying to stay dry, and it suddenly feels a lot smaller. That’s usually the moment you’re grateful for every bit of shelter you’ve packed.
This was for a one-week trip, which means we take more than usual. Not everything — but enough to stay comfortable whatever the weather decides to do.
Because in North Devon, the weather isn’t just a detail. It defines the trip.
I always like to start packing, or dumping kit in the lounge depending on your family’s point of view, with two-weeks to spare. This way you can reduce your stress levels not rushing around buying the items you promised yourself at the end of last season.
How Croyde Weather Shapes What We Pack, and why Croyde Weather in May Matters
Croyde sits fully exposed to the North Atlantic, and that brings variety.
These pictures were taken 24hrs apart.
The same weather systems that create good surf can also bring wind and rain. Calm, sunny days often mean flatter conditions. So you’re always balancing comfort, flexibility, and expectations.
Looking at late May over the past decade, the pattern is consistent:
- Temperatures typically range from 12–18°C
- Rainfall is unpredictable — from dry spells to passing fronts
- Coastal winds are common, even on otherwise clear days
Whether you look at the numbers or just go on experience, the conclusion is the same:
Croyde in May is variable — so your setup matters more than the forecast.
Our Essential Croyde Packing List
Rather than a long packing list, this is what we have found makes a real difference in Croyde conditions:
| Item | Why it Matters | Weather Scenario |
| Awning | Shelter + living space | Wind/rain |
| Windbreak* | Reduces exposure | Strong coastal wind |
| Fan heater | When cold | Wind/rain |
| Groundsheet | Keeping everything dry | Wind/rain |
| Camping table & chairs | Sunsets & sunrises | Sun |
| Wetsuits | Extends water time | All conditions |
* We’ve never taken a windbreak, so more observational experience than lived.
‘Sunset Chairs’
During the sunny evenings, the camping chairs end up facing towards Lundy Island. Tea becomes a beer or three, conversations slow down, and everyone waits to see what the sunset decides to do. This is usually the stop/go moment for walking down to the beach for the beach sunset photography.
My photography strategy remains unchanged: take plenty and hope a couple turn out reasonably well.
Everything else is optional.
These are the items that change how the trip feels when the weather turns. We have fun with solar power lights to brighten up our pitch – these are completely optional.
Why the Awning Matters More Than Almost Anything Else
If there’s one thing that makes the biggest difference in poor weather, it’s the awning.
We relied on this setup heavily on our last trip, and it’s now a core part of how we travel in the UK — especially on exposed coasts like this.
Used properly, it gives you an extra room:
- Somewhere to cook
- A place to sit out the wind
- Space to avoid retreating into the van
Top Awning Tip
In strong winds, don’t attach the awning directly to the van.
The constant pulling and flapping puts stress on the seams — and it’s loud enough to ruin your sleep. Over time, that tension will stretch the fabric and reduce its lifespan.
Sometimes the best setup decision is knowing when not to use it.
What We Keep Inside the Awning
Once it’s up, the awning becomes your living space. What you put in it determines whether you’re just sheltering — or actually comfortable.
| Item | Reason | Comments |
| Mobile mains power unit | Runs lights and fridge | Useful for charging phones |
| Internal tent light | Essential after dark | Especially on cloudy evenings |
| Battery table lantern | No wires, no trip hazards | Simple and reliable |
| Small electric kettle (1L) | Quick hot drinks | Faster and cheaper than using the gas stove |
| 3-way camping fridge | Keeps food fresh | Pre-chill before leaving |
| Sleeping socks | Keeps you warm overnight | It gets colder than you expect |
| Double burner stove | Proper cooking setup | One-pot cooking gets dull quickly |
| Music speaker | Atmosphere | Adds to holiday vibe, play the usual holiday playlists |
| Two tables | For food prep and eating | One for food preparation, clear clean table to serve food on |
This is what turns a basic shelter into a usable space — particularly when the weather keeps you outside the van, but not exactly outdoors.
This is the plan — built on experience, and a healthy respect for how quickly conditions can change on the North Devon coast.
What we Always Forget
Every trip seems to involve at least one forgotten item. Thankfully we always remember the wetsuits and forget something much simpler. Tea towels and hand soap always have an impressive record.
Charging cables, because of course everyone wants to charge their phones at the same time. Portable radio made a star appearance this year.
And, for the first time, we regretted not bringing the sun canopy to Croyde that attaches to the van.