Key Facts: Static Caravan Accessories at a Glance
| Question |
Short Answer |
| Do I need park approval? |
Usually yes for decking, skirting, sheds and hot tubs – check pitch rules first. |
| What to buy before moving in? |
Safety kit, better steps, moisture control, and a decent mattress are top priority. |
| Can I add my own decking? |
Often – but size, style and installers are usually controlled by the park. |
| Do all parks allow hot tubs? |
No – many restrict them due to noise, power demand and safety. |
| Are pet accessories allowed? |
Most parks allow sensible gates, but often ban fences and dog runs. |
| When to buy decking? |
Once you understand your pitch, park rules and how you’ll actually use the caravan. |
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Quick Takeaways
- Prioritise safety and comfort over aesthetics.
- Check park rules before ordering decking or sheds.
- Steps, safety kit, and moisture control are priority.
- Pets, kids, and parking dictate what’s practical.
- Buy essentials now, add luxuries later.
What This 2026 Guide Covers
- What parks allow – and restrict
- Must-have accessories for day one
- Planning for pets, children and parking
- Safety, energy and utility protection
- Seasonal accessories (winter vs summer)
- Optional luxury upgrades (hot tubs, lighting)
- Checklist: buy now vs later
1. Getting Your Static Caravan Accessory-Ready
You’ve got the keys. The caravan is yours.
Now comes the question every new owner asks: what do I actually need to buy?
It’s easy to get carried away. Pinterest boards full of fairy lights. Hot tub brochures. Rattan furniture sets you’ve seen on holiday parks that look nothing like yours.
Here’s the truth.
The difference between a caravan that feels like a “van” and one that feels like a home comes down to a handful of practical choices — made at the right time.
The right accessories matter for:
- Comfort: Usable space in all weathers.
- Safety: Protecting your family and your unit.
- Running costs: Reducing bills and maintenance.
The most common mistake?
Spending on aesthetics — cushions, wall art, decorative bits — while overlooking the basics that actually make park life easier.
Things like moisture control. Sturdy steps. A mattress you can actually sleep on.
This guide is for owners, not short-stay holidaymakers.
Let’s get you sorted.
2. Before You Buy: Park Rules & Restrictions
2.1 Why Park Rules Come First
Before you order anything, check your pitch licence.
Decking, skirting, sheds, and outdoor structures almost always need written park approval.
At Green Meadow and other Salop Caravan Sites, we clarify exactly what’s allowed – decking sizes, shed types, and accessory rules – so you can plan with confidence.
Most parks restrict:
- Aesthetics: Size, height, materials, and colours (often environmental greens or timber).
- Contractors: You may need approved installers for insurance compliance.
- Safety: Mandatory fire gaps (usually 5–6m) and emergency access routes.
- Technology: Rules on satellite dishes, aerials, and cabling.
See our static caravan and lodge insurance guide for details on decking and cover.
Important: Rules vary and change. This 2026 guide is for general information – your pitch licence and written rules come first. Always check with your park manager before buying or installing any accessory.
2.2 What’s Included With a New Static Caravan
Don’t buy what you might already have.
Standard new sales typically include:
- Steps & handrail (often basic metal)
- One outdoor light
- Standard furniture package
- Basic TV aerial
- Heating/insulation (varies by model)
- Optional starter packs (check your invoice)
Common assumptions NOT guaranteed:
High-quality mattresses, strong WiFi, moisture control, and kitchen kits are rarely standard.
2.3 Questions to Ask the Park Manager at Green Meadow
Screenshot this list and ask your sales contact:
- What exactly is included in the inventory?
- Can I choose my own decking supplier, or must I use the park’s partner?
- What are the specific rules on skirting materials and colours?
- Do you allow sheds? If so, what are the max dimensions?
- Are smart cameras or extra security lights permitted?
- What are the rules on gates and fencing?
- Is EV charging available? (Plugging into the caravan is often banned.)
2.4 Pet-Related Accessories
Bringing a dog? Make sure your accessories are park-compliant.
Most parks welcome pets but often restrict dog runs, high fencing, and tie-out stakes fixed to decking or chassis.
Park-friendly alternatives:
- Secure, locking gates for decking.
- Indoor pet barriers.
- Non-slip washable runners for muddy paws.
- Weatherproof storage for boots and leads.
2.5 Children’s Safety Considerations
Safety trumps style.
Choose non-slip steps and decking immediately. Veranda gates are essential for toddlers.
Note: Parks usually limit large, permanent play equipment on the pitch.
Worthwhile additions:
- Caravan-safe bed guards for bunks.
- Corner protectors for low furniture edges.
2.6 Parking & Vehicle Rules
Check how parking works on your pitch.
Some parks include a marked parking bay beside your caravan. Others require you to use shared parking areas nearby.
If you’re likely to have two cars or regular visitors, ask how many vehicles are allowed and where guests should park.
If you drive an EV, ask specifically about charging.
Most static caravans are not designed to support vehicle charging from the caravan’s own electrical supply. Many parks ban this outright.
You may need to use a dedicated park charging point or public charger instead.
Green Meadow has tarmacked roads and designated parking areas for each pitch.
3. Essential Static Caravan Accessories (Outdoor)
3.1 Steps & Handrails
Standard metal steps can be steep, narrow, and slippery.
Upgrading to composite or resin steps with wider treads and sturdy handrails is one of the best investments you can make for safety.
3.2 Decking or Veranda
The ultimate accessory for outdoor dining space and pet safety.
Choices typically include:
- Timber: Cheaper upfront, requires annual maintenance.
- Composite: Higher cost, low maintenance, rot-free.
- Design: Straight vs wrap-around (depending on pitch).
Always check park rules – you cannot simply build what you want.
3.3 Skirting
Skirting fills the gap between the ground and the caravan.
It isn’t just cosmetic. It helps:
- Provide extra insulation
- Reduce draughts through the floor
- Stop animals from nesting underneath
Note: Ensure skirting has ventilation to prevent damp under the chassis.
3.4 Outdoor Storage Solutions
If internal storage is limited, outdoor storage is vital.
Items like cushions, BBQs, and bikes need somewhere to go.
Metal or plastic sheds are popular. Check the maximum height rules to avoid blocking your neighbours’ views.
4. Indoor Comfort & Practical Living
4.1 Mattress & Bedding Upgrades
Caravan mattresses are often thinner than domestic ones.
Consider upgrading immediately.
- Toppers: Quality memory foam is a cost-effective fix.
- Sizing: Measure first – caravan “kings” are often narrower than standard.
4.2 Heating, Cooling & Humidity
Damp is the enemy. Even modern units suffer from condensation.
- Must-buy: Crystal moisture traps for every room.
- Upgrade: Desiccant dehumidifiers (better in low temperatures).
4.3 WiFi, TV & Aerials
Park WiFi is often hit-or-miss.
For reliable streaming, consider a 4G/5G mobile router.
Ensure TV mounts are designed for caravan walls, not brick.
5. Safety Accessories
5.1 Smoke & CO Alarms
Don’t rely solely on supplied units. Test immediately.
Fit a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm near the boiler and gas fire.
Use long-life lithium battery units.
5.2 Fire Blanket & Extinguisher
Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen near the cooker.
Mount a compact dry powder extinguisher near the main exit.
5.3 Security Accessories
Peace of mind is valuable.
Window vibration alarms are cheap and effective.
Smart cameras (Ring, Blink) are popular – but bear in mind privacy rules. Never point cameras at neighbours or paths.
6. Utility & Energy Accessories
6.1 Gas Bottle Essentials
If you’re running on bottled gas (LPG), buy a gas spanner.
Better yet, install an automatic changeover valve (if allowed) to switch bottles automatically – so heating doesn’t cut out mid-stay.
6.2 Electrical Accessories
Caravan electrics can trip if overloaded.
A surge protector lead will protect your TVs and routers.
Top Tip: Avoid using multiple high-draw appliances (heaters, air fryers, kettles) simultaneously.
7. Seasonal Accessories
7.1 Winter-Ready
In winter, your accessory needs change.
Useful additions:
- Thermal curtains to keep the heat in
- Draught excluders for doors
- Extra gas – if leaving heating on frost-stat
7.2 Summer Essentials
If space is tight, look for stackable or foldable furniture.
Large rattan sofas are hard to store in winter without a large shed.
8. Optional Luxury Upgrades
8.1 Hot Tubs
Hot tubs are a luxury worth considering carefully.
Does your park allow them? Will the noise disturb neighbours? Are you ready for the heating costs and ongoing maintenance?
They’re fantastic – but they do come with responsibilities.
Green Meadow policy: We don’t permit hot tubs on our parks. It’s a decision we’ve made to protect the peaceful atmosphere that our owners value. If a hot tub is important to you, it’s worth checking policies before choosing a park.
8.2 Premium Outdoor Lighting
Solar lights save electricity.
Look for “warm white” festoon lights and avoid harsh floodlights that annoy neighbours.
9. Budgeting: Buy Now vs Later
9.1 Buy Immediately (Day-One Essentials)
These are day-one essentials:
- Safe, non-slip steps and handrail
- CO & smoke alarms (test/upgrade)
- Fire blanket
- Mattress topper
- Moisture traps or dehumidifier
- Kettle, toaster, basic kitchen kit
9.2 Buy Once Settled
After your first season, consider larger upgrades:
- Decking and skirting (big investment)
- Outdoor shed/storage
- Smart TV / 4G Router
- Patio furniture sets
10. Complete Static Caravan Accessories Shopping List (Quick Reference)
Use this list as a quick reference when planning what to buy now and later.
Outdoor & Structure
- Non-slip steps & handrails
- Decking / Veranda (check rules)
- Skirting (ventilated)
- Outdoor storage box / shed
- Patio furniture (stackable)
- Solar festoon lights
Indoor Comfort
- Mattress topper (memory foam)
- Moisture traps (crystals)
- Desiccant dehumidifier
- Thermal curtains
- 4G/5G Mobile Router
- Caravan-safe TV mount
Safety & Security
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm
- Smoke alarm (long-life battery)
- Fire blanket
- Dry powder fire extinguisher
- Window vibration alarms
- Decking gate (lockable)
Utility & Maintenance
- Gas spanner
- Automatic gas changeover valve
- Surge protector extension lead
- Draught excluders
- Food-grade water hose
11. Checklist: Accessories Sanity-Check
☐
Park Rules: Checked pitch licence for decking, sheds, and storage.
☐
Inventory: I know what’s included and what to bring.
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Safety First: Budgeted for CO alarms, fire safety, and steps.
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Moisture Control: Plan/products ready for damp and condensation.
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Power Limits: Amperage understood; won’t overload with high-draw appliances.
☐
Phased Buying: Big-ticket items (decking, storage) planned for next season.
☐
Double Check: Major accessories confirmed with the park team.
12. FAQs: Static Caravan Accessories
Are accessories worth budgeting for up front?
Yes. A small budget for essentials (steps, safety kit, moisture control, mattress) makes your first season safer and more comfortable.
What are the first accessories I should buy?
Prioritise safety and sleep. A mattress topper, CO alarm, sturdy steps, and moisture traps should be in your boot on day one.
Do I need park permission for decking or sheds?
Yes, almost always. Parks have strict rules on materials, dimensions, and fire safety. Never build without written approval.
What helps most with winter and damp?
A desiccant dehumidifier is best. Alternatively, crystal moisture traps in every room and skirting for insulation work wonders.
Best accessories for families with children?
Lockable decking gates are essential. Blackout curtains and caravan-safe bunk bed rails are also popular.
What’s worth spending more on?
Spend more on decking and steps (safety and longevity). Save on fancy kitchen appliances – you rarely need a chef-standard setup.
13. Conclusion: A Caravan That Feels Like Home
You didn’t buy a static caravan just to own one.
You bought it for the feeling. That moment when you pull onto the park, unlock the door, and exhale.
The right accessories make that feeling happen faster.
Start with safety. Get the basics sorted. Sleep well, stay warm, keep dry.
The luxuries – the perfect decking, the outdoor lighting – they can wait.
There’s no rush. You’ve got years ahead to make this space yours.
Take your time. Ask questions. And enjoy every visit.
Why Choose Salop Caravan Sites?
Across all Salop Caravan Sites parks in Mid Wales – including Green Meadow – owners benefit from:
- Owners-Only Parks: Peaceful, community-focused.
- Clear Guidelines: Transparent rules on decking and accessories.
- Experienced Managers: Advice on accessories for your specific pitch.
- Stunning Locations: Well-maintained settings, making outdoor accessories worth it.
We believe in long-term, peaceful ownership – so you can enjoy your holiday home with peace of mind.
Why Buy at Green Meadow?
Because you’ll enjoy:
- A wide range of static caravans and premium holiday lodges
- A beautiful coastal setting just outside Aberystwyth
- Clear, honest ownership from Salop Caravan Sites
- A peaceful, well-kept park perfect for long-term relaxation
- Choices to suit every budget and holiday preference
- Year-round comfort in the changing Welsh climate
For a scenic, well-run, and calming retreat in Mid Wales, Green Meadow is an unbeatable choice.
