Learn how to master your first camping trip, what really belongs on the packing list, and what equipment you need!
Camping for Beginners: Pro Tips and Checklists
Campfires under the starry sky, coffee from the gas cooker, and lots of time in nature – are you dreaming of your first camping adventure in a tent or motorhome? It's best to ease into the world of camping with our guide before you invest in expensive equipment. Whether you're planning your first camping holiday at Lake Constance or embarking on a grand camping tour through Europe – here you will find the best tips for beginners, so you can fully enjoy your first outdoor adventure!
Camping Insider Tips for Beginners
These are our tips for camping newbies:
1. Start small – dream big: Before you decide to purchase a luxurious motorhome or RV, start small. First, rent a camper or use a simple tent - this way, you can find out if you even like the camping life.
2. Choose the right campsite: In Germany, wild camping is generally prohibited. Therefore, look for a well-equipped campsite with electric hook-up (keyword: CEE plug), showers, waste disposal, and shopping facilities. Surely, there are beautiful spots right near you!
3. Arrive before sunset: Plan your arrival so that you get to the campsite or parking space before it gets dark. Nothing is more stressful than setting up a tent or correctly positioning the caravan in semi-darkness.
4. The 'first night' box: Pack a small box with only the things you need right after arrival: headlamp, snacks, water bottle, toothbrush, chargers, toilet paper, lighter, sleeping gear. This way, you don't have to unpack everything right away.
5. Use apps! For professional campers, apps like these are indispensable:
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park4night or ADAC Camping / Pitch Guide for good spots
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WetterOnline or Windy for weather forecasts
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Campercontact for international tips
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Komoot for hiking and bike tours starting from the place
Camping for Beginners: Guide and Packing List
Deciding on the classic tent? Great idea! Here are our tips for you:
1. The Right Campsite
Make sure to set up your tent on firm, level ground and preferably slightly elevated in case it rains. Set up the tent with the narrow side facing the wind as this reduces the wind's impact area. A river or lake may look romantic, but also carries the risk of flooding or mosquitoes. It's better to keep a few meters distance from the water. If you make sure to set up so that you are in the shade in the morning, you won't wake up in a tent that's quite so sweaty the next day. A little shade is worth its weight in gold!
2. Tent setup – systematically
Set up your tent at least once at home – it saves nerves on the site. Always drive the pegs into the ground at a 45° angle to the tent plane, as they hold better that way. Moreover, you should always secure the guy lines well so your camping holiday is not ruined by a blown-away tent. A tent tarp or a Groundsheet protects from moisture and dirt from below.
3. Weatherproof through the night
Make sure to regularly ventilate your tent - even in the rain, because otherwise moisture will condense on the tent wall. The outer fabric can get wet, but the inner tent should never soak through. Therefore: Set up with a flysheet or outer tent first. Some tents need a waterproofing or seam sealing before the first rain.
4. Practical equipment for camping
Even in summer, a sleeping pad and sleeping bag are important as they insulate against ground cold. A flashlight or headlamp is essential at night to find your way to the toilet. Organizer bags or hooks in the tent make it easier for you to keep order in a small space. Always close the tent zipper to prevent unwanted guests like mosquitoes and bugs from getting in.
5. Order & Sustainability
Definitely take garbage bags with you and don't leave anything behind. Clotheslines and Hooks are ideal for drying wet clothes or towels. Wet wipes are especially handy when there's no shower nearby.
6. Extra Tips from Tent Pros
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Secure zippers: A small carabiner prevents the zipper from opening at night (e.g., due to wind).
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A small awning or tarp: Creates space for shoes, stoves, or wet clothes.
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Light LED fairy lights create a beautiful atmosphere and orientation - especially on larger campsites.
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Do not camp under trees: Sounds like protection, but dripping resin and falling branches are no fun.
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ADAC members often get discounts on campsites - so check in advance!
Packing list for camping: Basics of camping equipment
Caravan camping for beginners: Preparation and packing list
If you prefer sleeping on four wheels, a caravan, van, or motorhome is just right. It offers you comfort and protection against wind and weather - including your own little fridge, bed, and kitchen.
But beware, planning is everything here too! You need a suitable pitch, preferably with electricity, fresh water connection, and waste water-disposal. Inform yourself about the rules for gas bottle use and how to Wastewater tank emptied correctly. And for the technical insight, a look at the checklist of the manufacturer – or you ask experienced campers at the site.
So works the trip with a caravan or van:
1. The right preparation
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Check driver's license: For vehicles over 3.5 tons you need the class C1 driver's license. For combinations (e.g., caravans) possibly class BE.
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Keep an eye on the weight: Pay attention to the permissible total weight - overloading can result in fines or driving bans.
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Insurance & Papers: Always have the vehicle registration document, insurance card, and ADAC card with you.
2. Technology & Vehicle-Handling
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Don't forget the CEE plug! You need it for the power connection at the campsite.
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Connect gas cylinders correctly: Cooking, heating, refrigerator - check beforehand if all hoses and pressure regulators fit.
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Fill the fresh water tank, waste water tank and toilet regularly empty. You can find disposal stations at parking spaces and campgrounds.
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Bring wedges to align your vehicle straight.
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Check mirrors on the vehicle: Wide vans or motorhomes may need additional mirrors.
3. Choosing the Right Spot
Pitch or campsite? Campsites offer comfort (sanitation, electricity, showers), pitches are cheaper and ideal for stopovers. It's best to check if the pitch has everything you need in terms of water, electricity, and sewage. Often the infrastructure is better than you think - but not always.
4. Living in a Van or Motorhome
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Ventilate! Especially in smaller camping vehicles moisture builds up quickly – so ventilate regularly, otherwise there is a risk of mold.
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Make sensible use of storage space: Boxes, folding crates, and organizers help you keep things tidy.
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Multifunctional equipment: From foldable camping tables to collapsible washing bowls. Anything that saves space is welcome.
5. Sustainability & Cleanliness
You will need garbage bags and organic cleaners to dispose of your trash and keep your place clean. When cleaning, no chemicals should be poured down the drain! Use special camping toilet additives for this purpose.
6. Pro Tips for Beginners
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Checklist before departure: Have you secured all flaps, windows, awning, and antenna? Otherwise, something might fly off.
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Adjust driving behavior: A towing vehicle brakes slower, has a larger turning circle, and is more susceptible to wind.
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Want to be self-sufficient? Then you need: full gas bottles, full fresh water tank, empty waste water tank, power bank or solar panel.
Packing list for camping with the caravan
Conclusion:
Camping for beginners is like learning to ride a bike – you might fall over, but after that who it who wonderfully. Whether you are traveling with a caravan, tent, camper, or roof tent, it's the experience, the freedom, and the closeness to nature that count. So: check your vehicle, go through the packing list, book a campsite – and off goes the journey! And remember: The next vacation might just be the start of a whole new passion.
