Camping for Beginners: Professional Tips and Checklists
Campfire under the starry sky, coffee from the gas stove, and plenty of time in nature – are you dreaming of your first camping adventure in 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 daring a big camping trip through Europe – here you’ll 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 newcomers:
1. Start small – dream big:
Before you buy a luxurious motorhome or camper van, 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, choose a well-equipped campsite with electricity (keyword: CEE plug), showers, waste disposal, and shopping opportunities. There are sure to be beautiful spots nearby!
3. Arrive before sunset:
Plan your arrival so that you arrive at the campsite or pitch before darkness falls. Nothing is more stressful than setting up a tent or aligning a caravan correctly in the half-light.
4. The “first night” box:
Pack a small box with only the things you need immediately upon 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:
- park4night or ADAC Camping / pitch guide for good spots
- WetterOnline or Windy for weather forecasts
- Campercontact for international tips
- Komoot for hikes and bike tours from the site
Camping for beginners: Guide and packing list
Are you opting for the classic tent? Great idea! Here are our tips for you:
1. The right camping pitch
Make sure to set up your tent on firm, level ground and preferably slightly elevated in case it rains. Position the tent with the narrow side facing the wind up, as this reduces the wind exposure area. A river or lake looks romantic, but also carries the risk of flooding or mosquitoes. It's better to keep a few meters distance from the water. If you pay attention to setting up so that you are in the shade in the morning, you won't wake up in such a sweaty tent the next day. A little shade is worth its weight in gold!
2. Setting up the tent – with a system
Set up your tent at least once at home – this saves nerves on site. Always drive the pegs into the ground at a 45° angle to the tent fabric, as this holds better. Additionally, you should always secure the guy lines well so that your camping holiday is not ruined by a blown-away tent. A tent tarp or a Groundsheet protects against moisture and dirt from below.
3. Weatherproof through the night
Make sure to ventilate your tent regularly – even in the rain, otherwise moisture will condense on the tent wall. The outer fabric can get wet, but the inner tent should never get soaked. Therefore: Setup with rainfly or outer tent first. Some tents require a impregnation 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 the way to the toilet. Organizer bags or hooks in the tent make it easier for you to keep things organized to keep in a small space. Always close the zipper of the tent to prevent unwanted guests like mosquitoes and bugs from getting in.
5. Order & Sustainability
Make sure to take garbage bags with you and leave nothing behind. Clothesline and hooks are ideal for drying wet clothes or towels. Wet wipes are especially handy when there is no shower nearby.
6. Extra Tips from Tent Professionals
- Secure the zipper: A small carabiner prevents the zipper from opening at night (e.g., due to wind).
- A small awning or tarp creates space for shoes, a stove, or wet clothing.
- Lightweight LED string lights create a nice atmosphere and orientation - especially in larger camping areas.
- Do not camp under trees: it sounds protective, but dripping resin and falling branches are no fun.
- ADAC members often receive 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 to sleep on four wheels, a caravan, van, or motorhome is just right. It offers you comfort and protection from wind and weather – including your own small fridge, bed, and kitchen.
But beware, it also applies here: Planning is everything! You need a suitable pitch, preferably with electricity, fresh water connection, and waste disposal. Inform yourself about the rules regarding gas bottle usage and how to handle the wastewater tank empties correctly. And for technical clarity, a look at the checklist from the manufacturer – or you ask experienced campers on the site.
This is howthe trip works with a caravan or van:
1. The right preparation
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Check your driver's license: For vehicles over 3.5 tons, you need a Class C1 driver's license. For trailers (e.g., caravans), possibly Class BE.
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Keep an eye on the weight: Pay attention to the permissible total weight – exceeding it may result in fines or driving bans.
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Insurance & Documents: Always have your vehicle registration, 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 whether all hoses and pressure regulators fit.
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Fill fresh water tank, wastewater tank and toilet empty regularly. You can find disposal stations at parking lots and campgrounds.
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Take wedges with you to level your vehicle.
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Check mirrors on the vehicle: Wide vans or motorhomes may require additional mirrors.
3. The right place choice
Campsite or parking space? Campsites offer comfort (sanitary facilities, electricity, showers), parking spaces are cheaper and ideal for stopovers. It’s best to find out if the parking space has everything you need in terms of water, electricity, and wastewater . Often the infrastructure is better than one thinks – but not always.
4. Living in a van or motorhome
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Ventilate! Especially in smaller camping vehicles moisture accumulates quickly – so ventilate regularly, otherwise there is a risk of mold.
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Utilize storage spaces wisely: Boxes, folding boxes, and organizers help you keep things tidy.
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Multifunctional equipment: From collapsible camping tables to foldable dishwashing sinks. Anything that saves space is welcome.
5. Sustainability & Cleanliness
You need trash bags and eco-friendly cleaners to dispose of your trash and keep your space clean. When cleaning, do not pour any chemicals down the drain! Use special camping toilet additives for this.
6. Pro tips for beginners
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Checklist before departure: Have you secured all hatches, the windows, awning, and antenna? Otherwise, something might fly away.
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Adjust driving behavior: A towing vehicle brakes slower, has a larger turning radius, and is more susceptible to wind.
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Do you want to stand autonomously? Then you need: full gas bottles, a full fresh water tank, an empty waste water tank, a power bank or solar panel.
Packing list for camping with a caravan
Conclusion:
Camping for beginners is like learning to ride a bike – you might fall over sometimes, but afterwards it’s wonderful to ride. Whether you are traveling with a caravan, tent, camper, or roof tent, it’s about the experience, the freedom, and the closeness to nature. So: check the vehicle, go through the packing list, book the campsite – and off you go! And remember: the next vacation might already be the beginning of a whole new passion.
