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 investing in expensive equipment. Whether you're planning your first camping holiday at Lake Constance or daring a big camping trip across 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 newcomers:
1. Start small – dream big:
Before buying a luxurious motorhome or camper, start small. Rent a camper first 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 an electrical connection (keyword: CEE plug), showers, wastewater disposal, and shopping facilities for camping. Surely there are also beautiful spots very close to you!
3. Arrive before sunset:
Plan your arrival so that you reach the campsite or parking spot before darkness falls. Nothing is more stressful than setting up a tent or properly aligning the caravan in the twilight.
4. The "first night" box:
Pack a small box with only the things you need immediately after arrival: headlamp, snacks, water bottle, toothbrush, chargers, toilet paper, lighter, sleepwear. 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 starting from the site
Camping for Beginners: Guide and Packing List
You decided on the classic tent? Great idea! Here are our tips for you:
1. The right pitch
Make sure to pitch 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 up, because that reduces the wind exposure area. A river or lake looks romantic but also carries the risk of flooding or mosquitoes. Better keep a few meters away from the water. If you make sure when setting up that you are in the shade in the morning, you won't wake up in a very sweaty tent 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 – this saves nerves at the campsite. Always drive the pegs into the ground at a 45° angle to the tent fabric because they hold better that way. Also, you should always fasten the guy lines well so that your camping holiday is not ruined by a tent blown away. A tent tarp or a groundsheet protects against moisture and dirt from below.
3. Weatherproof through the night
Make sure to air your tent regularly – even when it rains, otherwise moisture will condense on the tent wall. The outer fabric may get wet, but the inner tent should never become soaked. Therefore: set up with the flysheet or outer tent first. Some tents require 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 because they insulate against ground cold . A flashlight or headlamp is indispensable at night to find your way to the toilet. Organizer bags or hooks inside the tent make it easier for you to keep things tidy to keep in a small space. Always close the tent zipper so that no unwanted guests like mosquitoes and beetles can gain access.
5. Order & Sustainability
Definitely take garbage bags with you and leave nothing behind. Clothesline and hooks are ideal for drying wet clothes or towels. Wet wipes are especially practical when there is no shower nearby.
6. Extra Tips from Tent Experts
- Secure zipper: A small carabiner prevents the zipper from opening at night (e.g., due to wind).
- A small vestibule or tarp creates space for shoes, stove, or wet clothes.
- Lightweight LED string lights provide a nice atmosphere and orientation - especially on larger campsites.
- Do not camp under trees: sounds like protection, but dripping resin and falling branches are no fun.
- ADAC members often get discounts on campsites - so check beforehand!
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 the thing. It offers you comfort and protection against wind and weather – including your own small fridge, bed, and kitchen.
But be careful, the same applies here: planning is everything! You need a suitable pitch, preferably with electricity, fresh water connection, and waste water disposal. Inform yourself about the rules for gas bottle usage and how to handle the waste water tank empties properly. And for technical clarity, a look at the checklist from the manufacturer – or you ask experienced campers on the site.
This is how the 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 combinations (e.g. caravan), possibly class BE.
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Keep an eye on the weight: Pay attention to the permissible total weight – fines or driving bans threaten in case of overloading.
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Insurance & papers: Always have the vehicle registration certificate, 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, empty wastewater tank and toilet regularly empty. Disposal stations can be found at parking spots and campsites.
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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 require additional mirrors.
3. Choosing the right spot
Parking spot or campsite? Campsites offer comfort (sanitary facilities, electricity, showers), parking spots are cheaper and ideal for stopovers. It's best to check whether the parking spot has everything you need in terms of water, electricity, and wastewater . 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 accumulates quickly – so ventilate regularly, otherwise there is a risk of mold.
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Use storage space sensibly: Boxes, folding crates, and organizers help you keep things tidy.
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Multifunctional equipment: From the foldable camping table to the collapsible washbasin. Everything that saves space is welcome.
5. Sustainability & Cleanliness
You need garbage bags and bio-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.
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 more slowly, has a larger turning circle, and is more susceptible to wind.
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Do you want to be self-sufficient? Then you need: full gas bottles, full fresh water tank, empty wastewater 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 once in a while, but after that, it’s wonderful to ride. Whether you are traveling with the caravan, tent, camper or roof tent, what counts is 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.
