Camping tips for beginners: How to start your first camping holiday prepared

If you've decided to set off on your first camping adventure this year, you'll probably need a little help to get you started. With our tips for camping beginners, you'll be well prepared for your first camping holiday. Planning & organisation are the be-all and end-all before you set off. Pay attention to a few points at the campsite so that you can really enjoy your holiday. We'll tell you what else is important here!

Before you set off, you will of course need the appropriate equipment for your camping holiday. You have a variety of models and sizes to choose from, especially when it comes to tents. In our tents you will find all kinds of models - from tunnel and dome tents, roof tents and rear tents to tipis and family tents. Check in advance how many people you want to travel with and how long you are travelling for. The longer your stay and the larger the group, the larger the tent should be. This applies at least to pure camping holidays where you stay in one place and simply transport the equipment by car.

Another important point: plan enough space for other equipment and luggage. It is useful to keep an extra cabin in the tent free for such things so that everything is nicely stowed away and you feel comfortable in your mobile four walls.

The most important thing when camping is of course that you have a comfortable night's sleep. Choosing the right sleeping pad and sleeping bag plays a crucial role here. In our sleeping pad guide you will find helpful tips on what is important when choosing a sleeping pad and what functions this sleeping pad offers. We also explain the differences between the various models. In our sleeping bag guide you will find useful information that you should bear in mind when choosing a sleeping bag. There are also various models to choose from here.

Think about camping crockery and cutlery as well as the appropriate cooking utensils. Think about what you want to cook in advance. That way, you won't forget the most important equipment and you won't take too much with you that you might not need in the end. Think about briquettes if you are using a Dutch oven or barbecue.

A cool box is essential for perishable products. Our freezer box can be transformed into a fridge-freezer in no time at all. You can even freeze food and chill a refreshing drink. If possible, buy perishable food fresh and in small quantities so that you can store everything well.

To sit outside together in a cosy atmosphere, you will definitely need a table and camping chairs. If there is enough space in your tent, place this camping furniture inside in bad weather. A camping lamp and a fire bowl are ideal for ending the evening outside.

Our tents usually have practical organiser pockets in which you can store your personal items. However, if there is a lack of space, there are optional boxes or portable cupboards so that you can store all your things neatly.

You should also take things like sunscreen or mosquito spray with you. It all depends on the destination and the time of year. If you are planning certain activities on site, you should also think about equipment: a rucksack and hiking boots for hikes in the surrounding area or, for example, a snorkelling set and swimming gear for diving trips in the sea. And that brings us to point 2:

Depending on where you are travelling to, you should of course plan appropriate clothing for warm or colder days. Don't underestimate the cold at night, even if it's nice and warm at your holiday destination during the day. The temperature differences can be significant.

In general, try to pack as little as possible, but remember the most important things. The lighter your luggage, the lighter the fuel consumption on your camping holiday. Even if it's tempting to buy food - especially non-perishable food - in advance, you'll save a lot of weight.

Travelling with the family? Then take a look at our Camping packing list for family holidays, where you'll find all the things you should definitely have with you.

Alternatively, if you are planning to visit a festival this year, then our Festival packing list is certainly the right help.

Remember all important documents and go through your packing list thoroughly before departure. When abroad, pay attention to entry requirements such as visas and entry registrations. Don't forget to pack a travel adapter.

The real camping feeling only comes when you prepare your first meal with the gas cooker or Dutch Oven. We have put together lots of simple Dutch Oven recipes for you if you are looking for new inspiration. With the gas cooker you can cook simple pasta or rice dishes that are quick to prepare. Find out in advance whether your campsite has its own supermarket or how far away the nearest supermarket is. That way you know what you can expect on site.

If you don't feel like cooking, many campsites have their own restaurant or the nearest place is usually not far away - especially in tourist areas.

Find out about the traffic regulations in your destination country if you are travelling outside Germany. You should also be aware of countries that you have to pass through. This includes certain toll regulations and stickers as well as general traffic rules.

To avoid any nasty surprises at the end, it makes sense to calculate your costs in advance. Think about costs for catering, fuel, camping fees and activities on site. It's best to write down your budget beforehand and roughly estimate all the costs. This will give you an overview.

Campsites are often overcrowded, especially in the high season. A classic beginner's mistake: simply travelling to the campsite of your choice at random and hoping for a pitch. Although it's often easier with a tent than with a campervan, you'll want to play it safe at the beginning and reserve your preferred campsite in advance.

Find out in advance whether you can take your four-legged friend with you, for example.

In addition to a supermarket or restaurant, many campsites offer other facilities so that you can really have a good time. Nowadays, many campsites go to great lengths to offer you plenty of diversity during your holiday - swimming pools, spa areas, small souvenir shops and an on-site contact for activities in the surrounding area are not uncommon. Wi-Fi, EC machines and a laundry service are often available.

Of course, switching to shared washrooms is a challenge at first - especially if you share the bathroom with strangers. But don't worry. You use the shower cubicles alone. They often even have a small anteroom where you can put your toiletry bag, towel and clothes. As a precaution, use slippers for showering and entering the washrooms. If you want to avoid the morning rush, it's best to get up a little earlier. With a bit of luck, you'll have the washrooms to yourself. Another advantage: they are freshly cleaned in the morning.

If you still want to be independent of the sanitary facilities on site, our pop-up shower tent is an alternative. The silver coating protects you from prying eyes.

You have probably chosen your destination for your first camping holiday for a specific reason and there is a lot to do and experience - especially in the great outdoors. Find out in advance about the best local activities, the most popular hiking trails and excursion destinations.

What should not be missing: an alternative in case of bad weather. Sitting in a tent all day is not always the best solution. Large tents offer plenty of space and with a few games and the right company, you can get through the odd rain shower. However, there are certainly other options on site. How about a trip to a nearby museum, cinema or swimming pool**? Prepare for rainy days, especially with children.

With our helpful tips, camping for beginners is sure to be a success. *Organise yourself in advance*, get the right *equipment* and think about activities on site. Check your packing list again before you leave to make sure you have everything you need. We wish you lots of fun on your first camping adventure in a tent!