Camping beginners: Basic knowledge about packing list, route, costs & tips

Camping beginners – The camping industry has gained an incredible number of new vacationers in recent years.
There are almost 3,000 open campsites in Germany with around 223,600 pitches on offer.
But where should you go?
Many beginners have only been camping once in their childhood, but the desire for a connection with nature in such a stressful city life is developing more and more.
This raises the question: what do I need to think about as a beginner?
Setting off directly with a roof tent is not the best idea if you have little experience.
It is important to know the basic basics such as electrics, plumbing and gas.
Precise preparation, be it the packing list, the route or cost planning, is essential for a smooth vacation.
We reveal all the important information and the most common mistakes made by beginners in this article.

Camping Ratgeber:

Types of camping: camping in a tent, camping in a van & glamping

Probably the most important question: the question of accommodation.
Whether it’s an all-inclusive trip to Majorca or a camping vacation on Lake Constance, accommodation makes more of a difference than people want to admit.
Many travelers say to themselves, “The accommodation is just a place to sleep, I don’t need any luxury.
But that’s where the mistake lies, because a good night’s sleep is not only essential, it also has a huge impact on our energy, our mood and our general well-being.
That’s why you should consider in advance whether classic camping, camping in a van or glamping is right for you, or whether you might even want to buy a roof tent.

Camping: The origin of camping

Camping is probably the most classic and simplest form of camping.
This is most suitable for a short trip that doesn’t go too far away.
You don’t have to pay much attention here and can choose a campsite of your choice where you can have a great time with your family or friends.
This allows you to be flexible about where you spend your vacation and still always be in the fresh air.
You can simply pitch your tent spontaneously in a place you like and move on the next day if you feel like it.
It’s also one of the cheapest ways to camp, as you don’t have to pay much. Tip! Find out more about camping here: Camping.

The most classic and simplest variant
Well suited for a short trip
Flexibility and spontaneity possible
Favorable price-performance ratio

However, there are different types of tent that you can and must choose from:

Trekking tent – This tent is extremely compact but very robust.
Throw tent – A throw tent is compact and quick to set up.
Dome tent – A dome tent requires little space and can be set up quickly and easily.
Roof tent – You can camp just about anywhere and these tents have particularly good insulation.
Tunnel tent – A tunnel tent offers plenty of space and often even standing height.
Family tent – This tent offers plenty of space for the whole family.
Inflatable tent – set up without much work and time.
Ridge tent – Ridge tents are bright and open and perfect for an Indian adventure.
Geo-etch tent – The geo-etch tent also holds on rocky ground, steep slopes or densely overgrown sections.
Pyramid tent – These tents are extremely stable and can withstand strong winds.
Rear tent – A rear tent offers a large living area with numerous possible uses.
Awning – Expandable space for any number of uses.
Tarp tent – As a shelter for in between.
Bivouac tent – In case you need to take a break due to the weather or tiredness.

Rooftop tent: luxury and comfort when camping

As a passionate camper, you often spend several weeks traveling in different regions and on different campsites and know that sleeping in a classic tent is a good solution for a short trip or in between, but not the best option in the long term.
A rooftop tent is therefore the perfect solution for sleeping even more comfortably and easily, allowing you to enjoy your time on the road even more.
No other sleeping option puts you so close to the stars!
The roof tent is simply mounted on your compact car and is almost immediately ready for you to sleep in after long, eventful days.
All you have to do is unfold the tent with a flick of the wrist and you can climb straight in.
With an integrated mattress and comfortable living space, a rooftop tent guarantees you a comfortable and carefree night so that you can start the day fit and alert the next morning.
Read more about models, roof load, price and benefits here: Roof tent!

Comfortable and convenient
Large sleeping and lying area
Can be flexibly mounted on almost any car
No unnecessary transportation
Does not take up any storage space
Simple and quick assembly
Robust and waterproof
Window with mosquito net

Van and motorhome: the mobile home on wheels

The big dream: your own vacation home on wheels!
Pure freedom, travel from place to place, always have your cozy vacation nest with you.
With a motorhome, you can travel flexibly and still have a certain level of comfort: a comfortable bed, a kitchenette, seating and usually your own toilet.
A motorhome is perfect for campers who like to get around, want to see a lot and travel spontaneously for a weekend without much planning.
Driving a motorhome takes some practice, but is not particularly difficult.
Depending on the size of the motorhome, you can drive as fast as in a car, so even long journeys are no problem.
A motorhome is also maneuverable and can be driven into the mountains, which is often not possible with a caravan.
Nevertheless, a maneuvering aid and wheel chocks are highly recommended for parking!

Well suited for long-term campers
Vacation home on wheels
Luxury as opposed to camping
But needs practice in terms of driving etc.

Glamping: pure luxury in nature

Glamping stands for “glamourous camping”, i.e. glamorous and luxurious camping.
Glamping is particularly popular with people who don’t want to sacrifice a certain standard on their vacation and still want to protect the environment.
It is relatively new, but it already has many fans and has gained a foothold in the tourist industry.
The accommodation is not at all like a tent camp.
Rather, they are spacious motorhomes or tents equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and high-quality designer furniture.
There are also unusual accommodations such as Indian tepees or tree houses.
One advantage over normal camping is that you don’t have to bring your own tent.
Your accommodation is right on site.
This type of camping is particularly popular at festivals.
The accommodation is also more than attractive from the outside and is usually located in a beautiful setting.
This makes glamping the perfect option for those who want to sleep under the stars and experience nature up close.
Glamping also offers a good introduction for camping beginners, as you don’t have to do without the usual standards and can still get to know life in the countryside and on the campsite.

Luxury version of the motorhome
High standard
High-quality designer furniture
Comfortable beds
Elaborate sanitary facilities
Particularly popular at festivals and with camping beginners

Wild camping: rules & prohibitions

In principle, wild camping is prohibited in Germany and this applies to both forest and nature conservation areas.
However, it is not forbidden to stay and recreate in open landscapes, on roads and paths or on unused land.
This is because the so-called right of access means that forests and corridors, whether private or not, may be entered for the purpose of recreation as long as the general rules of conduct of nature conservation are not violated.
It is therefore not clearly regulated by law that sleeping for recreational purposes is prohibited.
So if you fall asleep in an open space, this is permitted, but you should not stay there for any length of time.
Staying there for a longer period of time is prohibited.
When “shorter” ends and “longer” begins remains a legal gray area.
Spending the night, not camping, in the great outdoors is therefore neither prohibited nor permitted.
Another danger is recognizing private land.
In Germany, this is not necessarily strongly marked.
So it can easily happen that you find yourself on private land, where longer stays without the permission of the private individual are strictly prohibited.

Wild camping is actually prohibited
Right of access permitted for the purpose of recreation
Sleep is relaxation
Prolonged lingering is prohibited
On private land without permission is also prohibited

Packing list: Documents, clothes & utensils

A packing list is the be-all and end-all before any trip, and even more important when camping, because if you forget something from home, you can’t just ask at reception.
Campers in the countryside also have a longer walk to the nearest supermarket.
As with any trip, documents and cash or EC card are essential.
Nevertheless, you should check all the kitchen utensils again before you leave.
A camping trip without a sharp knife or gas stove can quickly turn into a sad affair when it comes to preparing food.
Here we have a detailed overview of the most important items for your camping vacation:

Documents: ID cards, papers & finances

Very important: In Germany, identification is compulsory and anyone leaving Germany must have an identity card or passport with them.
Otherwise you will end up at the police station after the next check.
Health insurance, a debit card and the most important documents relating to the booking are also important.
Read everything you need to know about documents and papers here! All in all, you should have all these documents with you:

Child ID card
Passports / identity cards
Driver’s license
Copies of the most important documents
Travel documents / booking documents
Travel guide / maps
Pitch and camping guide
Health insurance card / health insurance abroad
Cash / EC card / credit card
Emergency telephone numbers (e.g. bank, ADAC)

Clothes: Waterproof and mosquito-proof

An outdoor vacation near wooded areas comes with a small disadvantage that will keep you up all night with its buzzing and flying around: the mosquito.
The best protection apart from all the insect sprays are mosquito-proof shirts and pants, which can be found cheaply on the Internet.
It is also important to check the temperature for the coming week at your vacation destination before you leave.
To make sure you are prepared for everything on your trip, you should buy the right outdoor clothing at the start.
A suitable jacket and trousers are particularly important if you want to enjoy a relaxed but eventful vacation.
Whatever the season, you should always have an outdoor jacket and outdoor trousers with you to protect you from rain, wind and cold.
Read more here to find the right outdoor jacket and outdoor trousers for you!
These items should also be on your packing list:

Swimsuit
Fleece pullover/jacket
Functional underwear
Belt
Pants / Shorts / Jeans
Cap / Caps / Hats
T-shirt
Shirt/blouse, mosquito-proof
Rain jacket / rain cape
Pajamas / Pyjamas
Socks
Sunglasses
Trekking pants, mosquito-proof
Hiking / functional socks
Sturdy shoes

The basics: tent, camping chair, tools & co.

Camping in the great outdoors is becoming increasingly popular with young and old alike.
However, standards have also risen accordingly.
Most passionate campers no longer just want to travel with the bare essentials, they also like to treat themselves to a certain amount of luxury!
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, a table and loungers should not be missing on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping!
Here you will find a checklist to ensure you have all the essentials with you on your camping vacation and can make the most of your time.

Accommodation: family tent, roof tent or caravan, motorhome or camper
The basics: sleeping bag, mattress and rucksack
Outdoor furniture: table, chairs, loungers
Cupboards and boxes: for tidiness when camping
Awning, rear tent, tarp, awning, sun awning
Cooking utensils & camping kitchen: gas stove, gas oven, espresso maker, grill & dishes
Lighting
Air conditioning or heating
Camping shower, toilet & care products
Durable food and cool box
Cleaning and household products + emergency kit
Mosquito spray and mosquito net
Tools and Swiss army knives
Electricity: CEE plug and cable reel
Outdoor clothing: Pants, jacket and shoes
Camping games

Kitchen: cooking utensils & food storage

We all love to eat, but on the campsite you don’t have the same luxury as at home in your furnished 3000 euro kitchen with dishwasher, oven, hob and microwave.
That’s why it’s important to prepare properly so that you don’t spend hungry afternoons at the campsite and have to bridge the gap with snacks. Tip! If you don’t yet have an integrated kitchen in your folding caravan or camper, a camping kitchen is the perfect piece of equipment to conjure up a delicious meal for you and your loved ones.

Camping kitchen

Cooking utensils: dishes, pots & pans

Since you don’t necessarily want to eat off the ground and with your hands on your camping vacation, outdoor tableware should definitely be an important item on your camping packing list.
Suitable plates, cutlery and cups should all be compact and therefore fit easily into your camper van.
However, the tableware should also be as robust as possible, as it will always be with you and may also be carried in your rucksack.
Read more about harnesses here! You should have this outdoor equipment with you when camping:

Tableware
Knives, forks, spoons (alternative for minimalists: spork)
Pans
Pots
Cooking spoon
Sharp kitchen knife
Chopping board
Sieve and large bowl
Scissors
Can opener

BBQ utensils: barbecue accessories

However, every camping trip also includes a barbecue!
Barbecuing together after a long, exhausting and eventful day not only brings people together, but also fills the stomachs of hungry campers.
But which barbecue is best? Charcoal or gas barbecue?

Barbecue, grill and charcoal
Barbecue tongs
Lighter or matches
Cleaning accessories
Dishwashing liquid, sponge, tea towel
Rinsing bowl (perhaps a foldable one)
Bin liners

Non-perishable foodstuffs

Salt, pepper
Oil, vinegar
Noodles, rice
Coffee, tea
Some ready meals, sauces, pesto
Jams, Nutella, cereals

For outdoor chefs

Camping stove
Windbreak
Fuel

Emergency kit: First aid kit & Co.

Camping in the great outdoors sounds exciting and thrilling.
As soon as you’ve packed your bag, you’re ready to set off on your next adventure.
However, passionate campers know that you spend most of your time outdoors and are therefore not protected from mosquito bites, abrasions, sprains and the like.
It is therefore important to have an emergency kit with you on every trip so that you can enjoy a carefree and relaxed vacation.
Read more about the camping emergency kit here! You should always have this with you:

First aid kit
First-aid kit
Clinical thermometer / antipyretic
Tick spray (incl. tick tweezers)
Mosquito spray
Pepper spray (for wild animals such as bears)
Sun milk
Hygiene / disinfectant
Swiss Army Knife

Route planning & costs: fuel, sleep & fun

Proper preparation is a major challenge for many beginners, but a great advantage for any self-drive trip.
A trip without a plan is like going for a walk in the worst storm without an umbrella and jacket.
You can do it, but you don’t have to.
With the right preparation, you can avoid many mistakes, save on fuel costs and a lot of stress.
You can never plan the route 100%, because you don’t know when exhaustion will catch up with you and you’ll have to stop early.
Nevertheless, it is important to have a rough idea so that you know which places you absolutely have to see, where the tolls are and where you have to book fixed dates for the ferry

Gasoline: The money-sucker for long journeys

The fuel consumption of motorhomes depends not only on the type of engine but also on the size of the motorhome.
It should be self-explanatory that a camper van consumes significantly less fuel than a 32-foot motorhome weighing several tons.
Added to this is the possibly very different load depending on the route and road conditions.
The individual factors for high fuel consumption in motorhomes:

Motor
Size of the motorhome
Route and route characteristics
Consumption
Fuel prices
Driving style

Accommodation: campsite or rest stop?

According to a study by the ADAC, prices are rising by around two percent across Europe.
On average, two adults and one child pay 37.50 euros per day at a mid-range campsite.
In contrast, you only pay to go to the toilet at the service area and there are shower facilities at the newly developed service areas.
For campers with a motorhome, it is definitely an option for an overnight stay in between.
This saves costs and brings you closer to your next destination thanks to the connection from the highway.

Average prices: 37.50 euros
Shower facilities at rest stops
It’s worth spending the night at rest stops from time to time

Total costs: Germany-Sweden round trip as an example

“Anyone planning a road trip through the north must be prepared for expensive prices, especially when it comes to beer, diesel and meat.” In the video and the accompanying article about Mario and Anna, you can see how much a real trip to Sweden costs.
They wrote down all the costs that added up during the trip and presented them in their vlog.

Travel costs: 848.50 euros per person.

They paid a total of 1,697 euros for everything, which comes to 848.50 euros per person.

For all ferries: 237 euros
Outward journey ferry: 81 Euro
Return ferry: 89 Euro
Automatic toll by camera: 50-100 euros
Mercedes C Class 2017 = average consumption 6.3 liters of diesel: 387 euros
Ikamper roof tent new purchase: 4,380 euros
Rent for 16 days: 484 euros
Food: 261 Euro
Other expenses: 71 euros (parking fees etc.)
6:35min – 9:35 min additional camping tools = 52 Euro
Total cost 1697 euros = 848.50 per person

Camping activities: Between swimming pool and climbing park

Do you quickly get bored outdoors?
Not at all!
There are a myriad of general activities you can do, as well as location- and weather-dependent ways to have fun.
Climbing or bouldering on the numerous via ferratas, swimming in lakes and sunbathing on the beach.
The coolest water activities are especially close to bodies of water.
Here is a list of everything you can do outdoors:

Climbing
Swimming
Boating
Canoeing
Mini golf
Play golf
Bowling
Ball games
Singing around the campfire
Walk
Sightseeing
Skiing

Beginner Guide: The basics for your first camping trip

As a beginner, you have a hard time everywhere.
But that doesn’t have to be the case!
Especially when camping, it is important to have the basic knowledge, otherwise it can quickly become dangerous or unpleasant.
There are important rules to follow when working with gas or electricity!
In this part of the article, we explain what is important and what you should pay particular attention to as a beginner.
Camping with a motorhome is more demanding than just rolling out your sleeping bag.
If you want to know how to empty the gray water tank,

Water tank: unloading, filling & costs

The water tank is essential when camping.
But the rules and prohibitions are just as important.
Simply disposing of the waste water tank in the countryside is forbidden, but where to put it?
We explain the basics, all about gray water, waste water and fresh water.
Read more right here:

Fresh water and waste water tank

Where can I unload and how much does it cost?

The number one rule when filling and emptying your water tanks is: always dump at designated disposal points, never in the open!
The easiest way to do this is to stay on a fully occupied pitch on a campsite.
That way, you have everything you need to empty the tank and you can do it quickly and easily on site.
If the pitch does not have its own chemical disposal point, there is usually a disposal station in a central location on the campsite site where you can empty your tank.
As this is a shared resource, you may have to wait a while, especially in high season.
For example, as national parks do not offer disposal facilities, we recommend you empty your waste water tank and fill up your fresh water tank at every opportunity.
Petrol stations may also have proper emptying facilities that can be used either free of charge or for a small fee.
If you are traveling in Germany or other European countries, you can find a list of all motorhome filling stations here.
(Attention, this text is only available in German)

Never empty in the open air
Campsites have disposal points
Either chemicals disposal point or station at central location (waiting time)
National parks have no emptying station
Petrol stations usually have emptying stations

How do I empty the gray water tank?

Returning the motorhome
Open the tap

When you are at the disposal station, you should first look for the corresponding opening in the floor that is intended for draining gray water.
Drive the motorhome as far forward as necessary so that the tank is directly above the opening.
To empty your tank, you now need to open the tap.
Depending on the type of motorhome you have, the tap may be on the inside, usually at the back of the vehicle, or on the outside.
As soon as you have opened the tap, your gray water will flow out of the outlet and into the drain provided.

How do I fill the fresh water tank?

Open the lid of the fresh water tank
Clean the fresh water hose before use
Let the water flow
Turn off the drain cock
Close the fuel filler cap
Keep the emptying station clean

While the gray water is draining, you can start filling the fresh water tank.
This tank is usually integrated into a heated area of the motorhome to prevent it from freezing.
Most motorhomes are also equipped with a lockable filler neck, which is often located on the outside of the motorhome on the side where the tank is installed.
The first thing you need to do is open the lid of the tank.
At most motorhome service stations, you will find a special fresh water hose for filling the tank.
Before you use it, however, you should always wipe it with a clean cloth so that your drinking water is not contaminated.
Once you have inserted the fresh water hose into the opening of the tank, you can turn on the tap and let the water run into the tank.
Finally, turn off the drain tap inside the motorhome and close the lid of the fresh water tank.
If gray water has missed the drain, you will usually find a flushing hose near the fresh water hose that you can use to wash the area around the drain.

Electrics: 3 tips for the power supply

Without electricity, you’re pretty much lost on the journey.
After all, it supplies all the sockets and the fridge.
It is also needed while driving to charge cell phones and other electronic devices.

Power supply via the blue CEE socket outlet

Motorhomes normally have a blue CEE socket.
To supply your motorhome with power via the mains, plug the connection cable into the socket on your motorhome.
You may need to extend the plug with a cable reel before inserting the plug into the socket at the location.
The sockets and refrigerator in your motorhome are now supplied with 220/230V.
Note that the cable must not be longer than 25 meters and must have a minimum width of 2.5 square millimeters.

Motorhomes have a blue CEE socket
Plug the connection cable into the socket for power
Sockets and refrigerator are supplied with 220/230V
Maximum cable length: 25 meters
Minimum width: 2.5 square millimeters

What is a CEE plug?
Do I need an adapter?
What CEE connections are there?
Read more about CEE plugs for camping here!

Leisure battery for power on the go

The leisure battery comes into play when you are on the road.
It is usually located under the passenger seat and supplies your cell phone and all other electronic devices with 12V DC.
The battery charges automatically when you drive, but can also be charged via a generator or when connected to the mains.
Solar panels on the roof of your vehicle can also charge the leisure battery.
The battery master switch secures the circuits at 12V and allows the battery to be disconnected from all loads to protect it from discharging if your vehicle is not used for a long period of time.
The red switch is usually located on the outside of the battery and you can switch it on and off as required.
To disconnect the leisure battery from the circuit, turn the switch to the left, i.e. anticlockwise.

Leisure battery = For on the go
Located under the front passenger seat
Supplies your cell phone and all other electronic devices with 12V DC
Battery charges automatically when you drive
Main battery switch secures the circuits at 12V

Keep the fridge cool

Experienced campers switch on their fridge the day before departure and fill it with chilled food.
It is important to keep the area in front of the ventilation slots of your fridge clear and clean.
If you have a freezer compartment in your absorption refrigerator, please note that this is only intended for the short-term storage of frozen food.
When you use the fridge, only open the door for as long as necessary to save valuable energy.
You should run your fridge on 230V whenever possible to prolong the life of your leisure battery.

Switch off the refrigerator 1 day before departure
Keep the area in front of the ventilation slots clear / clean
Only keep the door open for as long as necessary (save energy)
Operate refrigerator with 230V

Tip! Appropriate lighting is also important when camping!
Passionate campers know that camping involves spending a lot of time in the great outdoors and that it’s easy to forget the time so that it gets dark quicker than planned.
While you can simply switch on the light at home, this is a little more difficult on the campsite.
That’s why we recommend both camping lights and headlamps so that you can enjoy a relaxed and carefree vacation!
Read more about camping lighting here!

Gas: 5 things you should know

Gas is no joke.
You probably heard this phrase from your mother or grandmother when you were a child.
Most houses don’t have gas stoves, but gas is part of camping.
There are various things you should be aware of and what you should know about gas in general.
We explain the basic gas appliances:

Gas lockers
Turn up the throttle in four steps
Gas shut-off valves
Gas stoves
Adapter for gas cylinders abroad

Gas cabinets / gas lockers: safety when traveling

In some countries, there are safety regulations that require you to store your gas cylinders in a specific area inside the motorhome.
This is usually installed at the back of the motorhome and is accessible from the outside.
Regardless of whether your country requires this by law or not, it is recommended that you store your gas cylinders here to ensure that no gas enters the interior of the vehicle in the event of a leak.
Cylinder compartments usually have an opening and enough space for two gas cylinders.
Depending on the country, there may also be limits on the amount of gas you have on board: In Germany, for example, you are not allowed to have more than two 11 kg gas cylinders on board.

Safety regulation: Storing gas in lockers
Installed in the rear of the motorhome
Cylinder compartments have an opening & enough space for two gas cylinders
In DE: no more than two 11 kg gas cylinders

Connect the gas in four steps

1. open the outer door to the gas cupboard.
Gas cylinders are normally fitted with a red valve cap, which you must remove before use.
2. lift the cylinders one by one into the gas locker using both hands on the handle.
3. newer motorhomes usually have a pressure regulator that reduces the gas pressure to 30 mbar.
The regulator is connected to the orange hose, which is then connected to the cylinder valve.
To tighten, turn the handwheel all the way to the left until you encounter resistance.
4 Finally, use the safety straps to prevent the gas cylinders from moving in the gas cabinet.

Gas shut-off valves: supply for all appliances

Once you have connected the gas cylinder correctly, you need to open the gas shut-off valves.
These supply gas separately to all gas-powered appliances such as fridges, gas stoves, heaters and boilers.
In most cases, the valves are closed when they are in the horizontal position; when they are in the vertical position, they are open and there is a flow of gas.

Open the gas shut-off valves if the gas cylinder is connected correctly
Gas-powered appliances are all supplied with gas separately
Valves closed in horizontal position
Valves open in vertical position (gas flow)

Gas stoves: How do they work?

When the vents for the gas insulation are open, your gas stove is ready for use.
Motorhomes often have gas stoves with two or three hobs.
You can light your gas stove with matches or a lighter.
First turn the knob for the desired cooking zone to the “LITE” or ignition symbol and then press until the burner lights up.
You may need to hold the knob down for a few seconds to keep the pilot light lit.

Gas stoves have two or three hobs
You can light them with matches or a lighter
Turn knob to LITE or ignition symbol

Adapters for gas cylinders abroad: a real must-have

If you are traveling in another country, you may have problems if you need more gas.
The type of nozzles on individual gas cylinders can vary from country to country and may therefore not be compatible with the gas connection on your motorhome.
You should therefore buy the right type of gas adapter before you leave.
Make sure that you buy the necessary adapters both for filling your own gas cylinders and for taking gas from other cylinders.
One type of adapter is fitted between the pressure regulator and the foreign gas cylinder, the other allows you to fill your standard cylinder at authorized filling stations.

Buy a gas adapter before you travel
Problems abroad with gasoline
The type of gas cylinder nozzles may vary abroad
The adapter is fitted between the pressure regulator and the foreign gas cylinder

Sanitary: Functions of a cassette toilet & correct emptying

An issue that campers cannot avoid, even if it is more than unpleasant.
Cleaning and emptying the cassette toilet is an integral part of longer trips in particular.
This is precisely why you should know how to do this so that you don’t end up in an embarrassing accident.

How does a cassette toilet work?

Most standard motorhomes are equipped with an integrated cassette toilet.
It is connected to the water system so that it is ready to flush at the touch of a button.
A valve closes the toilet bowl on the floor so that no unpleasant odors can spread throughout the vehicle.
Underneath the toilet is the cassette, a container in which the waste is collected when the valve is open.
Chemical substances are often added to prevent odors from developing.
These chemicals also disinfect and help to accelerate the decomposition of toilet paper and solid waste, making it easier to empty and clean the cassette in the long term.
The cassette is usually located in a sliding compartment that is accessible from the outside of the vehicle so that it can be easily removed and transported to the chemical disposal point.

Standard motorhomes are equipped with integrated cassette toilets
Connected to the water system (always ready to rinse)
Valve closes the toilet bowl at the bottom (odour minimization)
Cassette = a container in which the waste is collected
Chemical substances prevent the odor
Disinfect and decompose toilet paper at the same time
Located in a sliding compartment (easy access for disposal)

How often should I empty and clean my cassette toilet?

There is no hard and fast rule as to how often a cassette toilet needs to be emptied and cleaned.
You should empty the waste tank at the latest when the fill level indicator lights up red.
However, experienced campers recommend that you don’t wait until the last minute: the fuller the tank is, the more difficult it will be to pull the cassette out of the sliding compartment and take it to the chemical disposal point.
If you are traveling as a couple, your tank will probably be full in about two to three days.
If the outside temperatures are particularly high, such as in midsummer or when camping in southern European countries, you should empty the tank at least every two days.
As the waste holding tank is usually on the outside of the camper, it will heat up a lot in the sun, and if you open the valve, unpleasant odors are practically guaranteed.
You will also want to clean it just as often if you decide not to use chemical substances.

No fixed rules – At the latest when the fill level indicator lights up red
The fuller the tank, the more difficult the transportation
For two, you should be able to
High summer more often = heat intensifies the odor

For the environment: Depositing in the right places

Under no circumstances should waste from your cassette toilet be disposed of outdoors or in household toilets.
Chemicals could seep into the groundwater and cause considerable damage to the environment and its inhabitants.
It’s also not worth it because there are heavy fines for dumping outdoors.
If you are not staying at a campsite with a chemical disposal point, you should find out in advance where the nearest possible disposal station is on your route.
You can find a list of all disposal stations in Germany and some stations in other parts of Europe here.

Not outdoors or in household toilets
Chemicals could seep into the groundwater
Heavy fines for unloading outdoors

Beginners’ mistakes: avoid the most common mistakes

“Could have, would have, bike chain” is probably a very true saying for many beginners.
If you had been better informed beforehand, you wouldn’t be standing there without a plan and desperately calling for help.
That’s why our number 1 point is always to prepare before such a trip.
Of course, a spontaneous trip is very cool and can lead to the most amazing adventures, but for young, inexperienced campers it usually ends in chaos.
Driving off with a full fresh water tank seems sensible for camping newbies, but if you fill up 95-170 liters of water, the motorhome has to carry quite a lot of extra load.
It is therefore sufficient to only fill it up to a third or a half full.
How you load your motorhome is also important.
It makes more sense to place the heavy load at the bottom in order to stabilize the low centre of gravity.
The most common mistakes:

Drive off unprepared
Walking around in the motorhome while driving
Drive off with a full fresh water tank
Motorhomes incorrectly loaded
Unsecured load
Driving without test run
Blindly trusting navigation systems
Always look for a place in the sun
Delaying the disposal of wastewater
Do it yourself
Take everything that fits
Do not take change with you
Don’t pay attention to water consumption

Tips & Tricks: Camping selection, season & winter camping

What would a vacation be without a few tips and tricks?
We have put together the best tips and tricks for you as a beginner.
Whether it’s choosing the perfect campsite or deciding whether to go during the high or low season.
These tips will help you overcome the hurdles of your first vacation.
Instead of a disaster, you can expect a relieving trip.

The perfect camping choice

Once you’ve thought about where you want to go and how you want to get there, you can take a closer look at what each location has to offer so that you can choose the one that suits you best.

Divided or undivided?

Many campsites divide their grounds into defined pitches so that each camper has a certain amount of space.
Sometimes these pitches are even bordered by bushes and hedges that clearly show how far you can spread out.
Small, natural campsites are usually undivided, meaning you can pitch your tent or park your campervan on any free space.
If you are camping on a campsite that is not strictly divided into pitches, make sure that there is enough space between you and your neighbor so that you don’t invade their privacy and they don’t invade yours.

Squares are separated by hedges and bushes
Small, natural places are undivided
Ensure there is enough space between neighbors

Compare prices

The prices per night at European campsites are just as varied as the facilities at the individual campsites.
In Switzerland, for example, you spend the most on average.
Belarus, on the other hand, is the most affordable country in Europe for campsites.
Campsites in Germany charge an average of €23.83 per night, putting them somewhere in the middle of the European price range.
Despite being mid-range in terms of price, German campsites tend to have top-notch facilities and customer service.
In addition to a nightly fee for your pitch or accommodation, it’s not uncommon for campsites to charge a fee for each guest or levy an additional tourist tax.
You may also have to pay extra if you bring a dog, use the showers or want to connect to the Wi-Fi.
You can usually find a detailed list of prices and fees on the campsite’s website.
Oh, and speaking of showers: Some campsites have coin-operated showers, so don’t forget to bring cash!

Wide range of prices in Europe
Germany’s prices are mediocre
Fee for parking space / accommodation
Fee for guests
Additional fee for dog, shower & WLAN
Cash for the coin-operated showers

High or low season?

Whether you go camping in high or low season can affect availability and prices.
During the school vacations, many families with children are on the move and head off to their favorite campsite.
Unsurprisingly, this often affects the price and availability of pitches.
If you want to travel during the high season, we recommend reserving a pitch in advance or booking directly.
In the low season and winter, you will usually have no problems getting a pitch, which means you can be relatively spontaneous.

High season: Very quickly and fully booked, expensive prices, overcrowded
Low season: No problems with spontaneous trips, always space, cheaper

Find shopping facilities in the area

Does the campsite you have chosen have a small kiosk or maybe even a supermarket?
Perfect, then you can breathe a sigh of relief because you don’t have to worry about where to shop.
Many campsites have a bakery on site so you can get fresh bread rolls or pastries for breakfast.
Find out in advance where the nearest stores to the campsite are.
You may want to stop and buy food and drinks on the way to the campsite.
But again, this is not an absolute must: do whatever works for you.
One camper may prefer to shop at home before going on vacation, while another may want to go out to eat every night.
Of course, if you plan to cook, you’ll need more than just ingredients.

Many campsites have a bakery
Kiosk or supermarket in the immediate vicinity
Inquiring beforehand is advantageous

Winter camping and cold regions

Even though camping is generally more popular in summer and in very warm regions, winter camping also has its charm.
The beautiful landscapes in the “winter wonderland” flair and numerous sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding alone make camping in cold regions a good idea.
However, it can get pretty cold even in a roof tent or camper van.
To prevent the cold from ruining your time in the great outdoors and to make the most of your vacation, you should definitely equip yourself in advance with a heater and preferably also a seat heater and an electric blanket.
This will allow you to enjoy your vacation at the campsite at any time of year in a relaxed and carefree manner and you will be optimally protected from the cold even in sub-zero temperatures.

You should bear this in mind when winter camping: Nevertheless, camping in winter is also a real challenge!
In contrast to camping in the great outdoors in summer, there are some unavoidable obstacles.
The freezing cold and meters of snow can drive some campers to despair.
That’s why you should definitely consider a few things in advance: