Camping tips XXL: Everything about the packing list, accommodation, electrics, cooking & vacation with pets

Camping XXL tips – More and more young people are deciding to go camping.
The connection to nature and the escape from the stresses of everyday life are a real invitation.
Whether alone, with the family or even with the dog, whether in a roof tent, camper or motorhome – every trip brings memories for a lifetime.
But to make sure your trip goes smoothly, you’ll find the most important tips and tricks for each section here.
No beginners need to worry about making mistakes, no parents need to think about the perfect games to keep their children from getting bored and cooking on the campsite should no longer be a problem after reading this article!

Beginners: accommodation, equipment & tips

There are not many things that can rival a camping experience.
However, especially as a beginner, you should plan a little beforehand, find a good spot and take the right camping equipment with you.
As with most outdoor things, it can be a nightmare if you don’t follow certain rules.
You’re out in nature and possibly far away from civilization.
It’s really important to know that you have your basics covered, especially if it’s one of your first camping experiences.
This camping guide for beginners has everything you need to make your first trip a success or to help you improve on the last.
It’s easy to follow, will save you money and headaches and help you make the most of your time in the great outdoors!

Accommodation: Types of camping

No doubt you’ve probably experienced the glories of tent camping as a child, but how many other types of camping have you tried?
Since there are many different ways to camp, you may need some guidance on variation for your next camping trips.
Look no further!
You’ll find them with numerous advantages and disadvantages in our camping beginner article.
Here we introduce you to different ways to spend the night on your next camping trip!
Ultimately, whichever method you prefer, the most important thing is that you get out there and experience all that Mother Nature has to offer.

• Camping: The origin of camping (also with roof tent)
• Van and motorhome: the mobile home on wheels
• Glamping: pure luxury in nature
• Wild camping: only in certain places

Water tank: Costs & unloading

The number one rule when filling and emptying your water tank 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.
Read all about the water tank when camping here:

• Fresh water and waste water tank

Where can I unload and how much does it cost?

• 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

Fresh water tank: instructions for filling up

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.

How do I fill the fresh water tank?

1. Open the lid of the fresh water tank
2. Clean the fresh water hose before use
3. Let the water flow
4. Turn off the drain cock
5. Close the fuel filler cap
6. Keep the emptying station clean

Gray water tank: disposal instructions

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, the tap may be on the inside, usually at the rear of the vehicle, or on the outside.
Once you have opened the tap, your gray water will flow out of the outlet and into the drain provided.

How to empty the gray water tank

1. Returning the motorhome
2. Open the tap
3. Gray water flows out of the outlet

Electrics: CEE sockets

The main power supply is provided via the blue CEE sockets in the motorhome.
This is connected with a connection cable.
The cable must not be longer than 25 meters and must have a minimum width of 2.5 square millimeters.

Power supply via the blue CEE socket outlet

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

Gas: Connection in 4 steps

After you have lit your gas stove with a match or 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.

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 bottles one by one into the gas cupboard using both hands on the handle.
3. Newer motorhomes normally 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 around in the gas cupboard.

Sanitary: Everything about the cassette toilet

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?

• 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?

• 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

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

Beginners’ mistakes: often made incorrectly

As in every area, beginners also have to deal with beginner’s mistakes when camping.
Although many of these mistakes are self-explanatory, they are still among the most common mistakes made by beginners.
Do you know why you shouldn’t drive around with a full water tank?
It sounds sensible at first to be fully prepared so that you don’t have to top up in the middle of your vacation.
But with 95-170 liters of water, the motorhome has to carry quite a lot of extra load, which has a negative impact on driving style and fuel consumption.
The most common mistakes:

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

Packing list: What do you need?

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 you will find a rough overview of the most important items.
Read on for a detailed packing list.

• Documents: ID cards, papers & finances
• Clothes
• Sleeping bag, mattress & co
• Cooking utensils & food storage
• BBQ utensils
• Non-perishable foodstuffs
• Emergency set

The most important thing before every vacation: Make sure you have all the necessary papers and documents!

Cooking: Tips, utensils & co.

Unlike an all-inclusive vacation in a 4-star hotel, cooking is part of camping.
It’s an important and big part, which is why it makes sense to simplify it with a few good tips and tricks from experienced campers.
Whether it’s tips on preparation, a packing list with the most important utensils or super tasty and quick recipes.
We have summarized the cooking basics for a successful vacation for you.

Cooking tips: Preparation & help

Imagine you’re camping in the forest.
Far away from your beloved kitchen with its luxurious accessories.
There’s no takeaway food and no fast food chain next door.
Does this scenario make you nervous?
It shouldn’t: cooking over a campfire is easy and safe if you follow these expert tips.

1. Before camping: prepare food in advance
2. Keep it simple: Grilling instead of a 5-star menu
3. Ready meals camping: quick & filling
4. Packing list: Only the essentials are allowed!
5. Cool box: Clever & practical

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

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

Recipes: Meat, fish & vegetarian

The ultimate camping tips definitely include a few simple and delicious recipes.
Whether it’s a delicious omelette, vegetarian or juicy meat, good food is part of a vacation!
That’s why we’ve collected various recipes here so that everyone can enjoy a satisfying vacation.
Whether you want juicy shashlik skewers in a pickled yoghurt marinade, tender steak or grilled corn on the cob, you’ll find plenty of tasty treats in our top recipes article.
Or maybe it’s time for a barbecue in this great weather?
We have the best recipes for each of the following dishes:

• Chicken
• Red meat
• Fish
• Vegetarian/vegan
• Potato, egg & co.

When camping, you don’t have a lot of equipment, and usually not enough worktop space at home.
So you need a good solution!
You need recipes that are quick and easy to make so that you spend as little time as possible on the gas stove.
Here is a short summary of the best recipes with the ingredients and how to prepare them:

• Potato scrambled eggs
• Pasta Primavera
• Chili lime corn on the cob
• Fish fillet fried in beer
• Chicken 5 stars class
• Ribs: 3,2,1 method for spare ribs

Scrambled potatoes: simple & delicious

This healthy breakfast is an easy camping meal and a great way to start the day.
It is prepared in a pan and served for four.

Ingredients

• 2 medium diced potatoes
• 8 eggs, scrambled
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 chopped peppers (your choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Preparations

First, put 1 tablespoon of butter in your cast iron pan and place it over your fire.
Melt it and spread it all over.
Second, add the potatoes, onions and peppers.
I like the potatoes in chunks and the onions and peppers chopped, but it’s your choice.
Cook these until the potatoes are tender and the onions and peppers are nicely cooked.
It will take about 20 minutes, but it depends on your fire.
Thirdly, add the next tablespoon of butter and, once melted, add the eggs.
The eggs will fill all the spaces between the potatoes, peppers and onions.
But to ensure an even cooking time, cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and let it cook until the eggs are nicely done, about 4 minutes.

Pasta Primavera: Cheese and cream sauce

We have a weakness for pasta, so this was just the thing for us.
This is such a simple recipe and it turned out perfect in the Dutch oven.
We found that using 17 coals on the top and 14 on the bottom was perfect for it.

Ingredients

• 1 jar of pasta sauce
• 1 packet of mozzarella cheese
• 450 g any vegetables
• 1 packet of pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Combine the pasta sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
Then cook the vegetables and pasta.
Then mix everything together in a casserole dish and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
Finally, cover with aluminum foil and bake in the Dutch oven for 25 minutes.

Chili lime corn on the cob: the barbecue classic

Corn on the cob is such a traditional food.
This recipe gives it a little twist and makes it quite tasty.
This recipe does not need to be adapted as it is already for camping.
If you are cooking directly over the campfire grate, be sure to wrap the corn on the cob in aluminum foil or clean the grate well.

Ingredients

• 4 peeled corn cobs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparations

Place the corn in a bowl, cover the bowl with wax paper and place it over the fire.
In the same way, put the butter in another bowl and wait until it melts.
Then stir in the chili powder, lime zest, salt and pepper and finally spread the butter mixture evenly over the cooked corn.

Fish fillet fried in beer: an unusual combination

Beer and fish don’t seem to go together at first glance?
This recipe is a real treat and is also easy to prepare!

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fish fillets, half a pound per person, for two
• 1 cup buttermilk pancake mix
• 1 cup of beer
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ cup cooking oil

Preparation

The first step is to open the beer and take a sip.
We want the oil to be nice and hot when we’ve finished cooking our fish fillets, so let’s warm it up now.
Good job!
Have another sip of beer!
Our fish fillets need to be cleaned and dried.
You could buy these fish fillets at a store, but hopefully you caught, skinned, cleaned, deboned and dried them yourself (because I can’t do that).
Either way, take your fish fillets and dredge them in the flour.
We just want an even coating of flour all over the fish.
Take another sip.
Now we want to mix the pancake mix and about ¾ cup of beer together.
The rest of the beer is for you.
Mix it with a fork until it’s smooth.
Now we want to take our floured fish fillets and dip them into the batter.
Again, we want an even coating.
Place these fish fillets into the oil and cook until the outside is golden, brown and delicious.
When the outside is done, the inside should be nice, moist and shiny.
Only cook two at a time, as overcrowding the pan when frying is a big no-no.
When they’re all done (and you’ve eaten the first lightly fried fish fillet, just to make sure it’s cooked, and then finished the beer), drain them a little on a paper towel.
Then you can sprinkle them with some dill, pepper or lemon, but it’s not really necessary.
They’re pretty much perfect as they are.

Chicken 5 stars class

Marinating also contributes a lot to the taste.
The best marinade for a juicy chicken is very simple! What you need:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh lemongrass (from 2 stalks)
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup Asian fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons crushed red bell pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup sugar

Ideally, you should marinate chicken overnight, but even a 2-3 hour soak will make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Chicken is best cooked on the more medium section of the grill, which is not super hot.
This allows it to be fully cooked throughout and prevents the outside from burning.
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
However, you should also use a thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Ribs: 3,2,1 method for spare ribs

The 3,2,1 method consists of smoking for 3 hours, steaming for 2 hours and glazing for 1 hour.
The spare ribs are so good that every minute on the grill is really worthwhile.
The bones fall cleanly out of the meat.
With the rub, the meat is an absolute flavor bomb!
With a grilling time of 6 hours, it’s quite time-consuming, but still a real taste sensation.

Ingredients of the rub

• 4x natural chop ribs in one piece
• 3 tbsp coarse sea salt
• 2tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 4 tsp dried thyme
• 4 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground black pepper

Ingredients of our Glaze:

• 250ml apple juice
• 250ml ketchup 1
• 70ml apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• Add 2 tbsp of the rub

Vacation types: With dog, Single & Family

Whether it’s a solo trip, a vacation with the family or an expedition with your four-legged friend, camping is for everyone and offers a wide variety of adventures.

Nevertheless, these types of vacation differ from one another.
When camping with the family, several people need to be considered.
The reason for this is usually to give the children an educational and wonderful memory, to have fun and to do lots of nature-related activities.
For most solo travelers, it’s more about escaping into the silence of nature, switching off completely and having the opportunity to reflect.
For this reason alone, the tips, packing lists and dos and don’ts look very different. We have put together the most important tips for every type of traveler!

Single camping vacation: The best solo trip tips

Camping is often seen as a group activity.
In movies, we often see a happy trio of friends sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and regaling each other with stories of the day.
But what happens when you want to go it alone?
Solo camping can be safe, fulfilling and a damn good time.
It’s just as much fun, if not more rewarding in many ways.
Camping alone gives you time to recharge, collect your thoughts and learn to be alone.
In fact, I recommend everyone try it at least once in their lives, if only to experience the solitude that comes with “me time”.
Of course, a solo camping trip requires more planning, as you have to rely on yourself for everything.
Even the most experienced camper forgets important basics from time to time.
That’s why it’s important to know what you should pay particular attention to.
Here are the most important tips and absolute no-gos:

1. The right preparation
2. Inform your close ones about your stay
3. Arrive on time
4. Stay calm
5. Entertain yourself
6. Don’t overestimate your abilities
7. Less is sometimes more
8. Don’t be afraid of strangers
9. Experience is the prerequisite for safety

The right preparation

This may sound simple, but it’s the crux of your entire trip.
It’s crucial that you prepare properly for your solo trip.
This includes getting the necessary maps and choosing the route for your planned hiking trails.
If you are taking new equipment with you, you should practice with these items before you leave home when preparing for your solo trip.
After all, it would be pretty awful to show up at camp only to realize you have no idea how to pitch your tent.

Inform your closest ones about your stay

Since you’ll be spending some time alone in the woods, it’s ideal to make sure you do it safely.
Always let someone know where you’re going; leave a note with a friend, neighbor or family member detailing your plans, including your expected return time, destination and where you plan to camp.
If necessary, include a checklist so they know your exact itinerary.
It may feel like overkill to give your entire weekend itinerary to someone else, but trust me, you’ll thank your lucky stars if you end up needing help.

Arrive on time

Showing up late to camp is exactly the last thing you want to do.
Not only can the cover of darkness feel disorienting, but it can also make finding and using your gear much more difficult.
Make a point to arrive at camp with at least 1-2 hours of sunlight.
This will give you enough daylight to find a decent campsite, set up your tent and cook your dinner.
Plus, you might even have extra free time to enjoy the beautiful sunset!

Stay calm

Look, I get it.
The sun has disappeared below the horizon, strange owls are hooting, and twigs are snapping in the woods around your tent.
It’s a perfect combination of events to cause anxiety, but freaking out solves nothing.
More than anything, time alone on a solo camping trip after dark can get stressful.
This is when imaginations run wild and people tend to freak out.
Don’t let this happen to you.
Instead, stay calm and rational and realize that all these wilderness noises are normal.
It’s just you, nature and a lot of quiet time and that’s a good thing.

Entertain yourself

I realize you went to the woods to spend some time with yourself, but that solo time can weigh you down.
Be sure to pack a book, journal or deck of cards on your trip.
This will help you ward off the evening hours when you have no one to talk to.
A captivating audiobook will keep you so engrossed that you won’t even hear all those spooky forest noises outside your tent wall.

Don’t overestimate your abilities

Maybe you easily cover 20 miles on your day hikes back home?
Great, that’s really great!
But don’t assume that your mileage at home will automatically carry over to your first solo hike.
Hiking alone with a heavy backpack is very different from a day hike or a walk in the woods.
Some may find themselves so wrapped up in their own head that the miles pass them by.
For others, however, the lack of conversation can be disheartening and cause the hours to pass more slowly than expected.
Either way, it’s not a bad idea to take it easy on your first trip.
Don’t overestimate your abilities and make sure you’re aiming for a mileage that’s easily doable for your skill set.
This will ensure you arrive at your campsite with plenty of daylight to sort yourself out and relax.
Better that than bursting in dazed and confused after dark!

Less is sometimes more

Many old-timers will advise you to camp for three, four or even five nights on your first solo trip, advising that longer is better to really understand the nature of solitude.
And while I understand that perspective, I don’t think it’s a good idea for your first trip on your own.
Camping alone is new to you, and it’s ideal if you come away from your first experience eager to go again.
Don’t overdo it; plan one or two evenings for your first trip.
This will give you enough time to recharge and get a feel for things without slipping into complete solitude.
If you love it?
Great, then take another night for your next unaccompanied trip.

Don’t be afraid of strangers

We’ve all heard the saying: don’t talk to strangers.
If you’re going camping alone, that’s an expression I would take with a grain of salt.
Of course, you should always be careful of your surroundings and remove yourself from any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Taking care of yourself should be your first priority.
That being said, solo camping is a great way to make new friends!
You obviously have something in common as you both choose to spend your free time outdoors, so it’s a good start.
Don’t be afraid to meet new people on the trail or at camp.
You might just find your next hiking partner.

Experience is the prerequisite for safety

I can’t express this enough: don’t be a “noob”, better known as the newbie.
Camping alone is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
However, it’s important that you know what you’re doing in the wilderness before you head out on your own.
If you’re a beginner to hiking and camping, it’s probably best to avoid solo trips until you’ve gained more experience.
This is really just for your own safety.
There’s always a risk of something going wrong on the trail, and it’s much better for everyone if you’re prepared and skilled enough to handle the situations.
Much of this experience can only come with time.
If you’re a beginner, spend a few evenings with experienced friends who can show you the ropes.
Then, when you finally set out on your own, you’ll be more confident and able to enjoy yourself like a well-researched amateur on your way to becoming a pro.

Vacation with pets: Dog, cat & co.

Camping with dogs is a lifestyle based on a community of people who love outdoor adventure and sharing it with their beloved four-legged friends.
What started as an Instagram account with photos of dogs exploring the outdoors with their owners has become so much more.
In Germany, almost % of pet owners travel with their pets.
This is understandable, as pets are hugely important to us nowadays and you don’t drop your child off at nursery school for two weeks.
And secondly, dog boarding facilities and hotels are an expensive affair.

Here are the 10 most important tips you should consider before and during your vacation:

1. Find out about the regulations in advance
2. Pack plenty of water when traveling
3. Always keep your dog on a lead
4. Protect the paws
5. Bring a tent with plenty of space
6. Don’t let the rain spoil your fun
7. Pack a brush
8. Take toys with you
9. Pet first aid kit
10. Line your tent with towels or blankets

Find out about the regulations in advance

Some may not allow dogs and have restrictions.
Keep your dog close by or on a leash, as others who are camping may not want to be bothered with your dog.
Keeping your dog on a leash can also protect them from wild animals that may come after your furry friend, or prevent them from wrestling in the bushes that may have poisonous plants.

Pack plenty of water when traveling

It may seem like a no brainer, but make sure your dog stays hydrated.
This is super important.
Pack enough water for them if there isn’t a water source they can safely use.
Don’t let them drink salt water or from stagnant water!
Same goes for food, make sure they have enough.
Collapsible bowls are super handy.

Always keep your dog on a lead

While it’s nice to not let your dog pull on a leash when you’re hiking (unless you’ve taught them to), there are a few obvious reasons to have your dog on a leash.
First of all, not everyone is as enamored with dogs as we are, and they might actually be scared.
If you don’t have your dog on a lead, other walkers might feel very uncomfortable.
Secondly, they could become a target for wildlife (e.g. bears) or make them angry.
I could go on, but if your dog is like either of mine (i.e. he likes to stay at 20 feet head height and greet every human on site), keep him on a leash.

Protect the paws

Not only from the snow, but also from the hot ground.
We have a pair of “cool” dog shoes that we use in the summer when the dirt or cinder we walk on is too hot for Jazz’s paws.
In the winter, we use Musher’s Secret, a wax product that you can apply directly to your dog’s paws to keep their fur from balling up in the snow.
We’ve found that a lot of Jazz’s boots fall off (because he loves bouncing through the fresh powder), so the wax is a great alternative for winter.

Bring a tent with plenty of space

Get a tent with double entrances and vestibules.
If you have a smaller tent, you can put your backpacks and gear under one vestibule, and a small sleeping pad so your dog can sleep in the other vestibule.
We have a short-haired dog and prefer to keep him in the tent on cold nights, but in summer the vestibule gives us more space.

Don’t let the rain spoil your fun

A tent can be a cozy and dry place to hang out outdoors with your pets.
Another big plus of venturing outside in the rain is that no one else is likely to be out for the day.
We found an empty beach where we could relax, eat lunch and play cards in our warm little tent – during breaks in the rain, the pups were free to roam without us having to worry about them bothering other people.
It was a super nice day, rain and all.

Pack a brush

Here in the desert, I always make sure I have my comb and leather tool with me because it’s very likely that my pup will come across a Kolla cactus.
Even if he’s not near a cactus, the spines litter the desert all year round.

Take toys with you

Bring your dog’s favorite toy with you.
It will help him to reduce his fears and make him feel more comfortable in his “home away from home”.

Pet first aid kit

It is always handy to have first aid knowledge for pets.
There are courses available to help expand current knowledge or for those who don’t know where to start.
Having a basic first aid manual is also really handy to have with you in a first aid kit.
You can make do with having a regular first aid kit and adding a few things to make it more convenient for pets, such as iodine to clean wounds, wax paw protection for dry pads or as a barrier for extreme conditions and a tick remover.
Liquid bandages are helpful for cuts.
I have also included dog boots and tongue depressors that can be used as a splint.

Line your tent with towels or blankets

Depending on the durability of your tent, sharp puppy claws can poke holes in the flooring.
By spreading out a few extra blankets or towels, you can put an end to this and make cleaning up after the camp much easier at the same time.

Camping with family: children & teenagers

It’s never too early to start camping with your kids.
The outdoors offers a full sensory experience, and a family camping trip is a great way to introduce younger ones to the joys of being outdoors.
From babies to teenagers, children of all ages will find so many things to captivate them on a camping trip: starry skies, the distant call of an owl, the mesmerizing crackle of a campfire, the tiniest bugs doing their thing in the dirt.
Camping can open their eyes and awaken their senses to their natural surroundings. Here are some tips for getting started and making camping with children a good experience for everyone.

Practice camping at home with the tent in the backyard

If your kids are new to the outdoors, pitch a tent in the backyard or even in your house.
Let them hang out and sleep in it to get them comfortable in a new sleeping environment.
Try a family outing at a nearby park.
Spend half a day at a lakeshore or park and see how your kids react to the experience.

Children help pack

Give the children the responsibility of packing their own camping equipment (using a list you have drawn up).
Check the packed items before you leave the house.
Keep things organized by having your children pack personal items in a duffel bag and encourage them to always return these items to the duffel bag.
The child’s travel bag should be a different color for easy identification.

Pack food that children like

One of the highlights of camping is eating together around the fire.
Grilling food over the fire with long roasting sticks doubles the fun!
Allow your children to help plan the menu so that they are excited about the trip.
Ask them what they would like to eat and what treats they would like.
Pack foods you know they will like; now may not be the time to try a new culinary food.
Keep ready-made snacks that will be available during the trip and at the campsite.

Find the right campsite

Choose campgrounds with amenities that meet your family’s needs.
Some campgrounds have ball fields, beaches or swimming areas, creeks or rivers and playgrounds; others offer picnic tables, flush toilets and hot showers.
If it’s your first time, start small, stay close to home and choose better developed campsites with buckets of amenities.
Work your way up to more remote or adventurous locations or longer trips.
Ask other families for their favorite kid-friendly recommendations.
Make trip planning a family affair.
Ask the kids for ideas on what to do or see at your destination.
Take their input seriously.

Find activities

Find out what day hikes or other activities are possible at your destination.
Be ready with some possible ideas for when the kids say “I’m bored”.
More developed campsites have notice boards with easy nature trails marked on them.
Can you hire a boat or is there space for bikes?
Plan hikes in advance.
Otherwise, you also have our tips against boredom.

Organize your belongings

Store your camping gear and utensils in different containers so they are easily accessible when you get to camp.
Use clear plastic containers or cardboard boxes to store your kitchen utensils, tent, sleeping bags and other equipment in separate compartments.
Everything related to the kitchen goes in one container, box or bag, the sleeping bags in another.
You don’t want to spend a lot of time rummaging through your stuff at camp, especially if you arrive at a campsite later than expected.
If you’ve organized your stuff in advance, you’ll be well organized for your next trip.
Use our camping checklist to make sure you don’t forget the important things.

Dress your children in several layers

Check the weather and dress your kids for these outdoor conditions.
If there’s a chance of rain, bring rain jackets (and an activity or two for the tent!).
Temperatures can drop at night, even if it’s hot and sunny during the day.
Think about multiple layers so children can put on or take off clothes as needed to adjust to temperature changes.
Babies and toddlers don’t move around as much as older children, so they usually need one more layer than what you would wear.
For more tips on clothing, check out our article on dressing children for the outdoors.

Anticipating potential challenges

You know your child best and know how they can react to situations.
Try to eliminate potential problems in advance.
Is your child still potty training or hates getting up at night to go to the toilet?
Bring a small travel toilet that you can set up right outside your tent.
Does your child wake up early?
Bring a book or toy that might keep them occupied in the morning when you still have watery eyes.
Is your teen a light sleeper and a late sleeper?
Consider earplugs so your teen can sleep in while the rest of the family enjoys an early breakfast.

Pack a favorite toy

Bring a favorite game or two and toys, but try to keep the toys to a minimum.
Leave room for lots of unstructured outdoor play.
Children often find much more interesting things to see and play with at the campsite.
You may be surprised how many hours your child spends digging in the sand or just exploring nature.
Children will find ways to create their own outdoor fun.
If you bring toys, let it be something that complements their outdoor play, such as a kite, a ball, a frisbee, a magnifying glass for spotting insects or binoculars.

Adding special accents

You don’t need to buy a lot of equipment, but one or two special items can really add to the kids’ camping enjoyment.
Remember to pack glow sticks or child-sized camping chairs.
Give the kids their own flashlight, headlamp or other camp lighting.
The kids may enjoy having a set of solar or battery-powered lights to use in the tent at night.

Think about safety

Once you arrive at a campsite, set ground rules for where your kids can roam and talk about what they should do if they get lost.
What are the boundaries?
Are they allowed outside the parking lot or near water?
Are they allowed to wander into other people’s campsites or go to the restroom themselves?
Give the kids a whistle and teach them to blow it if they get separated from you.
At night, make sure they have access to a flashlight or headlamp.
Watch out for certain features of the campsite that could be dangerous – a nearby road, a fast-moving river, a steep slope.

Involve your children

Even if it feels like you can pitch your tent or cook a meal yourself faster, involve your kids in camp chores as much as possible.
Teach them the basics: how to pitch a tent, find a level campsite, build a campfire or cook a camp meal.
Assign the children age-appropriate, meaningful tasks.
Younger children can help gather firewood, fill water bottles, unroll sleeping bags or inflate sleeping pads.
Give older children the task of washing dishes or cooking dinner.

Find teaching moments

No matter what age, your kids are never too young to learn the best practices they can use outdoors.
Remind them how to enjoy the environment while taking small steps to protect it.
Teach them how to respect wildlife (don’t feed animals or squash bugs), dispose of trash properly (pack it in, pack it out), leave rocks, plants and other things where they find them, and other “leave no trace” principles.
If you’re camping in unpaved areas, make sure you and your kids follow proper practices for going to the bathroom in the woods.

Make the most of nature

Look out for wild animals.
Examine rocks.
Identify birds, flowers, clouds, constellations.
Lead children on a rock climb.
Show interest in things that interest them.
Bring a field guide or nature guide to identify plants or animals and learn more about the things they find.
Take advantage of nature programs or ranger talks.
Many national parks offer junior ranger programs, guided nature hikes or night sky activities.
Ask campground staff if the park offers activities for kids.

Dirt is part of nature

Let’s be honest.
Kids are going to get dirty when camping.
They will get mud on their shoes, marshmallow bits in their hair and dust everywhere.
Camping is the only place they should have room to get dirty.
If there is no running water at your site, you should set up a hand washing station with a small bucket of soapy water.
Bring a small tent rug that you can leave outside your door if you want to keep the inside of your tent tidier.

Privacy for teenagers

It’s not always possible or practical, but consider bringing two small tents or a larger tent with a separate screened “room” for your privacy-seeking teen.
A separate sleeping area gives older kids a little independence and some control over their space.
Let them bring a friend or camp with another family with older children.

Be flexible

No matter how prepared you are, things may not go as you planned.
Remember that all you can do is create a good structure for your kids for camp.
The best thing about going outside is that you create experiences along the way.
Be flexible and patient.
Slow down.
Let go of strict schedules and enjoy the moment.
Don’t force your kids to go on a day hike if it means everyone in the family will be upset.

Create a cozy sleeping environment

Younger children may want their pillow, their favorite blanket or a stuffed animal.
Don’t skimp on the things that are most important to you.
If you have trouble falling asleep, opt for a thicker, more luxurious sleeping pad.
Bring pillows from home or your favorite blanket.
Use a play yard or portable crib for babies if you have a tent big enough for it.
The more you camp, the more you will learn what you need and what you can live without.

Furniture: Camping chair, table & co.

We all know the basics when it comes to camping and the equipment you need to take with you: a tent, sleeping bag, something to cook with should be enough.
But what else is missing?
Something to sit on, of course.
When camping, you can get by quite comfortably with the bare essentials.
However, that’s just the start, most of us don’t want to give up our comforts unless it’s an expedition or we like to travel like Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
If you want to have a really great vacation, you need to invest in some camping furniture.
You want to create a home away from home to rest and relax on longer trips.
Here’s what you need to know about the most important camping furniture and equipment before you set off on your next trip!

Camping chairs: Relax in comfort

There’s nothing better than putting a chair outside your tent, grabbing a drink and watching the world go by or sitting around a campfire with a group of friends.
So unless you plan on sitting on the ground or on your sleeping bag, camping chairs are absolutely essential.
They are also very useful for the garden, for the beach or even if you run out of furniture indoors when you have lots of company.
There are some incredible camping chairs that come with footrests and headrests and are almost as comfortable as the armchair in your living room.
There are even inflatable options if space in your tent isn’t much of an issue.
But if you just want something simple, you can get chairs for the whole family without spending a lot.

Camping tables: Practically square

Along with the chairs, you could also use a camping table to enjoy your meals outside under the stars or in your family tent and caravan.
Sitting around as a family and spending quality time together is one of the joys of camping.
Maybe it’s something you don’t get to do enough of at home.
So make sure you have a camping table where you can all sit around, play games and enjoy time together.
We have a great selection of camping tables that can be used both inside and outside the tent, ideal if you like to eat al fresco or get together for a game night.
They are all collapsible so they can be packed away nice and compact when not in use.

Air mattress & camp beds: Like walking on clouds

If you have a good quality sleeping bag and mat, then you can get a great night’s sleep – something that is crucial to enjoying your camping trip.
However, if you want a bit of extra comfort, you might want to consider an air bed or folding camp bed so you’re not sleeping on the ground.
Of course, you won’t feel any bumps, but you’ll also be a little warmer – who doesn’t want that?
Having an airbed or camp bed also means you’ll have more sleeping provisions if you have a few extra people camping with you.
These beds come in single and double bed sizes, perfect if you want to stretch out or share your adventures with others.

Camping storage: Stow away safely

Unless you want to live out of a suitcase or store everything in piles around the tent (if you have kids, they’ll probably do that anyway), you’ll need some decent camping solutions.
When it comes to storage, you can be as simple or as sophisticated as you like.
From fabric lockers and closets to full kitchen units and simple camping storage containers, you can make sure your tent stays neat, tidy and organized – in theory!
Whether you want or need somewhere to store your food, shoes, dirty laundry or anything else you’ve brought with you, we’ve got you covered.

Camping refrigerator: Klever Kühlen

You don’t just have to eat dry or canned food when you go camping, you know?
You have fresh, cool food for every meal, use it to enjoy on the beach as a picnic or keep it for cooking later.
If you use a camping fridge, you can keep your food nice and fresh, meaning you can eat pretty much anything you like – although of course you’ll need a mains connection so you can plug it in.
A cool box is ideal for eating fresh food on the go, handy for day trips.
Don’t want to go for the option of a full camping fridge?
An electric cool box is also great.
Or if you’re going out for the day, take a cool bag and a few ice packs with you.

Wind protection: protection for any weather

Windbreaks have several functions and can therefore be very useful.
As the name suggests, windbreaks can protect you from the wind so you can enjoy being outdoors even on a windy day, and they can also act as a privacy screen.
So if you’re on a busy campsite but just want some alone time, you can create your own little enclosure that’s just for you and your family.
The windbreak can be inflated or erected using poles, with some featuring windows.

Camping toilet: privacy in the great outdoors

Does this really count as furniture?
Well, you sit on it, so technically it’s a seat – a pretty important one on a campsite!
If you don’t have toilets nearby, or you really don’t like the idea of shared toilets, then you need a portable camping toilet.
A compact and easily portable and stowable toilet that doesn’t take up too much space is ideal for the long camping or wild camping trip to ensure that any calls of nature are kept just between you and the great outdoors!
You’ll also need some camping toilet chemicals to keep it clean, which you can also get right here.

Attractions: Against boredom when camping

Camping can be a lot of fun.
Sleeping outdoors and getting away from the stresses of everyday life can be refreshing, and there’s plenty of time for leisure and games.
It can be a great time to try new activities or get back to the hobbies you used to love.
There are tons of exciting things you can do in the water if your campsite is near a lake, river, pool or other body of water.
Some of these activities are exciting, while others are meant for lazy, relaxing days.
Put on your swimming trunks and have some fun in the water.
Or is the weather not cooperating and all the outdoor activities are literally falling through?
Just the perfect time to play while camping.
Games are entertaining and promote teamwork and family cohesion.
Card games, board games or old-fashioned pen and paper, who’s the best at town, country, river, tic-tac-toe or hangman?
Here are some fun things to do while camping, including water activities, sports and games.
Read more here for more camping attractions and activities:

1. Climbing
2. Swimming
3. Boat/canoeing
4. Board games/ card games
5. Bike tour
6. Soccer/ Basketball/ Volleyball
7. Water battle
8. Geocaching
9. Observe nature (birdwatching, collecting fireflies)
10. Making bread on a stick at the campfire

You’re out and about with your group of friends.
Then certain games are a must around the campfire.
Often enough, the atmosphere around the campfire is super relaxed, someone gets out the guitar and there’s singing, laughing and drinking.
It happens faster than you think that dawn breaks.
We’ve got some cool games for you that you can play around the campfire.
Best of all, you need nothing but your wits and creativity:

• Choice, truth or duty
• Spin the bottle
• Telling ghost stories/ horror stories
• Playing instruments (guitar, harmonica)
• Sing campfire songs
• Dancing around the campfire
• Make colored fire (packets of colored fire crystals or pine cones are sold in most camping stores)
• Campfire recipes

Q&A: All about camping, safety & co.

When camping, very important questions arise regarding travel, preparation and safety.
We have answered the most important questions for you so that your trip is a complete success.

Are campsites safe?

Campsites are very concerned about security.
Barriers at the entrance to the site prevent unauthorized persons from entering and staff are also present at night on higher-class sites.
There are often hire safes available for your valuables and the paths on the site are usually well lit

What should you remember when camping?

Things get wet all the time when you’re camping.
Bikinis, sweaty T-shirts, towels, tea towels and maybe a few socks that you had to wash in between.
That’s why a washing line should not be missing from your camping packing list.

How safe is a motorhome?

Motorhomes: Accidents without third-party involvement are generally rare.
The risk of injury is significantly lower than that of other drivers.
Accident researchers put the risk of being involved in a serious accident at half that of a car.

How do I protect my motorhome against theft?

To protect the entire vehicle from theft, it is advisable to install a hidden switch.
The switch either blocks the fuel supply or shuts off the ignition.

What does self-sufficient caravan mean?

Self-sufficient means self-sufficient or independent.
For a self-sufficient caravan, this means: electricity, heating, (hot) water and toilet function completely independently, without a campsite or charging station.

Which solar panel for caravans?

The correct alignment of the solar system Ideally, the solar system should face south and be mounted on the motorhome at an angle of between 20 and 50 degrees.
If the panel lies flat on the roof, the output is around a quarter lower.

How does a caravan work?

The most important components and functions in the caravan.
Converter/main fuse: The converter converts 230-volt current for the corresponding devices in the caravan into 12-volt current.
The main fuse, on the other hand, protects all 230-volt sockets and cables and interrupts the circuits in the event of a short circuit.