Documents & papers – Before you set off on your camping vacation, there are a few things to consider and think about.
This includes not only packing your suitcase, camping equipment such as an air mattress, sleeping bag and tent and planning your route and campsites, but above all having all the necessary travel documents together.
From ID cards to booking documents, you need to think of a few things, as these are essential for a successful and carefree vacation.
Here you can get an all-round overview of everything that should definitely be on your packing list first.
Camping Ratgeber:
Travel documents: the basic camping equipment
If you’re going camping for the first time, you’ll probably find it difficult to think of everything important straight away, but experienced campers know that there’s a lot to consider.
Especially if you are traveling with children or pets, there will be a lot of paperwork involved.
The most important thing is probably your passport or ID card and the appropriate children’s ID for your children.
Without valid documents, it will be difficult to enter other countries or to identify yourself at campsites.
Depending on whether you are traveling with a folding caravan, roof tent or camper, you will need a valid driving license and the vehicle documents, which you should have with you at all times.
Once you have arrived at the campsite, you will need your booking documents and confirmation so that you can be let in.
If you should fall ill, it is very important to have your health insurance card with you.
If you are traveling abroad, you should take out international health insurance and take the corresponding confirmation with you.
Packing list: The most important documents & papers
To make sure you remember all the important documents and papers for your next camping trip and have everything you need, here is a checklist of the most important papers:
- Identity card / passport
- Child ID card
- Driver’s license (international if applicable)
- Vehicle documents (caravan)
- Health insurance card / health insurance abroad
- Booking documents for campsites
Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.
Carefree travel: Checklist with children or alone
In addition to the most important documents, which are irreplaceable, it is also important to always have other documents with you.
A little cash is never a bad idea to buy small items, make a donation or pay for a visit to the toilet.
However, don’t forget your debit and credit card.
Especially when camping, you want to see as much of the idyllic nature as possible and therefore book spontaneous boat trips, bike tours or guided hikes in the mountains.
If you have already booked something like this in advance, you should remember the printed tickets or confirmations.
If you are traveling with children and pets, you should also take your vaccination certificate with you and always have a travel guide or city map with you for excursions to help you find your way around.
Finally, you should make a note of important emergency telephone numbers, such as those of your bank, so that you are prepared for any eventuality.
Other: Documents for on the road
You should also have these documents with you on your camping vacation so that you can enjoy a relaxed and carefree vacation:
- Cash
- EC card / credit card
- Travel guide / City map
- Ferry tickets / train tickets, if applicable
- Vaccination certificate for children / dogs
- Membership cards (camping card, etc.)
- Emergency telephone numbers (bank, ADAC, )
- Travel diary
- Copies of the most important documents
- If applicable, dog passport / insurance papers
What else do I need when camping?
To give you an overview of what other important accessories you need to think about, you can find a helpful packing list for your camping vacation here.
Reading tips! Emergency kit and hygiene when camping
Have you packed all the important papers?
Then the first step is already done!
Now you can read more informative articles on other essential camping equipment here.
Even if you don’t usually think about it straight away, cleaning and care products that are suitable for a vacation in the great outdoors should always be with you.
Emergency kit: the must haves in nature
As you spend most of your time camping outdoors and on the campsite, you are unfortunately 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 all about the most important items that you should definitely take with you on your trip here:
Impregnation and cleaning
Especially if you are a passionate camper who is on the road often and over a longer period of time, it is important to clean and maintain your tent and camping equipment sufficiently to guarantee the best possible longevity.
Regularly waterproofing your tent is essential when camping to have a carefree time and get the most out of your camping vacation.
But how often should you waterproof your tent?
Which sprays are suitable for which material and what should I bear in mind?
You can find all the important information here:
Cleaning and household products
Even if you are on a relaxed vacation while camping, you still have to tidy up, clean and wash from time to time.
Especially if you are on longer, multi-week trips, you may of course have to wash dishes and do laundry frequently.
That’s why you should definitely think about appropriate cleaning products and helpful household appliances so that you can enjoy a carefree vacation in the great outdoors.
You can find helpful tips and useful information here: