Rooftop tent camping – Are you planning your next camping vacation with your boyfriend, girlfriend or the whole family?
Rooftop tent camping is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience nature up close.
With a roof tent on your car, you are completely flexible, can camp almost anywhere you want spontaneously and can look forward to the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
However, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Here are 15 helpful tips for traveling in a roof tent to make your vacation a carefree and absolutely unforgettable time.
Camping Ratgeber:
You have these advantages with a roof tent
Are you a camping beginner?
Then here is a brief insight into the advantages of a roof tent!
Travel in comfort with your own car
Camping with a roof tent is an ideal way to see a lot of the world, to always be out and about in a natural environment, to decide spontaneously what the day will bring and also to have an enormously large and comfortable sleeping area at all times.
A roof tent can be fitted to almost any car – whether Audi, Ford or VW.
As long as your car has roof racks, nothing stands in the way of your rooftop tent vacation.
Quick assembly and enormous space
The whole thing can then be set up flexibly on the go in just a few minutes and without any effort.
Once unfolded, you have a huge area for sleeping and living, which can be used by up to 5 people depending on the model.
If you need even more space, you can purchase an additional tent trailer that can be attached to the back of the car.
Sounds perfect?
Then read more about the different models, costs, roof load and advantages here:
The highlights of a roof tent
This makes a roof tent a convincing travel companion:
- Flexible travel arrangements
- 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
The roof tent is an excellent choice at any time of year – even for winter camping! 
Let’s now move on to our specific tips for making your rooftop tent vacation a complete success!
Choose the right roof tent – tip 1
There are different types of rooftop tents on the market, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Consider factors such as size, material and comfort.
While a smaller roof tent is more suitable for couples, there are also larger models for the whole family.
Take a look in the store to find the right roof tent for you and your loved ones and configure it according to your wishes and ideas:
Invest in good roof racks – Tip 2
A strong and robust roof rack is essential to support the weight of the roof tent.
Make sure that the roof rack is suitable for your car and has been properly attached.
Ideally, check the condition of the roof rack regularly while on the road and retighten the screws if necessary.
Read more about roof tent assembly here:
Pay attention to weight and roof load – Tip 3
When loading the roof tent, it is important to consider the permissible weight of your car and the roof load to avoid overloading.
You can find out everything about this topic in detail here:
Route: Planning is the be-all and end-all – Tip 4
Before you set off with your roof tent, you should take the time to roughly plan your route.
Even though camping is always associated with spontaneity and flexibility, it is particularly important to have a plan for longer camping trips.
Make sure that you have planned enough time for the planned trip and also take the weather forecast into account!
This will ensure that you have all the necessary information, keep an eye on the timing of the trip and consider possible obstacles.
This is helpful to keep in mind:
- Prepare a rough itinerary
- Allow enough time for your route
- Take the weather into account when planning your route
With the right planning, it’s more likely that the trip will go smoothly and you’ll have a carefree time! 
Checklist: Pack efficiently – Tip 5
As space is limited, you should choose carefully what you pack and, above all, how you pack it.
Avoid taking unnecessary items with you and pack your things so that they are easily accessible and well organized.
Perhaps also use vacuum bags to store clothes and other items in the car to save space.
It’s best to create a checklist so that you don’t forget anything important.
This will make your vacation easier:
- Only pack really necessary items
- Store your things in an accessible and organized way
- Use vacuum bags or transport boxes to keep things tidy
- Create a checklist
Bring basic equipment – Tip 6
In addition to your personal belongings, you should also bring basic equipment with you, including important and helpful outdoor gadgets such as a flashlight, lighter, first aid kit, water and snacks.
Durable food and cooking accessories for the campsite are also important.
Don’t forget camping furniture, such as camping chairs and a table, and be sure to bring clothes and shoes for different weather conditions.
Click here for the detailed packing list:
Position the roof tent correctly – tip 7
When you are on the campsite, make sure that the roof tent is set up and secured properly before you settle down in it.
It is particularly important on a rooftop tent vacation with children that everything is always well secured and that you supervise your children when handling it.
Also make sure that the car is parked on level ground and that the roof tent is set up straight.
You should pay attention to this on the road:
- Park your car on level ground
- Set up the roof tent straight
- Check the correct structure
- Supervise your children when using the roof tent
Choose a suitable location for the set-up to guarantee safety for everyone! 
Choose suitable campsites – Tip 8
Choose campsites in advance that are suitable for roof tent camping and have all the necessary facilities.
Look out for well-equipped sanitary facilities that are heated, especially in winter, as well as facilities such as restaurants, laundry facilities and entertainment for children.
Here you will find everything you need to consider when looking for the perfect campsite:
Keep your roof tent clean – tip 9
Avoid bringing dirt and sand into the tent by removing your shoes before entering.
Clean the tent regularly and air it out to create a comfortable environment.
Try not to camp directly under dense trees or on other potentially dirty surfaces to keep the tent as clean as possible inside and out.
This will also guarantee the longevity of your roof tent.
How to keep your roof tent clean:
- Take off your shoes before entering
- Clean and ventilate your roof tent regularly
- Park on as clean a surface as possible
- Avoid parking under trees
Observe the local regulations – Tip 10
Find out about the local regulations regarding camping and observe the relevant rules, especially if you want to make a campfire.
Respect nature and leave the campsite clean and the landscape untouched.
Use biodegradable soap when showering in nature to avoid polluting the environment.
If you are on a rooftop tent vacation with a dog, think about poop bags and appropriate hygiene.
Generally respect the privacy of other campers and avoid excessive noise.
You should keep this in mind on the campsite:
- Find out about local regulations
- Respect nature and other campers
- Leave the campsite clean
- Remember poop bags when on vacation with your dog
Think about your own safety – tip 11
It is important to be safety conscious while roof tent camping.
Avoid going it alone and always bear in mind that there may be wild animals in the area.
Especially at night, you should always have a flashlight with you when visiting the toilet and not stray too far from the campsite.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly, remember the following:
- Do not go it alone
- Take a flashlight with you in the evening
- Do not leave the campsite at night
Take care of your health – tip 12
Drink enough water and eat enough nutritious food to avoid dehydration and fatigue.
Even if the day is very busy and eventful, you should always have snacks with you.
Especially in summer, always remember sunscreen, insect repellent and other necessary medication.
Always take regular breaks to stretch and relax, especially on longer hikes.
You should pay particular attention to this on excursions:
- Drink enough water
- Pack enough snacks
- Remember sunscreen and insect repellent
- Take regular breaks
Especially when you are away from the roof tent, you should remember to always have everything you need for the journey with you! 
Always be prepared on the road – tip 13
Always check the weather at your next destination and prepare appropriate clothing and equipment in advance.
Avoid arriving at the next campsite in the dark and always have a flashlight to hand.
Especially if you are camping in a remote location in the middle of nature, you should inform friends and family of your location.
Enjoy the idyllic nature – tip 14
Take enough time to explore the countryside and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Go hiking or cycling in the area and use your time outdoors to relax and recharge your batteries.
The most important thing: Have fun!
– Tip 15
The most important thing about rooftop camping is that you and your loved ones have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Take the opportunity to relax, explore beautiful places and have new experiences.
If you keep all our tips in mind, your camping adventure with a rooftop tent will definitely be a carefree experience that you won’t soon forget! 
