Welcome, beginners! – Tips for your first camping holiday
The camping trend has been going strong for years and continues to attract new fans – from couples and families to solo travellers alike. For a special first camping experience, good planning is essential. Just as important is choosing the right recreational vehicle for your own needs. You’ll find the best tips for a successful start to camping in this article!
Key points at a glance
- Careful planning and preparation are the first step towards a successful camping adventure.
- Minimalism is key on a camping holiday – and that also applies to your luggage.
- Make a good impression on the campsite and avoid typical beginner mistakes with our tips.
Tip no. 1: Plan your destination and route consciously
Are you the adventurous type, or do you prefer two weeks relaxing in one place? There are plenty of ways to enjoy a camping holiday. Your decision will mainly depend on factors such as trip duration, the time of year and your chosen destination – all of which will also influence your choice of recreational vehicle.
Take your time to think about how you (and everyone travelling with you) want to spend your holiday. A touring trip, where you spend each night in a different place and stop at multiple sites, takes much more organisation than two weeks on a single, pre-booked campsite.
Tip no. 2: Choose a suitable recreational vehicle
Panel van, motorhome, caravan: Every recreational vehicle has its own unique character and is more (or less) suitable for different group sizes and holiday styles. Our comparison of caravan, motorhome, panel van and campervan gives you all the details, so you can consider which is right for your holiday.
For your first adventure, we recommend renting a vehicle, whether from a dealer or privately. That way, you can find out whether you like the camping lifestyle and want to try it again. You could start by renting a caravan and, next time, a motorhome, getting to know the different types of vehicle.
Also, take your time! Don’t head straight off on holiday from the dealer’s yard – plan a few days to pack and for some test drives. Don’t underestimate vehicle handover: make notes or short video clips, because there’s a lot of information to take in about waste disposal, electricity, gas, etc. and it’s easy to forget details. Before renting, also check you hold the right driving licence for your chosen vehicle to avoid unwelcome surprises. Read more about what to look out for with rental beginners’ mistakes in this article: Beginner mistakes when renting a camper.
Tip no. 3: Pack light
When it comes to a camping holiday: less is more! Space and weight limits will naturally keep your packing in check, and the less you carry, the lower your fuel consumption.
Depending on whether you choose to rent a motorhome or borrow a vehicle from a fellow camper, the basic equipment will vary a lot. If you rent from a dealer, technical items such as gas cylinders and wheel chocks will usually be included, but you'll need to bring your own kitchen equipment like crockery, pots, cutlery – and, of course, your own personal items such as towels, bedding, clothes, games and books. Some dealers also offer the option to rent a camping furniture set.
For a checklist of what could go into your motorhome or caravan (not must!), take a look at the starter equipment checklist for caravan & motorhome – though mainly intended for your own recreational vehicle, it gives a handy overview of possible kit.
An extra tip, which might be a bit much for absolute beginners, but it’s never a bad idea: You can find more advice about loading correctly in our article Tips for loading your motorhome or caravan correctly.
Tip no. 4: Don’t forget about theft protection too
Usually your rental company will provide you with tips, and possibly even equipment, for theft protection. Consider in advance which valuables you can leave at home in a safe place, and photocopy your vehicle documents and identity papers just in case – it never hurts.
For specific tips and products, check out our blog post on theft protection for motorhomes and caravans.
Finally on holiday – time for your camping adventure!
It's time to hit the road and your holiday begins. By now, you've probably realised that camping can be hard work and, while it can be a five-star experience, you won't find an all-inclusive package. Whether you’re travelling, setting up, packing away or just staying on site, there’s always something to do. Just as in hotels or holiday apartments, there are rules on campsites and pitches to ensure a peaceful community – and some of them have their own unique charm.
Below you’ll find our Top 3 of the most common beginner mistakes while driving, on the campsite and during set-up and pack-down – all of which can be easily avoided with a bit of consideration.
While driving + During set-up and pack-up
- Don’t drive with full water tanks! Unless absolutely necessary, travel with the wastewater tank emptied and only a small amount of fresh water. This saves weight (and therefore fuel), and it’s always nicer to fill up with fresh water once you arrive at your destination.
- Always empty the WC and wastewater tanks in good time! Always keep an eye on the toilet’s fill level – and it’s better to empty it one time too many than get caught at a bad moment. If you're leaving a campsite for a two-day journey to the next one, we recommend emptying the toilet even if it isn't full. The same goes for the wastewater tank.
- Checks before departure! There are a few final steps to take before setting off, and they'll become more routine over time. Especially at the beginning, it's good to run through these in your mind – or even use a checklist:
- Are all doors, windows, and service flaps closed?
- Is the awning fully retracted and secured?
- Have you closed all drain valves?
- Is the power cable unplugged and packed away?
- Are any steadies retracted?
- Is everything packed away? Steps, chairs, flip flops, bicycle locks etc. are often forgotten.
- Are you parked on wheel chocks? If so, roll off them first and remember to pack them.
On the campsite
- Don’t attract pests! Leaving food lying around will quickly draw ants, wasps and other critters. Don’t leave rubbish, food scraps, or sweets lying outside – and ideally not inside the motorhome either, as even the tiniest gap will let them in.
- Be mindful of quiet hours and noise levels! There’s nowhere as peaceful as a campsite in the early morning. Campers value a good atmosphere, so keep quiet, especially in the evening and early morning. This also applies inside your recreational vehicle, as the walls are much thinner than at home!
- Don’t cut across your neighbour’s pitch! “Ah, a new camper!” – that’s something you might hear if you wander through your neighbour’s pitch. That little plot is their own small kingdom, and you should never cross it without permission or for the sake of a shortcut. Some fellow campers may not mind, but avoiding it is an unwritten rule in the camping world.
If you follow these simple tips, you’ll be welcomed as a new camper on your very first holiday, and quickly move up to the advanced league! We wish you a wonderful first camping holiday!
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