How do I find the perfect campsite? The best tips for your outdoor adventure
A tent, a rucksack and the great outdoors - that sounds like pure freedom. But "spending the night outdoors for the first time - it can be intimidating", say twins Isa and Maren, who are practically at home outdoors. That's why they encourage everyone, because "it doesn't actually take much. A little preparation, the right equipment - and then there you have it: your little adventure." Find out how to prepare for a mini-adventure like this, what you should pack and how to find the perfect campsite here.
Choosing a tent: how to find the right one
How good your night in the great outdoors will be starts with your choice of tent. It is the centrepiece of your outdoor adventure and offers you protection and shelter. There are different types - which one is right for you also depends on your needs. It also depends on how long you are travelling, how long you are staying in one place and how many people the tent can accommodate. A pop-up camping tent is a good option for one night on the mountain, a dome tent that also offers a sheltered vestibule is worthwhile if you are spending several nights and an XXL family tent can accommodate the whole family. Also think about how much luggage you have with you, as this should also be stored somewhere dry if you are staying for several days.
The right place for your tent: that's what matters
If you want more comfort, you can gain your first experience in a tent on a campsite. There are sanitary facilities, water and electricity. There is usually a separate meadow for tents where you can set up your sleeping area. If you want to spend the night in the middle of nature, you should find out what is permitted. Wild camping is prohibited in many countries. Alternatively, there are special trekking sites that feel a bit like wild camping but are legal. They are usually remote and accessible on foot.
But now to perhaps the most important part: the right place for your tent. The Twins have a checklist for this. Their tip: "Look around before you pitch your tent. Is the pitch level? Is there any wind? Are you not too close to the water? Many people underestimate this - but a good spot can make the difference between a bad night and a really good experience." You should pay attention to this:
- Flat terrain: Avoid slopes or depressions (rainwater!).
- Wind protection: Trees, hedges or natural terrain offer protection.
- Pay attention to the course of the sun: Morning sun = dry tent fabric, but also wake up earlier.
- The ground: Not too soft, but not too hard either, otherwise hammering the pegs will be a nightmare. Grass or forest floor with a light mossy base is ideal.
- Distance from water: Even if it may be idyllic, there are usually more mosquitoes and cold there. Keep about 60 to 100 metres away.
The equipment: what you should pack
When camping, it's not just the tent that's important. There's more equipment that you shouldn't do without. Isa and Maren always have this with them:
- Sleeping mat and sleeping bag: The sleeping mat keeps out moisture and cold from below, the sleeping bag is of course also part of it. As with the tent, your needs are decisive here.
- Gas cooker: "A gas cooker is simple and reliable," say the two outdoor enthusiasts. "But be careful: always set it up out of the wind. And a stable base helps - even if the ground is uneven."
- Lamps: It gets dark quickly in the great outdoors. That's why you need lamps. The following applies: "Gas lamp for outside, torch for inside. And: spare batteries or a solar mat - energy is worth its weight in gold when it gets dark."
- Lighter: What good are a gas cooker and gas lamp without a lighter? What the Twins have learnt on their countless outdoor trips: "A reliable firelighter is better than ten empty lighters. Always take two different versions with you - just to be on the safe side."
- Camping chair: "It may sound unnecessary, but at the end of the day you don't want to be sitting on the ground. Lightweight, compact and your back will be happy." And a little luxury doesn't hurt.
- First aid kit: This really should be in every pack. Isa and Maren would never set off without one: "It's also worth its weight in gold for small cuts or blisters. It's better to have it with you and not need it than the other way round."
The perfect campsite makes all the difference
Camping is not about everything always working out. Isa and Maren know that too: "The first night out is never perfect. But it changes something. You come down. You listen again." And that is perhaps much more important. To make sure it's still a great experience and a successful adventure, plan carefully, make sure you have the right equipment and find a suitable campsite. "It really doesn't take much to get started. Just a bit of curiosity and the courage to take the first step. You'll see, it's worth it!"
Your packing list for the perfect place
Before you really set off, make a packing list. It will prevent you from forgetting important tools for your outdoor adventure. A packing list like this also helps you to keep your luggage as compact as possible for camping. Isa and Maren also know: "Most people pack too much - and the wrong things. The important thing is not how much you have with you, but what." Here is our packing list, which you can easily use:
Basics for your tent:
- Tent with pegs
- sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag
- Camping pillow
- Carabiner (if you are travelling for a longer period)
Basics for the camping kitchen:
- Gas cooker
- Firelighter
- Small pot or similar (camping cookware)
- Camping crockery and cutlery
- Bin bag
- Kitchen roll
- Pocket knife and multi-tool (can opener, etc.)
- Water and food
Basics for safety and comfort when camping:
- First aid kit with disinfectant
- Plasters and blister plasters
- Insect repellent
- (Head) lamps
- Seat pad / camping chair
Frequently asked questions about finding a campsite
The rules on wild camping vary greatly from country to country. There is no standardised regulation, as each country determines individually whether and under what conditions overnight camping in the great outdoors is permitted. Always find out about regional laws and regulations locally.
Micro-camping platforms or trekking sites in protected areas often offer more seclusion than traditional campsites.
Pitch your tent as sheltered from the wind as possible and use a tarpaulin as an additional cover.
