Camping with Tent

Camping with a tent is the simplest, cheapest and perhaps most beautiful form of camping. PiNCAMP, the ADAC camping portal, tells you everything you need for carefree camping and provides you with the most important information so that your camping holiday in the great outdoors doesn't turn into a horror trip.

Camping with a tent: the ultimate nature experience

Sleeping under the stars in a tent is a different experience to a camping holiday in a motorhome or caravan and is an invaluable experience, especially in this day and age. You rarely get this close to nature anywhere else. At an evening campfire, you can skewer your food on sticks, barbecue and enjoy the ultimate outdoor experience wrapped up in cosy blankets.

However, a camping holiday needs to be well prepared. This starts with the choice of destination, continues with the right equipment and tent and ends with the question: What should I actually take with me? The location of the campsite and the ADAC classification are not insignificant. This indicates the facilities available at each campsite. The spectrum ranges from simple campsites in the middle of nature to all-inclusive campsites with a swimming pool, bread roll service and proximity to the beach. We will help you with all of these points and ensure that your camping holiday in a tent is a complete success!

This is the equipment you need for a camping holiday

A camping trip with a tent stands and falls with the right equipment. First and foremost is the right tent: the size will vary depending on how many people you are and how you are travelling - by car, bike, canoe or on foot. Generally speaking, there are outdoor tents for all requirements, from small one-man expedition tents to bungalow tents.

In terms of tent size, it is always advisable to plan for at least one extra person in order to have enough space. So if you want to camp as a couple, it's best to choose a 3-person tent and a relaxing holiday is guaranteed. Please note, however, that larger tents always weigh more. Almost all items of equipment are now also available in special lightweight or ultralight versions. These usually cost considerably more, but it can be worth it, especially if you often camp with a tent or don't travel by car (and have to lug your things around yourself). A solid tent floor and a weatherproof flysheet can be worth their weight in gold, depending on the surface of the campsite, and you can give free rein to your preferences when it comes to individual wishes such as the luxury of an awning, as long as you are prepared to carry more weight if in doubt. Make sure that your tent has an inner and outer tent to protect you from the rain. The inner tent should also be mosquito-proof. Sufficient ventilation is also important so that the air in the tent can circulate freely.

Of course, a comfortable sleeping pad and a cosy sleeping bag are essential when camping with a tent. In summer and in warmer countries, a light sleeping bag model is sufficient, in autumn it should be a little warmer. Bear in mind the comfort temperature up to which the sleeping bag can be used comfortably. Down is generally lighter and cosier than synthetic fibre, but also costs more.

You shouldn't save money on sleeping mats, especially if you often camp with a tent. The cheap foam models are not particularly comfortable. It's better to choose an inflatable sleeping mat, which is much more comfortable, protects you from the cold on the tent floor and can be rolled up to save space after use.

When it comes to clothing, you should focus on practicality rather than looks. Functional clothing that retains heat and dries quickly, functional underwear and fleece jumpers are the best choice. Merino wool is a true miracle material: it cools when it's warm, warms at low temperatures, dries quickly and is odourless even after days of use.

Other extras that make your life in the tent easier and should definitely be in your travel bag:

• Head torch
• washing line
• lighter
• Rubber mallet for the tent pegs
• First aid kit
• Basic crockery
• Possibly a gas cooker for tasty hot meals

There is a wealth of delicious dishes on the internet that can be prepared in a single pot. Important: Don't forget mosquito repellent! Mosquitoes can quickly spoil your holiday fun. Depending on the region, you should also check yourself regularly for ticks.

To avoid any nasty surprises at the campsite or when trekking, it is advisable to check all your equipment for functionality and completeness before travelling. Set up your tent at home and pitch it in the garden. This way you can observe the starry night sky during a trial night at home.

Is wild camping with a tent allowed?

Simply pitching your tent in the great outdoors has its own special charm. In Germany, however, wild camping is not permitted just like that. The rules are quite complicated, as the individual federal states sometimes have their own laws. However, all nature reserves, nature reserves, nature parks and other protected areas are generally prohibited, whereas wild camping is permitted in Scotland, Norway, Sweden, parts of England and parts of Switzerland. Here you are actually allowed to pitch your tent just like that, as long as you behave considerately and leave the site as you found it.

In southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal, France), wild camping is strictly prohibited, even if it is of course still practised. However, especially in popular holiday regions, there is a risk of heavy fines if you are caught.

Although there are bans on wild camping in many countries, you can look for alternatives. In Denmark, there are designated overnight campsites or trekking sites (bivouac sites) that can be used for one night. Designated water hiking sites are also suitable for campers.

The best destinations for tent camping

Europe is ideal for camping with a tent, as the landscape is very diverse and each country has its own charm. Many regions in Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe offer vast fields and forests, tranquil lakes, mountains and babbling rivers. Numerous campsites are located directly in the countryside. Active holidaymakers in particular, such as hikers and cyclists, thrive in these surroundings and always have their tent with them.

The North Sea and Baltic Sea in the north of Germany and parts of Poland, such as the island of Usedom, offer a beach and seaside feeling. Here you can fall asleep close to the beach accompanied by the pleasant sound of the waves and wake up to a mesmerising view of the endless horizon. Time and again, you will see joggers and horse riders passing by the vast Baltic Sea coast. In the southern European countries of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, bathing fans and sun worshippers in particular get their money's worth. Italy in particular is a dream country for campers, as you can find some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe here, as well as dolce vita and Italian hospitality for free. The mild temperatures in winter and the warmth in summer make camping in a tent possible all year round, while the north of Europe is particularly popular with die-hard outdoor adventurers who appreciate and love camping in the vast and unspoilt countryside. The fascinating landscape in Norway or Sweden, for example, invites you to go on long hikes with or without your dog. Icy glaciers, beautiful coastlines and wonderful waterfalls round off a camping holiday with a tent in Scandinavia. Wild camping is an interesting alternative in various countries. Overnight stays on trekking sites or designated bivouac sites are also an option.

Arrival and preparation

• First of all, you need to find the right tent: Individual wishes - such as the luxury of an awning - should be taken into account here. When it comes to tent size, it is recommended that you always plan for at least one extra person so that you have enough space to enjoy spacious comfort. So if you want to camp as a couple, it is best to choose a 3-person tent that has an inner and outer tent.
• A comfortable sleeping pad and a cosy sleeping bag are essential when camping with a tent. Certain extras that make everyday life easier should also be included in your travel bag: a head torch, washing line, basic crockery and possibly a gas cooker for tasty hot meals. There is a wealth of tasty dishes on the internet that can be prepared in a single pot.
• Campers can usually hardly wait to go on holiday and get close to nature. To avoid any nasty surprises at the holiday destination, it is advisable to check the equipment for functionality and completeness before the trip. This way, the starry night sky can be observed during a test night at home.

The best campsites for tent campers

Almost all campsites offer pitches for caravans or motorhomes as well as an area for tents. However, if you're looking for something a little quieter, it's best to opt for a nature campsite. These pitches are usually simpler, but also much closer to nature. In some cases, vehicles are not permitted on these campsites.

Adventure Camp Schnitzmühle in the Bavarian Forest

Depending on your requirements, you are sure to find a compromise. Adventure Camp Schnitzmühle in the Bavarian Forest, for example, is a true paradise for camping in a tent: everything your heart desires is on offer here. From a restaurant with tasty meals and bread roll service in the morning and a beach bar with refreshing cocktails to a campfire site with torches for pleasant hours in the evening. Beach volleyball, canoeing, horse riding or winter sports - a wide range of activities ensures a varied holiday in all seasons. For wellness fans, there are Ayurveda massages, a steam bath, a sauna, a swimming pool and a whirlpool. This campsite receives very good reviews from its guests on Pincamp.

Camp Langholz on the Baltic Sea

For camping with a tent on the Baltic Sea, you should take a closer look at Camp Langholz: There is a separate idyllic tent pitch for overnight stays and a separate family pitch. The camp's younger guests can let off steam in the adventure playground. Dog owners will love the dog beach and water sports enthusiasts will enjoy the many activities on offer close to the beach - from windsurfing and kitesurfing to fishing and diving. A café-bar, a restaurant and a farm shop with regional and organic food provide plenty of on-site catering.

Camping Village Fabulous

If you like camping in a Mediterranean landscape, choose a campsite in the south of Europe, such as Camping Village Fabulous in Italy. Here, child-friendliness is a top priority: A large swimming pool, a tennis court and evening entertainment, in addition to the playground and children's club, provide exciting activities for young and old. A bread roll service, a grocery shop and a snack bar ensure the culinary aspects of your camping holiday are catered for. The proximity to the beach and the neighbourhood to the cosmopolitan city of Rome speak in favour of this campsite in Italy. With a four-star classification, campers can enjoy a very comprehensive service on their camping holiday.

5 survival tips for tent camping beginners

• In the high season, you should make a reservation early, especially in popular regions. This is especially true for sites on beaches, in the Mediterranean region and on the North and Baltic Seas. The holiday months of July and August are generally fully booked well in advance - find out in good time whether a pitch is still available. You can book an overnight pitch on Pincamp, the ADAC camping portal.
• Finding a suitable spot for your tent is one of the most important factors for an enjoyable holiday and should not be underestimated. Avoid stony ground and hollows. This is because water collects in them when it rains. Trees or rocks can serve as windbreaks and provide shade, flat surfaces are preferable to slopes. When camping under a tree, make sure that the branches don't fall down with the next gust of wind.
• Cooking doesn't have to be complicated when camping in a tent. With a gas or spirit cooker (or on a campfire) you can prepare simple but tasty dishes.

-Here is a simple recipe for fruit porridge for breakfast: Simply stir 150 grams of soft rolled oats, 40 grams of powdered milk, a pinch of salt and a little sugar into 400 millilitres of boiling water. After simmering for a few minutes, add dried fruit to taste. Gourmets sprinkle the finished one-pot dish with cinnamon or cocoa.

Activities and excursions

You can experience adventure every day in a tent. Whether you're travelling as a family, with a dog, as a 50+ holidaymaker or a nature lover: camping with a tent is an unforgettable experience all year round.

Adventure nights with the family

Families who are actually on holiday with a caravan can still take the tent with them and use it to organise adventurous nights with the children: For example, a campfire can be lit before dark. This can be used to tell exciting scary stories and then spend the night in the tent. This is particularly exciting for children and young people and is fun for the whole family.

Winter camping as an experience

When camping in summer, you are usually on the safe side as you are faced with simple challenges. A camping holiday with a tent in winter is a completely different story: This is an exciting adventure with new things to discover and learn - such as the right equipment in cold weather. A thicker sleeping bag, an insulating mat for the tent floor and warm functional clothing ensure that winter campers don't freeze.

Holidays in yurts with a Mongolian feeling

How about spending the nights on holiday in a yurt? This traditional Mongolian tent is a special experience for young and old. Some campsites rent out yurts with typically simple furnishings. Alternatively, you can opt for a modern glamping luxury package with a bed, sofa, coffee machine, fridge and wood-burning stove, for example at Camping Gadmen in Switzerland. The round tent offers a unique atmosphere - an exceptional holiday is guaranteed.