21 Camping Tips for Beginners

This article helps you plan your first RV vacation stress-free and to be perfectly prepared. I'll share my best camping tips and common mistakes that beginners often make. You won't have to spend hours wondering before hitting the road for the first time!

This article is packed with expert camping tips for beginners, ensuring that your first camping trip becomes an unforgettable adventure!

Camping means ultimate freedom. Especially in an RV, you are completely flexible and can leave and stop wherever you like. Camping is trending; the number of camper registrations? Skyrocketing!

But hold on! There are a few things you need to consider to avoid disasters: from driving safety to proper loading and gray water disposal.

As a road trip enthusiast with an RV, I have compiled my most important camping tips for you.

Are you ready? Then keep reading. Have fun on your first camping vacation!

If you don't already own an RV or camper, you should consider which type of recreational vehicle is right for you. (If you own a recreational vehicle, you can skip directly to Tip Number 2!)

Are you heading off in your own car and packing a tent? Or are you renting a van, a semi-integrated camper, or a caravan? Each vehicle type has its pros and cons.

With a caravan, you are more flexible on-site. However, that feels too 'large' for me. That's why I purchased a van (5.99 meters in length).

I recommend this type of camper for your first camping trip. You might also consider a VW Bus. This way, you pay the same parking fees, ferry charges, or tolls as you would with a regular car.

Pro tip for camping beginners: Rent an RV and see how it feels for you! Before blindly buying an RV, you should first take one out for a while to test everything. I have tried various sizes and setups- from a VW Bus to a car with a roof tent and a van (in short and long versions).

Don't just think about nice weather but also about rainy days! Until I was on a completely rainy trip with a VW Bus, I thought this type of vehicle would suffice. It took a tough situation to teach me otherwise.

I also now know that I want to be completely self-sufficient, so I have a toilet and shower on board. Plus, a cozy seating area for working or enjoying meals when it's stormy outside. Ideal because I work while traveling.

After a few tests, you will know what type of camper you are and which features are most important to you or which ones you can do without.

How many people will be traveling together in the RV or camper? Remember, you can only take as many people as there are approved seating spots. My camper, for instance, only has four seats. A family of five couldn't travel in it.

Did you obtain your driver's license before January 1, 1999? Congratulations. In that case, you can also drive larger RVs weighing more than 3,500 kg (up to 7,490 kg, to be precise). If you are younger or obtained your license later for any other reason, you need to get a truck driver's license to drive these larger recreational vehicles. My touring RV (based on a Peugeot Boxer) weighs 'only' 3,500 kg. So anyone with a driver's license can drive it.

Tip: Before your first trip, drive around your familiar area for a few hours to get used to the dimensions. Also, note that your braking distance is longer than with a regular car. Don't cut corners, or you might hit the curb. That almost happened to me on my very first trip. Luckily, I got away with it.

You should definitely know the dimensions of your recreational vehicle. Some roads are so narrow, underpasses low, or parking lots have restrictions for larger vehicles that you need to know the measurements.

Are you really ready to travel? Before departure, be sure to check the condition of the battery, your tires (including air pressure), the gas bottle, and the faucet pump. Especially with a rented RV, the pump often fails. It's very frustrating to discover that only upon arrival at the first campsite.

Also, check if your water tank is clean.

Before departure, always verify that the power plug is removed! (This has happened before...)

Are you spontaneous and just heading off, or do you plan everything in detail? For your first camping trip, I recommend at least planning a rough itinerary. Always remember: the journey is the goal when camping! No rush.

Choose a destination with good infrastructure. Additionally, especially for the first trip, it might be better to select a country with a temperate to warm climate. Who wants to freeze?

Perhaps plan the first few days of your trip in detail and also reserve the campsite in advance. Once you're settled in, you can be more spontaneous for the next stages.

Plan stages that are not too long. Use country roads instead of highways if you have the time. Travel becomes more relaxed and restorative. In most countries, you also save toll fees if you use federal and state roads. A positive side effect.

The best travel destinations for your first camping vacation are definitely Germany and Austria. Everyone speaks the same language here, and when it comes to gas bottles or things like electrical adapters, there's nothing special to note at first.

In Europe, during the summer months, the Netherlands, Denmark, France (camping nation), Croatia, Norway, Sweden, and Finland are suitable destinations. Valuable tips can be found in specialized camping guides that recommend particularly easy routes for the first RV trip. This allows you to gradually get accustomed to the vehicle and develop a routine.

Perfect global destinations for road trips with an RV are definitely Australia, the USA, or Canada. In these countries, it's mostly straight ahead. The roads are wide and not heavily trafficked. The rules are also simple, and especially in Australia, the best places to stay are the campgrounds, not motels or hotels.

I traveled around Australia for three months in an RV. You can find my tips for driving in Australia here.

In general, remember that you are on vacation. Don't get stressed and avoid too long of a trip to the next campsite. Plan no journey longer than 3-4 hours. Because you want to see and enjoy things on-site, right?

Driver change: Especially on hot days, you and your co-driver should switch every 1-2 hours. Schedule breaks. You have everything on hand to enjoy a small snack or a coffee at a nice spot.

And always remember: the journey is the goal!

There are three types of overnight accommodations: campgrounds, designated RV parking areas, and wild camping. The right choice depends on your travel style.

Do you need electricity and a power connection, or do you have enough solar power on board like I do? Accordingly, you need a campground or can find a nice spot in nature.

In Germany, wild camping and staying once in an RV in public traffic areas is allowed, to 'restore driving ability' (a hotly debated topic in various Facebook groups). However, you must be careful not to get caught unpacking your table, chairs, or grill.

Always think about whether you need an electrical connection and water at your chosen spot.

Some campgrounds even offer entertainment, wellness, and swimming pools. I can easily do without that. But everyone has different preferences. I value good internet and, if possible, Wi-Fi. If I need to do laundry, I either look for a laundromat or book a place with a washing machine and dryer.

When I'm at campgrounds, I always search for 'nature campgrounds' beforehand, as these are often the most beautiful and idyllic based on my experience.

Look for an RV parking spot in the shade. Nothing is worse than being woken up in the morning by the heat of the sun shining on the camper. If you're going to a campground, you can mention this when booking and ask for a nice shady spot.

Also, choosing one of the spots directly next to the sanitary facilities is often not recommended. It can get quite loud there. Especially in Southern and Central Europe. (In Scandinavia, Australia, Canada, or the USA, you can disregard this tip, as the individual spots are usually more spacious and larger.) Particularly in Australia, campers are nature lovers, and the campgrounds are usually very large in terms of space. Except at the Uluru (Ayers Rock), the landmark. At the campground on-site, everyone is parked a bit closer together, and the campground is quite large. But that's no surprise since the landmark is very popular.

A quiet, secluded spot often means: poor internet and usually no Wi-Fi reception. The paths to sanitary facilities are often far away. A 'middle ground' is perfect.

Consider a booking to be a secure parking space. This way, you can explore the surroundings relaxed and not worry about your camper being emptied or lost upon your return.

These alternative parking spots are usually found on farms, vineyards, or small breweries. I have already tested these in France and Germany. They were always nice spots in the middle of nature. Often on a meadow, where we could choose a spot ourselves.

These spots are free for one night if you get these books along with a plaque before the trip. They are valid for one season. Support the participating farms by buying something in the farm shop in exchange for water, electricity, and a hot shower:

In Germany, wild camping (the so-called free camping) is prohibited, and the same goes for the rest of Europe. However, it is permitted to stay once, for one night, in an RV in public traffic areas to 'restore driving ability.' Therefore, check the conditions in each country.

Since I haven't looked into Europe in detail yet, you can also find a great article on bergfreunde.de summarizing the rules and requirements for wild camping in Europe.

I can only share my experiences from Australia, Southern and Eastern Africa, and Canada. It's also prohibited everywhere to camp wild. Especially at towns, on the roadside, or in parking lots. In Africa, it is generally safer to stay at a campground, as these often lie in national parks, which are usually the destination in the first place. (At least for me).

In the USA, it is also generally prohibited. However, some states have exceptions, provided you are far from civilization.

There are numerous parking spot apps and travel guides that facilitate your search for a campground. Here are a few practical camping apps. Test them yourself and find out which apps best suit you and your type of travel.

Where do you want to go? For Austria, you need a vignette 'pickerl'. And if you are traveling in an RV that weighs more than 3.5 tons, you even need the 'GO-Toll', which also applies to trucks. To be able to pay this, you need to get the GO-Box before the trip. More information can be found on the official website.

For Italy and Spain, you need specific signs on your bike rack. In some countries, reflective vests per person in the vehicle are mandatory. There can be considerable fines waiting for you during a check.

Traveling with a pet? Then also check the rules and regulations at the destination.

Therefore, always check the rules and laws in each country before your trip.

Those going out for the first time often think they need to fill their water tank to the brim. Even we refilled the tank at every campground on our first trip (Australia) before continuing. A big beginner mistake!

Fill the fresh water tank to only one-third or at most half full (20 - 40 liters is enough for washing hands and using the toilet while traveling). Because the more liters of water you 'fuel,' the heavier your vehicle becomes. This changes the handling and increases fuel consumption with every kilo!

And don't worry: you can get water at all campgrounds or gas stations.

Conversely, you should, if possible, empty the waste tank before every trip. This also prevents you from being heavier than necessary on the road. The same applies to the toilet.

The first and most important rule when packing is: Do not exceed your maximum total weight. Pay attention to the empty weight and the weight of your cargo plus individuals.

Do not pack haphazardly. Pro tip: Heavy items should always go to the bottom, lighter items on top. The lower the center of gravity of your RV, the more stable it will behave while driving. If possible, do not pack heavy items above the driver's cabin shelf.

Also, store the items you frequently need so you can find them quickly and easily. Additionally, a warning triangle, safety vest, and jack should always be easily accessible!

Trust me, there's nothing more annoying than rattling dishes or drawers opening and closing. Look for clever storage systems for dishes and the like. Don't leave any items on the open shelves. If they fall during hard braking, especially heavy or sharp objects, it poses a great danger!

I have placed non-slip mats inside the drawers, so nothing rattles in them either. I wrapped glasses and bottles in protective foam to avoid and reduce noise.

In the back, I use straps to secure tables, chairs, and boxes. These can also become a significant danger during a hard brake!

Also important: Check whether all windows are closed before departure. Especially skylights and the side windows in the back!

Through my many travels, one thing I've learned: you always pack too much. It doesn't matter how little you think you have. When packing, always think minimalist and in the 'onion principle'. Pack clothing for only about 7-10 days. Choose items that you can always mix and match.

Make sure to pack a wind and rain jacket, rain cover for your backpack, hiking shoes, and comfortable sneakers. Don't skimp on bathing sandals so you can use the shower in campgrounds. Don't miss out on the essential items!

We wash every few days.

For the rest of the basic equipment, bring only what you really need. Are you traveling with a partner? Two chairs are sufficient. For cutlery and dishes, one or two sets per person are enough. Even bed linens can be quickly washed and dried when traveling in a warm country.

You can buy food locally everywhere. Medicine too. I only carry the essentials. When you're sick, you don't want to waste time searching for a doctor or pharmacy.

Pro tip: use nets to store fruit. This way, it can 'swing' during bumpy rides instead of getting squished and inedible afterwards. (Just my experience).

Laundry bags for dirty clothes and transporting them to the laundry station are also convenient.

A money wallet with coins is very useful. It's best to keep this in the driver's cabin, in case you need to pay tolls, parking fees, water, laundry, or for waste disposal.

Do you like using navigation systems like Google Maps, Waze, or Maps? Don't trust any GPS. Always closely check which route your navigation device suggests. With an RV, you want to take beautiful panoramic routes, not highways. And in cities, you don't want to end up in a narrow old town alley.

Moreover, common GPS devices often show routes in Africa or southern North America as roads that aren't really there. You should verify the displayed travel time in these countries two or three times. Because even here, your GPS is frequently completely off. In Europe, the only thing that might hinder you is traffic congestion. The only country that always told us exactly when we would arrive was Australia: hardly any cars, little traffic, ideal predictions possible.

I always carry a printed map. So I can always look for the most beautiful route on the way and avoid highways. You'll also get good tips and information from locals, who always know where the most beautiful spots are. Aren't we always searching for the best nature?

Respect certain etiquette at the campground or RV parking area. Greet others and be friendly. Don't be too loud and maintain a respectful distance from your neighbor's vehicle. Especially in Iceland, many newcomers to RVing tend to park as if they were in a supermarket parking lot, as many first-timers rent campers on a budget. Rules don't seem to be communicated during pickup and handover. Still, Iceland is a fantastic camping country. Here you can find my tips for campgrounds in Iceland.

Observe the direction your neighbors are facing and park as they do. A little privacy is worth gold, right? To me, it's one of the most valuable camping tips. If everyone follows it, everyone will have a better vacation!

Especially when traveling in your own camper, you should rinse dishes in a collapsible sink as often as possible. This prevents the drain from clogging and food residues or grease from causing unpleasant odors in the waste tank. Once they're there, they can be tough to remove.

I use the collapsible washing basin from Ortlieb. I rinse heavily soiled dishes in it or even wash them completely.

Use biodegradable dish soap.

Leave the spot as you found it. Dispose of your trash in the designated bins. Dispose of your waste water only at the designated places and not at the parking spot. Leave the showers and toilets as clean as you found them. Remove hair from the drain and behave as you would at home.

Don't wait too long to dispose of your waste water. If you wait too long, it starts to stink. Dispose of gray water as often as possible. At the latest, before continuing your journey!

With the toilet on board (black water), you should do the same. Not only will you have a better smell in the vehicle, but your camping neighbors will also be grateful.

Practice before your first drive with the RV to get a feel for it. Take turns wider than in a car. The braking behavior is completely different than with a passenger car. Checking your shoulder is rare. However, you do have gigantic mirrors on the driver's and passenger's sides. Practice maneuvering and handling the vehicle in turns.

By the way, there are also driving safety courses offered by the ADAC or by manufacturers of leisure vehicles.

Also, do NOT choose a region with narrow hairpin turns and serpentine roads for your first trip. I would save Sardinia and the Alps for a later journey.

These items are definitely helpful while camping.

You can find my detailed checklist for RVs so you don't forget anything. Also, check out my basic RV equipment if you've purchased your own camper. Many items are also very useful when you're traveling with a car and caravan.

Now, let's get started! Check one last time that all drawers and compartments are closed, tables and chairs are safely stored, and nothing else is lying around that could fly around during travel.

Safe travels!

Leave me a comment at the end of this article! I would love to hear from you. Tell us how you plan your travels. Everyone has their own way of finding and booking a parking spot.

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