Camping: basics

In short: Camping means sleeping in a tent, motorhome or caravan. To start, a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and stove are enough.

In more detail: Depending on the goal, one distinguishes campsite, wild camping (mostly forbidden in Germany) and trekking with light luggage.

In detail

• Tent: Mind waterproofing (water column), space needed and weight. Pitch it once before the trip.
• Sleeping bag and mat: Choose the comfort limit to suit night temperature. The mat insulates against ground cold.
• Pitch: Level, sheltered from wind, not in a stream bed or under dead branches.
• Cooking: Gas stove only outdoors or well ventilated (carbon monoxide poisoning risk, verbrennung-und-feuer).
• Campfire: Only in permitted places, never unattended, extinguish completely.
• Protect nature: Take rubbish with you, observe quiet hours, do not feed animals.
• Wild camping: Mostly forbidden in Germany; allowed in some countries, check beforehand.