26.06.2024

Our camping Tips & Tricks for your camping vacation

Camping—once a budget vacation that many would have traded for a flight to Mallorca or Portugal, is now a lifestyle everyone wants to live. But how do you navigate the camping jungle with all its options? We've gathered some camping tips & tricks for you.

When most people think of camping, they probably envision tents, nature, and maybe a caravan. That was certainly my view of camping, and it's the way I experienced it with my parents in southern France throughout my childhood. But I vividly remember the day an 8-meter long motorhome in purple with a satellite dish on the roof pulled up next to us at the campsite, and I thought: Why do these people go camping if it means driving a motorhome the size of a small house around? Can that even be camping anymore??

What I'm trying to say with this little story is that there are a hundred different ways to do a camping vacation or trip. Glamping, Van-Life and Wildcamping with different pitch apps, bikepacking with only your tent and nothing else: All these camping styles are valid and based on the preference of the camper. Everyone can choose their style of camping, and isn't that exactly what we love about it so much? Low-budget camping right in nature or glamorous campsites with tennis courts on site: It's all about the experience!

Our camping Tips & Tricks for your camping vacation:

1. What suits me? Tenting, van life, caravaning, luxury camping, or camping with a dog?

Before you set out on your first camping adventure, you should be clear about how you want to organise your camping trip and what you can do without and what you absolutely need to have a good time. Are you super sporty and love cycling? How about a bikepacking trip and camping in beautiful places? Do you want to make your camper your second home and be on the road all the time? Then the much-touted van life might be for you. If you want something more luxurious, with more space and less dependence on the weather, then caravans or motorhomes are probably the right choice. Here you should also consider: Do I want to stay at a campsite for a long time and make various trips from there? Then the caravan is the better solution, as you are more flexible and can move the towing vehicle more easily than a whole motorhome with a pitch. If you want to stay somewhere different every night, then the caravan is the perfect solution.

Do you have a four-legged companion? Camping with a dog can be a perfect alternative to the classic hotel or Airbnb stay. Most campsites allow dogs without any problems, and camping with a dog is a pure adventure for your companion. However, always make sure before your stay whether camping with a dog is allowed.

2. Renting or buying?

Camping has long ceased to be a real budget vacation, especially if you want to travel on four wheels. This often raises the question of whether to invest in a camper or rather rent one. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but before making a purchase, one should be aware that the freedom one buys also represents a commitment. A camper requires a lot of care and it's only worth it if it's used regularly. So be careful, otherwise you might end up regretting it. Especially in the off-season, there are many and sometimes inexpensive options for renting a camper.

3. The perfect camping spot

The most important aspect, aside from the type of vehicle, is the camping spot. Here too, there are many different options and offers, and the question remains: What can I do without, and what is absolutely necessary?

• Commercial campgrounds: These are often set up like a small town - with large sanitary facilities, restaurants, lined-up pitches, supermarkets, playgrounds, saunas, spas, and much more. Those who don't want to miss out on these amenities during their camping holiday will find themselves right at home here.
• Nature campgrounds: Official campgrounds but without much luxury. Here, there are usually basic sanitary facilities and not much else. The pitches may be less orderly than at commercial campgrounds, but especially in the peak season, spaces are often close together here as well.
• Wild camping: Especially for van life enthusiasts or bikepackers, this is THE dream. To stand in beautiful places far from civilization and set up camp. However, beware: wild camping is not allowed anywhere in Austria and can lead to hefty fines.
• Legal wild camping with like2camp: For those who do not want to give up the wild camping feeling or safety, like2camp is the right choice. We offer secure pitches with a wild camping feel. Check out this blog article for more information.

4. Essential Equipment: Do not miss these items!

The internet is full of lists telling you what you absolutely must not forget. Our top camping tip: pack minimally to avoid chaos. Less is always more when camping, and you'll be surprised how little clothing you actually need. However, some less obvious but incredibly useful items should not be missing from your list: Flip-flops are a must for communal showers, a headlamp makes it easier to navigate to the sanitary facilities at night. A washing basin makes dishwashing easier, and a clothesline helps dry your items quickly. A corkscrew and a can opener are also worth their weight in gold, as is a lighter—you'll be surprised how often you need them!

5. Be Respectful of Nature and Your Camping Neighbors

Camping is primarily about freedom and spontaneity. However, even this freedom has its limits, and certain rules should be followed everywhere.

• Take your trash with you: We advocate for eco-friendly camping. Always make sure to leave your pitch clean, dispose of your waste and wastewater properly, and avoid camping in protected areas.
• Loud music belongs in the club: When camping, the goal is primarily to enjoy the peace and quiet, not to analyze the music taste of your neighbors.
• Communication: Whether with fellow campsite neighbors or the campsite owners, friendly conversations and helping out with problems are part of the camping experience. Especially at smaller campsites or private pitches, you should check with the hosts about how to behave, especially regarding animals and the environment.
• Respect rules: Even if you find some rules nonsensical, respect the regulations of the campsite or pitch. Especially at smaller campsites and pitches, the hosts are offering up their private property.

Of course, there are many more camping tips and tricks that we will delve into in more detail in the coming weeks. In the meantime, take a look at our camping spots in the middle of beautiful austrian nature and perhaps find your next adventure.

#campingfairliebte Grüße,

eure Marie