Camping tips for beginners: preparation, safety & common mistakes to avoid

Starting out with camping can feel like jumping into cold water: new routines, new equipment, a new vehicle—and above all, a completely new way of traveling. This guide walks you step by step through everything you need to know before your first camping trip. You’ll learn how to prepare your vehicle, what to watch out for on the road, which safety risks hide in small details, and how to make your first trip relaxed, safe, and truly enjoyable.

Take your time and check everything—both the base vehicle and the living area. Start with the basics: oil level, brakes, tire pressure, and coolant. These checks only take a few minutes but make a huge difference, especially on long trips or in the mountains. Make sure all lights work as well—tail lights, indicators, headlights. Many breakdowns happen due to things that were easy to prevent.

In the living area, check your gas bottle levels and make sure all lines and regulators are tight. Test the water pump and check whether fresh and waste water lines are properly connected and sealed. A weak pump or a leaking hose can quickly become annoying while showering or washing dishes. Also ensure your leisure battery is fully charged and that all electrical systems—from interior lights to the fridge—are working properly.

For many beginners, driving is the biggest source of uncertainty. A camper or motorhome behaves completely differently from a regular car—it’s higher, longer, wider, and heavier. You feel this especially in tight curves, when maneuvering on pitches, or when overtaking on country roads.

That’s why it’s smart to get comfortable with the vehicle before your trip. Set aside an hour or two and find a quiet spot—a large parking lot or a quiet street. Practice slow starts, braking, reversing, and turning without pressure.

This helps you naturally understand the dimensions: how far the mirrors stick out, how much space you need when turning, and how early you need to brake when fully loaded.

It’s also helpful to get a feel for how the vehicle reacts to crosswinds, inclines, or downhill stretches. Larger motorhomes can sway in the wind, while smaller campers can be sensitive at higher speeds.

A good packing list is key to a relaxed trip. Only when everything important is on board can you fully enjoy the adventure. Beginners often forget items that are hard to buy on the road—adapters, tools, gas regulators, or important documents.

Here is our complete packing list:
👉 Link to detailed camping packing list

Weight is one of the most underestimated topics for beginners. An overloaded vehicle or poorly stored luggage can be dangerous. Every kilogram affects how the vehicle handles, increases braking distance, and raises accident risk if things shift.

Always store heavy items low and close to the axle. This keeps the center of gravity stable. Lighter things go in the upper cupboards - only if the doors close safely. Many campers experience flying dishes or groceries after the first hard brake because a cupboard wasn’t properly locked.

External gear must be securely strapped: bikes, awnings, roof boxes—nothing should wobble. Pay attention to the permitted total weight and axle load, as fines can be high.

A thoughtful route is the heart of a successful trip. It reduces stress, saves time, and helps you find suitable pitches in time.

Think about:

The CampPilot app makes this planning simple. You can create routes, filter pitches by amenities, and find activities in the area. Especially helpful in rural regions or when traveling abroad for the first time.

One common beginner mistake is trying to cover too much distance in a day. Camping is freedom, but also slowing down. Driving eight hours daily means you miss beautiful places and put yourself under pressure.

Plan shorter legs and decide where you realistically want to stay overnight. Avoid sleeping at big motorway rest areas in countries like France or Spain—they’re known for theft and are unsafe.

Choose smaller, guarded spots or proper campsites for safety and comfort.

Safety is often underestimated. It’s not just about theft but also about protecting yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle.

• Never leave valuables visible, even cables.

• Lock doors and windows when you leave the vehicle - even on campsites.

• Save emergency numbers for your destination country. A dashcam or GPS tracker offers extra security.

• Inside, be cautious with gas and ventilation: never heat with open flames, ventilate regularly, and ensure gas is properly connected.

If you travel with a dog, bring leash, documents, and safe transport options.

Arriving at a campsite can feel overwhelming. With a few simple tips, it becomes easy.

• Watch for low branches or narrow entrances.

• Drive slowly and follow signs. Once you reach your pitch, check the ground: is it level? Soft? Uneven? A small level helps.

• Think about space for awning, chairs, or your dog.

For many campers, wild camping is the ultimate freedom: a quiet lakeside spot, a mountain view, no neighbors. But beginners must follow essential rules—for safety, nature protection, and local laws.

If a place feels “off”—people, cars, lighting, noise—drive on. Even if you’re tired: 👉 Your feeling is more important than the perfect spot.

Apps like CampPilot or StayFree offer community reviews. Pay attention to:

• Safety and crime reports

• Terrain (soft ground, potholes, slope)

• Whether the spot is legal

• Night traffic

• How safe others felt

Stay fully ready to drive away at any moment.

That means:

• Never open the awning

• No chairs or tables outside

• No carpets or outdoor setup

• Park so you can leave immediately

• Keep valuables close

• Check the ground so you don’t get stuck

Why you must never open the awning while wild camping:

• It makes you look like you’re camping, not parking → often illegal

• You lose mobility in emergencies

• Wind can destroy your awning

• You attract attention instead of staying discreet

👉 Rule of wild camping: Minimalism = Safety

Take your trash, stay quiet, avoid fires, don’t disturb animals, don’t block paths. Many regions only tolerate wild camping if campers behave respectfully.

Follow local laws

Rules vary greatly:

• Some countries allow sleeping in the vehicle

• Others prohibit it

• Some towns provide designated areas

• Others impose high fines
  

Check apps like CampPilot, StayFree or official tourism websites.

Before you drive off in the morning, go through the vehicle completely: check fresh water, empty waste water, disconnect all cables, turn off devices, close gas bottles, check exterior security (awning in, windows closed, bike rack secured).

Your first camping trip is a special experience—full of impressions, small challenges, and unforgettable moments. With good preparation, safe handling of your vehicle, and a relaxed mindset, uncertainty quickly turns into routine. Many beginner mistakes only happen once; after that, you know exactly what works.

Camping isn’t about perfection—it’s about freedom. Being outside, discovering new places, finding your own rhythm. The better prepared you are, the easier it is to stay flexible on the road—and that’s the magic of traveling this way.