Summer 2020 could set new campsites across the republic for guests and overnight stays. The reason is obvious: In times of Corona, camping holidays have many advantages, as the ADAC lists: The journey takes place safely and individually in your own vehicle, your own wet room in the motorhome creates safety and the pitches on the campsites are designed so spaciously, that visitors can keep a sufficient distance.
Camping has been a trend for years. According to Statista, the number of overnight stays at German campsites in 2019 was around 35.8 million. That is ten million more than ten years ago. The summer of 2020 could top this record. Many Germans will probably go on a camping holiday for the first time.
For bloody camping beginners who may still be wondering what to watch out for, FOCUS Online has put together some tips.
Absolute basics for all camping beginners:
- Passport or identity card
- Driving license
- Insurance card
- Vehicle documents
- Health insurance card
- Cell phone, cell phone cable
- Credit cards, cash, coins for showers and toilets
- Emergency phone numbers
- Navi
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent
- First-aid kit with plasters, bandages and wound disinfectant spray and emergency medication for diarrhea, pain and fever
- Rainproof jackets, shoes and clothing, swimwear, slippers, backpack, sun hat, sunglasses, mosquito protection, etc.
What campers need for a camper or caravan:
- Pillows, blankets, covers or sleeping bags
- Towels, bath towels
- Bath accessories: handkerchiefs, toilet paper, shower gel, shampoo etc.
- CEE power cable, multiple plug, cable drum, power adapter
- Gas adapters for other countries
- Toolbox
- Jack
- Safety vests
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit
- Water canisters, water buckets
- Chemistry for the toilet
- Water hose
- Ropes, lashing straps
- Steps and leveling wedges for a straight stance
- Foot mats
- Equipment for the kitchen: crockery made of plastic or melamine, cutlery, cooking utensils, tea and coffee pots made of stainless steel or plastic, pots, pans, various cutting knives, cutting boards, bottle openers, corkscrews, washing-up liquid, dish towels, garbage bags
- Small broom with a shovel
- Toilet paper
- Duct tape, string, scissors
- For outdoors: camping table and chairs, possibly awning carpet, lamp, lantern, guy straps for the awning, grill
Read also: From Munich to Bilbao in 14 days – In search of great freedom: I never wanted to camp – now I love it
What should I pay attention to when choosing a campsite?
First of all, you should be clear about what you are looking for: should there be a swimming lake or river on or near the campsite? Do you want a beach feeling? Do you have any children with you for whom various leisure activities in the area could be important? Are ecological aspects important to you when camping or should the campsite offer free WiFi?
Experts recommend beginners to make their first trip to Germany or neighboring countries with a well-developed infrastructure and safe campsites. According to pincamp.de, particularly suitable destinations are France and Italy, but also the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark in the summer months.
How do I find good campsites?
There are various portals on the Internet to narrow down the selection and to filter out the good ones from the less good campsites. There you can filter by country, state, rating and many, many other criteria. These websites are particularly recommended:
Read also: Caravaning ranking – Most popular campsite is in Brandenburg: These are the top 10 in Germany
What does a vacation with a motorhome cost?
The costs for a motorhome depend on the camper, the travel period and the rental period, as the ADAC writes. There is a huge range of mobile homes and caravans – from simple small vans with sleeping spaces to luxury liners with a spa area, espresso bar and garage for the small car. A small camper with four beds costs around 120 euros per day, a night at the campsite for two adults and two children costs from around 30 euros. It is cheaper to sleep on parking spaces, here the night costs from around 10 euros.
The travel restrictions in the corona pandemic have apparently stimulated the Germans' interest in motorhomes. In May 2020, 10,460 new registrations for campers were issued, a good 29 percent more than a year earlier, the Federal Statistical Office said on Thursday in Wiesbaden, citing data from the Federal Motor Transport Authority. Of all car types, this was the only segment with an increase.
Motorhomes have been in trend for some time, as the statisticians explained. Accordingly, the population in Germany grew continuously from 2015 to 2020 from a good 390,000 to just under 590,000. That is an increase of 50 percent.
Rent a motorhome as a beginner
Beginners should first rent a motorhome and not buy it. So you can find out which type suits you in peace. As a beginner, you should think about which motorhome you want to rent. Should bicycles be allowed to be taken along? How many people should there be? What about sleeping places? All of these questions should play an important role when renting a motorhome.
What license do I need for a motorhome?
A normal car driving license, class B, is sufficient for motorhomes under 3.5 tons. If the motorhome is heavier, you need at least class C1. It can drive vehicles up to 7.5 tons. Driving licenses issued before 1999 allow driving in both classes.
More about camping:
- It is not as crowded as Lake Garda, but as Italy's second largest lake it can easily keep up with spectacular mountain scenery, scenic beauty, historic towns and Mediterranean flair. We show seven beautiful campsites around Lake Maggiore.
Alternative to overcrowded Lake Garda – Camping on Lake Maggiore: The 7 most beautiful places that are still insider tips
- Camping is in again. You don't have to travel with your own tent or caravan, because most campsites now have rental accommodation and glamping tents in addition to the usual pitches. We are showing ten systems in Italy that are extraordinarily beautiful – and offer guests a lot of service.
Glamping, motorhome, tent – outdoor holidays are really fun here: These are Italy's most beautiful campsites
- Campsites can quickly become overcrowded, especially during the holiday season. The temptation to spend the night away from the official pitches is great – even if the legal situation in Germany is difficult. FOCUS Online explains how the legal situation regarding wild camping with a motorhome or tent looks in the federal states.
There are fines: Wild camping in Germany – these are the rules