How to start camping in a motorhome?

Were you tempted by the idyllic insta photos of a caravan on the edge of a cliff, or a picnic table full of goodies overlooking the fjords? Or have you been hit by the huge boom in motorhome travel? Do you think you want to try it, but don’t know where or how to start? Motorhome camping can sometimes be tricky. Especially at first. But don’t worry, we totally understand.

That’s why in this article, we’ll explain where to start, how to decide what’s best for you, and even teach you some basic vocabulary that a good camper needs to have.

Is camping really that cool?

Starting a camping trip in a van or caravan is not just a journey in itself, it’s a lifestyle. It’s an exciting ride full of discovery and nature and freedom. But just like the lifestyle of a professional fitness athlete may not be for everyone, traveling in an RV may not be everyone’s cup of coffee. In fact, when you travel in a motorhome, everything kind of takes longer. You have to take care of a lot of stuff, constantly find new places to sleep, and remember to accept local regulations. You might be surprised by a crowd of other “camper heads” when you want to finally enjoy some solitude, or startled by a deer that decided to nibble the grass just inches away from you at night. But if you’re not discouraged, read on!

Kemper’s Dictionary

But before we start with a list of what you will and won’t miss, let’s first go over the camping vocabulary you won’t miss when planning your travels:

Motorhome – usually a vehicle that is fully equipped for residential use. It usually has a fixed bed, kitchen, toilet or even a shower. It’s like a studio apartment on wheels.

A van is usually a simple van that has been adapted for residential use, from the ground up to a complete conversion.

Caravan – is a vehicle used for sleeping and camping and can be of two types:

Caravan (trailer) – a caravan that is attached to a car towbar. You can then park it and unhitch it.

Camper – a motor vehicle that integrates the living space with the driving space so that no additional car is needed for towing.

Wild camping – or“wild camping” or “free camping” – is a form of camping outside official campsites or caravan sites. It is sleeping outdoors, often in remote natural areas such as forests, mountains or beaches where no standard camping facilities and services are available.

Camping – a facility where you can camp or park your caravan and stay overnight. Campsites tend to have a variety of basic to advanced facilities such as toilets, showers, electrical hook-ups, and sometimes kitchen facilities, laundry rooms, swimming pools and play areas.

Campsite – A campsite is an area designated for outdoor camping, which may be part of a campground or located in the countryside. Campgrounds usually provide a place to pitch a tent, park an RV or motorhome and are usually less equipped than campgrounds.

Vanlife – a lifestyle that involves living and travelling in a van or van that has been converted into a living space. A phenomenon that combines a love of adventure, freedom and minimalism, vanlife practitioners often travel from place to place, discovering new cultures, landscapes and experiences.

But remember that everyone uses terminology differently and different people may see different meanings behind the same word. So always check with the caravan rental company, for example, that you both really mean the same thing.

So how do you start?

Choosing a mobile home

The key is… to just try it! We assume you’ll be borrowing your mobile home for your first adventure. It’s important to know what you’re looking for and what’s important to you from the start.

Do you want to explore cities and be as inconspicuous as possible so that no one will even think you’re sleeping there?
Then reach for a smaller van like VW’s Transporter or Mercedes’ Marco Polo.

Prefer comfort, plenty of space and a luxurious bathroom on four wheels?
You should get in a campervan that’s designed for camping. Look for Adria, Possl or Chausson, for example.

Do you want to be mobile, unhitch the campervan at the campsite and continue exploring the area with your personal motorhome?
No problem, your choice is probably an RV. Look for maybe the extended Weinsberg types and others.

Everything has its pros and cons. So first get clear on what you expect from your holiday and then look for your travelling companion. Don’t be tempted by Instagram photos, which can often be misleading. And if all that’s not enough, you can find complete info on how to choose the right car for the road at Campiri, for example.

But if you’re feeling adventurous and you’re going straight into buying, give yourself a little more time to decide. Consider the other option – building your own van or building it to your own specifications.

But count not only on time but also on money. Although we are among the adventurous ones, in retrospect we would recommend trying out several types of motorhomes and then decide what is right for you.

Map to the treasures (read route planning)

Planning a holiday is always challenging and takes a lot of time. But a holiday on four wheels is another level and there are many other things to think about. No one wants to camp in a swamp full of mosquitoes. So be sure to reach for the right camping apps, maps or websites that will become your loyal friends on the road. If you’re looking for a place to stay, we recommend one of the most used apps , Park4night, which shows places from wild camping to luxury campsites. Worried about getting it wrong and always want to feel safe and comfortable? Then we recommend Camperguru, where you’ll only find verified campsites and motorhome pitches.

When it comes to adventures, you’ll find many types and inspirations here at retkee.com, even with descriptions and locations where you can park your home safely or eat well. This will make it easier for you to plan now.

You don’t want to waste any time with planning? Drop us a line and we’ll help you with the planning, or do it all for you.

And our tip? Never be afraid to take a detour! Sometimes the least obvious path will lead you to the best adventures and places perfect for unique photos for your travel album. And when else but at the campsite? Enjoy the freedom it brings you.

MasterChef: Camping edition

Cooking in a bathtub is like dancing – space is limited and every movement must be thought out. But with a little creativity, you can whip up a nonsensical feast in even the smallest kitchen. We even cooked Christmas dinner once, so there really are no limits. The tried and true course is usually breakfast. Wake up early, put your coffee on the stove, cook some quick eggs and enjoy breakfast outside with the view and nature waking up. And if you don’t have a kitchenette in your condo, that’s okay. You can buy small gas bombs with a stove at Decathlon or elsewhere that will cook almost anything.

Etiquette of the modern camper

Yeah, I know, it’s a lot, but etiquette in camping is important for sustainable travel and to make us all feel as comfortable as possible. It’s not only about respect for company and mutual respect, but also about sustainability and respect for nature. What are the basic things you should keep in mind?

Respect nature: Remember that you are a temporary guest in the natural areas you visit. Leave the place as you found it or even cleaner. Anything you bring in, you must take out. Never leave rubbish behind and use organic products. Never dump wastewater in places not meant for it.

Follow the rules: find out about local laws and regulations regarding camping and parking. In some areas, wild camping may be restricted or prohibited.

Be considerate: Whether you’re camping or out in the wild, be considerate of others around you. Especially at night, don’t make noise and limit light so you don’t disturb wildlife or your neighbours.

Support local communities: buy local products and services. Your support helps the economy of the locations you visit.

These basic rules will not only help you feel comfortable, but also help you protect animals, nature and others around you.

And now that you know everything you need to know, it’s time to hit the road. A world of endless possibilities lies ahead. Paths waiting to be discovered and experiences that will become memories for a lifetime. Motorhome camping isn’t just about finding the perfect parking spot or figuring out the tricks to compact living. It’s about the freedom to choose a new direction every morning, the feeling of home that you can take anywhere, and the joy of discovery. So turn the key, start the engine and hit the road. Keep exploring.