Camping made simple: tips for beginners

Évadez-vous du quotidien, offrez-vous une pause et vivez la nature de près :
le camping vous offre toutes ces belles possibilités. Que vous choisissiez une tente, un camping-car ou un mobil-home, la manière dont vous souhaitez passer votre temps libre dépend entièrement de vos envies.
Avec des conseils précieux pour les débutants, nous vous aidons à planifier vos premières vacances en camping et à vivre des expériences inoubliables – le tout sans stress.

Choisir la destination et le type d’hébergement

Where would you like to go? Start by choosing your ideal destination: sun and warmth, or snow and winter sports?

And above all, prioritize relaxation over overload: for a first camping trip, don’t plan too much – including the distance to travel.

Switzerland is actually an ideal destination to start with: whether you prefer a tent or a camper van, you’ll find many beautiful and easily accessible campsites for a stress-free departure.

Germany and Austria are also very suitable for beginners. In summer, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Croatia, Norway, Sweden, and Finland are also excellent options. These countries have good infrastructure, making them perfect for getting started with camper van or van travel.

To avoid stress during your journey, allow enough time for breaks, spontaneous visits, and discoveries. The choice of accommodation also plays a key role: do you want to camp flexibly in a tent or do you prefer the comfort of a camper van?

By the way, for a worry-free start, it might be wise to begin by renting a camper van or a van. That way, you’ll have the basic equipment for your camping holiday and can try out this way of traveling in peace.

If you’re traveling with a tent or a car equipped with a rooftop tent, make sure you have good gear to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Want even more comfort? Then take a look at the mobile homes or bungalows offered at campsites.

Tips for a stress-free camping holiday

• Plan and book your pitch: Choose your spot in advance, whether on a traditional campsite or private land. Especially during peak season, it’s recommended to book early to avoid everything being fully booked.
  Prefer camping in the wild? Keep in mind that wild camping is prohibited in many countries and can result in heavy fines.
  However, some countries offer alternative natural spots that are often quiet and well-equipped, for example with fire pits and water points.
  So always check in advance whether wild camping is allowed in your destination region or if suitable alternatives exist.
• Check your equipment carefully: Test your tent or caravan before departure to ensure stability and good condition.
  Also make sure you have comfortable sleeping gear, such as insulated sleeping bags, mattresses, and pillows.
  A camping stove, folding chairs, a table, and a flashlight are also essential.
  Comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation for relaxed days.
• Plan your supplies and meals: Make a detailed shopping list with non-perishable foods (e.g. canned goods, pasta, snacks), drinking water, and a cooler to take with you.
  This will save you time, money—and unnecessary trips to the store.
• Monitor the weather: Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly: light clothing for hot days, a waterproof jacket, warm clothes for cool nights—and don’t forget sunscreen!
• Know the camping rules: Find out in advance about campsite regulations, quiet hours, barbecue guidelines, and pet policies.
  Mutual respect contributes to a relaxed and pleasant holiday atmosphere for everyone.
• Load your vehicle wisely: Don’t overload your camper or van to avoid fines and stability issues on the road.
  Place heavy items at the bottom and keep important items like the warning triangle, jack, and vehicle documents easily accessible at the top.
• Don’t forget to take out travel insurance: Cancellation, illness, or lost luggage – with Europ Assistance travel insurance, you’re well covered.
  That way, you can camp with peace of mind.
   

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The most beautiful places to camp in Switzerland

A holiday in Switzerland is a true paradise for camping enthusiasts. With its majestic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests, the country is full of picturesque spots to pitch your tent and fully enjoy nature.

Here is a selection of the best places for a camping stay in Switzerland, perfect for recharging in the great outdoors:

• Lauterbrunnen Valley: Located in the heart of the Bernese Alps, this valley is famous for its spectacular waterfalls, lush meadows, and postcard-perfect villages. A stay at Camping Jungfrau guarantees breathtaking views and absolute tranquility.
• Lake Como: This stunning alpine lake, shared between Switzerland and Italy, offers many lakeside campsites, such as Camping Magic Lake. It’s an ideal spot for outdoor activities and enjoying splendid views of the lake. Swimming, kayaking, and local cuisine await you.
• The Grisons: High in the mountains, Camping Silvaplana welcomes you for activities like kitesurfing, windsurfing, hiking, or mountain biking. A perfect place to fully enjoy nature.
• Jura Vaudois Regional Nature Park: Camp in the heights of the Jura and admire the sunset over the Alps and Lake Geneva – a true dream! Hikers and mountain bikers will love it. Camping du Lac de Joux in Le Rocheray is particularly idyllic for families, located on a sunny terrace just 150 meters from the lake.
• Lake Brienz: Near Interlaken, this lake is surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. What could be better than camping by the water and enjoying the view? Camping Aaregg lets you set up right on the lakeshore.
• Lake Lucerne (Lake of the Four Cantons): This iconic lake, surrounded by mountains, offers many campsites. You can enjoy water sports, explore nearby towns, stroll along the shore, and admire alpine landscapes, for example at Camping International Lido Luzern. Camping Vitznau is also a great option for relaxing in a green setting.
• Lake Neuchâtel: Its shores are ideal for lakeside camping. Staying at Camping Les Pins or Camping de la Menthue, you can also explore the charming surrounding towns or swim in the lake.
• Goms Valley: Located in the canton of Valais and surrounded by high mountains, this valley is perfect for hiking and camping in the wild. Camping Riverside is an excellent starting point for exploring this magnificent region.
   

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Wild camping in Switzerland – is it forbidden or allowed?

There is no general ban on wild camping in Switzerland, but regulations vary by canton and municipality, with some significant restrictions. Here are the main rules:

• Camping is allowed in the following cases:
  • Canton of Aargau: one night in a public parking area.
  • Canton of Obwalden: one night.

In most other cantons, wild camping is generally prohibited.

Our advice: always check locally with the municipality or the tourist office. The local police can also be a good point of contact to request permission.

• When is wild camping allowed?
  • In the mountains, above the tree line, a single overnight stay is generally tolerated (but not in groups).
  • On private land, with the owner's permission.
  • In case of emergency bivouac (spending the night under the stars without a tent in a situation of necessity).

Important conduct rules:

• Choose an appropriate spot and respect nature and wildlife.
• Waste: take all your trash with you and leave the place clean.
• Fire: avoid making fires, as they are dangerous and disturb animals.
• Toilets: bury your waste and take toilet paper with you in a trash bag.
   

Eco-friendly camping – sustainable holidays in nature

Eco-friendly camping is increasingly popular, as many campers want to enjoy nature without harming it. The idea: enjoy the environment while preserving it. That’s why eco-campsites stand out through sustainable practices, such as the use of environmentally friendly materials, responsible waste management, and biodiversity conservation.

In Switzerland, you’ll find many certified campsites, such as Camping Arolla, Camping des Glaciers, and several TCS campsites labeled ECOCAMPING and Swisstainable Level 2.

In France, Brittany and the Mediterranean coast offer eco-friendly campsites by the sea.

In Italy, the Dolomites and Tuscany are ideal destinations for nature-based and sustainable camping.

As a camper, you can also actively contribute to environmental protection through simple actions: avoid waste, save water, and respect nature.

Moreover, many campsites offer eco-workshops and activities such as hiking or wildlife observation, which enrich the experience and raise awareness about nature conservation.

Our tip: if environmental protection matters to you, choose campsites with labels such as Green Key, the EU Ecolabel, or Swisstainable, which guarantee compliance with strict sustainability standards.

At a glance: your camping holiday checklist

What should you pack for camping? Here’s a practical checklist to help you prepare your gear and your trip – for a stress-free camping holiday.

1. Camping equipment

• Tent, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and ground mats
• Cooking gear (stove, pots, cutlery, spices, corkscrew and can opener, possibly a collapsible basin for washing up)
• Clothesline for drying laundry
• Flashlight, headlamp, spare batteries
• Weather-appropriate clothing, rain protection
• Hiking and sports shoes
• Check the condition of the tent (poles, pegs, mosquito net)
• Check the cleanliness and condition of sleeping bags
• Test mattresses for air leaks and bring a repair kit
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
   

2. Food and supplies

• Enough drinking water
• Non-food items (trash bags, toilet paper, etc.)
• Non-perishable food and snacks
• Cooler for fresh products
• Water purification tablets, if needed

3. Leisure and activities

• Books, board games, or other entertainment
• Backpack for hikes
• Fishing gear or other outdoor equipment
• Compass and map (in addition to GPS or phone)
• Solar or external battery for your devices

4. Safety and health

• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal medications and emergency pharmacy
• Biodegradable hygiene products if possible
   

5. Clothing

• Clothing for various weather conditions (in layers)
• Warm clothes for cool nights
• Waterproof jacket or poncho
• Sun hat and sunglasses

6. Travel insurance

• Don’t forget to take out travel insurance that covers you in case of cancellation or unexpected events during your camping holiday. 
• Even if it’s not always top of mind, it’s an essential part of your checklist.
   

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Camping travel insurance: enjoy your holiday with peace of mind

Dreaming of a holiday close to nature and full of discoveries? Camping is a great option. But before you set off, make sure you're properly covered in case of unexpected events. Repatriation or trip interruption can be costly. Illness, accidents, or lost luggage can quickly ruin the experience.

Camping travel insurance protects you against these risks and gives you the security you need to fully enjoy your trip.

Insurance for a single trip

If you camp occasionally or are planning a one-off holiday, temporary travel insurance is the best choice. It covers your specific trip and takes effect as soon as the policy is taken out – up to one day before departure.
It protects you in case of cancellation or trip interruption and covers costs related to your campsite, transport tickets, and pre-booked activities.

Good to know: with the Comfort option, you benefit from full coverage, including baggage insurance, emergency medical assistance, and repatriation costs.
 

Learn more about temporary travel insurance

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Annual travel insurance

If you camp regularly or travel often with your family, annual travel insurance is an excellent option. It protects you all year round, for all your camping trips and other travels.

Can’t go camping as planned due to illness or an accident? Need to cut a trip short and return early? With our annual travel insurance, you’re covered 365 days a year against these and many other unexpected situations.

Learn more about annual travel insurance

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Protect yourself now and enjoy your camping holiday with the peace of mind of being well covered!