Tips for your everyday camping life

Anyone who camps regularly will soon notice that certain routines settle in and repeat themselves. And that's a good thing, because some tasks simply belong to every camping day. Here you'll find tips for a typical daily routine while camping.

Daily routine while camping:

1. Starting the day

2. Tackling the chaos

3. Exploring the world

4. Finding a pitch

5. Evening routine

Unsplash Image by Kate Joie |

The right start to the day

The best thing about camping is having the perfect alarm clock right in the middle of nature: the rays of sunshine start pushing through the blackout blinds and the birdsong gets loud enough that you can't ignore it anymore - time to get up and start the morning routine while camping.

• Waking up: Remove the blackout covers from the windows and first open the skylight so the stale air from overnight can be replaced by fresh air.

• Making the bed: Depending on how big your van is, or whether you're even sleeping in a tent, the first thing you do is tidy away the bed to make room for the day.

• Freshening up: Whether it's a quick wash or a short shower, the morning hygiene routine is best done right after getting up.

• Breakfast: Most people start the day best with a coffee, so grind the beans, fire up the camping stove and brew a pot. A tasty slice of bread with jam on the side and you're set for the day.

We also explain how making coffee while camping works best.

Unsplash Image by Julian Bialowas |

Sorting out the chaos

It's hard to believe how quickly chaos takes hold in such a small vehicle (or tent). So sorting out the chaos after getting up is part of every camping day too.

• Washing up: You'll quickly find that it's best to clean used dishes straight away. Especially if you're moving on, you'll need to pack the dishes away again. If you need a few tips on washing up and doing laundry while camping, check out our post on the topic.

• Tidying up the van: Put away and secure the table, chairs, and breakfast things so nothing flies around. Stow the awning, parasol, or whatever else you've been using safely away.

• Waste disposal: Of course you don't need to empty grey and black water or take out the rubbish every single day. But every few days it's part of your routine. So: empty and clean the toilet, dispose of the waste water, and throw the rubbish in the bins. If you're not sure how waste disposal while camping works, check out our article on it.

It feels like the day has barely started and so much time has already passed. But with time the routines fall into place and everything gets faster.

Exploring the world

The reason most of us go camping is to explore the world. Once you've got your typical morning camping routine out of the way, the good things of the day are waiting for you: Hiking, a dip in the sea or a lake, a stroll through the nearest town, or simply a good book in the sun.

Here you'll find inspiration for your camping daily routine:

• Micro-adventures: Every day can be a small adventure made up of many camping micro-adventures.

• Camping games: Planning your next camping trip with family or friends? Shared camping games are a wonderful way to spend the time.

• Hiking: No matter where in the world, hiking is simply the best way to explore the landscape. In this article you'll find tips on useful hiking equipment.

• Camping in the rain: You had big plans for your camping holiday and now rain is forecast? No problem with these tips for camping in the rain.

The daily search for a pitch

Every lovely day eventually draws to a close. If you don't yet know where you'll be spending the night with your camper or tent, it's high time to look for a pitch. Just browse through the VanSite App and find the spot that suits you best.

Tip: Plan some time for finding a pitch, because your preferred spot won't always be free. To avoid stress in the evening and still have enough time for your evening entertainment, a time buffer helps.

Your relaxed evening routine

Just as the morning started, the camping day ends with getting your sleeping space ready...

Unsplash Image by WantTo Create |

• Dinner: The nice thing about a shared camping holiday is that you can cook together at a relaxed pace. One peels, the other chops, then you enjoy the homemade food outside in nature over a good glass of wine. Pretty perfect, right? You'll find tips on cooking while camping in one of our posts.

• Setting up the bed: Some motorhomes probably don't require this effort. But if you sleep in a campervan or tent, setting up and packing away the bed is part of your recurring camping routine.

• Stargazing: You're right in the middle of beautiful nature, so use the opportunity and enjoy it to the fullest.

• Campfire: Sitting around the fire together, a cool drink in hand and good conversation. Sounds tempting? In this post you'll find tips on how to make a fire.

• Evening hygiene: Evening hygiene is part of the camping day too. Apply your night cream, brush your teeth, change and off to bed.

What does your camping day look like?

That was an example of a typical camping day. What about you? Is your day similar or completely different?

If you need a few more tips for your van life on the road nearby, check out our post on Camping routine in Germany .