Camping, 4-star version or in the heart of nature, what an adventure! So that everything goes well, it is better to master the fundamentals. While some elements lend themselves to improvisation, others deserve a little anticipation. The choice of the right spot, for example.
Being dislodged by the police at 4 a.m. (#truestory) because you were tempted to do wild camping or get wet because you could not resist the urge to pitch your tent near a lake is not the best of experiences. But, let's stay positive, we have some practical advice that should help you avoid these kind of inconveniences. When you have the basics, camping is all about happiness!
It's decided, this summer we're camping, version 4 stars, well equipped and all comfort, with water park and children's club.Before giving you some tips on setting up your tent without any hitches, we will share an app with you to help you find the ideal campsite.The one that corresponds to your dream holiday.
And now, our advice on how to set up perfectly.
How about the beach or seaside? We’re going to be killjoys again, as we don’t recommend this option either. Why? Because camping on the beach is forbidden in quite a few countries, and also because the sand gets in everywhere. And nobody wants to hear you moaning about sand getting into your pyjamas.
Rule n°1: avoid the entrance to the camp site, so you’re not disturbed by the comings and goings of other campers. Being near to restaurants and activities, often at the gates of the camp site so you have easy and direct access to all of the available services, also contributes to all-round noise. If you're in search of silence, these are not the best places.
Rule n°2: have a good look around. If the aim of your trip is some rest & relaxation, pitching a tent next to a holiday camp group, big playing field, or a large family is not the brightest idea. To prevent having to complain that your neighbours are too noisy, we advise you to ask for a quiet spot when booking.
Rule n°3: with or without electricity? The majority of campsites offer spots with electricity. If this is a non-negotiable for you, be sure to inquire about availability before booking.
Some camp sites even offer a Wi-Fi connection!
Rule n° 4: adapt the size of the spot to the size of the family. Camping as a family with children? Opt for spacious pitches, as your little ones will be sure to want to enjoy the most space possible. They’re going to bicker sometimes about how cramped the tent is inside (don’t say we didn’t warn you...😁), so it’s best to give them some space when they’re outdoors. Also, to keep them busy, be prepared to take up the activities offered: mini-golf, water slides and even children’s clubs are all ways to ensure they have an unforgettable stay!
With young children, the proximity of sanitary facilities and a baby area is another element that should not be overlooked. a 15-minute walk away when it’s the 12th pee of the day starts to lose its appeal pretty quickly.
Rule n°5: don't forget the basics, the ground and the sun. As a rule, the different spots in campsites are suitable. They are flat, ready to accommodate small tents for duos or large family tents. But nothing stops you walking around the site to check that nothing is lying around before planting your pegs. It would be a pity to sleep on a big rock and camp sites often offer different types of pitches, something to satisfy all campers.
When it comes to the sun, it's up to you to adapt to the weather. If it's very hot, set the tent up in a shady spot.
Ps: do you ask yourself "How to avoid condensation in my tent?" this way, please 👈
Before launching our series of tips, let's review the basics:the difference between wild camping and bivouac. for the first, we set up camp for several days, and as for the second, we usually plan to stop only for one night.
Whatever your choice, wild camping or bivouac, before leaving, the right attitude to have is to learn about the regulations of the country in order to know which practices are authorized and in what context.
Once you know all's legal, here are some rules to apply.
Rule n°1: if the country where you are on holiday allows bivouac or wild camping, make sure you are not on private property or protected land, even if you are in a natural park. For that, in addition to the general elements concerning the country, remember to take a good look on the internet site of the region or the municipality. We don't want to panic you, but in some cases, the penalties can be severe..
Rule n°2: the quality of the ground is essential. There, it's not the same as on a campsite. You need a little observation to find the right ground before pegging your tent. What is the ideal terrain? Flat ground, because sleeping head downwards, or rolling to the right and then to the left because the ground isn't flat, is not fun. It must also be cleared of stones and branches that could interfere with your comfort or damage your tent. Let's have a little clear up before setting up. And to optimise your outdoor hotel: a lightweight, self-inflating floor mat or mattress. Exactly, you hadn’t thought to take along the pump to inflate it!
Our advice: start looking for a place to sleep before nightfall.
Rule n°3: beware of still waters. We recommend a place close to water, but not too close. For several reasons: the possibility of a flood if it rains, the presence of mosquitoes, the risk of condensation in your tent, herds of animals drinking in the early morning hours. There have to be other reasons to convince you that this magnificent lake may not be the best of spots!
Rule n°4: a nap in the shelter of a tree? OK, but without your tent. For two good reasons. The first is the risk of a branch landing on your tent if it's windy. The second: resin, especially pine resin, is not your tent's best friend.
Another tip: if you don't like bees and other flying insects, avoid proximity to flowering bushes.
Rule n°5: always sheltered from the wind. One of the main drawbacks of bivouac is the wind. To sleep without being too shaken up, we recommend that you opt for a well sheltered place (not under the trees, but you already know that!) And drive the tent pegs in well. A little wind doesn't hurt. This helps prevent condensation in your tent, simply because it is a good way to ventilate it.
Our tip: position the tent with the entrance against the wind.
Rule n°6: be aware of natural hazards. You don't pitch your tent under a cliff, because of the risk of landslides. The risks of rockfall are to be taken into account, especially when camping in the mountains.
Rule n°7: the sun does not set in the same place it rises. Yes, if you pitch your tent in the sun, you get up in the shade. If the temperatures are low, choose a spot where the sun will heat the tent up in the morning. Also, you don't pitch your tent in the middle of the afternoon because it can get damaged faster from UV rays.
So you don't get cold, take along a sleeping bag adapted to the temperature. Of course, lightweight is a good idea, because you're going to be carrying it and you don't want to trouble yourself with something too heavy. Good idea: a nice, warm featherweight down, especially if you're going up in altitude.
Rule n°8: last but not least, it's important to respect the environment. We leave the site as clean as we found it. There is no question of leaving behind your waste. And if you feel like having a fire, because it looked cool in a show, it's a definitive no! Because we are sure, you do not want to attract animals or start a forest fire!
We're not letting you go without a little gift.
Here is an application to find a place to bivouac or simply find a place to hike: https://www.decathlon-outdoor.com/fr-fr/app
Our other good idea to find the ideal spot: get closer to groups of bivouac amateurs on social networks, but also on forums. Often, they prefer to keep these places secret, but once trust is gained and passion is shared, they will be happy to share their tips with you.
You are now ready for holidays in a campsite or in the middle of nature. Two things to remember: You never skimp with safety instructions and you respect the environment. Now that you have the basics, we wish you a great adventure!
You are now ready for holidays, in a campsite or in the middle of nature. 3 last points:
- We don’t skimp on safety instructions
- We respect the environment
- We remember to equip ourselves properly
If you’re concerned about forgetting something for your camping trips, we’ve compiled a checklist so you don’t leave anything behind!
Now that you have the basics, we wish you a great adventure!
Camper lover at Quechua
