Checklist of essentials: What to take to a campsite?

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It depends on who answers the question of What to take to a campsite? It can become a small list of essentials or an infinite list full of “just in case”. For this reason, in this article, we would like to help you analyze the different camping formats that exist and how the different seasons affect your adventure, to end up shelling out the most essential elements and finish with a checklist truly AWESOME. Once you have all these basic elements, you can give free rein to your imagination and customize it according to the type of trip and the people who accompany you on your next campsite.

And yes, going camping can vary substantially depending on the camping format you choose, the age of the people you go to and the season of the year in which you make the getaway. So, we are going to talk about all those variables that can modify your backpack and your preparation so that you do not miss any detail.

Types of camping you can consider

There are various formats of camping outings and getaways that we can do as a couple, as a family or alone. Obviously, one of the first aspects that will make our list of 'What to take to a campsite' be one or the other, will be the number and age of the people. If we go as a couple, with young children, with the elderly, with other families, etc. , all this can make our suitcase one or the other.

After this obviousness, there is another characteristic, also very obvious that can modify our list, and it is the type of camping that we have planned to do. It is not the same to go in a motorhome than to go alone with a backpack or to go camping free of doing it in a guarded camping area.

So, these are the different formats that you can consider, and the characteristic and specific elements that can change our idea of what to take to a campsite.

camping al aire libre

Outdoor camping

Camping in the open air is one of the most daring and adventurous formats that we can consider. Normally it is done with friends or couples and, practically, never with small children, although if the adult controls the characteristics of an outdoor campsite, it could be an extraordinary and Unforgettable for the little ones. Specifically, this format consists of going to a park or nature reserve and, with proper permission, setting up your tent at ground level and wherever you feel like it.

In these cases, one of the most important parts is knowing the bureaucracy and legality of the area. For example, in Spain camping in the open air or free camping is illegal. However, there are certain protected and monitored natural spaces in which, asking for a permit, you can camp peacefully. Each country has its own regulations so it is important to inform yourself since otherwise you could carry fines.

Another of the most important aspects when camping outdoors is safety. Depending on the area in which you camp freely, you must inform yourself in advance of the safety and prevention measures and advice that exist in the place according to the flora and animal fauna.

camping en furgoneta o autocaravana

Camping in a van or motorhome

This type of camping in a van is one of the most comfortable formats that exists and that is that if you have a large campervan or motorhome, you can take all the provisions and all the elements of “ just in case" that occurs to you. Although, in reality, the difficulty lies precisely at that point, so it is important to know how to be organized and foreseeable. If we start carrying everything that comes to mind, we will fill the vehicle with unnecessary things. On the other hand, if we organize ourselves well, we can take what is necessary without crowding the van.

In this camping format, we must bear in mind that the most important thing is the vehicle itself. Our means of transportation, which is also our home and our place of meals, becomes a priority to pay attention to. Therefore, it is important to make mechanical checks before leaving, as well as anticipate and look for, for example, places to spend the night, water loading and unloading areas, gas stations, workshops, etc.

Campsite in camping area

Going to a camping area is a format that combines the comfort and safety of camping in a van with a dose of adventure and nature of outdoor camping. In a camping area we can find, as a general rule, several camping options: in a tent, bungalow, caravan or motorhome. In any case, the main characteristic of these areas is that it is the same enclosed area and you have recreational area, swimming pool, beach or mountain, restaurants, shops, etc.

In this format there is practically no risk because if you forget something, almost certainly in the same campsite they can provide it for you. However, there is an important previous decision that you must take into account and that is what type of camping to choose. There is a wide variety of campsites, so depending on who you go with and the time of year, choose the one with the best activities. For example, children's activities, leisure activities, hiking trails, water activities, directed classes...

variar en mi maleta de viaje

What can vary in my travel suitcase depending on the season

The season in which you are going to go camping is completely decisive and you will have to look at different details depending on whether you are traveling out of season, in winter or in summer. Therefore, it is important to find the time/time that suits you best to go out.

Go camping in the summer

To know what to take to a campsite in summer, all you have to do is think about leisure and the activities you want to do. And it is that, unlike other seasons, during the summer the attention is focused on the variety of activities you can do: swimming pool, beach, games in the sand, lakes, rivers, picnics… Therefore, your suitcase may vary in terms of the different elements that accompany these activities such as: bathing suits, goggles, ball, paddles, surfboard, water shoes, towels , sun cream, etc.

Go camping in the fall or spring

If we decide to go camping at halftime, leisure activities will also have an important focus, but, above that, will be the weather forecast. In autumn and spring, we will be exposed to a climate that can vary. So we will have to prepare for sunny days, hot days, rainy days, cloudy days or cold days. Therefore, our suitcase would have to have different clothing accessories that respond to all possibilities.

Go camping in winter

The winter season is also very popular among campers. And it is that escapades to the snow are almost a tradition for many families. In this season, what will be most important will be protection from the cold. Our suitcase will be characterized by being farsighted and carrying several warm clothes in case it snows or rains, always being protected. In the case of camping with a tent, it will be even more important to think about elements of protection against the cold.

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