Checklist for zen camping in the great outdoors

Here we list the equipment you need for a successful camping vacation.

Household linen

Depending on the campsite, your rental may or may not include household linen, so make sure you get the information you need before you leave so you can enjoy a good night's sleep in your mobile home as soon as you arrive.

2nd important list to remember

• A biodegradable dishwashing detergent

• A paraben-free shower gel

• Gentle shampoo

• Sunscreen SPF 50

• A moisturizing and soothing after-sun lotion

• A tube of toothpaste for the whole family

• Ecolabel kitchen and bathroom cleaning spray

• An effective mosquito repellent

• A tube of hand-wash detergent

Indispensable food products
Camping vacations are an opportunity to make meals easy, and to discover or rediscover the joys of impromptu picnics. In the mobile-home kitchen, you'll find all the equipment you need to prepare delicious hot dishes, concoct a rice salad or pancakes, bake a tomato pie, cut up your roast chicken bought from the passing truck.
On vacation, you can discover regional specialities by sampling fresh produce at the local markets.
To make sure you don't run out of anything in your vacation kitchen, you can plan ahead and bring along some practical groceries.

3rd important list to remember

• Salt, pepper, oil and vinegar and dijon mustard
• 1 kg sugar, 1 kg flour,
• Coffee, tea and chocolate powder
• 3 packs of pasta: spaghetti, twists, penne
• 2 packets of rice
• Cans of tuna, corn, green beans
• 2 jars tomato sauce
• 1 packet of cereals
• 3 packets of potato chips
• 2 tins of cookies
• 1 jar jam and honey
• Milk, mineral water and fruit juices

Setting up a tent at a campsite: what do I need to bring?

It's your first camping vacation, but don't panic! There's always a first time for everything. So stay calm, and learn step-by-step the best practices for campers. We'll help you prepare for your stay in the great outdoors and guide you through the important points to check before you leave.

Here you'll find the "camping in a tent" checklist and a few tips on how to prepare for your camping vacation. By following this practical information, you'll be able to make the most of your camping vacation and create unforgettable memories.

A camping vacation in a tent means choosing to spend your vacations in a friendly environment, where you can relax and enjoy constant contact with the natural world around you.

Choosing to sleep in a tent is often an economical choice, but it's also an eco-responsible one, as your carbon footprint is much smaller than that of sleeping in an air-conditioned mobile home or tourist residence with elevator, electric shutters, bath and air-conditioning.

For a good camping vacation with your own tent, the first thing to do is to choose a tent suited to the number of people travelling with you. With children, choose a tent with 2 separate sleeping areas. On the budget side, look at second-hand camping tents, which are often a very good deal.

Important checklist for tent camping

Basic equipment :

• Your tent with stakes, sardines and mallets

• Clothesline string

• In wet or rainy areas, a protective tarpaulin

• One inflatable mattress or floor mat per person

• One sleeping bag per person

• A cooler

• Gas stove with lighter

• Flashlight with fresh battery

• A set of unbreakable crockery - plate - glass - cutlery - bowl

• A Swiss Army knife

• A folding table and chairs for added comfort. On campsites, there are often communal areas for outdoor meals and sometimes barbecue areas for grilling.

• A bowl with sponge and washing-up liquid

• Hand washing

• A tea towel

• Toilet paper

• Bath and beach towels

• Toiletry kit with shower gel, sun cream, toothpaste, mosquito spray and earplugs for daytime naps

• A first-aid kit with bandages, disinfectant spray and Arnica cream

• An extension cord and power strip for recharging your smartphone or tablet

What to wear when camping

Depending on the season and your choice of destination, your travel bag needs to adapt. From camping in the mountains to camping by the sea to camping in the countryside, your seasonal clothing will be a little different, but the basics remain the same.
For example, note that on campsites with swimming pools, bathing suits are compulsory, and swimming shorts are forbidden.
Whatever your destination, always carry a pair of sunglasses, rain gear, a warm sweater and a windbreaker.

Here are some examples of clothing suitable for camping vacations in France:

Clothing for camping by the sea

• Swimsuit - sarong

• Anti-UV swimsuits for children

• T-shirt, Bermuda shorts and skirt

• Flip-flops: ideal for the campsite pool and the beach

• Basketball for getaways

• Sweet-shirt for cool evenings

• One cap or bob per person

Clothing for mountain camping and riverside camping

• T-shirt, shorts and skirt

• Swimsuit for the campsite pool

• Anti-UV swim tee-shirt for children

• Flip-flops and walking shoes for hikes

• Pants for camping evenings

• Lightweight sneakers for canoeing

• Polar fleece for high-altitude walks

• One sun hat per person

With these tips, you're all set to enjoy your camping vacation with family and friends in a friendly, natural environment.

Final tips

Before closing the door to your home, make sure that :

• you have turned off the gas and water

• you left a spare key with your neighbor or family member

• you have your identity papers

• you have your bank card

• you have your train tickets

• you have your camping reservation contract

And finally, before you set off for the campsite, make sure your car is in good working order, with tires inflated, serviced, roadworthiness checked and insurance card in order.

Did you know that at Vacances André Trigano you can download the application and find all the information about your reservation, the services offered on site, and even check-in without wasting any time, so you can enjoy every moment of your camping holiday.

Have a great camping vacation, and make the most of your stay in a mobile home or tent to come back with incredible memories.