Camping is becoming increasingly popular - but there are still numerous myths and prejudices surrounding this form of vacation. From "totally unhygienic" to "only for pensioners", we have taken a close look at the most persistent camping myths and compared them with reality.
Table of contents
1. camping is just a cheap vacation
2. the sanitary facilities are unhygienic
3. camping is only for die-hards
4. camping is purely a summer activity
5. camping is only for pensioners
6. there is no privacy when camping
7. camping is harmful to the environment
8. camping means constant improvisation
9. camping is bourgeois
10. you can just stop anywhere
11. campers only live on canned ravioli
12. camping is only for people with little money
Myth 1: "Camping is just a cheap vacation"
The idea of camping as a cheap alternative to a hotel vacation persists. But the reality is much more nuanced: costs vary considerably depending on the facilities and destination. While a simple tent pitch can actually be very inexpensive, a pitch on a 5-star campsite with a wellness area can cost as much as a hotel. The purchase costs for motorhomes or caravans should also not be underestimated.
Initial costs:
- New motorhomes can cost between 50,000 and over 150,000 euros
- High-quality camping equipment can quickly add up to several thousand euros
- A considerable investment is also to be expected for used vehicles
Running costs:
- Pitch fees of 10 to 50 euros per night
- Fuel costs for arrival and departure as well as excursions
- Maintenance and servicing of the vehicle
However, there are also numerous ways to save money:
- Traveling in the low season
- Take advantage of early booking discounts
- Self-catering instead of going to restaurants
- Staying longer in one place
- Use camping cards and discount programs
Myth 2: "The sanitary facilities are unhygienic"
A widespread prejudice concerns the sanitary facilities on campsites. Anyone familiar with modern campsites can only smile at this prejudice: modern campsites have regularly cleaned, gender-separated sanitary facilities with lockable individual cubicles. Luxury campsites even offer rain showers, massage jets and separate children's bathrooms. If you want maximum privacy, you can often book your own rental bathroom.
Standard on modern campsites:
- Regularly cleaned, gender-separated sanitary facilities
- Individual cabins with their own washbasin
- Modern ventilation systems
- Underfloor heating in many facilities
Special facilities on premium pitches:
- Rain showers with different jet types
- Family washrooms with baby bathtubs
- Separate children's bathrooms
- Facilities for the disabled
- Private bathrooms for hire
Myth 3: "Camping is only for the hardy"
Anyone who thinks of camping as canned ravioli and spartan tent camps is not familiar with the modern reality of camping. The majority of campers today travel in comfortable caravans or motorhomes, which cover all levels of comfort from simple to luxurious. Campsites also often offer high-quality comfort with swimming pools, wellness areas and other amenities.
Equipment level of modern motorhomes:
- Fully equipped kitchens with oven and large fridge
- Comfortable beds with high-quality mattresses
- Private bathroom with shower and WC
- Air conditioning and heating
- Satellite TV and WLAN
Amenities on modern campsites:
- Swimming pools and wellness areas
- Restaurants and bars
- Entertainment programs
- Sports facilities
- Shopping facilities on site
Discover the 10 most beautiful campsites in Germany here!
Myth 4: "Camping is purely a summer activity"
This myth is long outdated. With the right equipment, camping is fun all year round. Many campers particularly appreciate the low season in spring and fall because of the lower prices and quieter atmosphere. Winter camping is also becoming increasingly popular - be it for a skiing vacation or cozy Christmas days in a motorhome. Each season has its own special charms.
Spring:
- Enjoying the first warm rays of sunshine
- Cheaper prices in the early season
- Less crowded pitches
- Perfect for hikers and nature lovers
Summer:
- Classic camping high season
- Ideal conditions for outdoor activities
- Longer days for extended evenings outside
- Maximum vacation feeling
Fall:
- Fantastic coloring of nature
- Pleasant temperatures for active holidays
- Quieter atmosphere on the pitches
- Attractive off-season prices
Winter:
- Perfect for skiing holidays
- Cozy atmosphere
- Winter hiking and snowshoe tours
- Special Christmas and New Year's Eve offers
Discover all the tips and tricks for camping in winter here!
Myth 5: "Camping is only for pensioners"
The reality shows a completely different picture: camping has long been a cross-generational form of vacation. From young couples and families to active senior citizens - the camping community is a colorful mix. Camping has developed into a cross-generational form of vacation.
Popular camping styles by age group:
Young adults (20-35):
- Van life and minimalist camping
- Outdoor and sports activities
- Festivals and events
- Workation and digital nomadism
Families (30-50):
- Comfortable caravans and motorhomes
- Family-friendly campsites
- Active vacations with children
- Flexible travel arrangements
Best agers (50+):
- Luxurious motorhomes
- Longer travel periods
- Combination of comfort and nature experience
- Cultural and social camping
Myth 6: "There is no privacy when camping"
Many people are afraid of living in crowded campsites without any privacy. However, modern campsites offer spacious pitches, often separated by hedges or fences. Even away from the main season and tourist hotspots, you can find quiet pitches with sufficient privacy. This is because modern campsites have long since found ways to guarantee their guests sufficient privacy.
Structural measures:
- Spacious pitches (often 80-100 m²)
- Natural boundaries with hedges or bushes
- Terraces and awnings as private areas
- Different campsite zones for different needs
Additional privacy through:
- Comfort zones with extra large pitches
- Separate areas for different types of camping
- Quiet zones away from entertainment areas
- Individual sanitary facilities on Premium pitches
Myth 7: "Camping is harmful to the environment"
Interestingly, camping often performs better in environmental assessments than other forms of vacation. A 2012 study by the Öko-Institut in Freiburg shows that a camping vacation is more climate-friendly than hotel or air travel. Around 1.5 kilograms of CO2 equivalents are produced per overnight stay in a motorhome, compared to around 17 kilograms in a hotel.
Positive environmental aspects:
- Lower CO2 emissions per overnight stay compared to hotels
- Less surface sealing than with hotel facilities
- Often near-natural locations without massive interventions in the environment
- Promotion of environmental awareness through nature experiences
Concrete figures:
- 1.5 kg CO2 equivalents per overnight camping stay
- 17 kg CO2 equivalents per overnight stay in a hotel
- Lower water consumption through more conscious use
- Reduced energy consumption compared to hotel facilities
Sustainable camping trends:
- Solar panels on motorhomes
- Water-saving sanitary systems
- Waste avoidance and recycling on campsites
- E-mobility in the camping sector
Myth 8: "Camping means constantly improvising"
Many people think that camping means constantly improvising and sacrificing comfort. However, modern motorhomes and caravans are perfectly equipped: everything is available, from a fully equipped kitchen to comfortable beds and private sanitary facilities. Even the power supply is no longer a problem thanks to modern systems.
Standard equipment in modern motorhomes:
- Fully automatic air conditioning
- Satellite TV and Internet
- Navigation and reversing cameras
- Automatic leveling systems
Technical developments:
- Smart home control for camping vehicles
- Apps for pitch search and navigation
- Automatic supply systems
- Modern energy supply with lithium batteries
Practical solutions for everyday life:
- Awnings and awnings with automatic control
- Compact multifunctional furniture
- Intelligent storage space solutions
- Modern kitchen systems
Myth 9: "Camping is stuffy"
The cliché of the camper with garden gnome and hunter's fence persists. However, the reality is different: The camping community today is more diverse than ever before. From minimalist van-life devotees to luxury motorhome enthusiasts, from nature lovers to technology enthusiasts - the scene is anything but stuffy and more diverse than ever.
Current camping trends:
- Minimalist van life
- Luxury camping ("glamping")
- Sustainable eco-camping
- Adventure camping
Diverse camping community:
- Digital nomads
- Outdoor sports enthusiasts
- Nature lovers
- Design and technology enthusiasts
Myth 10: "You can just stop anywhere"
The dream of unlimited freedom and spontaneous overnight stays wherever you like is tempting - but unrealistic. Wild camping is prohibited in most European countries. What's more, popular campsites are often fully booked, especially in the high season. Good planning and timely reservations are essential these days.
Important planning aspects:
- Legal regulations in various countries
- Availability of pitches
- Seasonal restrictions
- Supply options
Alternatives to wild camping:
- Official pitches in nature reserves
- Farms with camping permits
- Micro-adventures on legal sites
- Camping sites close to nature
Myth 11: "Campers only live on canned ravioli"
Another persistent preconception concerns food when camping. As the Petromax brand, there is probably no myth that we are so keen to refute. Modern motorhomes and caravans have fully equipped kitchens in which almost all dishes can be prepared. Many campers also appreciate the opportunity to cook for themselves using fresh, regional ingredients. But above all: thanks to a wide range of high-quality outdoor cookware, you can also conjure up culinary masterpieces outdoors that are in no way inferior to a meal in a hotel!
Modern camping kitchens offer:
- Large fridges with freezer compartment
- Ovens and induction hobs
- Fully automatic coffee machines
- Dishwashers in large models
Popular camping cooking trends:
- Outdoor kitchens with barbecue and smoker
- Regional specialties from the market
- International camping cuisine
- Slow food and organic products
Note: Outdoor cooking has never been as convenient and delicious as with Petromax. In addition to cast-iron pots and pans, you will also find grills and fireplaces as well as various intelligent cooling systems! Let us surprise you and discover our entire range of high-quality products for your next outdoor culinary experience here!
Myth 12: "Camping is only for people with little money"
The statistics speak a different language: 45% of camping enthusiasts belong to the upper income third. They don't choose this form of vacation for financial reasons, but because of the flexibility, closeness to nature and the special attitude to life that camping offers.
Facts about the camping demographic:
- 45% of campers belong to the upper income bracket
- High investment in premium equipment
- Luxury segment with strong growth
- Quality-conscious consumer behavior
Reasons for camping among high earners:
- Maximum flexibility and independence
- High degree of individualization
- Compatibility of comfort and nature experience
- Exclusive pitches in special locations
Conclusion: modern reality instead of old clichés
Most camping myths date back to a time when this form of vacation was still in its infancy. However, camping has changed dramatically in recent years. The variety of possibilities, technical progress and different camping styles make this form of vacation an attractive option for a wide range of target groups. From a simple overnight stay in a tent to a luxury resort on wheels - modern camping offers the right solution for every taste and budget.
Want to find out more about camping life? Browse through our other articles and find valuable information to make your outdoor experience even better!
Wild camping in Germany: what is allowed and where do you face penalties?
The best campsites in Italy for families with children
Camping as natural medicine: Why the outdoor life is so good for us
The 10 most beautiful campsites in Germany
