Sleeping in a tent, waking up to birdsong, sitting by the fire in the evenings, cooking outdoors and telling stories that will last a lifetime – these are the moments that make camping more than just a holiday.

If you’re a beginner but feel it’s time to embark on a big adventure, it’s good to know what to look out for, what to pack and how to get the most out of a nature holiday.

Here are some useful tips to help you make your first camping holiday perfect! Professional camping enthusiasts should also take a look at the compilation, as an extra trick or two is always useful.

Back to nature

What basic equipment do you need for camping?

• Tent
• Tent tarpaulin against rain and moisture
• Tent pegs and a hammer
• Extension cord and distributor (if you use electricity)
• Sleeping bag, blanket, pillow
• Polyfoam or feather bed, inflatable mattress

 

If you are arriving by car, you can also bring a camping chair, a table, and, if you plan to cook, pots, pans, and a gas cooker. At Thermal Camping you will of course find a kitchen and washing facilities in the sanitary block. More on this later.

 

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Tip for better sleep while camping:

There are self-inflating mattresses where you just open the valve and it fills with air, so you only need a few blows to get a firm enough bed. It has the advantage of being much more comfortable than polyfoam and takes up about the same amount of space, so it does not increase the size of the luggage.

 

How to choose a good camping place?

In summer, it’s best to camp in a shady or semi-shady area so that the first rays of the morning sun don’t wake you up too early. The weather is always pleasant under the giant trees of Thermal Camping, where you’ll feel like you’re camping in a forest.

 

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  lakókocsi és sátor hely Thermal Camping Zalakaros

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Tent pitching tips – how to do it?

If you are completely new to the camping world and are about to pitch your tent for the first time in your life, don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it first seems. You can even try pitching a tent at home, so there are no surprises at the campsite. Make sure you have all the essential accessories.

 

1. Start while it’s still daylight!

Some say that pitching a tent is an art form! That’s certainly true, especially if you have to start after dark. It’s worth arriving at the campsite early so you don’t have to race against time. Just to reassure you, you can always count on the camping community! If you get tangled up in the tent line, your neighbour will surely come to your rescue!

At Thermal Camping, tent places and caravan pitches can be booked from 12.00 on the day of arrival, giving you plenty of time to get settled in. Tent pitching is quick, so come early and you’ll be comfortably settled in for a picnic in the great outdoors by lunchtime.

 

2. Set up your home away from home the easy way!

There are several types of tents, the traditional type takes a little longer to set up but is more stable and comfortable for longer stays. The pop-up tent is almost ready in one go, ideal for shorter trips and beginners.

Traditional tent: Lay out the ground sheet, secure the corners, erect the poles, stretch the tarpaulin, then secure the pegs and ropes.

 

Tip:

There are “2-second” or “popup” tents that can be set up in no time. Throw it on the ground, let it pop open, then secure it with pegs and stretch the ropes. Putting them away is a bit more complicated, but with enough practice you can do it in 2 minutes. These tents can accommodate up to 4 people.

 

 

3. Settle in and create the mood!

Camping is only really enjoyable if you sleep well. A thin duvet will not make a perfect bed, so it’s a good idea to bring a good quality mattress or polyfoam. And in spring, use warmer pyjamas or a thicker sleeping bag.

 

Extra tip:

With a LED light bulb, lanterns or a few colourful rugs, you can make the atmosphere around the tent special. You can even spend your afternoon siestas rocking in a hammock.

 

Cooking outdoors

Outdoor cooking is one of the best social activities at the campsite! At the cosy fireplaces, you can prepare classic campfire meals, such as bacon with fresh bread, potatoes baked in the fire, or even a stew with a little red wine.

 

 

Keep in mind the unwritten rule of cooking: the wooden spoon and salt shaker should only be in the hands of one cook! Otherwise, the enthusiastic group may get meddlesome and end up over-salting the food. Of course, at the campsite everything becomes an experience. Even the memory of a dinner gone wrong can become a funny story that is remembered for years.

 

Meals made simple

If you just want to whip up a quick and simple meal, use the campsite kitchen. Scrambled eggs in the morning are hearty and give you energy if you go hiking. And a Mediterranean pasta lunch is ready in ten minutes, then it’s siesta time!

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If you’re too busy for adventures or simply don’t feel like cooking, treat yourself at Camping Restaurant Zalakaros! One of the best in the area with heavenly delicacies and generous portions. Here you’ll find everything from seafood to Hungarian dishes to real dessert specialities.

 

What to bring with you for cooking?

• Pots, pan, wooden spoon
• Cutlery, plates, mugs
• Cooler bag or cooler box
• Picnic equipment
• A small gas cooker (not absolutely necessary, just in case you want to prepare a few simple dishes or your morning coffee at your tent)
• Coffee maker, teapot
• Basic spices, ingredients: Salt and pepper, garlic, red pepper, oregano and basil, chilli or hot pepper, olive oil, tinned food, pasta, vegetables, pre-portioned, coffee, tea, sugar…

 

You don’t need to bring your own cauldron, as you can rent it at Thermal Camping and even buy firewood at the reception. It can be convenient to plan your menu in advance and pack your basic groceries and spices in portions, but it’s also worth sampling the flavours of the Zalakaros Produce and Handicraft Market!

 

Camping with dogs – How to prepare?

Thermal Camping Zalakaros is a fully pet-friendly accommodation. We offer not only tent places and caravan pitches, but also comfortable apartments where you can also bring your pet.

 

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All you need is some practical equipment, a valid vaccination record and knowledge of your pet’s needs for a perfect holiday with your dog. It is important to know how your puppy is likely to react to the new situation. If your pet is friendly and well-balanced, you’ll have a fantastic time outdoors. Plan dog-friendly activities and always keep in mind his need for exercise and rest.

 

What to bring with you if you bring a dog?

• Vaccination record
• Leash and harness, muzzle
• Drinking and feeding bowl
• Hygiene bag
• Your pets favourite toy
• Blanket, bed
• Food

 

Get ready for hikes and experiences!

Camping is a true way of life, which is also about the love of nature, freedom and the joy of new discoveries. If you are just planning to get a taste of this world, Zalakaros is the perfect place to start. The area is full of exciting sights and easy hiking trails to complete your nature holiday.

 

Some unmissable destinations around Thermal Camping

• Zalakaros Spa – In the immediate vicinity of Thermal Camping. Our guests receive a 10% discount on the entrance fee and an exit card, which gives them an extra exit and return to the spa area every day.
• Zalakaros Park Forest – Shady forest paths, lookout points and rest areas are waiting for you for an easy walk or hike, just a few minutes from the campsite.
• Kis-Balaton Visitor Centre – Observe rare waterfowl and unspoilt nature, and learn about the area’s wildlife through interactive exhibitions. Kányavári Island – Sign up for a guided canoe trip and discover this unique aquatic paradise.
• Kápolnapuszta Water Buffalo Reserve – You can see one of the largest herds of buffalo in Hungary up close and personal, and even go on a jeep excursion.
• Snail-tour trail – A pleasant walk deep into the forest, where information panels help you discover the local flora and fauna. Take a rest on the benches along the path.
• Forester’s Lookout on the border of the Zalakaros Park Forest – 91 steps, wonderful panorama of Lake Kis-Balaton and the buttes. A wine tour trail, a nordic walking circuit, cycle paths, and nature trails start from or pass through here.
• Thermal Lake and Ecoside – An artificial lake fed by thermal water, surrounded by walking paths and rest areas. Around the lake there is also a playground, an outdoor fitness park and a special barefoot trail where you can walk on natural materials and enjoy the healing effects of nature.

There are also many cycle paths to explore in the area. If you don’t have your own bike, rent one at the Bicycle Centre near Thermal Camping.

 

What to bring with you for your adventures in Zalakaros?

• comfortable hiking shoes
• water bottle
• sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• camera or mobile phone
• map or GPS
• layered clothing, hat or cap
• lightweight backpack
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Slippers

 

Organise early – book your place in advance!

Carefree camping starts with good planning, so book in advance at Thermal Camping! Choose the date and type of accommodation, calculate the cost easily using the price calculator on our website. Making online reservations is easy, just a few clicks. You can pay for your accommodation with a credit card or even your debit card.

 

At Thermal Camping you can choose from several types of accommodation

• Tent places and caravan pitches – if you’re looking for a classic camping experience.
• Comfort pitches – with electricity connection, or comfort pitches with electricity, water and sewage connection.
• Comfortable apartments – if you want to combine closeness to nature with modern comfort.

Just pack your bags, hit the road and enjoy every moment of camping! Nature, freedom and adventures are waiting for you!