The great summer guide from Hinterland's team

Hinterland team members Oli, Lesley, Marcel, Steffen and Amelie reveal their absolute favorite camps for the perfect start to the summer and give you valuable insider tips for a smooth pitch search. 

Oli: Camps for surfing 

Lesley: Pitches with farm shops 

Amelie: Campsites for dog(owners) 

Steffen: The best camps for backpacking 

Marcel: Action-packed camps 

One more tip before your trip so you never forget your corkscrew again: our backcountry camping packing list: We've thought of everything for you!

As a kitesurfer, I am always on the lookout for the perfect spot with the perfect conditions. Many factors play a role that I can't influence, even if I sometimes wish I could. What I do have control over, however, is the choice of a really good campsite, preferably right on the water or just a few kilometers away, all to myself and with a warm shower after a hard, cold day on the water. 

Insider tip: My favorite place to surf is the North Sea, where I hope to catch the occasional wave. Here you can find our guide to the most beautiful campsites on the North Sea with helpful tips for your next road trip to the sea.

Fresh vegetables for the camp kitchen - what could be better? What I particularly love about our camps with farm stores is not only the proximity to the produce that is harvested in the morning and ends up on your plate in the evening, but also the close contact with the hosts, who share their passion with their guests. You can often watch the harvest, pick up valuable tips for your own garden or learn about interesting ways to grow fruit and vegetables organically, sustainably and innovatively.

Insider tip: If you would like to find out more about Hinterland's farm stores, you are welcome to take a look at our guide on the topic: "Regional and seasonal: discover the variety in Hinterland's farm stores". There we explain why it's so good for you and the environment to buy regional and seasonal produce, how to read seasonal calendars and where you can find the best camps with farm stores in Hinterland.*

Trips into the hinterland are the best because my little dog Mocca can really let off steam. Wide meadows as far as the eye can see, beautiful lakes to swim and splash around in, mountains to explore and climb - there's always something for us to experience in the hinterland. If we're lucky, our hosts have a friendly farm dog and then the playtime is guaranteed! :) 

Insider tip: Unfortunately, some dogs simply can't be let off the lead because they run off at the next deer, the next mouse or simply out of curiosity. The best solution without having to keep your dog on a lead at all times is a fenced-in campsite. Many of our hosts offer camps that are fully fenced and escape-proof. In our guide “Fenced campsites & Fence-To-Go” we explain how you can best filter these camps and show you a practical gadget, the “Fence-To-Go”.

For me, being out and about on my bike means finally being able to really switch off. As soon as I'm out and about on small cycle paths through the countryside, all I can hear is birdsong, the rhythmic pedal strokes and my heartbeat as the gradient increases... :) I can warmly recommend everyone to give bikepacking a try and really get away from everyday life, work and familiar surroundings. 

Insider tip: If you want to find out more about mindfulness and how to leave the stress of everyday life behind you, you can take a look at our article on the topic: Mindnfullness & Digital Detox for on the go.

I love trying out new things, meeting new people, gaining new experiences and, ideally, getting a little adrenaline rush. My favorite camps are a selection of interesting experiences that I think everyone should try. Whether it's fear of heights, fear of new encounters or fear of too much silence - there's a simple solution for all of these things: climb a mountain, even if it's just a hill. Speak to a stranger on the street, even if it's just to say hello. Be on your own, even if it's just for a minute.

Insider tip: The hinterland is full of experiences that are so much fun and have so much potential to become the best campfire stories. My insider tip is: just do it!