Camping with Bicycle & E-Bike – The Ultimate MYVELO Camping Guide
Camping and cycling go together like a tent and a campfire. Whether you're on a classic trekking bike, mountain bike, or e-bike – a well-planned camping trip ensures unforgettable moments in nature. In our Camping Guide, you'll find everything you need to know for the perfect adventure: from equipment and the best routes to tips on how to travel light and safely.
Those who travel by bike or e-bike experience maximum freedom: you cycle through landscapes, discover new places, and spend the night wherever it's most beautiful. Whether it's a multi-day bike tour, bikepacking adventure, or a relaxing camping holiday – with the right planning, the journey becomes an unforgettable experience.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about camping with a bicycle or e-bike: from planning and equipment to practical tips for on the go.
What do bikepacking and camping with a bicycle mean?
Bikepacking describes traveling by bicycle with minimalist luggage. Instead of heavy panniers, special bags are usually attached directly to the frame, handlebars, or saddle. This keeps the bike light and agile – ideal for long tours or routes off paved roads.
The great advantage:
You are completely independent and can spontaneously decide where you want to spend the night.
Typical variations:
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Bikepacking – Minimalist with small bags
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Bike trip with pannier rack – more comfort and luggage
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Camping with an e-bike – longer distances with motor assistance
When bikepacking, the motto is often: "Less is more." You only take the essentials to save weight and ride efficiently. (PiNCAMP by ADAC)
Why camping with a bicycle is so popular
Cycling trips have experienced a boom in recent years. Especially bikepacking and e-bike touring are becoming increasingly popular.
The reasons are simple:
Freedom
With a bicycle, you can spontaneously stop, enjoy the landscape, and discover places that are hardly accessible by car.
Sustainability
Bike trips produce practically no emissions and are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel.
Health
Several hours of cycling per day improve endurance, cardiovascular system, and well-being.
Adventure
The combination of movement, nature, and camping provides genuine adventure moments.
The right planning for your camping tour
Good preparation determines the success of the tour.
Plan your route
When planning, you should consider:
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Elevation gain and route profile
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Infrastructure (supermarkets, water points, campsites)
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Road traffic and bike paths
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Weather conditions
Popular tools for tour planning:
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Komoot
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Outdooractive
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Strava Routes
Many cycle tourists only roughly plan their route and adjust it flexibly along the way.
Choose daily stages realistically
The optimal distance depends on several factors:
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Fitness level
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Weight of luggage
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Elevation gain
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Weather
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Bicycle type
Typical daily stages:
| Rider Type |
Distance |
| Beginner |
40–70 km |
| Experienced rider |
70–120 km |
| Bikepacking adventure |
100–160 km |
With an e-bike, even longer stages are significantly easier.
The most important equipment for camping with a bicycle
The right equipment is crucial for comfort and safety.
Camping equipment
The basic equipment includes:
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lightweight bikepacking tent
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sleeping bag suitable for the season
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sleeping mat
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headlamp or flashlight
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camping stove
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water bottles or water filter
This equipment ensures that you can easily spend the night even far from infrastructure. (Baur)
Bicycle equipment
Your bike also needs good preparation.
Important components:
Before a longer tour, a complete bike check is recommended: brakes, gears, and tires should function perfectly. (CamperStyle.de)
Bags and luggage system
There are two typical ways to transport luggage on a bicycle:
Classic panniers
Bikepacking bags
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Saddle bag
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Frame bag
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Handlebar bag
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Top tube bag
These bags distribute the weight optimally on the bicycle.
Packing list for bikepacking and camping
A minimalist packing list could look like this:
Clothing
Camping
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Tent
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Sleeping bag
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Sleeping mat
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Stove and gas cartridge
Bike & Tech
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Tire pump
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Multitool
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Spare tube
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Power bank
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Headlamp
The most important tip: Only pack the essentials. Too much luggage makes every tour more strenuous.
Tips for the first night camping
Especially for your first camping adventure, a few things are helpful.
Choose your location carefully
Pay attention to:
Plan meals
Many bikepackers buy food just before their daily destination to save weight. (BikeX)
Secure your bike
The bicycle should always be:
at night.
Camping with an e-bike – what you should consider
E-bikes open up completely new possibilities for cycle tours.
Advantages:
However, good planning of charging points is important.
Tips:
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Bring power banks or a spare battery
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Choose campsites with power hookups
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Always have chargers in your luggage
The most beautiful types of bike camping
There are many ways to design a bikepacking tour.
1. Campsite tour
The most comfortable option:
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Showers
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Electricity
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Infrastructure
2. Wild camping
Permitted or tolerated in many countries.
However, mostly forbidden in Germany.
3. Micro-adventure
Short adventures of 1–2 days – perfect for beginners.
Camping with a bicycle means freedom
Camping with a bicycle or e-bike is one of the most beautiful ways to travel. You actively move through nature, are independent of means of transport, and can discover new places every day.
With good planning, the right equipment, and a dash of adventure, every tour becomes an unforgettable experience.
✅ MYVELO Tip: A powerful e-bike greatly facilitates long bike tours – especially when luggage, mountains, and many kilometers come together.