On the Road with a Roof Tent on Lake Garda

After an eventful journey over the Brenner Pass and finally the scenic Monte Baldo panoramic road, we reached our interim destination, Lake Garda, on our short trip to Verona. We looked for a quiet and beautiful spot to spend the night with our roof tent. Near Torri del Benaco, we found a car park in a secluded district that offered plenty of free spaces and a fantastic view of the lake and the sunset.

Now that the children no longer want to go on holiday with us, we’ve rediscovered camping and found it to be great. We used to be classic backpackers, travelling with rucksacks, tents and public transport. A year ago, we bought a hard-shell roof tent from James Baroud and have been enthusiastic roof tent sleepers ever since. Together with a portable camping toilet, cool box and the self-built kitchen drawer for the boot of our van, we’ve found a good balance of comfort, flexibility, everyday usability and cost. On our first short and long trips south, we’re testing what equipment is missing or needs replacing before we head north for a longer period. Some items have been serving us well since the early 90s, but have now reached the end of their life cycle.

We cooked a quick dinner, sat outside for a while after sunset and enjoyed the view, before the dark rumble and bright flashes of lightning inevitably drew closer. Soon the first raindrops fell and we retreated into the cosy roof tent. The gentle patter of the rain immediately lulled us to sleep and, tired from the long drive, we slept soundly until we awoke at dawn in the twilight under a cloudless sky. I got up and walked into a refreshing sunrise over Lake Garda.