Terrace Levelling 101: Setting Up Camp on Our Multi-Level Pitches

Setting up on a slope can feel tricky—until you know the right moves. This guide to Terrace Levelling shows you how to arrive, level, and relax on our terraced pitches so you can focus on the good stuff: lake air, mountain views, and a holiday that feels like home.

At Terrassencamping Ossiach Martinz, our terraced layout opens clear views across Lake Ossiach and the surrounding mountains. With thoughtful setup, you’ll be stable, comfortable, and perfectly positioned to enjoy both.

Why terraces make your stay special here

Terrassencamping Ossiach Martinz is a family-run, third-generation campground set directly on Lake Ossiach in Carinthia, Austria. The site is arranged in terraces that unlock panoramic lake-and-mountain vistas and a calm, nature-forward atmosphere.

From your pitch you can stroll to the water, head out for scenic walks, or start bike adventures right from the campground as a designated lake.bike Basecamp connected to the Ossiacher Tauern trails. On site, you’ll also find a Schrauber Workshop for bike tuning and repairs, a children’s area known as the Kinderparadies, and opportunities to play tennis. When it’s time to refuel, our in-house restaurant serves regional, seasonal dishes—wild game is hunted and processed by our family for an authentic taste of the region.

For planning and inspiration, explore the Lageplan, the Platzplan 2026, and the Galerie and Videos. You can also browse Ausflugsziele for day-trip ideas, check Preise and Preise/Specials, and learn how we celebrate loyal guests in Gästeehrung.

Terrace levelling: the quick answer

If you’re looking for a concise setup playbook, start here:

1. Park with intention: choose an orientation that balances view, shade, and privacy.
2. Chock first: secure wheels before you do anything else.
3. Level side-to-side: use levelling ramps under the low-side wheels, inch up slowly, and re-check.
4. Level front-to-back: adjust with the jockey wheel (caravans) or re-position ramps (motorhomes).
5. Stabilize: use corner steadies or stabilizers to prevent sway—don’t use them to lift.
6. Validate level: check with a small bubble level or phone app in two directions.
7. Protect the pitch: use wide pads under steadies and avoid digging or cutting the ground.
8. Final check: ensure doors swing properly, appliances sit level, and guy lines are tensioned.

Getting the most from a terraced pitch

Terraces offer two big advantages: more privacy and better views. With a few small adjustments, you can enjoy both from a safe, level base.

• Face your main living space toward Lake Ossiach or the mountains to frame your view.
• Use the natural step of the terrace to create defined zones for cooking, lounging, and gear.
• On breezy days by the lake, angle awnings and windbreaks so air flows across, not under, your setup.

Featured snippet: How do you level a motorhome on a terraced pitch?

• Park roughly where you want to stay and set the handbrake.
• Place levelling ramps on the low side and drive up slowly.
• Chock the opposite wheels, re-check level, and adjust as needed.
• Deploy stabilizers to remove sway (don’t lift the vehicle with them).

Step-by-step: motorhomes and campervans

Before you arrive: packing essentials

• Levelling ramps in two heights
• Wheel chocks
• Small bubble level (or phone level)
• Wide pads for stabilizers
• Non-slip mats for under ramps on soft ground

On arrival: read the terrace

• Walk the pitch first. Note the high and low edges and your preferred view.
• Park slightly forward or back to place heavy axles over flatter spots.
• Engage the handbrake and chock before levelling.

Side-to-side levelling

• Place ramps ahead of the low-side wheels.
• Roll onto the ramps slowly—have a spotter watch the bubble level.
• Stop when the bubble centers; chock the other wheels securely.

Front-to-back levelling

• Fine-tune by nudging forward or backward on the ramps.
• Re-check both axes: levelling one direction can change the other.

Stabilize—don’t lift

• Lower stabilizers to remove bounce and sway.
• Use wide footpads to protect the ground and improve stability.

Final checks

• Open and close doors and drawers to confirm level.
• Verify worktops and cookers sit flat for safe use.

Caravans and trailers: precise and secure

Sequence matters

1. Position for your view and space needs.
2. Chock both sides of at least one wheel set.
3. Level side-to-side using ramps under the low-side wheels.
4. Level front-to-back using the jockey wheel.
5. Drop corner steadies to stabilize—do not use them to jack or lift.

Pro tips

• Keep a small level on the A-frame and inside the living space for quick reference.
• Use even pressure on corner steadies to prevent twist in the chassis.
• Place pads under steadies to protect the pitch and prevent sinking on soft surfaces.

Tents on terraces: comfort from the ground up

Terraces can make tent camping more scenic and cozy if you shape the base correctly.

• Choose a spot with a gentle crown or the flattest area of the terrace step.
• Use a footprint or groundsheet protector to reduce abrasion and improve waterproofing.
• Orient the tent so the head end is slightly higher than the foot for natural comfort.
• Direct runoff away from the entrance; avoid trenches or digging.
• Stake at 45 degrees and tension guy lines evenly to handle lake breezes.

Awnings, canopies, and outdoor rooms

Set your living area for stability and flow.

• Slight fall on awning roofs helps water shed safely.
• Adjustable poles compensate for terrace slope—aim for firm contact without over-tensioning.
• Anchor windward corners first, then tension leeward lines for shape.
• Keep walkways clear and define cooking and lounging zones for safe movement.

Weather-wise by the lake

Lakeside environments can bring shifting breezes and quick changes in conditions. Good levelling and smart anchoring keep your setup steady.

• Angle the narrow edge of tall gear into the wind to reduce lift.
• Add an extra guy line on exposed corners of awnings or tall tents.
• Store lighter items low and secure while you’re out exploring.

Protecting nature—and your gear

• Use protective pads under steadies to spread load and preserve the pitch.
• Avoid digging or altering the terrace; portable solutions work best.
• Pack non-slip mats for ramps or pads if conditions are soft.
• Keep washing and grey-water practices tidy and in line with posted guidance.

Make the most of our terraced setting

Once level, it’s time to live the views.

• Plan morning coffee with a mountain panorama and evening meals facing the lake.
• For family time, set up near the Kinderparadies and create a play-friendly zone on your pitch.
• Riders can warm up straight from the terrace—our lake.bike Basecamp status means you can roll directly toward the Trails am Ossiacher Tauern and use the on-site Schrauber Workshop if your bike needs a quick tune.
• Work up an appetite with tennis or a lakeside stroll, then enjoy regional cuisine in our restaurant. Wild game on the menu is hunted and processed by our family.

For more ideas, browse Ausflugsziele, watch the latest Videos, and flip through the Galerie for inspiration.

Practical takeaways you can use today

• Bring at least two heights of levelling ramps and solid wheel chocks.
• Level side-to-side first, then front-to-back.
• Stabilizers prevent movement; they are not for lifting.
• Use wide pads under steadies to protect the ground.
• Orient your setup to balance views, sun, and privacy.
• Add extra guy lines and set awnings with a slight fall for weather resilience.
• Keep a small level handy and re-check after settling.

FAQs for fast answers

What’s the easiest way to check if I’m level?

Place a small bubble level on a hard interior surface and check both axes. A smartphone level app also works well.

Do I level before or after stabilizing?

Always level first. Stabilize last to remove movement without lifting the vehicle.

How do I protect the terrace while setting up?

Use pads under steadies, avoid digging, and place non-slip mats under ramps if needed.

Can I ride directly from my pitch to mountain-bike trails?

Yes. As a lake.bike Basecamp, the campground connects to the Ossiacher Tauern trail network, and you can use the on-site Schrauber Workshop for bike tuning.

Plan your perfect setup—and your stay

• Preview your spot with the Lageplan and the Platzplan 2026.
• Explore Mieten if you prefer rental options over bringing your own rig.
• Check Preise and Preise/Specials for current rates and offers.
• Traveling with kids or pets? See Kinderparadies and Hunde for helpful details.
• Hungry for regional cuisine? Visit Kulinarik to discover our seasonal menu.

Conclusion: Level once—relax for days

With the right Terrace Levelling routine, your pitch becomes a private balcony over Lake Ossiach and the mountains. Arrive prepared, follow the simple sequence, and enjoy stable comfort from day one.

Ready to experience our terraced views and family warmth? Book via Buchen or send an inquiry through Anfrage/Reservierung. Prefer to talk? Call +43 4243 436 or email martinz@camping.at. We look forward to welcoming you to Terrassencamping Ossiach Martinz.