Whether you are planning your first camping trip or if you are already a seasoned camper, here are our Top Twelve Tips to help make the experience a great one!
1. PLAN PLAN PLAN
Make a list of everything that needs to go with or needs to be done/prepared and check it off while you are prepping and packing. There is nothing wrong with being overprepared and it’s better to be prepared for any situation. You want to start your camping trip off with a calm, relaxed mind 🙂
2. CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST
It’s always good to know what kind of weather to expect during your camping trip. This will help you plan whether you need cooler clothing or extra blankets, or more waterproof items if its predicted to rain.
3. DONT FORGET LIGHTS
Headlamp for handsfree/trips to the ablutions, a solar lantern for playing card games at night/reading a book/making coffee. Solar lights can be charged during the day and reduce the risk of fires. Don’t forget to check batteries before you leave and make sure solar lights are working and have been fully charged. A set of string fairy lights (battery or solar) are also very useful for lighting up your whole tent or kitchen area.
4. ALWAYS PACK TOILET PAPER
It’s always a good idea to take a few rolls of your own toilet paper just in case the campsite you are going to doesn’t provide any. Wet wipes and sanitizer wipes are also handy to have with you for messes and spills etc.
5. TAKE A FIRST AID KIT
Hopefully you’ll never need it but I always say: ‘Rather safe than sorry’. Make sure you at least have the basics: A small pair of scissors, a bandage, plasters, travel sickness tablets, headache tablets (or pain syrup if your kids are still small), Eno’s (for sore tummy’s), wet wipes and sanitizer and a roll of duct tape. Yes – duct tape fixes a multitude of broken things!! If you are taking your pet with then make sure you have the basic first aid items for them too.
6. KNOW HOW TO MAKE A CAMPFIRE
Make sure that you know how to make a safe campfire. Pick a safe spot – try to use pre-existing spots. Build your fire – not too big, keep it to a manageable size. Never leave your fire unattended. Extinguish your fire when you’re done and clean your campsite. Don’t leave anything behind – Leave No Trace.
7. NATURAL INSECT REPELLANT
To make a natural insect repellant – mix a few drops of lemon and eucalyptus essential oils together in a spray bottle and spray on the exposed areas of your skin. You can also burn some sprigs of sage in your campfire and this will help deter the mosquitoes from the fire. Use eco-friendly and biodegradable bug sprays where possible.
8. PLAN AND PREMAKE MEALS BEFORE YOU GO
It can be a challenge to peel and chop vegetables while camping so do as much of this beforehand to make your trip smoother and save time. You can also pre-make a few meal options and take meals with that don’t require much cooking.
9. PACK A SMALL TABLE AND CHAIRS
The most basic home comforts are also your most essential – a table and chairs. You need a place to prep your food or just a spot to put your coffee cup. To save space make sure you use foldable chairs and camping tables.
10. WATER IS ESSENTIAL
Keep a large container for water at your campsite to limit the number of times you need to walk to the water refilling point. Foldable buckets are also great for saving space and can be used to refill water bottles, cooking and washing up.
11. ARRIVE DURING THE DAY
Always try to arrive at your campsite during daylight hours so that you can familiarize yourself with your surroundings – things look very different in the dark. There is nothing worse than trying to get set up in the dark and not being able to see your equipment properly.
12. MOST IMPORTANT : KNOW THE CAMPSITE RULES
Every campsite is different and has their own set of rules, make sure you are familiar with the rules of the campsite you are going to to help avoid any unnecessary issues. Rules are there to help make sure everyone has a great camping experience.
