The perfect camper wasn’t made in one trip, no one is a total expert the first time around. It can seem pretty simple, to chuck a tent and a sleeping bag into the back of your car, hit the road and see where the day takes you. As fun as that sounds, it won’t be precisely one day later. Save yourself the stress and educate yourself before you head off on your new adventure! Here are 10 of the most common beginners camping mistakes, and how you can avoid them on your first trip to the outdoors:
1. Not investing in your gear
You should invest in some high-quality camping kit. Going cheap means it won’t keep you safe, warm and won’t last more than one or two trips. If you’re serious about starting your camping journey, consider investing in a camper trailer! This is a big, one-time expense that will benefit you for countless years to come, for ultimate camping freedom, you need a camper. The Weekender is a fantastic first-time investment for beginner campers, it’s compact, simple to set up and can store your gear!
2. Not trying out your equipment
Don’t leave your equipment to sit until you use it! Just because something is shiny and new doesn’t mean that it’s perfect, or that you know how to actually use it! Practice setting up, pitching a tent, using a light or cooking on a portable BBQ. This will save you so much time and hassle when you’re on your trip.
3. Lack of location research
It’s common that people hear good things about a specific spot and head there blind, but for the good of your enjoyment please try and avoid this mistake! You should be researching in the amenities, campsite rules, natural features and surrounding areas. This will ensure that you have the right camping trip for you and your needs, not someone else’s.
4. Overpacking
Yes, you’re going to be outside for a few days, but this doesn’t mean that you need to bring your house on your back. Research a few packing checklists and camping tips, these will give you a good idea of how much is enough and how much is too much! Print out a checklist and tick items off as you pack them, this will keep you on track and will avoid any last-minute overpacking.
5. Arriving late in the day
It doesn’t matter where you’re staying, you’ll have to do some setting up when you arrive. Be sure to get yourself to the campground early afternoon at the latest, you don’t want to be racing the sun when you’re sorting out your camper or your tent.
6. Not bringing enough light
This is a classic beginners mistake that is really simple to avoid. Bring a lot of light with you and your entire trip is going to be easier. Quite literally, all of your trip will be better. Think about how much you need light after the sun goes down, one small torch just isn’t going to cut it.
7. Underestimating your catering needs
Plan out all (yes all) of your meals before you go. This means that you can arrive with the exact ingredients you need and nothing will go to waste. Try to keep two or at least one meal dry food only, this means cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch etc. A great tip is to pre-cook a few meals before you leave, this is a total godsend on the days when you just can’t face cooking.
8.Skimping on the entertainment
You need entertainment beyond taking in nature and walking. Pack some playing cards, a few books, a football and some arts & crafts. You’ll need even more if you plan on bringing along your kids!
9. Relying on the campfire for warmth
The campfire is not enough to keep you warm at night! Be sure to pack thermals, properly insulated sleeping bags and lots of layers to keep you toasty when the night-time temperatures drop.
10. Forgetting what you’re there for!
Don’t forget, you’re there to enjoy yourself! Let go, have a good time and bask in all that camping can give you. Camping for beginners can be incredibly rewarding if you come prepared!