Camping is incredibly rewarding, calming and reviving…once you’ve got the hang of it! As with absolutely anything, no one is a total pro their first time camping, but there are a few tips and tricks that will help you out along the way!
Don’t get there too late
You don’t want to be setting up a tent, camper or even just moving into a cabin too late. If you don’t prepare and get to your campsite early, you’ll find that the light flies off very quickly when setting up time begins. Avoid any after dark disasters by getting to your destination nice and early, you’ll start the trip off like you want, drama-free!
Pack properly
You need to pack your kit properly otherwise, you will most likely misplace, well, just about everything. Stash heavier items at the bottom of your bags, keep clothes and toiletries in separate compartments or in drawstring cotton bags and make sure all your camping gear, surfboards, fishing poles or any other equipment is protected and separate.
Think about investing in a camper
If you want to get serious about camping, it’s time to think about investing in a trailer. When you’re chasing that idyllic notion of freedom, exploration and total seclusion from your everyday life, you simply won’t get there without a quality camper trailer! The Weekender is a great beginners model for those who are just starting out!
Plan your food
Planning your food is vital, if you don’t you are guaranteed to have a bit of a tricky, very ‘hangry’ trip. Whilst you won’t be eating gourmet meals every night, there are a couple of tricks that will make all your mealtimes so much easier!
Make a shopping list: This one is important, you should never, ever, shop for camping food on a whim. Plan, people. Plan! Map out exactly what meals you’d like to eat (fun to get the kids involved if they are interested), and break down all ingredients you might need from there. Try to shop in exact amounts instead of buying more than you need, you’ll minimise wastage and keep to a budget.
Use proper storage: Your food needs to be packed away properly, otherwise, you are tempting some serious fate. Invest in Tupperware and containers that are specific to camping, failure to do so means everything gets really muddled, really fast.
Decant your essentials: Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean you should have to endure bland, tasteless food! Decant your core spices, salt, pepper and olive oil into small bottles or empty, washed-out mint boxes, your tastebuds will thank you.
Precook a few meals: This one is a bit of a lifesaver, especially when you’re camping with your family or a large group. Sometimes you just don’t feel like cooking or you’re feeling a little under the weather, that’s where the precooked meal comes in. Prepare some hearty, filling food that will sustain your camping clan after a long day enjoying the outside.
Get inspired: Hop online to research a few camping food ideas or even camping meal plans if you have specific dietary requirements, they can be a big help!
These pointers are sure to steer you in the direction of a perfect camping trip, or close to perfect anyway! Always remember to do your research online, in magazines or at camping shows to really immerse yourself in the activity. With these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be putting campers with thirty years experience behind them to shame! What are you waiting for? Grab a trailer, pack the car, it’s time to go camping!
