Top Camping Tips
Before you wander into the woods, take a moment to make sure you have the essentials. This step will help keep you safe when things go awry.
Top Camping Tips
Planning a camping trip soon? Then here are some of our top 10 camping safety tips to help you get prepared! How To Make The Most Of Your Camping Experience
1 - Learn How To Pitch A Tent
One of our top tips for camping if you’re a newbie! Pitching a tent might sound easy in principle, but it can be harder than it looks! If you’ve never camped before, make sure you do a ‘practice run’ before you set off (in your garden, or a nearby park if possible).
2 - Get A Good Sleeping Bag!
A comfortable night’s sleep will make all the difference. You should choose a sleeping bag that's customized to different temperatures. For example, winter sleeping bags may have a temperature rating as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9.4 degrees Celsius!), although the chances are you're probably not planning on camping in temperatures that low.
3 - Make A List Of All The Essentials
Don’t forget to bring enough food, toiletries and other essentials on your camping trip. Create a checklist well before you set off to make sure you don’t forget anything important (like toothpaste!).
4 - Decide What Type Of Camping Atmosphere You Want
Would you prefer a traditional campsite with the bare necessities? Usually this will still include modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, hot showers, etc! Or would you be more comfortable with a more modern, luxurious atmosphere with fully equipped kitchens, large beds and jacuzzis? The choice is yours.
5 - Don't Pitch Under A Tree
It might seem like a more sheltered, secluded spot, but camping under a tree will mean your tent will become coated in sap by morning time. This can be a nightmare to clean - especially when you have limited cleaning supplies!
6 - If You’re A Sensitive Sleeper, Bring Earplugs
You might assume that camping out in the sticks would be the perfect environment for a good night’s sleep. However, nature can be surprisingly noisy – even in the middle of a night. It’s not uncommon to hear the birds chirping away at 3am, and the intermittent noise of foxes can be unpleasant if you’re unlucky enough to be camping near a family of them.
7 - Don’t Underestimate The Size Of The Tent You’ll Need
It’s easy to forget how much space luggage and other items can take up in a confined space like a tent. Choose a larger tent so you have more space to store all your belongings and stretch your legs during bad weather.
8 - Book Early If You Want To Camp In The Peak Season
You’d be surprised how many campsites can get fully booked months in advance. The summer holiday period from December to early January is very popular with families, so plan and book your camping trip as early as possible if you want to camp during this time.
9 - Research The Campsite Location Carefully
You might have hoped for peace and quiet (minus the natural noises), only to find that your tent is right next to a busy road, or there’s an airshow taking place nearby. Therefore, make sure you do your research so you don’t get caught out.
10 - Last, But Not Least – Prepare For All Types Of Weather
If you’re camping in the UK, there’s a good chance it might rain at some point during your trip (although you might be lucky!). In the worst-case scenario, you might need to bring along some wellies. In South Africa even at the height of summer, you never quite know what to expect with the weather. If it’s tipping down with rain, a good book or some board games can come in handy. On a hot sunny day, you wouldn’t want to miss out on a refreshing swim in a nearby lake because you forgot your swimming costume.
Hopefully, you’ll find these top 10 camping safety tips useful.