17 Essential Camping Tips For Beginners

So you've decided to try camping for the first time. Exciting!

You might have some reservations about 'roughing it' in the great outdoors, but don't worry! We've rounded up some essential camping tips for beginners to ensure you're as prepared as possible.

Some might be obvious, some are things you might not have thought of. But all of them will help you to ensure your first camping experience goes as smoothly as possible.

Let's dive right in...

1. Try before you buy

If it's your first time camping, a tent can be an expensive outlay. It might be a good idea to try and borrow one off a friend for your first trip. Then if you decide you do like it, you can buy your own in time for your next camping adventure.

2. Check your gear before you leave

Tents, electricals, camping stoves – check they're all in good working order, before you leave. The last thing you need when you arrive is to find your tent has a snapped pole, or your gas bottle is empty.

The practice of putting the tent up will be handy when you pitch up for real, too.

3. Don't go too far off the beaten track

If you're a beginner, it might be best to stay at a site where there's plenty of amenities and facilities. Sure, you might progress to a more rural trip in the future. But a well equipped camp site is the perfect place to ease your way into the camping lifestyle.

4. Check camp site rules to avoid being turned away

If you're heading away during a busy period, it's always a good idea to book in advance. And whatever you do, check the camp site rules in advance. Some family-friendly camp sites don't allow large same sex groups, so if you're going with friends, that's one thing you'll need to know.

You might also want to ask:

• Do they allow pets on site?
• Can you have a fire or barbecue, or does cooking need to be done on a stove?
• Do you need to pay for two pitches if you have a large tent?
• What time do you need to vacate your pitch by on leaving day?

5. Make sure you're comfortable when you sleep

Sleeping outdoors is never going to be as comfortable as sinking into a welcoming bed. But that's part of the charm of camping. And you can still make sure you get a good night's rest by being prepared.

Take a warm sleeping bag (it can get cool at night, even in the summer). For increased comfort, you can also get a sleeping mat to put some extra padding between yourself and the floor. If you're keen to hang on to some kind of luxury, an inflatable camping bed might be a better option.

6. Sleep with a snorer? Remember these essentials

If you share a bed with a snorer, you'll know how hard it can be to get a good night's sleep. The same is true when you're camping. Ear plugs can be your saviour.

Remember that tent walls are very thin, so even if you're not in the same berth – or tent – as someone who snores, it might be a wise idea to pack some ear plugs just in case.

7. Make sure your tent is big enough

No matter the size of your travelling group, you'll need plenty of space. Even if there are only two of you, you'll probably need a three or four man tent to comfortably fit both of you and all of your stuff.

The berth size actually refers to how many people can fit in the tent, but does not cater for luggage, so consider this carefully.

8. Set off in plenty of time to avoid rushing

Roads can be congested when you're travelling, especially during busy camping periods such as bank holidays and school holidays. Give yourself plenty of time to get there safely, without needing to rush.

9. Leave enough time to pitch up

Another good reason to set off in plenty of time is to get set up with minimum hassle when you arrive. Getting to the camp site too late in day will mean a race against the clock to pitch up before darkness falls. It's much easier to put up a tent in daylight than it is under the dim glow of a torch!

10. Make sure you take enough clothes...

The chances are, you'll want to be wearing comfortable clothing during your stay. But make sure you have enough. If you get caught in a downpour while out and about, it can take time for your clothes to dry – so you'll want some dry spares to slip into.

11. But don't take too many

A camping holiday isn't a fashion show, so although you'll need to take enough clothing, don't take your entire wardrobe. Space will be at a premium in the car, and also in your tent when you get there.

You don't need two or three outfits for each day, and you certainly won't want to be wearing your best shoes on site.

12. Make sure nobody goes hungry

Another thing you need to take enough of is food. One of the great things about camping is the camaraderie of cooking in the outdoors and enjoying food together with friends and family.

But that will soon turn sour if you don't take enough supplies. And if you're out in the sticks, shops can be few and far between. So plan meals in advance and ration accordingly.

13. Keep a stash of loose change

For sites that have a shower block, you might need to insert a 20 or 50 pence piece to get it working. For that reason, it's always a good idea to keep some loose change on you during your trip.

You might also need to top up your electric point if you have one, so ensure you take enough to see you through your holiday.

14. Remember your toiletries to stay fresh

You'll want to freshen up at several points of your holiday, so it's important you remember your toiletry bag. Again, you probably don't want to be carrying a bag full of elixirs and creams to carry out your full beauty regime.

But a few essentials to remember are:

• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Wet wipes

It might also be a good idea to carry some plasters or a small first aid kit, just in case there's an accident.

15. Save injuries by keeping your pitch lit up

When darkness falls on camp, it really does fall. To prevent injuries while moving around the site at night, remember to take a torch and some lights to illuminate your pitch. A head lamp or a hanging lantern might be useful if you need to use your hands

16. Make a checklist

A great way to ensure you remember everything ahead of your first camping trip is to make a checklist. In fact, this can be something you refer back to on future visits.

Include EVERYTHING that you'll need to take, even down to the basics like your toothbrush, tin opener or torch. Tick each item off as you pack so you know you've got it with you.

17. Check your gear when you get home

Once your camping holiday is over and you get back home, there's one more thing to remember:

You need to check all of your stuff before it gets packed away in the loft or garage.

If your tent or any of your camping gear is wet or damp, put it up and allow it to air out completely to avoid a build up of mildew which will ruin it. Next time you go camping, you don't want to find out at the last minute that your stuff is ruined.

Got any camping tips for beginners?

So there you have it, camping beginners! Follow our tips above to enjoy a fantastic first camping trip.

For the more experienced:

Do you have any camping tips for beginners that you would share, from personal experience?

Leave a comment below – we'd love to hear your tips and tricks.