40 Camping Tips For Beginners

Seasoned novices and beginners alike all over the world every weekend enjoy the simplicity of camping.

The idea of camping to some of you conjures up images that may make you cringe, especially those of you who have never camped as a child or have heard horror stories from friends and relatives, and have unfairly decided never to give it a fair go.

How much effort you put into adequately planning your camping trip will determine how successful (and enjoyable) your trip will be.  Though some of these tasks may seem tedious and tiresome, the more often you put these tasks into practice the more fun you will have doing them.

If you are new to camping, the following tips for the beginner camper can be a tremendous help to creating an enjoyable experience. Camping gets easier and more enjoyable when you are more prepared. These camping tips will help you go from a "beginner" to an "advanced" camper in no time.

Tip #1 - Know the people you are camping with and the amenities that they require, even if it is only for a few days. Do you need a swimming pool, electricity, hot shower and flushing toilets or can you survive with an outhouse and no running water? If you have children, consider their needs as well. Then find a campsite that fits those needs.

Tip #2 - Camp with someone who has camped before. You will learn something new every time. Eventually they will also learn something from you. Ask a lot of questions (How did you start that fire? How do you keep the tablecloth down?).

Tip #3 - Begin planning early for your camping trip. Many popular locations are reserved months in advance. You do not want to leave this to chance. I recommend starting out close to your home as well. Try to arrive at the campsite before it gets dark so you can get all of your gear organized.

Tip #4 - If you are using a tent, put it up at home before you leave. Make sure you have all the poles, stakes, and other parts and are comfortable getting it assembled. You may want to practice in the dark as well, in case you arrive late.

Tip #5 - Use a camping checklist when packing your supplies. During your camping trip, add those things that you wish you had to your checklist for next time. Contact the campsite to help with this as well - do you need a grill or barbecue, can you have a fire, is there a picnic table?

Tip #6 - Pack appropriate clothing and footwear. Check the weather before you leave so you know how hot or cold it will be at night. Will you need any rain gear? What activities will you do during the day? Don't wear flip flops if you are going to hike Half Dome in Yosemite.

Tip #7 -Bring food that is easy to prepare and serve. Know how you will cook the food. Do you have charcoal, propane or firewood? Matches, lighter fluid, etc. (see checklist again)

Tip #8 - Have some activities planned for your trip. Hiking, biking, river rafting, swimming, boating, fishing and horseback riding are just a few suggestions. Use your imagination and you will never get bored.

Tip #9 - Leave your campsite clean. There should be no sign that you were even there. The next group camping there will appreciate it, the same way you would.

Tip #10 - Remember why you are there - to enjoy the outdoors and each other! Don't let a couple of little things spoil your fun.

Tip #11  Gather all your camping equipment in a corner of a room and keep adding to it as you think of it.

Tip #12  Use basket shelves in your car for easy storage.

Tip #13.  Store your clothes in sports bags.

Tip #14.  Make sure all heavy items are secure and are packed at the bottom of your car boot with lighter items on top.

Tip #15.  Take one prepared meal in a freezer meal that can be easily reheated on arrival at your destination.

Tip #16.  Make sure you have everything you need for a drink stop like tea bags, instant coffee, sugar, condensed milk, cordial, powder, biscuits, a two litre bottle of water, matches, kettle, wet wipes and tea cloth

Tip #17.  If you are going away for a short trip prepare your hot dishes so that you have more time to relax at your camp site and enjoy yourself.

Tip #18.  Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables at every chance.

Tip #19.  List everything you will eat on the number of days you are away.

Tip #20. Keep extras always on hand which includes flowers for cakes and breads, noodles, rice, beans and lentils.

Tip #21. Remember long life milk (two to three cartons of long life milk per day should be sufficient for a family of two children and two adults as a guide).

Tip #22. Try camping in your backyard to see how you feel about your tent and sleeping bags etc.

Tip #23. Your first camping gear does not have to be expensive.  It is more important that it is durable and keeps you protected from all weather conditions.  Bring a piece of ground cloth with you, a piece of plastic that goes under your tent.  Tuck the edges neatly underneath the tent.  The first thing you must consider when choosing the tent is the size ie the number of people your tent is going to house.

Tip #24. Take cutlery with you that is old and definitely won’t be missed if it doesn’t come home with you.

Tip #25. Keep cutlery separate from crockery by placing them in plastic containers with lids or in a tea towel in a plastic bag.

Tip #26. Here is a list of items of cutlery and crockery that may be useful for your next camping trip.  A fork, knife, teaspoon and dessert spoon should be enough for each person.  

Tip #27. Have a serrated edge knife that can also be used as a bread knife.

Tip #28. Vegetable peeler and knife.

Tip #29. Metal egg lifter.

Tip #30. A large aluminium coffee pot, the larger the better.

Tip #31. Barbeque tongs.

Tip #32. Egg rings.

Tip #33. A small meat mallet.

Tip #34. A sharp knife and sharpener.

Tip #35. Can opener.

Tip #36. Large serving spoon and wooden spoon.

Tip #37. Make sure you have an enamel cup, bowl and plate for every person.

Tip #38. Use an enamel plate next to the fire to warm food.

Tip #39. Use an enamel plate as a base for food in your camp oven.

Tip #40. Bring paper plates in case you are in an area where water is scarce, and be sure to take your rubbish with you.