Camping is a fantastic activity and an affordable holiday for those who love nature. And, what better way to discover the outdoors than with this practical list of camping tips.
Not to mention, camping is great for people living in the city as it’s a terrific escape from the ‘hustle’ and ‘grind’ lifestyle; It truly gives you time to reflect and refresh.
Furthermore, the camping advice within this post has come together after more than 20 years of camping experience. I’ve camped in various locations in Australia, from free campgrounds to paid holiday parks.
Besides, I’ve come upon my fair share of camping ideas and advice that I find helpful and that makes the holiday special. So, continue reading to unearth some of the best tips and products to make your experience enjoyable!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.
Camping and Hiking Guide
Firstly, if you plan to hike and camp, I would consider reading the following post linked below in addition to this list of camping tips. Furthermore, there is plenty of information regarding all the hiking necessities and things you should take.
Also, there is crucial information concerning safety and a handful of tips to make your adventure run smoothly.
Read more: Hiking Checklist and Essentials
Camping Etiquette
Camping etiquette comes in as a whole other topic. Nonetheless, it needs consideration as you need to respect the people you are around.
Likewise, the other campers should respect you and your boundaries. So, if it’s one of your first time’s camping, I would recommend also taking some time to look into this etiquette guide as it runs through all the dos and don’ts of the camping world.
Also, there are a bunch of valuable camping tips within this guide to make use of.
Read more: Camping Etiquette: 15 Tips for Camping Respectfully
21 Camping Tips
- Purchase Quality Camping Gear
Firstly, avoid cheap retailers like Kmart, and consider purchasing quality items. Especially for items including chairs, tents, mattresses, and other camp gear.
However, there are a few things you can skimp in terms of price, such as cutlery and utensils.
- Pack Plenty of Warm Clothing
No matter where you’re going, if you’re away for a few nights, I would absolutely suggest packing enough warm clothing, including rain repellent items.
There is nothing worse than being caught stranded and cold. Nonetheless, this can be avoided with strategic planning and the packing of appropriate clothing.
- Thongs Are Your Best Friend
Whether or not you like thongs, I would for sure recommend bringing a pair (even a cheap set) specifically for showers. Also, you could wear water-friendly shoes like sandals.
Firstly, camp showers are used by numerous people, and there are many gross things you could stand on. Not to mention, there are a handful of irresponsible people that bring glass into the showers.
Consequently, you wouldn’t want to step on a sliver of glass while enjoying a shower. So, do the right thing and pack yourself a set of thongs! You’ll thank me later for this camping advice.
- Don’t Overpack on Food
While it’s good to have a sufficient supply of food, more often than not, you’ll pack way more than you actually need.
Therefore, think about the timeframe you’re going to be away and only take the essentials. Besides, this keeps camping in a tent much more organised as you won’t have food all over the place. Not to mention, it makes storing it that much easier!
- Understand How Your Camping Gear Works before Leaving
There’s nothing worse than rocking up to camp with new gear and no idea how to use it. Consequently, it creates frustration, confusion and sets an unpleasant tone for the camping event.
So, I’d recommend trialling all your gear before venturing into nature to ensure everything works correctly, nothing is broken, and items aren’t missing.
You really wouldn’t want to get deep into the wilderness, start running low on water and then discover your water filtration system is missing a piece. So, stay organised and prepared by ensuring everything is working prior to leaving.
- Headlamps Are a Necessity
Headlamps are easily one of the best camping products and are suitable for people of all ages. Also, they’re readily available and make camping in the wilderness a breeze.
Firstly, they’re great for keeping your hands free while working on a task. And, they’re handy for cooking or getting something done after dusk.
Not to mention, for the early birds, they make hiking or walks to the bathroom uncomplicated. However, be mindful of where you’re pointing your headlamp and direct it away from peoples faces!
- Only Pack the Things You Really Need
It’s easy to get carried away thinking you need every pot and pan and multiple styles of shoes. However, try sticking to the basics and bring less than what you think you need. You’re sure to be surprised when you realise you don’t really need as much as you expect.
- Bring a Variety of Games
There’s a chance that where you camp will have no mobile phone service, or it’s not that great. Hence, you’ve lost the entertainment options of social media and Netflix.
Nonetheless, this is likely a blessing in disguise for many people. Firstly, I’d recommend bringing a selection of games to play. Even if you’re travelling solo, teach yourself some single-player card games or look into some fun solo-player games.
This is a fantastic camping idea for keeping children entertained and keeping busy on those rainy days while you’re stuck inside! Check out this find & seek game from Amazon.
- Consider Some Nifty Gadgets
There are many products on the market that are designed for convenience. And, thankfully, the camping and travel sector hasn’t fallen short of this. So, take some time looking into cool travel gadgets that could make your camp trip more manageable.
Read more: 15 Coolest Travel Gadgets for Your Next Trip
- Research the Facilities at Your Camping Destination
Considerable research is a step to consider before leaving for your trip. Are there barbeque facilities at the campground? Is there a bathroom for showers?
So, don’t get caught off guard and arrive prepared for your trip. There would be nothing worse than arriving at a campground only to find no toilets and having no preparation for it.
Therefore use this camping tip to ensure you arrive ready for your holiday!
- Pack Some Alternative Entertainment Options
Bring that telescope you always said you’d use, and even consider packing a pair of walkie talkies for some campground fun. Also, don’t forget a good book! You’re bound to have one sitting on a shelf that you’ve always wanted to read, so now is the perfect chance. Otherwise, I’d recommend a book like this one from Amazon.
Read more: 12 Books about Australia
- Do Your Research on the Region and Arrive Prepared
Spend some time researching the region in which you are visiting. Is there a road that is dangerous to drive along? What about the accessibility for caravans and motorhomes? These are all things that you need to consider before taking off on the road trip.
Also, look into what is going on in the area. And, if you’re out in nature, what are some local walking trails, waterfalls or the best lookouts to enjoy? Besides, this ensures your trip runs smoothly and that you won’t discover unwanted surprises like dangerous roads upon arrival.
- Arrive before Dusk to Your Campsite
There is nothing worse than setting up in an unknown location in the dark. Therefore, set aside the time and plan well to arrive at your campsite before dark.
Moreover, this ensures you are aware of your surroundings, you won’t annoy other campers with moving things around, and you’re more settled for the first night.
Finally, this is a fundamental camping tip that many seasoned campers will let you in on. So, consider it and create a decent plan.
- Bring Sanitary Items
One of the best camping tips is to bring along sanitary items to make your trip more comfortable. Therefore, I would recommend bringing some wet wipes (in case you need to wipe yourself down), hand sanitiser, tissues and soap.
Besides, it’s frustrating and inconvenient to have a runny nose and no access to tissues. Therefore, keep yourself organised and bring a small travel pack.
- Take Time off Your Devices
One of the main reasons people enjoy camping is to go off-grid and experience all that nature offers. Besides, it’s the perfect escape from reality and an ideal way to reset and refresh.
So, take a day off your mobile, laptop or any technology items and spend some time in nature. You will discover a lot about yourself and realise just how precious the small moments are.
- Inspect Your Campsite before Setting Up
This camp tip is a simple yet crucial piece of advice. Hence, I would recommend taking a quick wander around where you plan to set up camp and remove any rocks, sticks, branches etc.
Moreover, this ensures you won’t puncture a hole in your tent and means you won’t be sleeping with sharp rocks under your back. It’s a little bit of effort for a substantial payoff. Finally, make use of this camping hack for the ultimate campground setup.
- Plan Your Campsite Layout
Another crucial tip is to take a moment to plan out your campsite. So, think about which direction the sun rises, the strongest wind direction and how you can create the most private campsite.
Moreover, if you don’t take steps like this, you’ll find yourself open to the elements, and it will create an uncomfortable camping experience. So, use this camping advice to ensure your setup is perfect!
- Get the Air Flowing inside Your Tent
It’s no surprise that tents become awfully overheated, even when it isn’t overly warm outside.
So, keep the air flowing in your tent by opening up the windows and making use of a rechargeable fan. These keep you cool at night and avoid the space from being stuffy. This rechargeable fan from Amazon is great for keeping cool. Not to mention, this is a simple yet rewarding camping hack and I can guarantee that many people haven’t thought about these useful fans.
- Don’t Forget Necessary Self-Care Items
While camping, you’re in the heart of nature, which means you’re susceptible to the elements, including the sun and insects. So, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and bug spray to avoid coming home bitten and burnt.
Also, if you’ll be swimming in the ocean or a water source, I would recommend purchasing a reef-friendly sunscreen. Therefore, this avoids chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, so you can feel good about not harming waterways! A sunscreen like this one from Amazon will do the trick.
- Consider Packing Extra Shelter
Keep away from bugs and protect yourself from the sun with the use of an enclosed gazebo. Firstly, this Coleman gazebo from Amazon is great for protecting yourself while enjoying the outdoors.
Not to mention, relaxing outdoors at night time without the worry of moths or insects is an absolute delight! I would recommend a quality gazebo like this one for the ultimate camping setup. The other campers will be disappointed that they don’t have one.
- Prepare Food before Leaving
This one makes life so much easier and is especially ideal if you’re heading away for a couple of nights. Therefore, I would recommend premaking meals, like spaghetti bolognese, so then all you need to do is a quick reheat, and you’re ready to enjoy dinner.
Also, precutting up some fruit like mangoes and pineapples ensures they get eaten and don’t go to waste! This simple camp tip makes the adventure so much easier, and you won’t need to worry about spending lots of time cooking.
Wrapping up the List of Camping Tips
In conclusion, all of these camping tips have come from over 20 years of experience and plenty of research. Therefore, I would consider these some of my favourite camp tips and things that newbies should keep in mind.
Nonetheless, camping is about enjoying time in nature, whether you’re going solo or with friends or family. However, a few camping tips like these make life that little bit easier and make for a much more enjoyable trip.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start planning and take the advice onboard to ensure your trip is the best it can be!
Which camping tip resonates with you the most? Have you discovered a camping hack that will make your trip easier?
Read more: Road Trip around Australia
Read more: 10 Best Travel Apps Australia
