Jump to main content

20 essential camping tips

Camping in the great outdoors is a soul-nourishing experience. Sleeping by moonlight, listening to the silence and breathing in the fresh air — it doesn’t get much better than that.

To make the most of your time away, researching the right equipment, and carefully planning ahead will help you and your fellow campers have the best possible experience out there. Here are our top camping tips to get you started.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

1) Test your gear. 

If you’ve just bought or borrowed a tent, set it up at home to ensure you know how to put it up and how to pack it away. If it isn’t a new tent, check it’s still in top condition, and that you have all the necessary poles and pegs. If you’re taking a stove, clean and test that too. It’s better to identify missing equipment or any damage that needs repairing at home, rather than on your adventure when you are looking forward to a cuppa.

2) Research your campsite. 

Check what facilities are available. Are there showers, BBQs, a good amount of shade, and access to clean and safe drinking water? This will help you decide what to pack and what to leave at home.

3) Read up on potential dangers. 

Are there poisonous plants, animals or insects in the area? Pack your first-aid kit accordingly. Don’t forget to include first-aid staple pieces so you can deal with everything from headaches to cuts and burns. These are the real camping essentials - you don't want to be caught unprepared miles away from help. Insect repellent is always a must.

4) Check the weather and any fire bans. 

It’s best to pack for changing weather conditions, so don’t forget thermals and waterproof rainwear. One of our favourite camping tips is to prepare for the worst weather conditions, but expect the best. Also, try to pack smart. One rain jacket will do the job – you don’t need three! One pair of hiking boots is enough, but do bring some sandals or sneakers to wear around the campsite to give your boots and feet time to air out.

5) Take nylon rope and duct tape. 

Nylon rope comes in handy for tent support and hanging up wet clothes, while duct tape fixes just about everything – use it to mend torn shoes and broken tent poles.

6) Purchase good-quality camping equipment. 

Camping essentials that perform well in outdoor conditions and will last you for many camping adventures to come are what you're after. Cheap equipment that damages easily and doesn’t provide comfort and protection will not make for a happy camper for long, and nothing is worse than your equipment falling apart halfway through your trip.

7) Be prepared for the worst. 

Planning your trip and packing all the camping essentials also includes preparing for emergencies. Tell friends and family where you are going, and how long you’ll be. Make sure you carry some cash and a phone with decent battery life in case you need to make contact with someone. If you are going on a multi day hiking trip think about hiring a locator beacon for added safety.

8) Take good lighting. 

While it may sound romantic to get about by the moon or fire light, the reality is you don’t want to be cooking, trying to find the toilet or hearing strange noises in the dark. The right camp lighting equipment makes a big difference. You can hang a head-lamp or torch from your tent ceiling to illuminate the whole tent. Also, be sure to keep one near the entrance so it's easy to find at night in case you need to head out.

9) Remember the small things. 

Don’t forget a lighter, hand sanitisers, dishbrush, and soap. If you’re car camping, it’s worth throwing in a mallet for banging in tent pegs, and a brush and shovel for sweeping out your tent before pack-up. And if you’re bringing canned goods, don’t forget the can opener!

SETTING UP CAMP

10) Start early. 

Don't make your life harder. Always pitch your tent and get set up before night fall.

11) Choose your site carefully. 

This camping tip is all about safety. Ideally, pick a spot with flat ground and somewhere that won't flood if it rains. If you are camping near trees, look around and up first for warning signs of rotting branches or the likelihood of your tent getting covered in tree sap.

12) Avoid waterways. 

Another camping tip that may seem obvious, but nevertheless can slip from a camping novice's mind, is to make sure you’re not camping on a river path, creek bed, or trench that could fill up with water during heavy rainfall.

13) Clear the ground. 

Remove all sticks and rocks from where you plan to set up your tent. If you are staying for more than one night consider bringing a ground sheet to keep your tent clean and protect the flooring from sharp debris.

14) Get oriented. 

If you are camping on a slight slope, sleep with your feet pointing downhill.

15) Prepare for rain.

Always peg your tent fly tightly to keep the rain away from tent walls and to make sure your tent is secure in high winds. Try not to touch the walls of the tent if it rains, otherwise, moisture can build up.

16) Manage your fire. 

Be aware of local fire regulations and weather conditions, use established fire rings and always keep a bucket of water handy. And remember: your fire isn’t truly out until you can sift through the ashes with your fingers. Never, ever leave your fire unattended. When you’ve finished, cover the dying embers and ashes with a deep coat of dirt or sand. You don’t want children or other campers accidentally walking over them in the dark. Build all campfires well away from trees and root systems – roots can catch fire.

17) Stay warm. 

Think about the weather and temperatures before you head out to make sure you have a sleeping bag rated for the conditions you are likely to experience. Pack a few extra layers so you can grab a cosy fleece if it gets a little chilly after the sun sets.

18) Store food securely. 

Keep food in secure containers and coolers – outside of your tent. You do not want to attract nocturnal visitors to your campsite, and definitely not into your tent. Some campsites have communal food boxes for you to store your food in securely overnight that are located a small distance from the camps. If you brought your car, pop your chilly bin and other food items inside before you snuggle into your sleeping bag.

PACKING UP

19) Make sure your tent is dry. 

If you can, only pack your tent away once it is completely dry, as mildew can damage it and will make it smell musty. If you can’t get it dry before you leave, pack it away wet and then unpack, dry, sweep and air it out in the sun as soon as you get home. Do the same with poles and pegs to avoid rust. It might feel like double the amount of work, but your future self will thank you for it when you next set off for a camping adventure.

20) Leave only footprints. 

Avoid the temptation to collect shells, drift wood and other potential souvenirs, and please don't feed wildlife. Make sure to take all your rubbish with you and empty soapy water far from waterways. Ideally opt for a biodegradable soap or detergent to disturb nature as little as possible while you're busy getting out there.