Martyn Raybould

Martyn Raybould

Top Tips for Beginner Campers

Top Tips for Beginner Campers. From our friends at Sport Fitness Advisor

Camping is a fantastic way to get out and about, get some fresh air, explore the outdoors, and spend quality time with friends and family, however, camping for the first time can be tricky. Here are some top tips to make your first camping experience one to remember. The tips and advice herein are geared to ‘Camping in a tent’, but much of the same advice will apply to caravanning, campers and motorhoming..

1. Choosing Your Campsite

Choosing a good campsite is vital for having a good camping experience and there are a few key things to look out for such as whether the sites are child- or dog-friendly; whether there are facilities like showers and toilets; and whether there is a town nearby where you can stock up on food, water, and other essentials if needed.

Check your amenities on organised sites. Power is a great benefit for a few pounds more!

2. Select the Right Tent, camper or motorhome

The type of accommodation you decide on is very important as it is going to protect you and your belongings from the elements and provide a dry place to sleep. Tents and vehicles come in all shapes and sizes so it’s vital to find one that will suit your needs.

Adventure motorhoming might need a bigger engine for ease of steeper slopes!

3. Don’t Skimp on Your Sleeping Bag

Your sleeping bag is an essential piece of camping equipment that could make or break your camping trip. Always take a sleeping bag, even if you are planning on camping in an area with a warm climate as temperatures can drop significantly at night. When shopping for a sleeping bag, pay close attention to the season and temperature ratings of the sleeping bag to ensure it will serve your needs.

4. Practice Pitching a Tent

It’s a good idea to practice pitching your tent at home before you head into the great outdoors. This will allow you to find any problems there might be with the tent before you leave and ensure you are confident at setting it up and taking it down.

5. Make a List of Camping Essentials

Make a checklist of everything you need for your camping trip from your tent and sleeping bag to the food you plan on cooking, and essentials such as a torch, headlamp, matches, and a first aid kit.

6. Plan Your Meals Beforehand

You can save a lot of hassle at the campsite by planning your meals before you head into the wild. This will not only give you more time to spend relaxing in nature, but it will also help you to avoid carrying too much food.

7. Ensure You Have Enough Water

You must have enough water for your entire camping trip, as well as some extra in case you run out, especially if you are camping rough.

8. Stay Safe

Some vital items shouldn’t be forgotten when you go camping such as a first aid kit, a headlamp and torch, sunscreen, matches or flint, and garbage bags – never leave your rubbish behind!

9. Have a Practice Camp, especially if ‘Adventure camping’

If you’re nervous about your first camping trip, have a practice camp in your garden before heading into the wild. This will give you the chance to check your tent is in good order, practice sleeping on the ground, and listen to the sounds of the night.

10. Setting up at the Campsite in a tent

When you have chosen your campsite and are setting up your tent, make sure to pitch on level ground that is clear of any debris and rocks. Always set the tent up with the back of the tent facing into the wind to give it more stability and place the pegs into the ground at a 45-degree angle for a secure set-up.

Happy Camping!

Engineer Aftercare Says: Our warranty products are of course designed for vehicles, such as campers, caravans and motorhomes. But camping out under the stars can be a sublime experience and provide memories of adventures for years to come. My wife Linda and I camped in Australia, New Zealand and even the deserts of Texas, under the stars. 20 years later, we regularly look back on cherished times and the fun of cooking outside under the stars! Happy Camping!

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