74 of the Best Camping Tips for a Worry-Free Camping Trip
74 of the Best Camping Tips for a Worry-Free Camping Trip
We’ve gathered all of our resources, asked our experts and scoured our archives to bring you the most epic list of camping tips on the internet. Whether you’re new to camping and haven’t got a clue where to start, or a seasoned camper looking to improve your set up, this is a must-read.
We’ve gathered all of our resources, asked our experts and scoured our archives to bring you the most epic list of camping tips on the internet. Whether you’re new to camping and haven’t got a clue where to start, or a seasoned camper looking to improve your set up, this is a must-read.
In this guide:
In this guide:
General camping tips
General camping tips
Cooking and food tips
Cooking and food tips
Tent tips
Tent tips
Sleeping tips
Sleeping tips
Clothing tips
Clothing tips
General camping tips
General camping tips
1. Always plan for bad weather
1. Always plan for bad weather
The weather in the UK is notoriously unpredictable. We recommend packing:
The weather in the UK is notoriously unpredictable. We recommend packing:
Plenty of warm layers
Plenty of warm layers
A warm hat
A warm hat
Waterproof clothing
Waterproof clothing
Sun protection
Sun protection
Insect repellent
Insect repellent
2. Check the weather forecast
2. Check the weather forecast
Despite it not always being accurate, checking the weather forecast will give you a good idea of what to prepare for.
Despite it not always being accurate, checking the weather forecast will give you a good idea of what to prepare for.
3. Plan your activities in advance
3. Plan your activities in advance
You can view our things to do for the area you’re camping in before leaving home. These suggestions are perfect for planning your days on and off the campsite before you arrive. From visiting top UK attractions to enjoying the forest on these walking and cycling trails, there’s so much to do
You can view our things to do for the area you’re camping in before leaving home. These suggestions are perfect for planning your days on and off the campsite before you arrive. From visiting top UK attractions to enjoying the forest on these walking and cycling trails, there’s so much to do
4. There’s nothing wrong with being over-prepared
4. There’s nothing wrong with being over-prepared
Sure, packing light is handy. However, you won’t know what you really need until you’ve been camping a few times. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you that you’ve packed too much. It’s fine to be prepared for all situations until you can put together your own, personalised list of essentials to pack.
Sure, packing light is handy. However, you won’t know what you really need until you’ve been camping a few times. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you that you’ve packed too much. It’s fine to be prepared for all situations until you can put together your own, personalised list of essentials to pack.
5. Look out for camping sales
5. Look out for camping sales
Out of season sales are a great way to save money on camping kit and accessories. Look out for these over the low season to see if you can bag some bargains. Remember to do your research before investing to make sure you’re paying the best price available.
Out of season sales are a great way to save money on camping kit and accessories. Look out for these over the low season to see if you can bag some bargains. Remember to do your research before investing to make sure you’re paying the best price available.
6. Take a first aid kit
6. Take a first aid kit
Fingers crossed you won’t need to use it, but having the basics to clean and bandage a wound will be invaluable if you or someone you’re with does have an accident. If you’re camping with a dog, taking a separate first aid kit is a great idea.
Fingers crossed you won’t need to use it, but having the basics to clean and bandage a wound will be invaluable if you or someone you’re with does have an accident. If you’re camping with a dog, taking a separate first aid kit is a great idea.
7. Use a packing list before setting off
7. Use a packing list before setting off
There are endless camping packing lists available online. You can find our expert-led list of camping essentials here to get you started.
There are endless camping packing lists available online. You can find our expert-led list of camping essentials here to get you started.
8. Don’t pitch up under a tree
8. Don’t pitch up under a tree
Although it can make for a great photo opportunity, pitching up under a tree can pose a few issues. Trees in high wind can become a real hazard with falling branches very likely to cause damage to your unit. It’s also really annoying having to clean tree sap off or bird mess off of your tent.
Although it can make for a great photo opportunity, pitching up under a tree can pose a few issues. Trees in high wind can become a real hazard with falling branches very likely to cause damage to your unit. It’s also really annoying having to clean tree sap off or bird mess off of your tent.
9. Don’t forget about lighting!
9. Don’t forget about lighting!
Consider whether you’d prefer a hand-held torch or a headlight for trips to the facilities after dark. Check if there’s a convenient place in your unit to hang a lantern, if not you may need to get a free-standing light.
Consider whether you’d prefer a hand-held torch or a headlight for trips to the facilities after dark. Check if there’s a convenient place in your unit to hang a lantern, if not you may need to get a free-standing light.
10. Pack a portable charger
10. Pack a portable charger
You’ll most likely run out of battery on your phone during your trip and it’d be a shame not to be able to snap your memorable moments. Many campsites offer electric pitches and phone charging facilities but having a portable option while you’re away from the campsite can be useful.
You’ll most likely run out of battery on your phone during your trip and it’d be a shame not to be able to snap your memorable moments. Many campsites offer electric pitches and phone charging facilities but having a portable option while you’re away from the campsite can be useful.
11. Prioritise entertainment
11. Prioritise entertainment
Books, board games, cards and outdoor games are all options for staying entertained on the campsite. For some outdoor, camping friendly ideas, view our camping game ideas for kids and adults.
Books, board games, cards and outdoor games are all options for staying entertained on the campsite. For some outdoor, camping friendly ideas, view our camping game ideas for kids and adults.
12. Leave your tech at home
12. Leave your tech at home
Signal can be variable in rural camping locations so online streaming can be hit and miss. Taking a phone for accessing online maps, contacting people and taking pictures is fine but leave the rest of the tech (and the stress) at home.
Signal can be variable in rural camping locations so online streaming can be hit and miss. Taking a phone for accessing online maps, contacting people and taking pictures is fine but leave the rest of the tech (and the stress) at home.
13. Pack a small table and some chairs
13. Pack a small table and some chairs
You’ll miss basic items of furniture when you’re camping. Having a chair and table, a place to set your tea down and enjoy your meals is a great way to make your unit feel a little more like home.
You’ll miss basic items of furniture when you’re camping. Having a chair and table, a place to set your tea down and enjoy your meals is a great way to make your unit feel a little more like home.
14. Give kids something to do while you pitch up
14. Give kids something to do while you pitch up
Arriving on your chosen campsite is an exciting moment. However, the mood can sometimes be ruined with kid’s boredom while adults are busy setting up the camping area. Give older kids helpful jobs to do and plan fun activities younger kids can do without assistance while you’re busy setting up.
Arriving on your chosen campsite is an exciting moment. However, the mood can sometimes be ruined with kid’s boredom while adults are busy setting up the camping area. Give older kids helpful jobs to do and plan fun activities younger kids can do without assistance while you’re busy setting up.
15. Make use of your membership
15. Make use of your membership
As a Camping and Caravanning Club member, you’ll have access to a whole host of benefits. Exclusive offers throughout the year, retail discounts and a dedicated team of technical experts to offer support are just a few of the perks that you get with your annual fee. If you’re new to camping, find out about joining the club here.
As a Camping and Caravanning Club member, you’ll have access to a whole host of benefits. Exclusive offers throughout the year, retail discounts and a dedicated team of technical experts to offer support are just a few of the perks that you get with your annual fee. If you’re new to camping, find out about joining the club here.
16. Make your set up twinkle with fairy lights
16. Make your set up twinkle with fairy lights
Fairy lights make great, affordable lighting inside your unit. They’ll also help to create a lovely, relaxing atmosphere.
Fairy lights make great, affordable lighting inside your unit. They’ll also help to create a lovely, relaxing atmosphere.
17. Take your own toilet paper
17. Take your own toilet paper
If you’re staying on a campsite that doesn’t guarantee toilet paper, make sure you take your own. You can keep it in a reusable sealable bag to save on space if needed. Many campers take anti-bacterial wipes and wet wipes so they’re always prepared for the facilities block.
If you’re staying on a campsite that doesn’t guarantee toilet paper, make sure you take your own. You can keep it in a reusable sealable bag to save on space if needed. Many campers take anti-bacterial wipes and wet wipes so they’re always prepared for the facilities block.
18. Reuse your plastic bags
18. Reuse your plastic bags
Camping is a great way of reusing any plastic bags you have. Use them for waterproofing items, storing dirty clothes, carrying items from the campsite shop and much more. Just remember to reuse them as many times as you can!
Camping is a great way of reusing any plastic bags you have. Use them for waterproofing items, storing dirty clothes, carrying items from the campsite shop and much more. Just remember to reuse them as many times as you can!
19. Pack your car in an order
19. Pack your car in an order
Put your tent and any other essentials you may need to grab while you’re pitching up in the car last. This means they’ll be the first things you can grab when you arrive on your chosen campsite.
Put your tent and any other essentials you may need to grab while you’re pitching up in the car last. This means they’ll be the first things you can grab when you arrive on your chosen campsite.
20. Pack earplugs
20. Pack earplugs
This is a great tip, just in case you find yourself with noisy neighbours or unused to the sounds of the great outdoors while you’re trying to sleep. Most campsites will have rules around noise levels after a certain time of night. Pack a pair of earplugs and you’ll always be able to sleep soundly.
This is a great tip, just in case you find yourself with noisy neighbours or unused to the sounds of the great outdoors while you’re trying to sleep. Most campsites will have rules around noise levels after a certain time of night. Pack a pair of earplugs and you’ll always be able to sleep soundly.
21. Check your campsites rules
21. Check your campsites rules
Most campsites will have a set of guidelines you’ll be required to follow. This is for the safety and comfort of everyone on the campsite. You can read our campsite rules here.
Most campsites will have a set of guidelines you’ll be required to follow. This is for the safety and comfort of everyone on the campsite. You can read our campsite rules here.
22. Don’t leave valuables unattended
22. Don’t leave valuables unattended
Unfortunately, there are opportunistic people around, and you’ll need to be vigilant with your valuables. Use your common sense and don’t leave things unattended. If you’re leaving the campsite for the day, take any valuables with you and always remember to lock up your bikes.
Unfortunately, there are opportunistic people around, and you’ll need to be vigilant with your valuables. Use your common sense and don’t leave things unattended. If you’re leaving the campsite for the day, take any valuables with you and always remember to lock up your bikes.
23. No two campsites are the same
23. No two campsites are the same
It’s great if you find a favourite site to visit regularly but do explore other campsites to get a feel of the different options available.
It’s great if you find a favourite site to visit regularly but do explore other campsites to get a feel of the different options available.
24. First timer? Borrow some kit to get you started
24. First timer? Borrow some kit to get you started
Your first time camping is all about getting a feel for the great outdoors and experiencing the freedom it brings. To save on initial outlay, try to borrow kit from friends or family. You can also get many second-hand items in a great condition online.
Your first time camping is all about getting a feel for the great outdoors and experiencing the freedom it brings. To save on initial outlay, try to borrow kit from friends or family. You can also get many second-hand items in a great condition online.
25. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
25. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
When you’re on your campsite, there’s bound to be something you have questions about. Don’t be afraid to ask site staff or fellow campers for help. The camping community’s full of friendly faces and everyone remembers what it’s like starting out.
When you’re on your campsite, there’s bound to be something you have questions about. Don’t be afraid to ask site staff or fellow campers for help. The camping community’s full of friendly faces and everyone remembers what it’s like starting out.
26. Respect neighbours privacy
26. Respect neighbours privacy
Feel free to say good morning to your neighbours but know when to keep to yourself. Some campers will be up for socialising but many will keep to themselves, preferring to relax on their pitch in private.
Feel free to say good morning to your neighbours but know when to keep to yourself. Some campers will be up for socialising but many will keep to themselves, preferring to relax on their pitch in private.
27. Prepare for camping with your dog
27. Prepare for camping with your dog
There are certain things you’ll need to pack and jobs you’ll need to do before you leave home if you’re taking your four-legged friend camping. View our dog-friendly holiday tips here.
There are certain things you’ll need to pack and jobs you’ll need to do before you leave home if you’re taking your four-legged friend camping. View our dog-friendly holiday tips here.
28. Choose somewhere close to home for your first camping trip
28. Choose somewhere close to home for your first camping trip
There’s always a chance that you’ll forget something, experience terrible weather or even decide you want to go home early on your first trip. Choosing a campsite not too far away from home allows you to make a quick return or go back to pick something up that you’ve forgotten.
There’s always a chance that you’ll forget something, experience terrible weather or even decide you want to go home early on your first trip. Choosing a campsite not too far away from home allows you to make a quick return or go back to pick something up that you’ve forgotten.
29. Take wet wipes
29. Take wet wipes
Drink spills, mud and messy kids can all be resolved with the help of a wet wipe. Keeping your camping area clean is a vital part of being able to enjoy your camping trip. Just make sure you look out for biodegradable options.
Drink spills, mud and messy kids can all be resolved with the help of a wet wipe. Keeping your camping area clean is a vital part of being able to enjoy your camping trip. Just make sure you look out for biodegradable options.
Camping food and cooking tips
Camping food and cooking tips
30. Never cook inside your tent
30. Never cook inside your tent
Cooking inside your tent, under an awning or right next to your tent poses an extreme fire risk. You should always cook in an open space, clear of any potential obstructions or fire risks. Burning any type of fuel in a non-ventilated space means you’re also at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Take the safe route and brave cooking outside no matter what the weathers doing.
Cooking inside your tent, under an awning or right next to your tent poses an extreme fire risk. You should always cook in an open space, clear of any potential obstructions or fire risks. Burning any type of fuel in a non-ventilated space means you’re also at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Take the safe route and brave cooking outside no matter what the weathers doing.
31. Collect and dispose of any food waste responsibly
31. Collect and dispose of any food waste responsibly
Food waste and packaging can get blown around by the wind, littering the campsite and causing unnecessary damage to the environment. To prevent harm to wildlife and unhappy neighbours, dispose of any rubbish in the campsite bins.
Food waste and packaging can get blown around by the wind, littering the campsite and causing unnecessary damage to the environment. To prevent harm to wildlife and unhappy neighbours, dispose of any rubbish in the campsite bins.
32. Plan your meals before you go
32. Plan your meals before you go
Cooking on a campsite is much easier when you know exactly what you’re making and have all of the ingredients you need. Check out our camping recipes for some inspiration.
Cooking on a campsite is much easier when you know exactly what you’re making and have all of the ingredients you need. Check out our camping recipes for some inspiration.
33. Set up a hand washing area
33. Set up a hand washing area
If you’re camping in a tent, it’s a good idea to set up a hand washing station next to your cooking area so you don’t have to walk back and forth to the facilities block. Hand sanitizer is handy to have around but try not to use it in place of soap and water!
If you’re camping in a tent, it’s a good idea to set up a hand washing station next to your cooking area so you don’t have to walk back and forth to the facilities block. Hand sanitizer is handy to have around but try not to use it in place of soap and water!
34. Pack plenty of snacks
34. Pack plenty of snacks
Whipping up a quick bite to eat on a campsite can take longer than it would in your home, so make sure you have plenty of easy to grab snacks around to tide you over.
Whipping up a quick bite to eat on a campsite can take longer than it would in your home, so make sure you have plenty of easy to grab snacks around to tide you over.
35. Take reusable water bottles
35. Take reusable water bottles
Avoid plastic waste by taking a reusable bottle for each person you’re camping with. You can fill your bottle up on the campsite and take it with you when you go out for the day. Stainless steel bottles are great at keeping drinks hot or cold all day.
Avoid plastic waste by taking a reusable bottle for each person you’re camping with. You can fill your bottle up on the campsite and take it with you when you go out for the day. Stainless steel bottles are great at keeping drinks hot or cold all day.
36. Use your old tea towels
36. Use your old tea towels
Got a tea towel that’s past its best at home? Use that for your camping trip. Anything you take camping with you is bound to get a little worn so don’t take new versions of something you already have.
Got a tea towel that’s past its best at home? Use that for your camping trip. Anything you take camping with you is bound to get a little worn so don’t take new versions of something you already have.
37. Take a few meal options that don’t need cooking
37. Take a few meal options that don’t need cooking
Bad weather, a broken camping stove or exhaustion after a long day away from the campsite are all reasons you may not want to cook at the end of the day. Pack a few options that need no or minimal cooking so you can give yourself a break.
Bad weather, a broken camping stove or exhaustion after a long day away from the campsite are all reasons you may not want to cook at the end of the day. Pack a few options that need no or minimal cooking so you can give yourself a break.
38. Prep food before you leave
38. Prep food before you leave
You can chop vegetables, pre-mix pancake batter and crack eggs before you leave home to save you a bit of time on the campsite.
You can chop vegetables, pre-mix pancake batter and crack eggs before you leave home to save you a bit of time on the campsite.
39. Test your camping stove before each trip
39. Test your camping stove before each trip
It’s always a good idea to check your cooking equipment’s in working order before leaving home to avoid any setbacks once you arrive on your campsite. View our easy camping stove meals for some inspiration.
It’s always a good idea to check your cooking equipment’s in working order before leaving home to avoid any setbacks once you arrive on your campsite. View our easy camping stove meals for some inspiration.
40. Take a large water container
40. Take a large water container
Limit the number of times you have to walk to and from the water tap by keeping a large container of water on your pitch. This is great for refilling your water bottles, washing your hands and for using when cooking.
Limit the number of times you have to walk to and from the water tap by keeping a large container of water on your pitch. This is great for refilling your water bottles, washing your hands and for using when cooking.
41. Don’t forget the tea bags
41. Don’t forget the tea bags
Tea bags are one of the most common items to be forgotten, but one of the most valued by many campers.
Tea bags are one of the most common items to be forgotten, but one of the most valued by many campers.
42. You can buy reusable food storage
42. You can buy reusable food storage
Ziploc bags may be convenient, but single-use plastic isn’t great for the environment or the wildlife around our campsites. You can buy reusable silicone food storage bags, food containers and even beeswax food wraps that you can use time and time again.
Ziploc bags may be convenient, but single-use plastic isn’t great for the environment or the wildlife around our campsites. You can buy reusable silicone food storage bags, food containers and even beeswax food wraps that you can use time and time again.
43. Research local places to eat
43. Research local places to eat
If you’re camping for just a few days, investing in a camping stove may not be worth the cost when there are some fantastic local places to grab a bite to eat. Take a look at the best pubs and breweries in the New Forest as an example.
If you’re camping for just a few days, investing in a camping stove may not be worth the cost when there are some fantastic local places to grab a bite to eat. Take a look at the best pubs and breweries in the New Forest as an example.
Sleeping tips
Sleeping tips
44. Night-time in the UK is colder than you think
44. Night-time in the UK is colder than you think
Even in the peak of summer, the temperature in the UK can really drop at night. You’ll only sleep well if you’re warm enough so go prepared for a cold night, with the option to remove layers.
Even in the peak of summer, the temperature in the UK can really drop at night. You’ll only sleep well if you’re warm enough so go prepared for a cold night, with the option to remove layers.
45. Get a good ground mat
45. Get a good ground mat
The first thing to consider is what you’ll be sleeping on. The ground will absorb all of your heat given a chance, so make sure you put the right gear between you and it. This guide to sleeping mats should tell you everything you need to know.
The first thing to consider is what you’ll be sleeping on. The ground will absorb all of your heat given a chance, so make sure you put the right gear between you and it. This guide to sleeping mats should tell you everything you need to know.
46. If you’re going to spend money on one item, let it be your sleeping bag
46. If you’re going to spend money on one item, let it be your sleeping bag
Your sleeping bag is going to be your main insulation while you sleep, so investing in something comfortable, lightweight and long-lasting is worth the money. This guide to sleeping bags should give you a few pointers.
Your sleeping bag is going to be your main insulation while you sleep, so investing in something comfortable, lightweight and long-lasting is worth the money. This guide to sleeping bags should give you a few pointers.
47. Take a comfy pillow
47. Take a comfy pillow
You can buy camping pillows, but they’re not necessarily needed. If you’re backpacking or low on space, camping pillows can pack down to save on weight and room. Otherwise, any comfy pillow you like will do the job.
You can buy camping pillows, but they’re not necessarily needed. If you’re backpacking or low on space, camping pillows can pack down to save on weight and room. Otherwise, any comfy pillow you like will do the job.
48. Pack extra blankets
48. Pack extra blankets
Blankets can be used as an additional insulation layer on the ground, a cosy extra in your sleeping bag or for putting across your lap on a colder evening. It’s better to have another layer you can use than need one and not have it.
Blankets can be used as an additional insulation layer on the ground, a cosy extra in your sleeping bag or for putting across your lap on a colder evening. It’s better to have another layer you can use than need one and not have it.
49. Think about your tent flooring
49. Think about your tent flooring
You don’t need to add any additional flooring to your tent, but it is an easy way of ramping up the comfort factor. Foam floor pads, spare carpet and fluffy blankets are great for insulation; they can also protect your tent flooring from wear and tear.
You don’t need to add any additional flooring to your tent, but it is an easy way of ramping up the comfort factor. Foam floor pads, spare carpet and fluffy blankets are great for insulation; they can also protect your tent flooring from wear and tear.
50. Understand heat loss and how to prevent it
50. Understand heat loss and how to prevent it
If you’re unfamiliar with the mechanisms behind heat loss, take a look at this explanation of the methods of heat loss, which very quickly explains how we lose heat to our surroundings. Once you understand how your body temperature drops, you’ll know how to stay warmer.
If you’re unfamiliar with the mechanisms behind heat loss, take a look at this explanation of the methods of heat loss, which very quickly explains how we lose heat to our surroundings. Once you understand how your body temperature drops, you’ll know how to stay warmer.
51. Don’t sleep with your face inside your sleeping bag
51. Don’t sleep with your face inside your sleeping bag
If you sleep with your mouth inside your sleeping bag, the water vapour in your breath will make the inside of your sleeping bag damp which will make you colder and uncomfortable.
If you sleep with your mouth inside your sleeping bag, the water vapour in your breath will make the inside of your sleeping bag damp which will make you colder and uncomfortable.
52. Pack a hot water bottle
52. Pack a hot water bottle
If you’re especially susceptible to cold weather and camping with the means to heat up water, a hot water bottle can be a great option for tucking inside your sleeping bag. Just remember that if you get so hot that you start to sweat, you may wake up colder later in the night.
If you’re especially susceptible to cold weather and camping with the means to heat up water, a hot water bottle can be a great option for tucking inside your sleeping bag. Just remember that if you get so hot that you start to sweat, you may wake up colder later in the night.
Tent tips
Tent tips
53. Buy a bigger tent than you think you’ll need
53. Buy a bigger tent than you think you’ll need
The size of a tent is described by the maximum number of people that can sleep inside it. A two-berth tent, for example, is designed to fit two adults. Although this is great as a rough guide, you’ll probably want some extra space to store your gear and move around inside your tent. We recommend buying a tent which is at least one size up from the amount of people sleeping in it.
The size of a tent is described by the maximum number of people that can sleep inside it. A two-berth tent, for example, is designed to fit two adults. Although this is great as a rough guide, you’ll probably want some extra space to store your gear and move around inside your tent. We recommend buying a tent which is at least one size up from the amount of people sleeping in it.
Camping shows are a great way to get a feel of different tent sizes and shapes. Find out about upcoming camping shows here.
Camping shows are a great way to get a feel of different tent sizes and shapes. Find out about upcoming camping shows here.
54. Arrive during daylight hours
54. Arrive during daylight hours
Pitching a tent in the dark isn’t an enjoyable experience, especially if it’s one of your first times. Plan to arrive during daylight hours and remember that the sun sets much earlier in the winter months.
Pitching a tent in the dark isn’t an enjoyable experience, especially if it’s one of your first times. Plan to arrive during daylight hours and remember that the sun sets much earlier in the winter months.
55. Double-check the ground you’re pitching on
55. Double-check the ground you’re pitching on
Look at the ground where you’re about to pitch your tent. It should be mostly even, so you don’t find yourself on a slope. Check there are no rocks, stones or rubbish which can impact on comfort and damage your groundsheet.
Look at the ground where you’re about to pitch your tent. It should be mostly even, so you don’t find yourself on a slope. Check there are no rocks, stones or rubbish which can impact on comfort and damage your groundsheet.
56. Pack some microfiber cloths
56. Pack some microfiber cloths
Taking up little room in the car, microfiber cloths will come in handy countless times during your camping trip. Whether it’s a drink spillage, rainy weather, or excess condensation, you’ll be thankful you have a quick-drying cloth to use.
Taking up little room in the car, microfiber cloths will come in handy countless times during your camping trip. Whether it’s a drink spillage, rainy weather, or excess condensation, you’ll be thankful you have a quick-drying cloth to use.
57. Always use a mallet for your tent pegs
57. Always use a mallet for your tent pegs
Using your foot to drive tent pegs into the ground is a recipe for disaster. You’re very likely to bend the pegs if you’ve got hiking boots on, rendering them useless. If you haven’t got solid shoes on, you’re more likely to cause yourself a nasty foot injury. If you’ve forgotten your mallet, ask to borrow someone else’s or find a rock to use instead.
Using your foot to drive tent pegs into the ground is a recipe for disaster. You’re very likely to bend the pegs if you’ve got hiking boots on, rendering them useless. If you haven’t got solid shoes on, you’re more likely to cause yourself a nasty foot injury. If you’ve forgotten your mallet, ask to borrow someone else’s or find a rock to use instead.
58. Make sure you don’t leave too much of your tent peg sticking out
58. Make sure you don’t leave too much of your tent peg sticking out
This can help prevent you from tripping over them, which is easily done. You can also get reflective guy ropes which are helpful when coming back to your tent after a late trip to the facilities block.
This can help prevent you from tripping over them, which is easily done. You can also get reflective guy ropes which are helpful when coming back to your tent after a late trip to the facilities block.
59. Consider a no-shoe rule inside
59. Consider a no-shoe rule inside
Many campers will have a rule that shoes aren’t allowed inside the tent at all. This is a great way of keeping the interior of the tent clean and dry in all weathers. Always make sure muddy or wet shoes are left at the entrance of your tent; you can always pack a pair of comfy slippers to wear inside.
Many campers will have a rule that shoes aren’t allowed inside the tent at all. This is a great way of keeping the interior of the tent clean and dry in all weathers. Always make sure muddy or wet shoes are left at the entrance of your tent; you can always pack a pair of comfy slippers to wear inside.
60. Check your tent before you camp
60. Check your tent before you camp
If it’s your first time pitching a tent, or your tent has been in storage for a while, it’s a good idea to get it out and put it up in the garden before you leave. Check you’re comfortable with putting it together and look out for any damage or wear. You can even practice putting all of your kit inside to check it fits how you’d like. Doing a trial run at home is a great way to build your confidence if you’re a first-timer and it should help to ensure pitching up on the campsite goes smoothly.
If it’s your first time pitching a tent, or your tent has been in storage for a while, it’s a good idea to get it out and put it up in the garden before you leave. Check you’re comfortable with putting it together and look out for any damage or wear. You can even practice putting all of your kit inside to check it fits how you’d like. Doing a trial run at home is a great way to build your confidence if you’re a first-timer and it should help to ensure pitching up on the campsite goes smoothly.
61. Make sure you have enough room in your tent to store your gear
61. Make sure you have enough room in your tent to store your gear
If you’ve bought a tent big enough for you and your gear this shouldn’t be a problem (see point 49). During your trial run at home, you can double-check that your gear fits inside your tent comfortably.
If you’ve bought a tent big enough for you and your gear this shouldn’t be a problem (see point 49). During your trial run at home, you can double-check that your gear fits inside your tent comfortably.
62. Zip your doors before you pitch
62. Zip your doors before you pitch
You’ll want to pitch your tent with enough tension to protect it from high winds. If you do that with your tent doors open, you may struggle to zip them up.
You’ll want to pitch your tent with enough tension to protect it from high winds. If you do that with your tent doors open, you may struggle to zip them up.
63. Pack some duct tape
63. Pack some duct tape
You can use duct tape to mend a tear in your tent, seal unused food bags, repair your glasses, cover a blister, fix a leaking water bottle and much more. The uses are endless!
You can use duct tape to mend a tear in your tent, seal unused food bags, repair your glasses, cover a blister, fix a leaking water bottle and much more. The uses are endless!
64. Read our guide to buying a tent
64. Read our guide to buying a tent
Find out about the best tent materials and what to look out for in our tent buying guide.
Find out about the best tent materials and what to look out for in our tent buying guide.
65. Dry your tent out before storing
65. Dry your tent out before storing
Packing your tent away on the campsite is okay if it’s wet but make sure you dry it out as soon as you get home. Storing a wet tent can lead to mould and a much shorter lifespan than the manufacturer intended. If the weathers dry, you can put your tent up in the garden to dry it out. If you need to dry it indoors, laying it on a flat surface and turning every few hours should do the job.
Packing your tent away on the campsite is okay if it’s wet but make sure you dry it out as soon as you get home. Storing a wet tent can lead to mould and a much shorter lifespan than the manufacturer intended. If the weathers dry, you can put your tent up in the garden to dry it out. If you need to dry it indoors, laying it on a flat surface and turning every few hours should do the job.
66. Check any tent peg requirements
66. Check any tent peg requirements
Some campsites will require different types of tent pegs due to ground conditions. You’ll usually be notified of this prior to arriving on your campsite of choice. Some of the varieties of tent pegs to be aware of are rock pegs, snow pegs and stake pegs which are usually a good all-rounder. Many campers will build up a supply of pegs and take a variety along with them just in case spares are needed. For more information on the varieties, read our guide to tent pegs.
Some campsites will require different types of tent pegs due to ground conditions. You’ll usually be notified of this prior to arriving on your campsite of choice. Some of the varieties of tent pegs to be aware of are rock pegs, snow pegs and stake pegs which are usually a good all-rounder. Many campers will build up a supply of pegs and take a variety along with them just in case spares are needed. For more information on the varieties, read our guide to tent pegs.
67. Take photos as you unpack your tent
67. Take photos as you unpack your tent
Sometimes the hardest part of taking down a tent is figuring out how it fits back inside the bag. Taking pictures of the tent as you take it out can help you figure out how to get it back in.
Sometimes the hardest part of taking down a tent is figuring out how it fits back inside the bag. Taking pictures of the tent as you take it out can help you figure out how to get it back in.
Clothing tips
Clothing tips
68. Pack dry spares
68. Pack dry spares
Dry campers are happy campers! Pack at least one set of spare clothes in case the ones you’re wearing get wet. Do your research on materials which retain heat and dry quickly, investing in a few good items to see you through will make your camping trip much more comfortable.
Dry campers are happy campers! Pack at least one set of spare clothes in case the ones you’re wearing get wet. Do your research on materials which retain heat and dry quickly, investing in a few good items to see you through will make your camping trip much more comfortable.
69. Make sure your layers are loose
69. Make sure your layers are loose
The best way to stay warm is to layer up your clothing, but if your layers are tight, you’ll slow your circulation and end up with cold limbs.
The best way to stay warm is to layer up your clothing, but if your layers are tight, you’ll slow your circulation and end up with cold limbs.
70. Stay on top of your temperature
70. Stay on top of your temperature
Don’t wait until your fingers are numb to try and get warm. As soon as you start to feel cold, figure out why and fix it. It’s much harder to get warm when you’re really cold than it is to maintain a constant level of comfort.
Don’t wait until your fingers are numb to try and get warm. As soon as you start to feel cold, figure out why and fix it. It’s much harder to get warm when you’re really cold than it is to maintain a constant level of comfort.
71. Pack an umbrella
71. Pack an umbrella
You may not want to wear your waterproofs when you’re spending the day exploring a new city or town. Pack a compact umbrella so you can be prepared for Britain’s rainy weather.
You may not want to wear your waterproofs when you’re spending the day exploring a new city or town. Pack a compact umbrella so you can be prepared for Britain’s rainy weather.
72. Store your clothes in waterproof containers
72. Store your clothes in waterproof containers
This follows on from the point above; make sure your clothes are stored in a waterproof box or bag. This tip ensures you’ll always have a dry set of clothes.
This follows on from the point above; make sure your clothes are stored in a waterproof box or bag. This tip ensures you’ll always have a dry set of clothes.
73. Slip-on shoes
73. Slip-on shoes
Pack a pair of shoes you can slip on and off quickly for trips to the facility block and wandering around the campsite. It’ll save you a lot of time and effort during your trip.
Pack a pair of shoes you can slip on and off quickly for trips to the facility block and wandering around the campsite. It’ll save you a lot of time and effort during your trip.
74. Keep your clothes in your sleeping bag
74. Keep your clothes in your sleeping bag
If you’re camping during cold weather, getting out of your sleeping bag can be a struggle. Having your clothes for the day ahead in your sleeping bag overnight means they’ll be warm in the morning. View all of our cold weather camping tips here.
If you’re camping during cold weather, getting out of your sleeping bag can be a struggle. Having your clothes for the day ahead in your sleeping bag overnight means they’ll be warm in the morning. View all of our cold weather camping tips here.
Made it to the end? Don’t stop here; we have plenty more camping information, camping recipes and family camping inspiration for you to get stuck in to.
Made it to the end? Don’t stop here; we have plenty more camping information, camping recipes and family camping inspiration for you to get stuck in to.
Alternatively, check out our camping
Alternatively, check out our camping