Camping Tips For First Time Campers

Posted By Tracey Pedersen in Guest Posts | 0 comments

So you’ve decided to go camping for the first time ever? What exactly were you thinking? Now it’s time to knuckle down and work out exactly what you need to go before you head off.

If you’re more used to the Marriott than you are to Mother Nature then you’re in for a treat! There is nothing more exciting than your first adventure cooking, eating and sleeping in the great outdoors. For first timers there’s quite a few questions you should know the answers to before you set out.

• Camping takes a fair bit of preparation. For a successful trip you need to plan a little bit in advance. How far is it to your campsite? How will you find out what you need to take? Will you buy the equipment you need or borrow it for your first outing? What’s the best size tent for the number of people going with you?
• Camping requires some planning to make sure you have enough food. How many people do you need to feed? What food will you eat? How will you keep that food fresh? How will you keep that food sealed up so it doesn’t attract animals? Are there stores nearby where you can buy ice and restock your supplies? If not, how will you manage without things like fresh milk for cereal each day?
• Chores don’t disappear just because you’re not at home. Dishes will need to be washed every night so they don’t attract animals or insects. Clothing gets dirty, especially if you have kids. Will you be close to running water for dishes and clothes washing? Will the chores be divided up or will mum and dad get stuck with them? Are paper plates an option? Where will you put your rubbish each day? Will it attract animals?
• Camping requires some equipment and special gear. Do you have the right clothes for the climate you will camp in? What about gloves and beanies for a cold climate? Or products that offer sun protection if you are headed somewhere hot?

Don’t let all of these questions overwhelm you or deter you from your first camping adventure! An easy way to make sure you have fun and go prepared is to go with someone who has been camping before. If you tag along with an experienced camper you’ll get the chance to see what they take with them, what kind of food they pack and how much. Sometimes we just can’t see how we will manage without the comforts of home but there turns out to be a simple solution to most situations.

A successful first camping trip means you will be keen to go camping again. A first-time disaster might result in it being your one and only attempt at camping, ever. Much better to give yourself the best chance of success and learn from an experienced camper!