Camping is one of those holidays where everyone is furtively checking out each other’s pitch to see what they have done right and where they have messed up. Your gear, how you arrange it and, dare I say it, your erection will all be under scrutiny. So, if you are planning a trip away as a complete camping beginner or an old hand looking for some fresh ideas, arm yourself with these super simple camping tips.
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1. Fabsil everything
The path to looking like a camping pro starts at home. This is the time to make sure all your equipment is in order, in particular your tent or awning.
It doesn’t matter how good it was last season, treat all the seams with Fabsil* to make sure they are waterproof. No one likes being dripped on in the night.
2. Practice pitch your tent at home
Continuing with your pre-camping preparations, if you are able, put your tent up at home first. If you’ve just bought it you can make sure that you have all the poles and pegs you need.
Here are some of the best value family camping tents.
And if you are old hands at camping you can make sure everything was packed away correctly and check for any damage.
A trial run will also mean you can pitch your tent faster when you get to your site, which is handy if it’s raining. You’ll also look like a pro to your fellow campers.
3. Have a packing list
Turning up at your campsite without that all important bottle opener is a right pain. Prepare a camping packing list before you go.
Here’s some check lists for different types of camping holiday:
- Caravanning essentials
- What to pack for a camping holiday
- Camper van packing list
- Things to pack for glamping breaks
Check out my ultimate guide to packing for family holidays.
4. Pack your tent last
While it might be tempting to put your largest camping items in the car boot first, think carefully about what you will need as soon as you get to your campsite. One of our very best camping tips is to pack your tent last.
Read about some more common camping mistakes you can easily avoid.
5. Pull pegs like a pro camper
We know from experience that the peg pullers you can buy from camping shops rarely do the trick, especially when you have pitched on hard ground. Buy a pair of mole grips* instead.
6. Camping boxes serve many purposes
We store all of our camping gear in a large box*. This means we’re not scrambling around for our gas kettle and plastic bowls before each trip.
A sturdy camping box can also be a bench to sit on during your holiday. Empty it out and you also have a baby, toddler or dog bath!
7. Add some home comforts to your tent
A camping carpet* can really warm up and personalise your tent. This is a camping tip Tin Box Dog appreciates!
8. You can never have enough torches
We have lots of torches: Maglites, head torches, little flash lights for the kids, as well as lanterns to use inside the tent. They serve and important purpose when you need to take a trip to the loo in the night and they give hours of entertainment to kids.
Extra camping tip: don’t forget spare batteries*!
9. Bring a potty
Speaking of trips to the toilet block at night, these can be minimised if you bring a potty for your kids to use as a night loo.
Even better buy a portable toilet*.
10. Bring games
Keep your kids and yourselves entertained on site whatever the weather by packing some camping games. Here are some of our favourites.
I hope you’ve found these camping tips handy and now have plenty of ideas for how to rock up to your next campsite looking like a pro.
If you have anymore camping hacks to share then I’d love to hear them. Comment below or email me.
Want more ideas for family holidays and days out? Read my tips for smashing family travel and sign up for my newsletter.
Planning your next family camping trip? Why not save this post about camping tips on Pinterest.
Thara
Friday 9th of September 2022
I always provide lots of cheese and ham sandwiches on the first day. Food is wrapped up in foil on a plate. I also recommend researching campsites online etc in order to find out some more. Be aware of campsite facilities and so on as well. Ask for helpful ideas on activities and the like. Make brief summary notes in case. Good luck. Find out if there is a recommended beach nearby or not. Do the same for cafes and pubs.
Marel
Monday 3rd of May 2021
Very helpful and amazing tips for camping lovers'. This is amazing reading for me. Thank you for sharing it.
LeMitri's
Saturday 9th of January 2021
Is Camping good for anxiety?
Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller
Monday 11th of January 2021
Hi there, I find camping a relaxing why to holiday but I'm not a medical expert so cannot give you advice. It's maybe something to discuss with an expert.
Alvin Stone
Sunday 11th of October 2020
Thank you Claire Hall for the amazing tips. Very informative and detailed guide.