5 mistakes first-time campers make
If you or someone in your family is going camping for the first time, or even if you haven’t been for a few years, there’s a lot to remember in order to keep safe and have an enjoyable camping experience. Here are five mistakes many beginners make, and how you can avoid them.
Not doing research
It’s incredibly important to be prepared. If you’re not, what was meant to be a fun and relaxing time in the great outdoors can turn into one disaster after another. So be sure to read up on where you are going, what the weather is expected to be like, what facilities are around (is there running water; are their public toilets; are their set campsites; can you have a fire there?). You needn’t spend hours, but investing some time during your planning phase can save you many headaches down the track.
Skimping on supplies
We’re all for a good bargain, but when you’re going camping, it’s best to choose a quality brand that comes with recommendations from various sources. If you’re only planning on camping this one time, then maybe try to borrow some equipment from a friend. But if you decide that camping is something you’ll do again after this trip, perhaps invest in things you won’t need to replace each year.
Not testing that equipment before you leave
If you’ve gone out and bought yourself a new tent, or even if you’ve borrowed one, you should practice setting it up in your backyard. That way you’ll have a good idea of where everything is supposed to go, and if all the components are present. And those torches? Give them a test, too. You don’t want to arrive on site with a broken torch and no light.
Arriving late
You do not want to be trying to find a spot to pitch your tent as the light fades. And you really don’t want to have to pitch said tent by the light of your headlights. So plan accordingly and arrive with plenty of time to scope out the area and choose the very best place for you to safely set up camp.
Leaving food and rubbish outside
If you leave your food or rubbish out in the open overnight, you’re likely to wake and find it strewn across your campsite. Possums, foxes, kangaroos, and other local wildlife will be drawn to the smell of food, so make sure you lock it up tight. Put food away in plastic tubs, or in your car. The same goes for a bag full of rubbish. Many people think hanging a bag hung from a tree will deter nocturnal visitors, but you’d be surprised how cunning they can be.
Related links:
How to make the perfect trail mix
Caravan cooking: vegetable skewers
Our guide to ensure you don’t leave a “footprint” when you go camping