As I am preparing for another year of camping it got me thinking back to when we were new to camping. What we didn’t know and what we would have loved to have known. Having 3 young children anything to help the pitching and the actual trip was so welcome. So I thought I would share some camping tips for beginners that you will find so useful!
Take your time packing the car
There is literally nothing worse than pulling up to the campsite and it’s raining but you need to take everything out to reach the tent. The way we pack our car is a bit like a game of Tetris. Get to know your car and all it’s nook and crannys. I know that I move the children’s seat forward it then creates a small gap big enough to slot in the tables.
Pack in clear plastic boxes
When we pack for our camping trips we use clear plastic boxes, this way we can easily identify what is in each of the boxes. We have several boxes as not only does it make packing the boot of the car so much easier, it helps to cut down time too. Each of our boxes contain different things such as; one for the “kitchen” which contains all the things you would expect to find in the kitchen. We have another box for the children’s activities, things like lego, drawing paper, story cubes, chess, uno etc
Use a dog grid
It’s amazing how many packed car photos I see across facebook of campers so proud of their packing skills. Some of them are literally so packed that if you take one thing out I can imagine the whole boot would empty. However, some of these cars have nothing to protect the passengers from the items in the boot. Installing a dog grid creates a barrier from the headrests of the back seats meaning you can pack the car right to the roof. Why is this important? Imaging you are driving along the motorway and you were to crash, all those items in the boot become instant projectiles. Which can cause more harm than good. The grid will prevent this.
Prepare
Before you head off on your camping trip, plan and prepare. If the tent is new to you then check out how to pitch videos on youtube to give you an idea before you pitch. It’s always worth to take it out on a test run before you head off. This isn’t always doable though. Check out a map of the site you are visiting and find out if the pitches are pre-allocated or whether you can choose your own. If you can choose your own then you can have a look at get to know the campsite, some places like Shell Island have some great spots to pitch. Read campsite reviews before you leave too.
Social Media
There is no better way to learn of new sites than through word of mouth. Facebook is home to literally hundreds of different types of camping groups. From caravanning, to motorhomes to even wild camping spots in the UK. There is a group for you to join. I have loved reading reviews of camping equipment, sites and also things like roofbars.
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