How to Make Your Camping Trip A Success

I’ve recently been spending my weekends camping and it has turned into one of my favourite things to do. Camping is something we did lots of as kids, but my parents tended to take ‘roughing it’, to a whole new level, and in the process some of my appreciation was lost. Thankfully, my partner and friends decided to introduce me to car-camping, and my love was reinvigorated. Going camping is an awesome way to spend a weekend, and there’s something incredibly rejuvenating about getting out of the city and getting into the bush. But what I’ve learnt is that preparation is key, and there are several factors that require consideration in order to make your trip an epic one!

So here we go – my thoughts on how to make your camping trip a dazzling success:

Choice of location
It sounds almost too obvious to be stated, but I cannot emphasise this enough – location is key and, besides the company, it’s the most important factor. When thinking about where to go, consider what kind of activities you are wanting to do while you’re there. Are you wanting to laze about on the beach? Or perhaps you’re more interested in exploring hiking trails in the forest. You should also consider what camping equipment you have on hand and whether you need access to cooking and bathroom facilities. For us, the most important consideration is going somewhere that is dog friendly so that we can bring our boy Lenny along for the adventure!

Get Your Timing Right 
What I’m about to say is vital, so read it carefully because I’m only going to say it once – check the weather forecast before you leave. No matter how prepared you are, being stuck in a tent all weekend (with a damp dog) and the rain bucketing down is not fun for anyone. Let’s face it, outdoor activities are always going to be weather dependent, and this is no exception! If the weather does allow you to proceed, you should time your arrival so you get there in daylight. There’s nothing more disorientating than getting somewhere in the dark, and there’s few things more frustrating than trying to pitch a tent and peg holes when you can’t see.

Plan Out Your Meals
There is so much joy to be had from hearty meals eaten whilst camping. Plan out what seems like an appropriate amount of food, then add a whole bunch more – take my word for it, being outdoors makes you ravenous! Don’t forget to add in a few bottles of wine and some cheeky marshmallows or smores (vegan of course) to eat around the fire. When I’m camping, I love to have oats or chia pudding in the morning, hummus and felafel wraps for lunch and a delicious pasta or curry for dinner!

Pack Appropriately
The packing list for camping is long, and the process is my least favourite part of the whole affair. Make sure you pack appropriate clothing for your destination, including long clothes for around the fire in the evening, warm layers for when the weather drops, and waterproofs in case the forecast was wrong! Insect repellent, sunscreen, toilet paper and a torch are also non-negotiables that should be added. Lastly, make sure you have a comfy mattress to sleep on in the night. A rejuvenating weekend away becomes much less invigorating if you’ve had a horrific night’s sleep!

Don’t Forget Your Oils
A weekend away just wouldn’t be complete without your handy stash of essential oils. There’s an oil for everything – repelling insects, helping you sleep, soothing any burns or cuts you get along the way, and even to help reduce your stomach pains after too many sweets around the fire. Check out this article to read more about my top oils to take camping. 

Leave the Site the Way You Found It
Finally, please take the time and care to leave the campsite the way you found it. Pick up any rubbish you may have left on the ground, and clear the site of signs of your visit. We only get one earth, and it’s a pretty damn beautiful one at that – it’s up to us to take care of it and make sure it lasts.