Camping is a fun, easy, and affordable way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. In the UK, campers tend to take around 3 trips per year, with over 9 million camping trips booked and taken in 2019 alone. However, camping isn’t the most luxurious of trips. While those who enjoy being at one with nature don’t find this too much, there are some small things you can do to elevate your camping experience and make it a little bit more comfortable, whatever the weather.
Choose a suitable campsite.
This might seem an obvious tip, but you’d be surprised how many people forget it. When you arrive at your chosen campsite, ensure it’s the right one for you. You want to be looking at different options, including cleaning facilities and toilets, electricity hookups if required, plenty of space, so you’re not cramped next to other campers, privacy, dog-friendly facilities, family-friendly facilities and more. Ideally, you want to pick a site that offers state-of-the-art amenities and easy outdoor access. You don’t want to choose a site that has no amenities and is far away from anywhere you can travel to for those amenities.
Take a portable power unit.
Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, having a power source can be lifesaving. You can use a power unit to charge your phone or other electronics. These devices have a long battery life and can charge almost all your devices, like a phone, tablet, or camera. They’re also helpful in campgrounds with limited electrical outlets or where no outlets are available. Being able to keep devices charged and stay connected will not doubt be a great way to improve your camping experience.
Don’t forget the air bed or rolled-up mattress.
Camping is often done on the ground, but that doesn’t mean you need to do it on hard ground. When it comes to sleeping outdoors, an air bed or rolled-up mattress can make a world of difference. An air bed is more portable and can be set up anywhere with minimal effort, but a rolled-up mattress is lighter and can be stowed in a small space. Even if you’re camping somewhere with softer ground, you should take a mattress to make sleeping on the floor more comfortable. If you’re camping in the summer, you could even decide to sleep under the stars in a hammock and for that, a hammock stand would be ideal. No need to try and find trees or posts to tie your hammock to.
Camping chairs are a must.
Camping chairs are small, lightweight and easy to fold away. They’re also perfect for helping you avoid having to sit on the ground all the time. They make all the difference in elevating your camping experience and making it more comfortable, especially for newer campers who may need time to adjust. For extra convenience, choose chairs with drinks holders in the armrests!
Don’t forget lighting.
Many campsites won’t be well-lit in the dark, especially the further away you get from the main block. This is all part of the camping experience, so ensuring you take lights can help you to avoid being stuck in pitch black and help you to find your way around in the night. From torches to string lights, lanterns and even your phone, you must ensure you don’t forget to pack light for after dark.
Meal prep before you leave for better food choices and easier cooking
If you’re planning on cooking when you arrive at the campsite, making an entire meal might be tricky on a camping stove. Instead, make easy-to-reheat meals before you go and take them with you. Things like soups, stews and casseroles work well, and you can enjoy fresh home-cooked meals instead of struggling to prepare and cook food with limited cooking facilities.
Bring entertainment
You need to be entertained during your camping trip, which can mean different things to different people. But taking something to keep everyone occupied is vital. From books to board games, colouring activities or even exercise equipment, don’t forget to bring something fun with you to help pass the time if there isn’t much to do at your campsite.
Ensure your tent is big enough for everyone.
Packing a smaller tent to save space can be tempting, but the last thing you want is for everyone to sleep on top of each other and be cramped inside a too-small tent. Try out different-sized tents to ensure there is enough room for all members of the group who will be sharing and that you can comfortably lie down and fit everything inside too.
Conclusion
Camping is all about stripping life back and getting close to nature. But that doesn’t mean you need to suffer in the meantime. The above tips help you to be more comfortable during your camping experience and enjoy it more.