Camping out can be a really fun experience whether you do it alone or with the family! Whether you choose to buy all your camping gear in one go or collect it over a few months, it’s important to choose the best equipment that your budget will allow. At the least you’ll need a tent, furniture, cooking equipment, allweather clothing and storage.

Here are some of the best camping tips that you can make use of immediately:

Which kind of tent should you use?

One of the first questions you will no doubt ask yourself is which tent do you need to buy. Well, the answer depends on how many people are going to be sleeping in the tent and how much luggage space you are going to need. Many people rush in and buy a 4 man tent for their 4 man family only to find there is no room for their camping gear!
Tents are measured in berths so if you allow the size of one person for your luggage space, this should be plenty of room for everything. Two people will be comfortable in a 3-4 man tent and for 4 people an 8 berth tent is best as there will be the requirement for more luggage space.

Choosing a Campsite or Campground

There are two types of campground: private and public. Public campgrounds are normally maintained and owned by a government office and are most notably found in forests and national parks and in state parks. Private campgrounds are usually owned by private businesses or individual owners. You’ll find a huge selection of public and private campgrounds online.

If you’re looking for a campsite with lots of amenities then public campgrounds are your best choice. Those with young children for example, might welcome having showers and toilets on campus and also having a well-equipped shop and playground on hand. Public campgrounds are usually found in more scenic areas where land has been set aside and preserved. Many of the national parks have a wide selection of campgrounds to choose from.

Preparing Your Campsite

Once you’ve found the spot you like, it’s time to start setting up. This is the bit you’ve been waiting for and preparing for! But how do you choose that elusive spot?
Well, the tips below might help you to find the best camping spot to suit your needs and to ensure you get the best night’s sleep!

? Try to choose level and relatively high ground- ever heard the saying ‘high and dry’? Well, there is some truth to it, it would seem. If you pitch your tent on an area that is elevated, if it rains the water will run back down and away from your tent. Don’t set your tent on a slope though as you’ll be rolling around in your sleeping bag all night! Try to avoid campgrounds in low areas.

? Choose a spot with a nearby water source – You’ll need lots of water whilst camping. You’ll need it mostly for drinking and cooking, but you’ll also need it for cleaning up too. Check to see where the water sources are on your map and head to a spot nearby. You won’t be wanting to walk far with gallons of water sloshing in a heavy container!

? Try to pick a campsite with areas of shade – it’s lovely to relax whilst camping, but you might not want to be sat in full sun for too long.

Camp Cooking

One of the best things about camping is cooking outdoors. Whilst camping stoves are great for cooking on, nothing comes close to the delicious flavor that the campfire gives to food. Whether you just want to roast a few sausages direct on the flames or you’re looking for something a little more adventurous there are many foods you can cook. Barbecue foods are most popular among camping enthusiasts. If you plan to engage yourself in barbecue then make sure that you carry bbq covers along with your camping gear.

Here are just a couple of ideas:

Fireside Tacos

Tacos are one of those foods that everybody seems to love. Perhaps it’s the crunch of the taco, the crisp lettuce or the succulent meat. Whatever it is, you can easily make these for everybody and they are sure to go down an absolute storm!

Burgers and Hotdogs

Portable meals such as burgers and hotdogs are always going to be popular campsite food. You can choose to cook your dogs in boiling water or wrap them in foil for the fire. Baked potatoes are also a great accompaniment and taste great from the flames. Remember to bring along buns, ketchup and a whole load of napkins!