Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy quality time whether it be solo camping, or with family and friends whilst escaping everyday stresses and enjoying some beautiful nature. The key to planning the best camping trip and avoiding any mishaps is good preparation and planning. So, before you head out on your first proper trip, make sure to consider the following steps on how to plan a camping trip with friends or family.
Decide On A Location
It might seem like a silly question, but what kind of camping do you want to do? Camping doesn’t always just mean staying in a tent. Perhaps you’re considering taking a motorhome, or are planning on staying in a van or caravan. This will have an impact on where you choose to stay. Are you looking to stay on a campsite or are you keen to go wild camping? These are important questions to ask, so that you can reserve your chosen spot in plenty of time. When choosing campsites, make sure to research the facilities and check how far away the site is from the places you want to visit while you’re away. The easiest way to do this is to read plenty of reviews.
Write Out A Kit List
As you can imagine, there’s quite a lot of kit involved when you go camping. That’s why one of our top tips for how to plan a camping trip is to write down everything that you need in advance. It’s best to do this using a waterproof notebook so that you can bring your notes along with you knowing that they won’t be ruined by bad weather or dirt. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof pen for writing useful notes along the way. Your tent, sleeping gear and cooking gear should be your main priority, however it’s important not to forget crucial additional kit, such as head torches and a first aid kit. Writing this down helps to ensure that you don’t forget anything or overpack.
Test Your Gear
Another really important part of how to plan a camping trip successfully is testing out your gear before you head off. The last thing you need is faulty equipment ruining the start of your holiday, and so it’s always best to give all your equipment a quick check before you set off. This may involve practising how to set up your tent to save time and frustration once you arrive at your campsite, as well as checking smaller pieces of equipment. For example, does your head torch have enough batteries? Is your first aid kit properly stocked? These are all important things to double check.
Plan Your Meals
One of the most enjoyable parts of camping can be spending the evening cooking around the campfire. However, the process is a whole lot more smooth if you prepare as much as you can in advance. A good tip for how to plan a camping trip is to prep the ingredients for cooking that you can in advance. Cutting up veggies etc. and packing them into tupperware is a lot easier at home than outdoors. Plan to have some easy meals to cook, such as pasta or a BBQ, as well as some grab-and-go options, such as skewers and sandwiches. Check how close the nearest shop is to where you’re staying to see if you’ll be able to pick up groceries as you go.
Prepare For All Weather Conditions
Even during the hot summer months, the weather can be changeable which is why it’s always important to be prepared for all eventualities. Regardless of what the forecast suggests, it’s crucial to bring waterproofs with you. The last thing you need is a load of wet clothes with no way of drying them. Our top tip for how to plan a camping trip and choosing the right clothing is to bring layers. That way, you’re prepared for all weathers. Of course, if you're camping in cold weather, you should also make sure you bring plenty of extra thermal layers, to keep yourself warm in the colder weather.
Plan Some Fun Activities
Whilst it’s great fun sitting around the campfire in the evenings, you certainly don’t want to be stuck in a tent or van all day, particularly if it’s raining! That’s why planning a basic itinerary is an important part of how to plan a camping trip with friends or family. It’s a good idea to plan activities based on the forecast, so that you’ve got plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in case of bad weather. Research the best activities to enjoy near your camping location so that you don’t miss out on the best experiences. The Rite In The Rain Spiral Calendar is perfect for planning your itinerary. It will help you organise the schedule for your trip, and bring it along with you without the risk of the paper tearing or smudging in bad weather.
