11 Camping Mistakes Made by Beginners

1. Not Knowing Enough About the Campsite or Area You Are Going to Camp

You may have decided to visit a place based on photos you saw on Instagram or even from a friend’s recommendation. But that is not enough to know what the site is really like. Spend some time on the camps website and read reviews from those who have been there. Most leave good tips for future visitors to know, so look them up. If you are camping with children, call ahead to see if they have any facilities for children and families. Also, you should book with them so that they expect you.

2. Arriving Too Late in the Day

When you arrive at the campsite after dark, it’s hard to set up your camp properly. You will not be able to clear the ground for tents or see any dangers around you because of how poorly lit everything is. You are also likely to make noise while setting up and annoy other campers who just want to rest and sleep from hiking. Therefore, it is wise to arrive in the early afternoon and use that time to set up your ideal spot and enjoy a beautiful sunset in peace.

3. Not Checking the Weather

Camping means you will be sleeping outdoors, and you need to be prepared for all weather conditions. It is advisable to check the weather forecast and still carry your rain gear if the weather changes unexpectedly.

4. Packing the Wrong Tent

As basic as it sounds, this is a common camping mistake. The wrong tent is one that is too small for your group. When buying a tent, make sure to buy a bigger one than the number of people it says; for example, a six-person sleeper tent is more comfortable for four people than a four-person sleeper tent. This is because the people in it are bound to squeeze in when you fit in your bags. Avoid uncomfortable nights by going with a bigger tent.

5. Forgetting the Food

There’s nothing as miserable as hungry campers. Many people underestimate the right amount of food to carry. To start, choose meals that don’t require more than one pot or pan for easy cleanup later on. Also, plan to make simple meals that are easy to prepare and still nutritious for all. You then need to calculate the portions and quantity of ingredients you need per person. Don’t forget to factor in snack times and always carry a little extra, just in case appetites get bigger at camp.

6. Overpacking Kitchen Equipment

A very common mistake is overpacking the kitchen supplies by carrying too many dishes, utensils, cutting boards, and even iron skillets! Thankfully cooking outdoors has evolved, and many compact camping cookware sets are lightweight and portable for any group size. For options on what you can conveniently use, see our post on camping cookware sets.

7. Not Packing the Right Clothes

The weather forecast may read sunshine all day, but the nighttime can be pretty cold if temperatures drop. To avoid a cold, miserable night, pack warm clothes like socks, jackets, gloves, and more to stay warm. The sun may provide warmth when it first rises but don’t freeze all night long just because there’s no chance of relief coming!

8. Not Watching Out for Wildlife

Though most animals will keep away from noisy camping areas, there are scavenging animals that might try to steal food from your kitchen. It is, therefore, a good idea to keep your foods stored well and clean up after all meals to avoid attracting them. 

9. Forgetting to Carry Back-Ups

You should always have a backup plan when it comes to camping. Since you never know what can happen, having extra batteries for your flashlights, power banks for charging phones, lighters for cooking, or tarps for your tent can be handy. Have an alternative to battery-powered light like solar lanterns is an excellent way of providing light without relying on any other type of energy source. Just remember to put out your solar-powered lights in the sun so they can serve you in an emergency. So make sure to pack some extra supplies just in case to avoid unforeseen situations.