For a successful camping trip, it’s important to be prepared, choose the right tent, making lists of essentials you’ll need, planning simple meals and allowing extra time for packing / travel to ensure a stress-free experience. Here are some top tips…

1. Choose the right tent
You don’t need to spend a fortune, but like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Don’t risk a miserable weekend because you bought the cheapest tent in the shop – choose a sensible budget and shop around.

2. Don’t buy a tent without seeing it pitched
Many retailers have tents on display, allowing you to get an idea of how it goes up and the space you have inside. Beware – just because it says it’s a ‘4 berth tent’ doesn’t mean you can fit your 4 people in it…

3. Living Space is important
For a group camping shared communal areas or ‘living space’ is important for storage, cooking, eating and socialising. Tent ‘berth’ ratings only tell you about sleeping space. Living space will vary greatly so look for models with additional central areas or enclosed porches. Or think about buying a slightly larger tent and using one of the sleeping areas as a communal space – particularly useful if you have small children as they can play in it… Alternatively you could think about buying a gazebo or tarpaulin that will give you a little extra sheltered space, which is important if the weather turns!

4. Always trial pitch your tent before going away
Arriving late and tired on camp, pitching an unfamiliar tent in the dark is not recommended (it’ll just add to your stress levels). Trial pitching in the garden or a local park avoids this and gives you time to check for missing parts or damage. Even if you’ve pitched it before, at least unpack and check the components before departure – you might have stored stuff separately last time you put things away!

5. Make lists
Even experienced campers forget the odd important item out of the dozens of things to remember. Don’t forget bin bags, loo rolls, pillows, insect repellent and baby wipes which all make life more straightforward – but area easily forgotten. (See our pack list at the bottom of these tips…)

6. Plan your meals
Arranging simple, tasty camp meals requires a bit of prep. Choose quick and simple recipes that can be prepared with minimal equipment and, where possible with non-perishable ingredients. There are several eating options on site or locally as well which may be an option. Alternatively, you could bring ready-made meals that you can heat up quickly or freeze a few main meals and store them in a cool box / bag?

7. Keep it simple on the first night
Don’t try and cook a fancy meal on the first night on camp. Have something easy to heat up or pick up a takeaway on your journey / eat out. There is enough setting up to worry about without cooking a lavish banquet too!

8. Allow lots of extra time for packing and travel
Packing at the last minute almost guarantees you’ll forget something important. Arriving late on site makes pitching tents and arranging food more stressful, especially if you have a family.

9. Don’t eat too late
Camp cooking & tidying up always takes longer than you expect, if you are on a schedule this can add to your stress levels too. Not to mention that missing dinner reduces your concentration and enjoyment of the event!

10. Keep warm at night
It’s colder at night when you camp. Insulation underneath you is just as important as your sleeping bag. An extra duvet or blanket over your airbed or camp bed can make all the difference. Also, a quick walk to the toilet block or some light exercise prior to going to bed is beneficial. It will help warm you up before you fall asleep. Having thick socks, hats, neck gaiters and thermals will also help you get cosy if you’re feeling cold and are more comfortable than ‘all your clothes’.

11. Check your camp bed
If you’ve not used them for a while, check that your airbed stays up. If you have young children let them sleep in their bags a few times before you set off to get them used to it. Take spare air bungs and remember a decent foot pump (even if you plan to use an electric one…)

12. Pack some outdoor games as well as board games for the children during down time

13. Decide how to keep your food cold / cool

14. If you get stuck or forget something when you are on site, then don’t be shy… ask a fellow camper!

Camping Pack List:
• Tent: A tent with multiple "pods" can be great, allowing you to create a separate play area for the kids. If your budget can stretch to it, you can now get tents with black out pods...
• Sleeping gear: bring warm sleeping bags and extra blankets, it can get cold at night. Air mattresses or sleeping pads will make a huge difference in comfort levels. If its cooler many people put a thick rug under the airbed and then a blanket and sheet on top of the mattress to help keep things snug.
• Clothing: Pack a complete change of clothes for each day and choose items you don't mind getting messy. Waterproofs, wellies, and warm layers are essential, regardless of the forecast. Pack a few extras in case you get messy
• Toiletries & First Aid: don’t forget wet wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls and a well-stocked first-aid kit with items like pain relievers, sunscreen, antihistamine, and insect repellent. If you have asthma, it’s worth making sure you have the right medication, particularly if it is impacted by hay fever.
• Food & drink: pack plenty of snacks to save money and keep children happy. A cool box with ice blocks is great for keeping drinks and perishables cold but will only last a day or so. Don’t forget reusable water bottles and hot drinks cups…
• Entertainment: if you’ve got small people, pack some of your own toys and activities for downtime, like bubbles, balls, colouring books or cards.
• Other essentials: torches or headtorches for late-night toilet trips or finding things in a dark tent, a peg mallet, a flag or marker to help you spot your tent

For a full packing list click here.

Read our Quick Fix Guide to camping at Devoted: https://cccw.it/cePVwC 
Feeling a bit rusty? Why not read our camping top tips article: https://cccw.it/tRpc22 
Not sure what to pack? Here’s a list to help you get started: https://cccw.it/HNlLBf 
Bringing children to Devoted, why not read our parents survival guide: https://cccw.it/bspvo9 

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