Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Camping Trips.
One of the best ways to enjoy the magnificent great outdoors and to experience some incredible scenery is to go camping.
There are times in life when a walk in the park just won’t cut it and we seek a more immersive experience in nature. Enter camping. Compared to modern houses, camping is probably closer to how humans have lived for most of history, yet somehow we’re still able to mess it up.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, there’s always something new to learn. Rather than learn it the hard way, this short guide will share how you can avoid some of the common mistakes that people make.
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Camping Trips
Camping is a fantastic way to disconnect from daily life, immerse yourself in nature, and create lasting memories. However, even seasoned campers can run into trouble if they overlook key details. To ensure your next camping trip is safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free, avoid these common mistakes..
1. Skipping Research on the Campsite
Heading to a campsite without doing your research can lead to a miserable experience. You might arrive at a site that doesn’t meet your needs—no potable water, unsuitable terrain, or unexpected weather conditions.
Choose a campsite that offers basic amenities like restrooms, water access, and well-marked trails. National parks, state parks, or designated campgrounds are great places to start. They provide a balance between nature immersion and comfort.
Pro Tip: Research the campsite thoroughly. Check reviews, maps, weather forecasts, and available facilities. Reserve your spot if required, especially during peak seasons.
2. Not checking your Equipment
It seems so obvious, yet you would be surprised how many people head out with equipment in their packs that they’ve never used before. Sometimes it’s been borrowed, in which case things could be missing or there could be damage that the lender has forgotten about. Other times it’s new and still sealed, but for all you know it might not work or pieces could be missing.
Check all your equipment at least a week before so you have time to resolve any issues. Practice putting up the tent, or test the camping stove, etc.
Pro Tip: Pitch your tent in your backyard and try a mini camping trial at home to check for any missing parts or assembly issues.
3. Overpacking
The camping lifestyle is meant to be a simple, back-to-basics one. You shouldn’t need too much stuff and if your trip involves hiking to the camping stop, a heavy bag is going to make things much harder. Don’t pack on the fly – make a list of what you think you’ll need first. Remember to check the weather forecast too.
However, there is one item you shouldn’t leave at home even if it is a little bulky and might not seem essential, and that’s a camping chair. A foldable one like the Chums camping chair can be stored away when not in use and can provide much-needed respite when you’re cold and tired but the ground is wet.
Pro Tip: Use a packing checklist to ensure you don’t forget key items like a map, sunscreen, or insect repellent.
4. Neglecting Weather Preparation
While the temperatures may be warm during the day, they can be cool at night, which has been known to catch out many inexperienced campers.
Sudden rain, cold temperatures, or high winds can turn a pleasant trip into a miserable—or even dangerous—experience.
Pro Tip: Check the forecast before leaving, but prepare for unexpected changes.be Pack layered clothing, waterproof gear, and extra blankets or tarps.
5. Not Packing Enough Food or Water
Underestimating your food and water needs or relying solely on on-site resources is one of the most common camping mistakes. Running out of supplies can leave you hungry, dehydrated, or stuck in an emergency without backup.
Pack more food and water than you think you’ll need. Include snacks, non-perishable items, and pre-pack snacks and meal ingredients in individual containers for easier organization and faster cooking.
Insider Tip: Take a water filtration system if fresh water might not be available.
6. Not making reservations
Although the goal of camping is to immerse yourself in nature, if you’re not a seasoned camper it’s really much safer to stick to private campsites or designated camping areas. If you choose the former, don’t just show up on the day, especially if it’s in a popular spot like a national park. Book in advance to make sure they’ll have space for you.
Pro Tip: Check reservation policies and book your campsite well in advance. For popular destinations, this might mean booking weeks or months ahead, especially during holidays or summer. Even if a site allows walk-ins, having a backup reservation gives you peace of mind.
7. Ignoring Wildlife Precautions
Animals, from bears to raccoons, can be drawn to your campsite by improperly stored food, creating dangerous or inconvenient encounters.
Store food in airtight containers or bear-proof canisters, and follow campsite rules for waste disposal.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, minimize impact on trails, and respect wildlife. Leave the site as you found it—or better.
Pro Tip: In areas known for bears, use bear-proof canisters or hang your food up high to avoid unwanted visitors.
8. Not being prepared for the dark
If you’ve ever managed to escape the light pollution of urban areas to spend a night under the stars, you probably noticed two things. One was that there were many more stars in the sky than you usually see, and the other is that they hardly provide any light down here on Earth.
Make sure to arrive at your camping site while it’s still light to make it easy to get your tent up, and bring a variety of different lighting gadgets.
Tip: As a minimum, bring a lantern for inside the tent and a head torch for when you need to use your hands.
Final Thoughts on
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Camping Trips
Camping should be an adventure, not a source of stress. By avoiding these common mistakes and preparing carefully, you’ll set yourself up for a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
There are other camping mistakes you could make, but these are the ones that can put a big downer on your trip, especially if you’re heading somewhere far from home or civilization.
Do your research, pack tried and tested essentials, reserve campsites when possible, respect nature, and embrace the unexpected joys of the great outdoors.
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