Common Mistakes Every First-Time Camper Should Avoid
So, you’re thinking about embarking on your first camping adventure? Congratulations! And welcome to the fantastic world of camping.
Many first-time campers are convinced they only need the essentials and general knowledge of their camping location, and they are good to go. Find the perfect place, pitch camp, and enjoy your time away from civility - It can’t be too difficult, can it? But even the most experienced campers always need to prepare adequately for every new adventure to avoid safety issues and frustration.
So, do you want your first camping experience to be fun and safe? Avoid making these common mistakes when you dash off into the unknown.
Not trying out your camping equipment before you set off
Before you rent an rv for the first time, take the time to get used to the features it contains and how they work. Also, try out your equipment at home to be sure you know how to use them. For example, try putting up your tent a couple of times in your backyard to get the hang of it. Try using the stove or testing the new lights to see how they operate. The last thing you want is to arrive at the campsite and realize that you don’t know how to use even the most basic-looking equipment.
Arriving too late to your location
Another common rookie mistake many first-campers make is arriving too late at their location. Even for experienced campers, setting up camp in the dark can be incredibly difficult - a situation every rookie must avoid. It is also challenging to pick out an ideal spot when you arrive very late, as you may end up missing or overlooking so many things under cover of the dark.
There is only one way to avoid this - set off as early as possible to ensure that you arrive at your location while the sun is still out. Plus, getting there early also gives you enough time to settle in and get to know your environment.
Picking the wrong tent
It is vital to ensure that you pick the right tent for your camping adventure. Tents are available in different sizes, setup, quality, and other features. And making sure you make the right selection can easily be the difference between having a good night’s sleep or tossing and turning until daybreak.
When camping with other people, getting the right size is particularly important. When measuring your tent, count up to at least 30 square feet per camper. Also, ensure that you pick a tent that is resistant to the natural elements.
Not researching where you’re going
Even if you find a lot of thrill in venturing into the unknown, you should take the time to research your preferred destination before you leave. Your camping adventure is supposed to help you relax and get away from your everyday life. However, if you’re not prepared for your destination, you may end up putting your safety at risk.
Fortunately, there are various websites you can visit to read about your preferred location. You can also call people who have already been to such places to know what they think.
Failing to pack food
Even if you’re convinced you have a fairly easy drive ahead of you to your camping site, do not forget to pack some food for the journey. Unexpected events always have a way of showing up and causing delays. And, depending on the route you’re traveling on, you may have access only to drive-through junk food or no food at all. So, do yourself and everyone traveling with you a huge favor by packing some healthy food and snacks for the road.
Picking a bad campsite
If you’re lucky enough to be in a developed campsite, you may have an already-assigned campsite for you laid out in a self-explanatory way. Otherwise, you may end up in a camp where you need to figure out on your own the best place to set up your camping equipment.
There are a few mistakes you need to avoid when picking a campsite. First, setting up your campsite in a washout, on a slope, or in an area with very high foot traffic is an absolute no-no. Secondly, you should also avoid setting up camp in a place with no or very little shade.
Not fueling up before you leave
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
This point should be pretty obvious, right? But you’ll be surprised how many first-timers end up in the middle of nowhere, trying to tow an RV through a gas station. So, to save yourself the trouble, fuel up before you set off.
