First-Time Camping: 10 Mistakes Every Beginner Makes

Everyone makes mistakes on their first camping trip. The good news is that most of them are easily avoidable if you know what to watch out for. Here are the ten most common beginner mistakes and how to dodge them.

1. Not testing your tent at home

This is the number one rookie error. You unpack your brand-new tent at the campsite, and suddenly nothing makes sense. Poles do not fit, instructions are missing, and it starts to rain. Always set up your tent in the garden or living room before your trip. You will learn the process, check for missing parts, and arrive at the campsite with confidence.

2. Arriving after dark

Pitching a tent or manoeuvring a caravan into position in the dark is miserable. Everything takes three times longer, you cannot see the terrain, and you disturb your neighbours. Plan to arrive at least two hours before sunset. Check the campsite reception hours too — many close by 6 or 7pm.

3. Ignoring the weather forecast

The weather can change dramatically during a camping trip. Beginners often pack for the best-case scenario and end up soaked and cold. Check the forecast for each day of your trip and pack for the worst while hoping for the best. Bring waterproofs even if sun is predicted.

4. Choosing the wrong pitch

Not all pitches are equal. A pitch next to the road means traffic noise. A pitch in a dip collects rainwater. A fully exposed pitch in August means baking in your tent. Research your pitch before you book. On MyCampingSpot.app, you can see real photos of each pitch and check the groundplan to pick the best spot for your needs.

5. Overpacking (or underpacking)

Beginners tend to bring everything they own or almost nothing at all. You do not need four changes of clothes per day, but you do need a head torch, a first aid kit, and proper tent pegs. Use a checklist and be ruthless about what actually matters.

6. Forgetting proper lighting

Once the sun goes down, a campsite is dark. Really dark. A single torch is not enough when you need the toilet at 2am and your zip is stuck. Bring at least one head lamp per person and a lantern for your tent or awning. Solar-powered string lights add atmosphere and practicality.

7. Not preparing for rain

Rain on a camping trip is not a disaster — unless you are unprepared. Bring a tarp to create covered outdoor space, waterproof your tent seams, pack entertainment for inside the tent, and have a plan B for cooking. A good attitude helps too: rain often passes quickly, and a hot coffee tastes even better afterwards.

8. Poor food storage

Leaving food out attracts insects, animals, and earns disapproving looks from experienced campers. Keep all food sealed in airtight containers or your cool box. Clean up after every meal. Dispose of waste in the designated bins promptly.

9. Ignoring layers

Even in summer, camping temperatures can surprise you. Mornings are often cold and damp, evenings cool down quickly, and mountain weather is unpredictable. The golden rule is layers: a moisture-wicking base, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof shell. You can always take something off, but you cannot put on what you did not bring.

10. No entertainment plan for downtime

Camping is not non-stop adventure. There will be quiet hours, rainy spells, and moments when the kids are bored. Bring card games, books, colouring supplies, a football, or a frisbee. Having options for entertainment makes the difference between restlessness and relaxation.

The Most Important Tip

Preparation is everything. Spend some time before your trip researching your campsite and pitch. Knowing what to expect removes most of the stress. On MyCampingSpot.app, you can browse real photos, check groundplans, and read reviews from other campers. A little homework goes a long way towards a fantastic first camping experience.