Are you new to camping? If you are, you probably want to avoid the common mistakes rookie campers make right?

 

This is why I’m here today.

In this article, I am going to discuss the 7 common mistakes new campers make and how to avoid them.

Whether you are new to camping, or have taken several trips of your own, these 7 common mistakes that are being made can happen to any of us if we aren’t putting the right solutions into practice.

Without further ado, Let’s go plan our trip!

 

 

 

I hope you love the products I’ve recommended below, just a heads up that as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I many earn commissions on products bought via links on this page.

 

 

 

7 Common Mistakes New Campers Make

 

 

#1. They don’t research their trip.

Camping always requires proper research so you can be as prepared as possible for your journeys.

I always and try and do my due diligence before I go anywhere. I encourage you to research the weather so you can plan your trip accordingly.

The best weather app that I have found is Accuweather. I have used this app since 2018 and they have been on the money when it comes to predicting the weather. You can choose to download the app or check them out here on their website at https://www.accuweather.com

Plus, if you’re like me, you’ll want to capitalize on your time there. Researching the area for local activities will help you plan a more enjoyable trip. I like to check the local weather-including the wind conditions for kayaking, potential hikes for the trip, and anything local that is happening in the area like a music festival or a farmer’s market.

Take the extra time and put in the effort in planning your trip, and your future self will thank you for it.

 

 

 

#2. They Arrive too Late.

Do you like setting up your tent in the dark? That’s right, nobody does. But this is one of the most common mistakes with new campers.

I like to plan my trips in advance so that I can take off work and get to my campsite as early as I can. I typically like to take off work on my arrival day.

Sometimes this is unavoidable, but sometimes we can be better prepared for our trips too. Planning your trips in advance and communicating with your employer will allow you to get to experience the most enjoyable trip.

 

 

 

#3. Not Bringing Enough Water

Water is one of the most important materials we need to bring with us while camping, no questions asked.

How much water do you need?

When going on a camping trip, you need to bring approximately 2 gallons of water per person per day or about 7.5 liters.

Bringing this much water means you should have enough drinking water, water for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.

 

 

 

 

#4. They don’t test their New Gear.

There are few things worse than arriving to your campsite to set everything up, only to realize you have no idea how to do it.

When you buy a new tent, a hammock, or anything related to camping, you should always test it out beforehand!

It’s so much better to know how everything works ahead of time so that you won’t be unprepared for any adjustments at the campsite.

After I buy a tent, the first thing I do is set it up in my backyard. Knowing how to set up and tear down properly ensures that I have all of my pieces and having some familiarity with your equipment is important when it comes to camping.

Don’t be the person who arrives at the campsite and doesn’t know how to use your gear.

 

 

#5. They Pick a Bad Campsite.

This is a common mistake I see most campers make.

Trying to sleep on top of a pointy rock or having a root jabbing you in your back can really ruin a good night’s sleep. Checking the surface for rocks and roots will not only give you a better night’s rest, but you will also protect your tent floor.

Also, you want to avoid campsites that have a depression where water can collect during a rainstorm and flood your tent.

You also want to look for unhealthy trees. The health of trees often gets overlooked when picking out a good campsite. Avoid setting up under dead trees and do your best to find level ground.

 

 

#6. Not Storing their Food Properly.

This is another common mistake new campers make. Store food away from your campsite in secure containers and coolers.

Some things are better off being locked up inside the car. Avoid storing food inside your tent unless you want some unwelcomed visitors around your tent while you’re sleeping.

You want to store your garbage in bags off the ground and away from the campsite. Most campsites will come with a tall pole and hook for hanging trash bags, but if yours doesn’t have this, you can always hang it from a tree.

 

 

#7. Not Checking on Fire Bans.

Many people think a campfire is a must for camping, but in dry areas, especially in drought years or on windy days, fires can spread and be deadly.

Before you depart on your trip, I like to call ahead of time and make sure there isn’t a fire ban in the area. Staying updated on fire bans will help you plan your trip accordingly and will ensure the safety of others.

This goes back to another mistake people make, and that’s relying on a campfire for their meals. I recommend getting a good camping stove for these situations.

I love what Coleman has done with their camping stoves. For more information on camping stoves please check out this link. https://amzn.to/3ai348U

 

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

 

And there you have it. These are 7 of the most common mistakes new campers make and solutions on how to avoid them. Whether you’re new to camping, or a veteran, sometimes hitting the basics is what we need from time to time. Please share your camping experiences in the comment section below.

 

 

-CT