CAMPING TIPS | A Beginner’s Guide to Camping – How To Enjoy Camping

January 26, 2023 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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Hate camping? OK, let’s start by digging a little deeper. The reason you hate camping could be down to having a negative perception, for example, you might think it’s too cold, uncomfortable or basic. Alternatively, you might have been camping before and had a really bad experience that put you off.

Tent Camping GIFfrom

I’m here to tell you that you too, oh hater of camping, can love it. For real. Just hear me out…

Make Camping Extra

If you still think camping is something that only poor people do because they can’t afford to do something better, you’ve got it all wrong.

With luxury safari tents with Egyptian cotton sheets, private hot tubs and even their own cocktail bars campings glam cousin is capable of providing the ultimate in luxury, with price tags to rival any 5* hotel.

If you’re a bit of an awkward diva, to meet the comfort standards you might want, there are countless luxury glamping options to choose from, and they make a welcome alternative to a hotel room.

Similarly, for those on a more modest budget who still want something extra, there are plenty of comfortable glamping options priced at under £100 per night.

Alternatively, you can invest in your own camping setup, choosing gear that will keep you warm, comfy and dry and providing you with a space you can dress up and make as gorgeous and homely as you want it to be!

Find out how to choose a tent here.

You’re Doing It Wrong

If you’ve been camping before and had a miserable time, the simple fact of the matter is, you’re doing it wrong.

Camping doesn’t have to be an exercise in endurance and if you get it right, it’s not only comfortable and warm, but it’s also fun too.

Of course, if you’ve lost your sense of adventure and consider fun beneath you, then camping is never going to appeal and you best jog on.

If you’ve hated camping in the past, consider the reasons why you didn’t enjoy it. You’ll often realise that it’s wet or cold weather – in which case dressing appropriately and taking plenty of warm cosy layers will fix that.

It could be that you spent the night tossing and turning because you weren’t comfortable, easily addressed by choosing a different kind of camp bed or mattress.

Unwind & Disconnect

I once went camping and heard a lady in the toilet complaining about being unable to use her hair straighteners. I’ve heard people on campsites moan about any number of things.

Let’s not pretend you’re going to have super fast 5G or access to WiFi when you’re camped in the middle of nowhere, so this is where adaptability and preparedness come into it.

Instead of expecting the great outdoors to provide the exact same experience as being at home or in a hotel room, to enjoy camping, we have to have realistic expectations and relish the chance to do things differently, in particular, the chance to disconnect.

Immersing ourselves in nature is an extremely beneficial way to decrease stress and enhance wellbeing, and camping provides us with the perfect excuse to switch off and spend quality time with ourselves, our friends and loved ones.

Get Moving

There’s no denying, camping is a physical activity, so if you’re a couch potato, you may feel a natural aversion to camping. You don’t have to be excessively active and outdoorsy to enjoy camping though.

Whilst setting up a tent and making a campfire do require a bit of effort physical effort, activity is a positive thing. For those wanting to increase their activity levels, camping provides the perfect gateway to the great outdoors.

Once setup is finished it’s usually time to relax. Whether that means pouring a G&T and sitting with a good book or heading straight out to explore, getting the tent up and camping gear out is usually all finished in an hour or so (depending on how extra your camping setup is of course), and the remaining time is yours to enjoy as you please.

You can make things easier by choosing an easily erected tent, like a bell tent or inflatable tent and if you keep it simple inside, you’ll be set up in no time.

Now go forth, and enjoy camping!

Still not convinced? That’s OK, there’s room in this world for all of us, be kind and go have a beautiful life x

Camping Stuff For First Timers

Milestone Camping 88010 Flocked Double Airbed

Vango Serenity Superwarm Single Sleeping Bag

Regatta Matano Folding Camp Table Lead Grey

Andes Camping Field Kitchen Worktop Table

Berglander Camping Cooking Utensils Set 23 Piece

Coleman tent Vail 4/6, family tent — Coleman tent Vail 4/6 person family tent

Milestone Camping 20260 Deluxe Folding Camping Bed

Trespass Catnap 3 Season Double Sleeping Bag

lack Portable Camping Stove with Cary Case & 4 Butane Gas — Portable Camping Stove with Cary Case & 4 Butane Gas

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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