“After Working at a Campsite for 10 Years—These Are the 15 Mistakes Every Camper Should Avoid”

Get ready to uncover camping’s best-kept secrets! “Hot dog buns!” It might sound odd, right? Yet, it’s often the most overlooked item on a camping trip. This simple revelation, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. As the owners of a thriving campsite in the US, this couple has become somewhat of a camping connoisseur,learning the ins and outs of what can make or break your outdoor adventure. Their journey from camping novices to seasoned pros has been packed with discoveries, mishaps, and lots of laughter.

Their campsite plays host to a delightful spectrum of campers. From those just embarking on their outdoor adventure, pitching their first tent, to experienced RV explorers, they’ve witnessed every camping style imaginable – and trust us, they’ve gathered a treasure trove of wisdom and pet peeves along the way! So, whether you’re a beginner seeking guidance for your first camping trip or a veteran looking to up your camping game, buckle up. We’re about to take you on a journey that promises to enhance your camping experience tenfold. Let the adventure begin!

Not Making a “Shakedown Trip”

Think of a shakeout trip as a dress rehearsal for your camping adventure – a tryout where you’re in the vicinity of your residence. This lets you assess all your gear, verify if anything is missing, and critically ensure you’re competent at erecting your tent. I’ve watched numerous campers arrive, their camping paraphernalia untouched and in their original packaging, left struggling with how to use them. Even experienced campers sometimes forget crucial items like tent stakes simply because they failed to inspect their gear after their last trip.

What to do instead: Give your equipment a full trial run. Erect your tent, operate all your gadgets, and confirm they’re satisfactory. It might eat into a few additional hours, but these are hours well spent, as they prevent you from panicking once you’re at the campsite because your stove refuses to work. Trust me, this is valuable advice for all campers out there.

Using Plastic Tent Stakes

First order of business: remember to pack your tent stakes. These essential items often reside in a separate bag and can be easily forgotten, which would make setting up your tent nearly impossible. If your tent stakes are made of plastic, consider replacing them. Plastic stakes are not ideal, as they can snap or bend under strain, compromising your tent’s stability during rough weather.

What to do instead: Verify that you have all your tent stakes and that they are intact. Invest in metal tent stakes, available in any camping store or online, for added security. As a pro tip, carry a small rubber mallet to drive the stakes into the ground – using a rock risks damaging the stakes and hurting your foot.

Not Bringing Enough Bug Spray

Campsites are notorious for being a haven for bugs. Your most effective defense against ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, and other annoying insects is bug spray containing DEET. While most campers remember to bring one bottle, they often underestimate the quantity they’ll need. The same applies to sunscreen – extended outdoor exposure requires frequent application, and a family can easily deplete a whole bottle during a day at the lake.

What to do instead: If you’re camping over a weekend, I advise bringing at least two cans of bug spray and even more for longer stays or larger groups. It’s wise to carry a backup bottle of sunscreen too. Don’t worry if you run out; most campsite stores stock them, although the prices will likely be higher.

Miscalculating the Power of Weather

The wilderness doesn’t come with the modern comforts of air conditioners or heaters. Thus, those accustomed to climate-controlled environments often fail to appreciate the wide temperature variations, which, at our campgrounds, can span from a warm 80 degrees during the day to a chilly 40 degrees at night in June. Abrupt weather shifts can also leave campers freezing when a sunny day quickly turns into a chilly evening.

Do this instead: Make it a point to select a sleeping bag suitable for the prevailing climate. Review the weather forecasts a few days prior to your trip, and come prepared with at least one cozy jacket, a hat, a rain jacket, an umbrella, and a rain fly for your tent.