Maybe you’re new to the world of camping or perhaps you’re just looking for some new ideas. We’ve seen thousands of campers come and go at Galmpton Touring Park and over the years we’ve learned so much from our guests about what makes for a great camping holiday. So we’ve brought together some of our top hacks, tips and tricks to help make your next tent holiday the best it can be!
1. Know how to pitch your tent and how to pack it away
You don’t want the first time you put up your tent to be on your first night at the campsite. Especially if it’s raining or dark when you arrive. Before you head out on your holiday, be sure you’ve practised putting your tent up in your back garden. You should do this at least once, but the more times you can practise the better!
To make packing up at the end of your break that much easier, take a quick photo of your tent using your phone as soon as you take it out of its bag. We all know how hard it can be to fold a map back to its original state and tents aren’t much different. Having a reference photo to work to will make the packing up process that much easier.
2. Make your tent more comfortable with a few creature comforts
One thing that puts many people off camping is thinking it’s a cramped and uncomfortable experience. That, instead of a relaxing holiday, you’re destined for a sore back and bags under your eyes. The reality couldn’t be more different, especially with a few additions to your camping checklist.
Interlocking foam floor tiles, for example, are perfect for covering the floor of your tent, creating a soft barrier between yourself and the cold, hard ground. Not only does this provide extra padding beyond your air mattress or roll mat while sleeping, but the tiles make sitting and generally being in the tent far more comfortable. This is one of the more thrifty camping hacks out there as these tiles are often sold as play matting and are relatively inexpensive. Combine a padded floor with real pillows, a duvet and some hanging lanterns, and you’ll be in for a 5* camping experience!
3. Prepare for any kind of weather
This is especially true if you’re going on a camping holiday in the UK. No matter how sunny the summer day, rain and wind might be just around the corner.
The best way to be prepared is by packing a lot of layer-friendly clothing – clothes that can be worn on their own or together to keep you toasty and warm. Add a simple pack-a-mac or lightweight waterproof jacket to keep the rain out and you‘re good to go – all without taking up large swathes of packing space. Don’t let bad weather stop you from having a great camping holiday!
4. Learn to switch off
With phones, apps and social media being an ever larger part of our lives, it gets harder and harder to take a break from the digital world. Escaping to the country and pitching a tent however, is a great way to disconnect from these stresses of day-to-day life.
The 2011 study “The Psychological and Social Benefits of the Camping Experience” showed that people who camp regularly are 20% more likely to feel they have a high quality of life. So while it’s important to be able to get in touch with the outside world if necessary, it might be worth limiting your social media use and leaving the work laptop at home!
5. Make sure you know the campsite rules
Knowing the rules of your campsite is essential for a fun and safe camping trip. While it might seem a boring thing to talk about, knowing the campsite rules will keep you safe and help you avoid any needless stress – this is especially true when it comes to the campground’s fire and barbecue policies. It will also ensure that you don’t annoy your fellow campers!
There are also some rules that you might not find in your booking information (or on the park) but are just as essential. These are the unwritten rules of camping etiquette. We’ll explore these in a future blog, so be sure to check back soon!
These are just some of the best camping hacks and tips we’ve collected over the years and there are plenty more where these came from. If you’re looking for somewhere to take advantage of these tips, then why not try Galmpton Touring Park on the banks of the River Dart in Devon? You’ll be hard pressed to find a more picturesque or tranquil place for a camping trip. To learn more, visit the Galmpton Touring Park website or call 01803 842 066.
