How to plan a camping trip: Essentials for camping rentals

The first step to planning a camping trip is settling on where you'd like to go. Countries around the world offer varied landscapes which are ideal for a camping trip. You may want to explore the vast national parks of the U.S., the coastal beauty of Australia, the mountain ranges of Canada, or the scenic fjords of Norway.

It's worth thinking about how far you’ll feel like traveling and what kind of scenery you're looking for. You’ll also want to consider who you’re traveling with – a getaway with friends usually has a different feel to a family break with the kids.

After choosing your general area, you'll need to select your specific camping accommodation. This typically involves finding a pitch at a campsite or campground for your tent or campervan. These areas are specifically designed for camping. Keep in mind that they can vary enormously. Some types of campsites are just simple fields equipped with the bare essentials – maybe only a water faucet and toilets.

Then there are larger, more organized sites offering hot showers, dish-washing areas, electric hook-ups, on-site stores, and sometimes even swimming pools or entertainment. You may also notice the term “campground” while you’re planning for your trip. Often, these are very similar to campsites, but sometimes, “campground” indicates something a bit bigger or more organized. For example, there may be separate pitches rather than just one big field. 

If you feel overwhelmed by how much you need to pack, keep in mind that many campsites offer pre-pitched tents. These types of camping accommodation are often equipped with beds, bedding, and basic furniture. Choosing one of these camping options means you’ll have less to buy, pack, and set up, which can be much more convenient for your first few trips or if you just prefer traveling lighter.

Just like a hotel, most campsites have specific check-in and check-out times. Upon arrival, you'll usually need to register at reception, where they'll tell you where your pitch or accommodation is. When it's time to leave, the golden rule is to leave your spot as tidy as you found it. Part of this involves clearing all your rubbish to take away or discard in the site's designated bins.

When it comes to campsite safety, familiarizing yourself with the basics and campsite safety rules can make a difference. If you're using a stove or barbecue, you should check the site rules first and then make sure it's kept well away from your tent. With food, keeping it packed away securely (especially at night) will stop small animals from sniffing it out. Having a basic first-aid kit nearby is always handy, and if you're somewhere remote, it’s worthwhile making someone back home aware of your plans and when you'll be back.

Camping usually means sharing space with others, so being a considerate neighbor will make everyone’s experience better. The best ways to do this are by keeping noise levels down (especially early in the morning and late at night) and respecting the boundaries of other people's pitches. This consideration also involves cleaning up after yourself in shared facility blocks. If you have a dog, make sure to  clean up after it promptly.

Although a bit of spontaneity is great, having a rough idea of what you want to do can be helpful. Hiking, cycling, visiting local bars, or just relaxing by the tent with a good book are all great ways to spend your time while camping. It’s also worth checking  whether there are any local attractions you want to visit. You’ll also want to consider what sort of meals you’ll be having. Simple one-pot dinners, barbecues, or pre-prepared meals can save hassle. Planning your meals will help you to pack smarter and reduce waste.

It’s a good idea to write down everything  you'll need for your camping trip, from the big items like your tent and sleeping bags to smaller ones like cooking utensils and toiletries. Making a list early on helps avoid last-minute panics.

Here are some key categories to think about, particularly especially for beginners. 

Food

When you’re camping, it's best to bring food that’s easy to cook with, which generally includes things like pasta, bread, tinned and dried food. It's easy to overlook the little essentials too, so remembering items like tea bags, coffee, sugar, long-life milk, cooking oil, salt, and pepper is worthwhile. If you want to keep anything perishable fresh, a cool box is a big plus.

Water

It’s important to keep hydrated when you're camping, so having reusable water bottles with you makes this much easier. It's also worth checking if the campsite has drinking water taps. If you're not certain about the water source, or if you're planning on wild camping, then taking a big water container and perhaps some purification tablets would be smart.

Gear

Here’s a list of the essentials for camping:

• Tent (check it's waterproof and practice setting it up at home)

• Sleeping bags (choose the right warmth rating for the season)

• Sleeping mats or air beds (for insulation and comfort)

• Camping chairs and a small table

• Cooking stove and fuel

• Pots, pans, utensils, plates, bowls, and mugs

• Bowl for washing dishes, sponge, and dishwashing liquid

• Bin bags

• Tent pegs and a mallet

Emergency kit

A basic first-aid kit is a must-have. Inside, it should usually include things like plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relief tablets, allergy medication, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Any personal medication that you need should be included too.

Flashlights 

Flashlights will come in handy when you’re navigating after dark or even just looking for things inside the tent. Headlamps are great as they keep your hands free. For added convenience inside your tent, consider packing a lantern. Don’t forget some spare batteries.

Powerbanks or portable chargers

While disconnecting is nice, you may still need to use your phone for maps, photos or emergencies. A fully charged power bank will keep your devices charged, especially if your campsite doesn't have access to electricity.

Appropriate clothing and footwear

In some places, the weather can change quickly, layers are always a good idea. Try to pack light layers that you can easily add or remove. Top picks include:

• Waterproof jacket and pants

• Warm fleece or sweater

• Comfortable trousers or shorts

• T-shirts and tops

• Plenty of socks

• Pajamas or comfortable sleeping clothes

• Sturdy walking boots or shoes

• Rainboots

• Sun hat and sunglasses or warm hat and gloves  – depending on season

If the thought of setting up a tent and sleeping on the ground isn't quite appealing, but you still want that outdoor experience, glamping could be the best option for you. It blends the charm of camping with a little more comfort.

Location

Glamping sites can be found in many different locations – nestled in woodlands, overlooking lakes, or sitting in wildflower meadows. Just like traditional camping, you can choose a location based on the scenery and activities you enjoy.

Accommodation

This is where glamping really differs. Instead of a standard tent, camping options could be stylish bell tents, cozy wooden pods, spacious yurts, safari tents, shepherd's huts or even treehouses. These are usually already set up and often include proper beds, furniture, and lighting.

Facilities

Glamping sites usually offer more comfort, which is often the main appeal. Depending on the place, you might have heating, power outlets, a little kitchenette, your own toilet and shower, a log burner for chilly nights, and possibly even a heated tub if you're lucky. 

 This can make getting outdoors easier and it's great if you prefer things more comfortable or want something extra special.