Whether you’re heading off on your first-ever wild camp or dusting off the tent for your annual group getaway, there’s an art to a good camping trip. At Adventure Queens, we know it’s often the little things – like a dry sleeping bag, a hot cup of tea, or a well-placed cake spot – that make a big difference. So we’ve pulled together this handy guide to planning, packing, pitching, and savouring your next camping adventure.
Planning: The Pre-Adventure Adventure
Half the fun of camping is the build-up. Whether you’re plotting a solo escape or a full-on group campout, a bit of prep goes a long way.
Picking your spot: Do you fancy a quiet wild camp with just the sound of the dawn chorus, or are you after a site with a toilet block and a cosy pub within walking distance? Think about how far you’re happy to walk with your kit, and whether you need permission to camp in your chosen spot.
Who to go with: Heading out solo can be empowering, but inviting a friend or joining an Adventure Queens campout is fun and a great way to build confidence.
Creating a loose plan: Think about how you’ll get to your spot, where you’ll pitch, and when you’ll need to head home. If you’re hoping for a post-camp wild swim, don’t forget to factor that into your location! Finally: don’t forget to think about food. Are you planning to cook, or going to pick something up en route?
Weather check: A quick look at the forecast helps you pack appropriately and avoid surprises.
Prep your gear: Reproof your waterproofs, tent, or boots if needed (Nikwax has a range of products that can help), charge your head torch, and make sure everything’s in working order.
Packing: Don’t Forget the Tea Bags
Especially if you’ll be carrying your own kit, pack light: start with the essentials, and then think about anything else that would make your trip more fun.
The essentials:
- Sleeping system – Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and either a bivvy bag or small tent.
- Warm clothes – Layers, a hat, gloves if it’s chilly, dry socks, waterproofs.
- Head torch – Far handier than a phone torch when nature calls at 3am.
- Food and water – Keep it simple: instant noodles are light and easy to cook, or go all-out with gourmet camping meals.
- Toiletries – Just the basics: toilet roll, hand sanitiser, face wipes, toothbrush, and period products if needed.
- Rubbish bag – Always leave no trace.
Nice-to-haves:
A camping mug (for that essential morning cup of tea), a sit pad, a book, marshmallows.
Keep things you’ll want quickly (like waterproofs or snacks) near the top of your bag. If you’re sharing kit, coordinate with your pals so you don’t end up with three pans and no stove.
Leave behind: A change of clothes for every eventuality, full-size toiletries, anything that relies on mains electricity, and any expectation of staying pristine—embrace the eau de campfire!
Setup
Pitching: Pick flat ground (unless you enjoy rolling downhill in the night), and avoid spots under big trees or at the bottom of a slope where rain might gather. Tent pegs go in at a 45-degree angle, with guy lines taut.
Fire: If you’re using a gas stove or building a campfire (if your camping site/pitch allows), do it safely and always outside – clear a space, keep flames off the ground, have water nearby, and never leave it unattended
Keeping warm: Layer up early! Evenings can get chilly, and it’s easier to stay warm than to get warm.
Leave no trace: Always take your rubbish with you and avoid damaging vegetation or disturbing wildlife. If you’re wild camping, remember: pitch late, leave early—and when in doubt, move on.
Enjoying and Savouring the Experience
This is the good bit. Wake up to birdsong, cook breakfast with a view, and take it all in. Whether you’re swimming in a loch, stomping up a hill, or just lounging with a cup of tea in your camp chair, camping gives you space to slow down.
Say yes to the spontaneous detour, the slightly-too-long hike, or the unplanned nap in the sun. Rain? Embrace it. There’s something quite joyful about sitting in your tent with a hot drink while the weather does its thing.
Camping isn’t about perfection – it’s about enjoying the experience,
Breaking Camp and Heading Home
Nobody ever packs up quite as neatly on the way back—and that’s OK. But try to give yourself enough time to leave your site as you found it. Bag up any rubbish and give your tent a wipe down.
When you get home, even if it’s the last thing you want to do, unpack and make sure everything (tent, sleeping bag, etc.) is fully dried out. Check over your kit and see if anything needs to be cleaned or reproofed – this will save you time before your next trip.
Final Tip:
Good camping isn’t about having the fanciest gear or the most Instagrammable pitch. It’s about feeling free, connected, and a little bit wild—even if you’re only a short drive from home.
So pack your sense of adventure, your waterproofs, and a few biscuits. We’ll see you out there.
