Family camping not only allows you to get in touch with nature, but also deepens the bond between family members. However, there are a few key tips that are essential to ensuring an enjoyable and smooth camping trip. From picking the ideal campsite, ensuring food safety, to dealing with the unexpected, here are some tips to make your outdoor life more manageable.

Where to set up camp and how to choose?

Level ground: Look for a flat and comfortable place to camp, avoiding uneven or sloping terrain. This will improve sleeping comfort and reduce the risk of accidents.

Near a water source: Choose a site that is close to a water source for easy access to water for cooking and cleaning. However, avoid areas near rivers or areas prone to flooding.

Shelter from the wind and rain: Find a place that is sheltered from the wind and rain, such as a hillside, boulder or behind a tree, to protect you from bad weather.

Stay away from animal activity: Avoid camping in areas frequented by wildlife, especially at night when animals are active, to minimise animal encounters.

Watch sunrises and sunsets: If conditions permit, choose a spot where you can enjoy magnificent sunrises and sunsets, which will make your camping experience even more memorable.

What are the tips for pegging?

Ground Selection: Check the condition of the ground before pegging to make sure it is hard and level. Avoid nailing on rocks, roots or loose soil as these will affect the stability of the nail.

Angle and Depth: Drive the pegs vertically into the ground to ensure they will securely support the tent or ropes. Usually pegs should be driven at least half way into the ground to ensure adequate stability.

Peg Selection: Select pegs according to the ground conditions. For hard soil or rocky ground, stronger pegs such as aluminium or steel pegs may be required. For softer soils, choose wider nail heads to increase the support area.

Avoid Bendable Nails: Try to avoid nails that bend or deform easily, as they are less stable in the ground and have a shorter lifespan.

Use a rubber mallet or block of wood: When hammering nails, use a rubber mallet or a block of wood placed on the nail head to avoid direct damage to the nail or damage to the floor. This is especially important when hammering steel nails.

Precautions for rainy days

Firstly make sure that your camping equipment, especially your tent, is well waterproof. When selecting a tent, prioritise models with excellent waterproofing properties and ensure that all seams are properly treated, which can be enhanced by using waterproof tape or waterproof spray.

Secondly choosing the right camping site is crucial. Low-lying areas or locations where water may accumulate should be avoided to prevent the tent from being flooded by rain. Ideal locations should have a slope so that rainwater can drain away smoothly.

Also make sure that the drainage system of the tent is set up properly and the drains around the tent should be kept clear. You can dig shallow trenches around the tent so that rainwater can flow out smoothly.

Also take care to keep the inside of the tent dry. Try to remove wet clothes outside the tent before entering it to prevent bringing moisture inside. Use a damp-proof mat or ground cloth to prevent moisture from seeping through the ground.

Finally, pay close attention to weather forecasts and weather changes. If heavy rain or inclement weather is forecast, consider postponing your camping plans or evacuating early. Safety always comes first, especially when camping in mountainous or remote areas.

How to keep ventilation and avoid moisture return?

Firstly, choose a tent with good ventilation. Modern tents are usually equipped with multiple ventilation windows and top vents, making full use of these designs can significantly improve air circulation.

Secondly, make reasonable use of the ventilation facilities inside the tent. If weather conditions permit, open all vents and windows to promote air circulation.

It is also important to choose a suitable camping site. Avoid pitching your tent in low-lying areas or near water sources, as these places are prone to moisture accumulation.

Using a moisture mat or ground cloth is also key. These items can help isolate moisture from the ground and keep the inside of the tent dry.

Finally, dispose of damp clothing and gear promptly. Try to dispose of damp items outside the tent or in a dedicated damp area to avoid increasing the humidity inside the tent.

Other Tips & Precautions

Firstly making sure you carry plenty of food and water is vital. In wilderness camping locations that are far from convenience stores and running water facilities, be sure to bring enough dry food and drinking water.

Secondly familiarise yourself with and follow local camping rules and environmental laws. Doing so will not only help protect the natural environment, but also avoid unnecessary fines or legal battles.

It is also essential to have basic first aid skills and carry the necessary first aid supplies. This knowledge and supplies could be a saviour when dealing with emergencies.