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10 Things Every New Camper Forgets (But You Won’t After This List)
- UKSN
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Camping in the UK is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to reconnect with nature, unwind, and enjoy the great outdoors with family or friends. Whether you're heading off to a remote woodland, coastal campsite, or joining a UKSN event or Charter gathering, there’s something magical about waking up to the sounds of birdsong and the fresh scent of morning dew.
But let’s be honest, if you’re new to camping, there’s a good chance you’ll forget something important. Even seasoned campers can fall into familiar traps. That’s why we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to help you sidestep the most common mistakes made by beginners.
Here are 10 things every new camper forgets – but you won’t after reading this.
Doing a Proper Gear Check Before You Go
You’ve bought the gear. Great! But have you actually tested it?
One of the most common oversights is failing to check your camping equipment before you leave. Unfurl your tent at home or in a local park and go through a full setup. Not only does this make pitching quicker and easier when you’re at the campsite, but it also gives you time to replace any broken poles, missing pegs, or worn-out guy lines.
Also test things like your stove, headtorch, air mattress pump, and even your zip pulls. Carrying a mini repair kit with duct tape, spare pegs, and paracord can make all the difference when something goes wrong in the field.
Not Planning for British Weather
Ah, the unpredictable beauty of the British weather. One moment it’s blazing sunshine, the next it’s sideways rain and 30mph winds.
A waterproof jacket, breathable base layers, spare socks, and an extra jumper are essentials – even in summer. Night temperatures can drop surprisingly low, so a proper sleeping bag (ideally rated for 3 seasons) is a must.
Make sure your tent has a solid hydrostatic head rating (at least 2000mm) and that you’ve practised setting it up with taut guy lines and good airflow to prevent condensation.
Arriving at the Campsite Too Late
You might be tempted to head off after work and arrive at the campsite as the sun dips below the horizon. Don’t.
Setting up your pitch in the dark with tired kids, an untested tent, and low visibility is a recipe for frustration. Aim to arrive at least two hours before sunset. This gives you time to check in, pick the best spot, and set up everything calmly – possibly even with time for a cuppa and to enjoy the view.
Arriving in daylight also allows you to get familiar with the site’s layout: toilets, washing-up area, fire pit zones, and emergency access points.
Picking a Poor Spot to Pitch
Not all patches of grass are created equal. Avoid pitching at the bottom of slopes (where rainwater collects), under trees (falling branches and bird droppings!), or too close to the toilets (for obvious reasons).
Instead, go for high, level ground where possible. Make sure the area is free from rocks, molehills, and roots. Face your tent entrance away from the prevailing wind, and use your guy ropes to stabilise the tent – especially if it’s breezy.
If you're joining a UKSN camp or Charter gathering, experienced members will often be on hand to give advice or lend a hand.
Bringing Inadequate Lighting as a Camper
It’s hard to describe just how dark it gets in the countryside until you’re camping in the middle of nowhere.
One small torch won’t cut it. You’ll need a combination of head torches (ideal for hands-free tasks like cooking or visiting the loo), lanterns for communal areas, and maybe some string lights for ambience and visibility.
Don’t forget spare batteries or a way to recharge. A solar power bank or small power station is a good investment for family camps or longer stays.
Forgetting to Plan Meals and Store Food Properly
If your food plan is "we’ll figure it out when we get there," you might be in for a hungry night.
Meal planning not only saves money, but it also helps avoid food waste and the disappointment of forgetting key ingredients. Prepare easy-to-cook meals like pasta, wraps, and tinned curries. Pre-chop vegetables or marinate meat before you leave.
Cool boxes are great for perishables, but remember they only stay cold for a day or two. Freeze bottles of water to act as ice packs, and store food securely away from wildlife.
And here’s a golden rule: never cook inside your tent – not even with the door open. It's a fire and carbon monoxide hazard.
Leaving the First Aid Kit at Home
Accidents are rare, but they do happen – and usually at the most inconvenient times.
Pack a basic first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister pads, antihistamines, painkillers, tweezers, and safety pins. Add tick removers and insect repellent if you're venturing into the woods or long grass.
It’s also smart to include any personal medications, as well as allergy information cards if you’re camping with others. A small laminated emergency contact sheet or ICE Card is a useful touch too.
Disregarding Campsite Etiquette
Part of what makes camping such a joy is the sense of community – and like any community, it thrives on mutual respect.
Avoid loud music, shouting, or noisy games late at night or early in the morning. Keep dogs on leads if required. Don’t walk through other people's pitches – treat their space like you’d treat someone’s living room.
Leave communal facilities clean and tidy, supervise children, and follow any site-specific rules, including those relating to campfires, waste disposal, and quiet hours.
Being a considerate camper earns you smiles from neighbours – and possibly even new friends.
Packing Everything But the Essentials
It’s easy to panic-pack and end up with a car full of “just in case” items you’ll never use – and forget the basics in the process.
Use a checklist and group your packing into categories: shelter, sleep, clothing, food, cooking gear, personal hygiene, safety, and entertainment.
Some items are surprisingly easy to forget, like bin bags, loo roll, a washing-up bowl, cutlery, or a camping chair. Others, like portable chargers, extra socks, or wet wipes, will quickly become your best friends. Pack light, but pack smart.
Not Following Leave No Trace Principles
Respect for nature is at the heart of UKSN’s ethos. When camping – especially at wild or semi-wild sites – follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
That means:
Taking all rubbish with you.
Using biodegradable soaps.
Avoiding damaging vegetation or digging holes.
Not disturbing wildlife.
Leaving fire pits tidy and extinguished.
Leave the site as beautiful as you found it – or better. Doing this not only keeps landowners happy and nature safe, but also ensures that future campers – including you – can return to the same spots.
Bonus Tip: Get Involved with UKSN
If you're just starting your outdoor journey, there's no better way to build confidence than getting involved with a community that shares your interests.
UKSN is home to over 3,000 members passionate about camping, bushcraft, prepping, and self-sufficiency. We run family-friendly camps, mutual aid groups (called Charters), and will soon be operating online challenges throughout the year.
By joining UKSN, you’ll gain access to:
You don’t need to be a hardcore survivalist – just someone who wants to be more prepared, self-reliant, and connected to the outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Camping isn’t just a hobby; it’s a gateway to resilience, self-sufficiency, and family bonding. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your first (or next) trip is a success rather than a slog.
From choosing the right pitch to packing the kit you didn’t realise you needed, the key is preparation, flexibility, and a positive attitude. The great outdoors has its challenges, but it also has countless rewards.
And remember – you’re not alone. The UKSN community is here to support you every step of the way. So go on – plan that weekend away, pitch the tent, light the fire, and make the kind of memories that only happen under canvas and stars.
Ready to Level up Your Camping Skills?
Join UKSN today and become part of the growing movement towards self-reliance, community, and adventure.
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