Do you have anything to add to our list? Tell us in the comments!
It can be a little intimidating for amateur campers when embarking on their first camping trip, especially when planning a more extended trip away.
Stepping out of the comfort of modern amenities and venturing into the great outdoors can evoke a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
The unfamiliarity of the environment, the thought of sleeping under the stars, and the daunting task of setting up camp can make even the most adventurous souls hesitate.
However, it is precisely this sense of intimidation that adds an extra layer of thrill to the journey.
We took to our Facebook page to ask the real experts on what first time campers should expect on their first trip away
See what they had to say here?
Packed too much stuff
Mosquitoes and snakes
Drop bears (in Tasmania)
Need to dig your own dunny (toilet)
Learn a lot from the experience
Be prepared for repairs and carry tools and tapes
Limited availability of repair services in towns
Enjoy and maintain a sense of humour
Test everything in your van before leaving
Ensure proper weight and balance
Expect rain and be prepared with waterproof gear
Expect to make mistakes and learn from them
Lay awake at night wondering about outside noises
Good and not-so-good experiences
Lack of sleep
Be the entertainment for others
Remember the Sherlock Holmes camping joke
Arguments while backing into your camping spot
Enjoyment and fun
Things that are supposed to be waterproof or bug-proof may not be
Headaches and hard ground
A lot of learning and making lists
Horror and misery (sarcastically mentioned)
Consider leaving pets at home
Possible realization that booking a cabin would have been better
Frustration and swearing
Carry duct tape, cable ties, and baby wipes
Possible bad weather
Mayhem, laughs, and asking for help
Keep the campsite clean and leave no trace
Have spare fuses, extension cords, waste water pipes, etc.
Carry coins for laundry, a portable clothesline, and pegs
Check gas bottles, matches, torch, and personal insect deterrents
Be prepared for stressful setup and packing up
Ants, mosquitoes, midges, flies, sand flies, and drop bears (in Tasmania)
