Camping for beginners - ultimate guide

So you want to go camping for the first time but don’t know where to start? No worries - our ultimate guide to camping for beginners covers everything you need to know!

We’ve divided this guide into 8 parts so that it’s easy to follow:

1. Why Australia is perfect for camping beginners

2. Tent camping vs van camping for beginners

3. FAQs for camping beginners

4. Camping tips for beginners in Australia

5. What to take camping for beginners

6. Useful camping resources for beginners in Australia

7. Fun things to do when camping for beginners

8. Hiring a campervan for beginners in Australia

If it’s your first time camping, remember that Camplify is the quickest and easiest way to arrange campervan hire in Australia_!

Camping for beginners

Part 1 – Why Australia is perfect for camping beginners

Australia is renowned as one of the best international destinations to go camping for beginners. Our island continent has huge areas of natural beauty, fantastic beaches, stores full of cool camping gear and a massive network of highways and dirt roads to take you anywhere. Plus, the rotation of seasons in Australia means there’s always a spot that’s just perfect for camping, whatever the month.

Let’s expand upon why Australia is the best camping destination for beginners, individuals, couples and families of all ages:

• Camping gets you close to nature: Camping is the best way to experience Australia’s national parks, beaches, open plains and abundance of wildlife. Whether you want to camp at a powered caravan park on the coast or an off-grid campsite in the middle of the Outback - Australia offers something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran. Just make sure to follow these eco-friendly camping tips!

• Camping means time with the family: There’s no better way to spend quality time with your family than camping. Make full use of the great outdoors and play a game of cricket together, throw around a rugby ball, walk along the beach or swim in the sea! Plus, if you’ve got a dog, you can plan your camping trip accordingly and bring your furry friend along!

• Camping is an affordable holiday: It’s often more affordable for your family to stay at campsites rather than hotels, motels or guest houses. Choose an option that suits your budget, whether that’s a free campsite or a holiday park with hot showers and laundry. And the best part is that you can still visit all the sites and attractions that you would otherwise!

• Camping is a great way to meet others: Whether you’re a camping newbie or a grey nomad, travelling around Australia offers the opportunity for you and your children to make like-minded friends.

Part 2 – Tent camping vs van camping for beginners

Image: Brodester_ - available for hire on Camplify.

In Australia, there are four main ways that people tend to go camping: tent, campervan, motorhome or caravan. Each carries advantages and disadvantages, so camping beginners must choose a style that suits them. However, we recommend that beginners start by camping in a campervan, motorhome or caravan rather than a tent. Here’s why:

Tent camping

Pros of tent camping:

• Can stay at campsites that are only accessible via foot.

• More affordable to buy a tent than a van.

Cons of tent camping:

• Complicated setup and packaway process.

• It's not easy to move campsite.

• If it’s raining, you’ll get wet when setting up.

• Tents get dirty because you drag dirt inside.

• Most tents provide less living space than a campervan, caravan or motorhome.

• It’s less comfortable sleeping in a tent than in a campervan, caravan or motorhome.

• Have to rely on campsite facilities such as a kitchen and bathroom.

• Can get very stuffy in the Australian summer and cold in winter.

• Offer less protection and sound insulation from the elements.

• Less privacy from other campers.

Van camping

Pros of van camping:

• Minimal setup involved once you arrive at your campsite.

• Easy and affordable to hire a campervan in Australia.

• More comfortable sleeping in a van with a bed than in a tent.

• Easier to keep a van clean than a tent.

• Better at keeping out water when camping in the rain.

• Can enjoy comforts like electronics, a kitchen and a bathroom in the van.

• Can adjust the temperature using air-conditioning and insulation.

• More protective from the elements and sound-insulated.

• Mobile and easy to move from campsite to campsite.

• Offers more privacy from other campers.

• Potential to transform your current vehicle into a camper.

Cons of van camping:

• More expensive to buy (that said, you can earn a return on your investment by hiring your van out through Camplify!).

Learn more about the different types of RVs_ and find the perfect set up for your camping trip!

Part 3 – FAQs for camping beginners

Image: Vanderlust III_ - available for hire on Camplify.

Where can you go camping in Australia?

Throughout Australia, you can generally camp in 3 different kinds of campgrounds:

1. National park campsites

2. Commercial campgrounds (including holiday parks and caravan parks)

3. Free campsites

If you’re a camping beginner, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each type of campsite. Each kind of campsite offers different facilities and charges different fees. It’s recommended that beginners stay at a campsite with high-quality facilities.

For more information about the fees at each type of campsite, please see our article on [how much does it cost to travel around Australia?](https://www.camplify.com.au/blog/how-much-does-it-really-cost-to-travel-australia# :~:text=an%20unpowered%20campsite-,(a%20total%20of%20%244%2C185%20for%20a%203%2Dmonth%20trip),location%2C%20season%20and%20facilities%20provided.&text=%240%20%2D%2010%20per%20child.)

You can also find a heap of articles and road trip itineraries on the Camplify Blog, listing all the best camping spots around Australia; such as the best outback camping destinations, the best campsites near ski resorts and the most unique places to go camping in Australia.

1. National Parks

There are around 700 National Parks on mainland Australia that offer overnight campsites. Most National Parks charge a camping fee ranging from $5 - $20 per adult and $2 - 10 per child. Usually, the campsites with higher fees are located in more popular National Parks and have better facilities such as hot showers and flush toilets. More affordable sites might only offer basic facilities such as drop toilets. Note that very few National Parks offer powered campsites. Further, most National Parks are not pet-friendly.

It is recommended that beginners start by camping in National Parks that have decent facilities. If you camp at a campsite with fewer facilities, you will have to come fully prepared in a self-contained van.

2. Commercial campgrounds

Commercial campgrounds include holiday parks, caravan parks or any privately-owned campsite. These campgrounds do not usually offer the same sense of isolation or privacy that you might find in a National Park. However, they offer superior facilities such as hot showers, camp kitchens, laundries, dump stations and kids playgrounds. In Australia, commercial campgrounds can be found for as little as $20 per night or as much as $75 or more per night. The price of each site is largely determined by the location, season and facilities provided.

If you are a camping beginner, it might be a smart idea to start by camping at a commercial campsite. You will have all the facilities you need and can ask for assistance if required.

For more information, read our article on how to find and book a caravan park in Australia.

3. Free camping

Free camping sites exist in many places around Australia, such as roadside rest stops and community campsites. However, these free campsites usually only provide basic facilities such as drop toilets and your van may have to be completely self-contained to stay overnight. Only camp in those areas with signage that indicates that it is legal to camp in the area.

It is recommended that camping beginners do not stay at free campsites unless there are no other options. You may struggle with the lack of facilities available.

When should you go camping in Australia?

There are four main seasons in Australia: summer (December-February), autumn (March-May), winter (June-August) and spring (September-November).

The best time for beginners to go camping in the north of Australia is in winter and spring (known as the dry season). During summer and autumn, the north of Australia tends to be hot and humid and some roads may become impassable due to heavy rainfall (known as the wet season).

Following this logic, the best time for beginners to go camping in the south of Australia is usually summer, spring and autumn. This way, you can make the most of the cool coastal climate during the warmer months! That said, winter camping has a charm of its own, often meaning less crowds and more cosy nights around the campfire. Use our tips and tricks for winter camping to make your trip as comfortable as possible!

Should you go camping during the school holidays?

If you have kids and are going on a family camping trip, you are most likely restricted to travelling during the school holidays. Find the school holiday dates for each state and territory.

The longer summer holidays at the end of each year are a great time to go camping in the southern states. However, be aware that the campsites and local attractions can get very busy. Also, you’ll want to be staying in a campervan, caravan or motorhome with air conditioning!

For a quieter family camping trip, consider travelling during the winter school holidays. Fewer people travel during winter, so the campsite and local attractions should be free of crowds. And if you camp in a van, you stay warm and cosy.

Where can I buy camping gear in Australia?

Before you leave for your camping trip, beginners will need to prepare properly and invest in gear that will make your trip comfortable and stress-free. Fortunately, Australia is well endowed with a vast range of camping stores that can be found in most cities and regional centres:

• BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing)

• Camping World

• Macpac

• Anaconda

• Kathmandu

You will also be familiar with Big W and Kmart as general department stores but you might not realise that they both have quite large camping sections as well.

Part 4 – Camping tips for beginners in Australia

Image: Bilbo_ - available for hire on Camplify.

Tip # 1 - Create a checklist for your camp setup

It’s best to practice setting up and packing down your campervan, caravan or motorhome before you leave for your camping trip. Camping beginners should type up a routine that they can refer to when they arrive at their campground.

The general process for setting up a caravan or motorhome looks like this:

1. Empty the waste tanks or cassette toilet at the camp dump point (if necessary).

2. Fill up the fresh water tank.

3. Choose a level campsite and park the van.

4. Level out the van with chocks (if necessary).

5. Unhitch the caravan from the tow vehicle (if necessary).

6. Turn on the gas (if the van is gas-powered).

7. Connect to the mains power (if the van has a 240v power system).

8. Lower the entrance step and place a mat underneath to prevent them from sinking.

9. Power on the functions in the caravan if necessary (e.g. water pump, heating, etc.)

10. Open the ventilation.

11. Set up the external awning when you want to use it.

For more tips like this, check out our top 10 caravan tips for beginners.

Tip # 2 - Pick the perfect campsite

When you arrive at a campground, you may have your pick of the available campsites.

If you’re new to camping in a van, you may want to choose a hard standing site (e.g. a concrete slab). This will help to ensure that the van is flat and will help to prevent it from getting bogged.

Other factors you should consider when choosing a campsite include the proximity to facilities, shade, shelter, overhanging branches, noise and price.

Tip # 3 - Prepare for camping meals

On the way to your campsite, stop at the shops and pick up all the groceries and goods that you’ll need to survive your camping trip. You don’t want to arrive at camp empty-handed and need to constantly be travelling back and forth from the shops.

If you are camping in a campervan, caravan or motorhome, chances are that you’ll have your own private kitchen. This means that you’ll be able to cook all sorts of hot and cold meals without having to rely on the camp facilities. It also means you can do your washing up.

Don’t limit yourself to a diet of baked beans and noodles just because it’s convenient. See our list of the best camping food ideas in Australia for a list of quick, easy and delicious recipes.

Tip # 4 - Make the most of the campsite facilities

Whilst camping in National Parks is no doubt a great experience, we recommend staying at a campsite with lots of facilities at least once every few days. Holiday parks and caravan parks offer useful amenities such as hot showers, camp kitchens and laundries. After a few days without a wash or clean clothing, you’ll be longing for these luxuries!

Tip # 5 - Know how to tow a caravan

If it’s your first time camping in a caravan, you must know how to tow the caravan safely. Start by reading our beginner's guide to towing a caravan. Alternatively, brush up on motorhome safety tips!

And remember, you can hire a tow vehicle from Camplify if you don’t have a car capable of towing a caravan.

Tip # 6 - Camping with pets

If you plan on taking your dog with you on your camping trip, there are steps you should take to prepare your van and make the experience as safe and comfortable as possible for your pet. Start by reading our beginner's guide to [van life with dogs](https://www.camplify.com.au/blog/van-life-with-pets# :~:text=Make%20regular%20stops%20during%20your,and%20socialise%20with%20other%20dogs.&text=Minimise%20the%20time%20your%20pet%20spends%20alone%20in%20the%20van.).

Tip # 7 - Camping with kids

If you are going on a family camping trip, there are several tips that beginners can use to keep their kids happy:

• Hit the road as early as possible so that you arrive at your campsite earlier.

• Let the kids choose some activities so that they don’t get bored.

• Keep the kids entertained by playing games and listening to music that everybody likes.

• During long drives, take a break every couple of hours.

• Save money by using our budgeting tips for travelling with kids.

Part 5 – What to take camping for beginners

Image: Jean_ - available for hire on Camplify.

Camping packing list

Be aware that there are some camping essentials you’ll have to take with them on every trip. If you are camping in a campervan, caravan or motorhome, your list of camping essentials should include:

• Gas bottle and fittings

• Folding chairs and table

• Clothesline wire with pegs

• First aid kit

• Fire blanket and extinguisher

• Basic toolkit

• Torches

• Bin and bin bags

• Dustpan and broom

• Plates, cups and cutlery

• Cooking utensils

• Pots and pans

• Chopping board

• Camping stove

• Camping kettle

• Paper towel

• Toilet paper

• Toiletries

• Pillows, sheets and blankets

• Towels

• Fresh water hose and fittings (if you have a fresh water tank)

• Wastewater hose and fittings (if you have a black or grey water tank)

• 240v power lead (if your van has a 240v power system)

For a full list of items to take with you when camping, see our ultimate road trip packing list, cross country road trip checklist or winter camping essentials.

What to wear when camping

What you wear whilst camping will depend on the season you are travelling in. If you are camping in the warmer months, you will probably want to include:

• Underwear

• Swimwear

• Jeans or Trousers

• Comfortable Shorts, Pants or Skirts

• Casual Tee Shirts or Shirts

• Athletic Shoes

• Flip-Flops or Slides

• Boots

• Socks

• Rainproof Jacket or Poncho

• Jumper, Jacket or Sweater

• Sunglasses and Reading Glasses

• Hat or Cap

And if you are going camping in winter, you will want to layer up and pack:

• Thermal Underwear

• Jacket

• Tracksuit

• Gloves

• Beanie or Balaclava

• Warm Socks

Part 6 – Useful camping resources for beginners

Camping apps for beginners

There are some awesome apps in Australia that are highly useful for people who are new to camping. Some of the apps that we named on our list of best camping apps for Australia include:

• WikiCamps Australia: Users can comment, review and upload photos of campgrounds, caravan parks, day stops, attractions, points of interest, dump points, toilets, showers, water taps and information centres.

• Maps.Me: Download maps for offline use. Great if you want to visit places with poor mobile reception.

• Fuel Map Australia: Provides the location of nearby petrol stations and the latest fuel prices so that you can find the best deal at the bowser.

Camping websites for beginners

There is also a heap of awesome websites that you can use to plan your camping trip before you leave or whilst on the road. Some of the best websites for camping beginners in Australia include:

• Campstay: Allows you to find, compare and book caravan parks and holiday parks around Australia.

• Find A Camp: Allows you to find caravan parks, bush campsites and other forms of accommodation in Australia.

• G’Day Parks: Australia’s leading community of independent caravan parks with over 280 parks across the country.

• Big 4 Holiday Parks: More than 180 holiday parks all around Australia.

• Official Australia Tourism Board: Information about caravan parks, attractions and destinations all around Australia.

Google Maps is also a great resource for planning your camping trip before you leave. Be sure to check out our guide on how to plan a road trip with Google Maps.

And don’t forget about the Camplify Blog, full of awesome camping articles and trip itineraries.

Part 7 – Fun things to do when camping for beginners

We could include 100 things in this section of our camping guide for beginners! But for the sake of brevity, here are our top ten fun things to do when camping:

1. Share a story around the campfire

2. Stargazing (try the Star Walk 2 app)

3. Cook s’mores

4. Sports like frisbee, cricket or rugby

5. Water sports like surfing, paddleboarding or kayaking

6. Fishing

7. Wildlife spotting

8. Singalongs

9. Bushwalking

10. Outdoor movie night (bring a portable projector!)

Part 8 – Hiring a campervan for the first time

Image: Tommy the Transit_ - available for hire on Camplify.

Want to go camping but don’t own a van? No worries!

Camplify is a platform that allows holidaymakers to quickly and easily arrange campervan hire in Australia. Search through hundreds of privately-owned motorhomes, campervans and caravans for hire to find your ideal match.

Simply enter your pickup location (plus heaps of optional filters) and within seconds, you will find the perfect van to make your first camping trip easy and comfortable!

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be Australia’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

• Comprehensive hire insurance

• Nationwide NRMA roadside assistance

• 24/7 customer support

• All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across Australia in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.

Sign up if you want to join our beloved community of van life lovers and receive our most recent news and offers.