Typically when it comes to camping trips, we tend to organise them to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. Which is exactly why we always hope that are very few hitches and the experience is as pleasant and as peaceful as possible. But this sadly isn’t always the case as even the most experienced camper may run into some camping trip issues. There are however ways you can avoid, or at the very least, lessen any potential problems you may come across.
Below you will find some of the most common camping problems you may come across when setting up for your peaceful weekend escape. We have also mentioned a few ways in which you can lessen the risk of these so you don’t ruin your trip. Read on to see how you can make sure you camping experience is as smooth as possible!
The Top 5 Most Common Problems Whilst Camping
1. Adverse Weather Conditions
Perhaps the most common problem you may face when camping and easily one of the most unavoidable problems is bad weather in the surrounding area. A heavy rainstorm or extreme wind can uproot an unsecure tent or blow away any chairs or equipment you have brought with you. This is a fast way yo lower your fun camping trip and cause extreme annoyance or chagrin.
Firstly, before setting off and making your camping checklist, check the upcoming weather fore-cast to see what the weather is expected to be like when you plan on camping. Assume if there is a chance of rain at all, even a low chance, that you should pack water resistant and weather proof canvas to help protect your belongings and your tent from any potential damage. Most modern tents now however are thankfully water proof, or at the very least water resistant, so even in the heaviest of your storms you and your family should be safe.
In terms of windy weather, as long as you have fully secured your tent and any camping gear you have left outside such as a garden chair or umbrella are secured or brought inside. Guy lines and tent pegs are incredibly important in keeping your tent secure and prevent it from being blown away. Also, if you are allowed to light a fire in your campsite, ensure that it is put out if the weather gets too windy as this is a perfect way to accidentally start a forest fire.
Much like a majority of camping problems, as long as you are prepared for any situation your camping experience will be vastly improved. Check the weather a few days before hand and plan accordingly to make sure that you aren’t left stranded in the wilderness without a tent!
2. Depleted Food Supply
Out of most of the other problems you may come across, this is perhaps the most avoidable issue as long as you consider it before setting off. A depleted food supply is not only dangerous, but it can massively lower the mood of your trip as everyone will be hungry and thus grouchy. Typically as most camping trips only last a couple of days, you will only need to bring enough food for 3 days.
If you are planning on camping for an extended period of time, then you should try to find the nearest store or similar area where you can purchase emergency supplies if possible. When food supplies are low, the best way to top them back up is by visiting a nearby store and purchasing any essentials you may be lacking. Tinned food and grains are the perfect choice for camping trips as they will rarely expire and can easily fill up you and your family.
Where possible and if you are trained, hunting might also be an option as long as you permission from the local force or ranger. This should only be relied on if you are extremely desperate or on a survivalist course, but it can be a necessary option when you are in an emergency.
3. Loud Neighbours
One of the most frustrating aspects of any peaceful camping trip with the family and one that is sadly fairly difficult to avoid due to the fact that you have little control over this. But fear not as there are a few ways in which you can help prevent this problem with negatively interfering with your camping adventure. If you are camping on an owned land or rented out space and have contact with the owner, one of the best ways to solve this solution is to report your noisy neighbours to the owner. Usually they will be asked to either lower their noise levels or risk being asked to leave which can help both you and other respectful campers.
If you are familiar with most people in the campsite, then definitely feel free to ask them if they would mind lowering their noise levels. If it is affecting you then it is without a doubt annoying other campers, so if you ever need help with a rude neighbour be sure to inform the campsite owner or help desk.
4. Failure to Pitch a Tent
Setting up your tent and ensuring that is securely in the ground can be a fairly tricky task, especially if you aren’t familiar with tent set-up. Extreme weather and frigid wind can easily de-rail what was once a pleasant experience, which is why you always need to ensure your tent is securely in the ground. There are certain steps you can do to ensure that your tent is pitched correctly and ready for any weather condition.
The first, and perhaps most important step is to ensure your wind pegs and Guy lines are firmly secured into the ground and that it is extremely difficult to move them. If possible try to use a mallet or similar device to fasten them securely. You should also check that the tent is placed on flat ground, or as flat as possible in outside terrain, as uneven ground can cause extreme difficulties when pitching a tent.
5. Getting Lost
Getting a lost is a very real risk when it comes to any outdoor adventures, not just camping trips. It can be extremely tricky to find a campsite at night, and sometimes even during the day if you have no idea where you currently are. Before setting off on your camping trip make sure you familiarise yourself with the surrounding area so you can easily find your way back to the campsite. It’s also a good idea to get your family together and help each other decide on a meeting spot in case you get split up.
As you will be out during the night-time it is also ideal to take a flashlight or other illumination device with you. Nobody wants to be stranded in the dark so a flashlight or torch can be one of the most important items you will take with you. Communication devices are also an essential part to preventing you or your family from getting lost in the wilderness when venturing away from the campsite. Either a walkie-talkie or something similar is ideal so you can stay in touch with other family members or contact the local ranger if you need to.
The best way to prevent getting lost is decent preparation and familiarising yourself with the local area. Always make sure to bring a map and a flashlight, even if you are extremely familiar with the campsite just to be on the safe side. You can never be too careful on a camping trip.
FAQs
What can go wrong camping?
There are a variety of different issues you may come across when campong, from adverse weather conditions to irritating and rude neighbours. A few of the most common issues have been featured today with a brief breakdown of the best way to deal with them if you end up suffering from them. The main solution tends to be extremely thorough planning and a contingency plan for the worst case scenario.
Always bring a first aid kit with you and emergency rations and supplies just in case you find yourself stranded or a fellow camping member is injured. Most issues are avoidable as long as you make sure you are aware of them before driving to the site!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of camping?
There are an extreme amount of advantages and positive experiences you can gain from camping and very few disadvantages. Camping is an extremely peaceful and relaxing way to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of city or just general urban living. If you are a fan of nature and other outdoor experiences then camping can offer you a superb adventure.
Camping can also save you money when planning other trips around it such as festivals or visiting towns and other rural areas. As opposed to spending a fortune on a hotel, bed and breakfast or an Air BNB you can save yourself a lot of money by planning ahead and bringing a tent with you. You may have to pay to stay on a campsite or similar area, but the price difference between that and a decent hotel will be massive.
However, the main issue some people may have with camping is that it can be cold and if it rains you may have a miserable time if you are not prepared. Most modern sleeping bags are extremely cosy and warm which can stop the cold bothering you too much, and a lot of sites will let you set up a fire – as long as you are safe. This can easily negate the cold weather and prevent that from marring your experience. Bad weather is slightly less avoidable but checking the forecast beforehand and bringing what you need can help a great deal.
Camping can be an extremely positive experience and is a perfect way to wind down after a hectic weeks working. Bring what you need and keep an open mind and we are certain you will have an remarkably enjoyable experience!
How do you survive a camping trip?
The best way to ensure you can survive any situation on a camping trip is to simply plan ahead an be prepared for any contingency. Making a checklist and communicating with anyone you may be camping with is key to lowering your risk level. As long as you are safe and don’t take any silly or unnecessary risks you will be completely safe on your camping journey.
If you are at all unsure on how to avoid any common issues or road bumps you may come across be sure to read our guide on the most common issues when it comes to camping.
What is the best month to go camping?
This depends entirely on what you want to get out of your camping experience and how comfortable you are in different weather scenarios. If you aren’t a fan of the cold and like to bask in the sun and relax with a book by the river, then summer months can be the best time to go camping. August and July are especially popular months to go travelling. However, as they are so popular you may have to compete to find a spot to set up your tent as there will be a large amount of families and general campers who choose to go camping during the summer. You will also have to contend with gnats and minges constantly attacking due to the hot weather.
In general, most seasoned campers would recommend going camping during the spring and fall seasons, March and October are extremely popular times to go camping. The weather tends to be pleasant another around these times that you don’t need to worry too much about suffering extreme cold but not too warm that flies and other insects will keep badgering you. The outdoors also look especially beautiful during the autumn season with crisp orange leaves falling from the trees creating a picturesque environment.
As expected though, Winter tends to be a season you should avoid due to the extreme cold weather and snow potentially ruining your experience. If you are confident you can endure the freezing temperatures and know how to plan around deep snowfall, then winter can still be a perfect time to go camping. December and January tend to be especially picturesque. As long as you know what you are getting yourself into, each season has it’s advantages and drawbacks.
