“After Working at a Campsite for 10 Years—These Are the 15 Mistakes Every Camper Should Avoid”

Think forgetting hot dog buns isn’t a big deal? Think again. After running a busy U.S. campsite for over a decade, this couple has seen every camping mistake in the book—some funny, some frustrating, and some that can completely ruin a trip. From first-time tent pitchers to seasoned RV pros, they’ve watched campers make the same slip-ups over and over. So they decided to spill the beans. Whether you’re just starting out or consider yourself a camping expert, their insider tips will help you avoid the most common blunders and make your next outdoor adventure a whole lot smoother.

Not Making a “Shakedown Trip”

Think of a shakeout trip as a dress rehearsal for your camping adventure – a tryout where you’re in the vicinity of your residence. This lets you assess all your gear, verify if anything is missing, and critically ensure you’re competent at erecting your tent. I’ve watched numerous campers arrive, their camping paraphernalia untouched and in their original packaging, left struggling with how to use them. Even experienced campers sometimes forget crucial items like tent stakes simply because they failed to inspect their gear after their last trip.

What to do instead: Give your equipment a full trial run. Erect your tent, operate all your gadgets, and confirm they’re satisfactory. It might eat into a few additional hours, but these are hours well spent, as they prevent you from panicking once you’re at the campsite because your stove refuses to work. Trust me, this is valuable advice for all campers out there.

Using Plastic Tent Stakes

First order of business: remember to pack your tent stakes. These essential items often reside in a separate bag and can be easily forgotten, which would make setting up your tent nearly impossible. If your tent stakes are made of plastic, consider replacing them. Plastic stakes are not ideal, as they can snap or bend under strain, compromising your tent’s stability during rough weather.

What to do instead: Verify that you have all your tent stakes and that they are intact. Invest in metal tent stakes, available in any camping store or online, for added security. As a pro tip, carry a small rubber mallet to drive the stakes into the ground – using a rock risks damaging the stakes and hurting your foot.

Not Bringing Enough Bug Spray

Campsites are notorious for being a haven for bugs. Your most effective defense against ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, and other annoying insects is bug spray containing DEET. While most campers remember to bring one bottle, they often underestimate the quantity they’ll need. The same applies to sunscreen – extended outdoor exposure requires frequent application, and a family can easily deplete a whole bottle during a day at the lake.

What to do instead: If you’re camping over a weekend, I advise bringing at least two cans of bug spray and even more for longer stays or larger groups. It’s wise to carry a backup bottle of sunscreen too. Don’t worry if you run out; most campsite stores stock them, although the prices will likely be higher.

Miscalculating the Power of Weather

The wilderness doesn’t come with the modern comforts of air conditioners or heaters. Thus, those accustomed to climate-controlled environments often fail to appreciate the wide temperature variations, which, at our campgrounds, can span from a warm 80 degrees during the day to a chilly 40 degrees at night in June. Abrupt weather shifts can also leave campers freezing when a sunny day quickly turns into a chilly evening.

Do this instead: Make it a point to select a sleeping bag suitable for the prevailing climate. Review the weather forecasts a few days prior to your trip, and come prepared with at least one cozy jacket, a hat, a rain jacket, an umbrella, and a rain fly for your tent.

Next – You’d Be Surprised How Many Campers Get This Wrong