| Cost | See Camps App |
|---|---|
| Location | Various camping destinations across Australia |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Varies by campsite |
| Vehicle Access | Varies by campsite |
| In Camps App | Yes – 16,000+ verified campsites |
Do you need our best packing tips for camping? If you hate getting ready for road trips, I’ll say you are with the majority!
I love anticipating the trip, but it is hard work actually preparing for each adventure. In fact, it generally leads to cross words. Very cross!
Here’s some camping know-how we’ve learnt the hard way, for making this stage of your adventure a little easier.
1. Have dedicated gear
If you are a newbie to camping, then gradually build up to this. However, anything that is ready to go – or already packed in the RV, makes a quick getaway just that – quick!
When we travelled with a tent, we would have big storage containers ready with all our camping gear. Organised friends would label the container and have listed what is in each one. A great idea for families.
With our RV – all the staples are there – I just add perishable foods, our clothes and update my books and puzzles.
Old towels, tablecloths, hand towels and tea towels are returned straight back in the van after a wash. Beach towels and bed linen, as well.
After a big trip, I check toiletries and staples in the van and top up if needed.
2. Keep it to the season
Of course, if depends on your trip. If you are off to a tropical destination, then maybe you won’t need a parka or an extra blanket?
A snow trip? Pack the woolly gear rather than singlets.
Regardless, I always bring a pair of togs – because you never know. Even though it was winter, there were hot mineral baths along our way.
After our last winter trip, I will always bring a pair of shorts. There were so many days they would have been helpful. Even in summer, our bath robes are handy – and they give extra warmth in winter.
Even in winter I still bring the uggies and a beanie. They are great for avoiding insects after a shower – and it often cools down at night.
3. Everyone helps!
Give everyone in the family a role. Even the young ones can start packing their own items – and depending on age – this may need a checking over before they go in the bag.
Here’s more tips for families.
4. Foldable bags
We travel with big foldable bags – like the ones from Ikea. That way, if we stop over at a friend’s place, have a night out glamping or sneak in a motel stay – you can easily pile the gear you need for a night. Better still, these big bags are light and fold easily away under our bed.
5. Use rectangles and squares
They make the best use of limited space. So if you are thinking food containers, buckets, storage bins – go for ones with corners, rather than curves.
And yes, I do use storage containers inside cupboards. It means I am not always on the floor, trying to find this or that. I also have a small storage basket for my “bedside table”. It hold my glass cases – so the specs aren’t squashed, lip gloss, hand cream, tissues and a small bottle of water.
This last trip to the NSW South Coast and Victoria’s East Gippsland and High Country – I found some ideas for fridge storage. For our next trip, across the centre from QLD to WA’s Pilbara, I’ll pack our vegetable and salad items into rectangular plastic containers. Previously, I’ve been using shopping bags – but some items kept disappearing! I also love the little onion/tomato/avocado/citrus containers to use for produce you have already cut into.
6. Opt for nesting cups/bowls
You can save a LOT of space when your bowls fit snugly inside each other. You can purchase saucepans like this, too. Look for this with mugs or cups and food containers. Collapsible containers are also popular for campers.
7. Give everything a place
This will become easier, the more often you camp. Finding a home for every item, not only makes it easier to pack, it means they are easier to find. For instance – we have a hook for each key, a “purse” for jewellery, a drawer for the medicines, and a games drawer.
Also use a packing check list. Here’s some more packing ideas from the previous CAMPS Owner…
A final tip – make sure you pack your CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE guide and App! Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping gear should I keep permanently packed?
Old towels, tablecloths, tea towels, beach towels and bed linen should be returned straight to the van after washing. Keep toiletries and staple items stocked in your RV or storage containers so they’re always ready to go.
Should I pack winter gear for summer camping trips?
Pack according to your destination’s season. For tropical trips, leave the parka behind. However, always bring swimmers as you never know when you’ll find hot mineral baths or water spots. Even in summer, bath robes are handy for cooler nights.
How can I involve my family in packing for camping?
Give everyone in the family a role. Even young children can start packing their own items, though you may need to check their bags before they’re packed away. This teaches responsibility and speeds up the packing process.
What type of storage containers work best in caravans and RVs?
Use rectangles and squares rather than curved containers – they make the best use of limited space. Use storage containers inside cupboards so you’re not always on the floor searching for items. Storage baskets work well for bedside essentials too.
What’s the best way to organise food in the camping fridge?
Pack vegetables and salad items into rectangular plastic containers rather than shopping bags so items don’t disappear. Use small onion/tomato/avocado/citrus containers for produce you’ve already cut into.
How can I save space with camping dishes and cookware?
Opt for nesting cups and bowls that fit snugly inside each other. Look for saucepans, mugs and food containers that nest together. Collapsible containers are also popular space-savers for campers.
What’s the secret to quick camping getaways?
Have dedicated gear that’s ready to go or already packed in the RV. After big trips, check toiletries and staples and top up if needed. Give everything a place – use hooks for keys, drawers for medicines, and specific storage for games.
What foldable bags should I bring camping?
Travel with big foldable bags like the ones from Ikea. They’re perfect for overnight stays at friends’ places, glamping or motel stops. These bags are light and fold easily away under the bed when not in use.
