There’s nothing quite like kicking back and relaxing on a family camping trip, taking in the peace and quiet of the great outdoors, unwinding and forgetting the stresses and strains of everyday life.
Except it doesn’t always work out like that, does it? Sometimes tempers can get a little fraught, things can boil over, and before you know it, your relaxing family camping trip is turning the campsite air blue.
We’re sure that most people will recognise at least a couple of these campsite squabbles…
Everyone’s massively excited about the camping trip. You’re all in a good mood, the sun is shining and the car journey was surprisingly stress-free. You have a jovial chat with the campsite owners as you check in, find your pitch and then unpack the tent.
Disaster.
You notice one of the poles is snapped and suddenly you remember breaking it last year, chucking the tent in the loft and convincing yourself you’ll get around to replacing it before the next camping trip. But of course you didn’t.
And now you’re getting both barrels off your significant other about how you’re going to have to either go and buy a new tent or how you’re all going to be uncomfortable in the tent or eaten by a bear or something.
Of course, we always, always, always recommend checking your tent before you camp. Here’s what you should check to ensure you don’t end up in this predicament.
All that sits between you and relaxation bliss is actually putting up the tent, and that’s when it all goes up the creek.
Now, we’re not saying that putting up tents are difficult, because they’re not. But sometimes, if you’re getting help from someone, your methods of pitching the tent may differ. Essentially, there’s a good chance that one of you isn’t doing it right/fast enough/in the right order.
You should always read the instructions before you put up your tent, but we’d wager that more than a couple of sets have been discarded or left in the bag and ignored, thus leading to a cross word or two as you get all in a muddle.
Here are some tips on how to pitch a tent like a pro.
“Did you pick up the tent pegs?” your significant other shouts to you from the kitchen. You’re not really listening. You’re thinking about whether trousers should go on the inside or outside of your wellingtons. Of course you picked up whatever it was they wanted, and if you didn’t then they probably packed it anyway.
Fast forward a few hours and you’re being told in excruciating detail about how you were specifically asked if you’d picked up those tent pegs. You’re still thinking about your wellingtons.
Planning is key when on a camping trip, so make sure you write a checklist of everything you’ll need and tick the items off as you pack them.
Setting off from your campsite and exploring the local area on a walk or hike is a real joy. Getting lost isn’t.
You think you’re pretty handy with a compass. After all, you were in the Scouts. And anyway, it can’t be that difficult to find your way back, can it? Except you’re pretty sure you’ve seen this bit of forest before, and you can feel the eyes burning into the back of your head as you desperately try and get some GPS signal on your phone. You know where this is going.
Getting lost isn’t just a nuisance, but it can also be quite dangerous. You should always plan where you’re going to walk and allow plenty of time. Take a little extra water and food with you just in case, and don’t rely on your phone for a map, as you may struggle to get a signal in the middle of nowhere.
Here are more tips on what to do if you get lost on a hike.
Unpredictable British weather is something we all have to live with, and if it’s hammering down and you choose to stay in your tent, then be careful cabin fever doesn’t set in. You may all get a bit ratty and short tempered, which is when the arguments come out.
And before long, the fact that it’s raining in itself is your fault too.
The best advice here is to just prepare for bad weather and go with it. Pack some waterproofs and head out anyway. It’s rarely as bad as you think it’s going to be anyway, although your children may disagree.
Check out the hiking gear you need to survive the British weather.
Do you recognise any of these campsite arguments? Prepare properly for your camping trip with our full range of camping equipment and supplies.
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