Camping skills – learn how to be an expert camper
Helping you to learn the camping skills you need
Find out everything you need to know about putting up a tent, the best spots to pitch up, how to organise your living space and much more with our practical guides to all the camping essentials.
Introduction to camping: how to get started
Going camping for the first time
Whether you are planning a weekend trip a few miles from home or a big family camping holiday by the coast, making your first camping trip can be a bit nerve-wracking. But do a bit of advance preparation, learn the language and respect the rules and you’ll soon be camping like a pro.
Camping with gas
Using gas on the campsite
Camping gas is clean, safe and easy to use and it's the most effective way of cooking on the campsite.
On the whole, camping with gas is fairly straightforward, but there are some things that are important to know before you get started.
Camping with electricity
Using electricity in your tent
You can’t just rock up on the campsite with all your equipment from home and expect to plug it straight in. Integrated plugs, leads and sockets designed for camping are needed.
Our guide tells you everything you need to know about using electricity safely on site.
Presented by Camping Editor, Iain Duff
The Camping Awards are the most prestigious and important in the UK family camping market. And this year's awards are the biggest and best we've ever done.
Camping Guru – your questions answered...
Got a camping problem you need to fix?
Our expert, the Camping Guru, Gary Cross, is here to answer all your questions.
Here you'll find dozens of questions and answers about important – and not so important! – camping issues. You should be able to find everything you need to know about life under canvas.
Camping tent skills
How to pitch an inflatable tent
Ever wondered how to put up an inflatable tent? For camping beginners, or those who just want to brush up on their camping skills, help is at hand.
How to pitch a family tunnel tent
You might have 99 problems but a pitch won’t be one if you follow our easy 12-step guide to putting your tent up. Pitching a tunnel tent has never been easier.
Keeping your tent organised
A tidy tent is a tidy mind... here's a quick guide to arranging your camping gear on trips and keeping your tent clean, tidy and clutter-free.
How to repair your tent
No matter how carefully you look after your tent, there’s a chance that it will suffer some damage. So try a bit of DIY repair work.
How to pack up at the end of your trip
Packing your camping equipment at the end of your holiday doesn't need to be chore. Follow these steps and you should be fine.
Packing your tent like a pro
Most campers will be familiar with the frustrations of packing your tent back into its carry bag at the end of the holiday.
Campsite cooking
With the right stove and set-up, a few essential pieces of kit and a basic selection of condiments, herbs and spices, you really can create some delicious meals on the campsite.
But, if you've never camped before, it can all seem a little confusing. And even if you are a camping veteran, choosing equipment is not easy. There is so much to choose from, where do you start?
Deciding what brands to pick, the type of gear you need and which style to go for can be tricky. That's why we've gathered together all the information you'll need to choose the right cooking kit for you.
Setting up your perfect camping kitchen
Life under canvas doesn’t have to mean a diet of greasy fry-ups, tinned stews and packet curries. Here’s how to set up your dream camping kitchen.
Keeping food fresh
How do you keep food fresh and drinks cold when you're camping in summer? Here's how to keep your food fresh in a tent.
Camping stove care
Whatever type of cooker you use, cleaning and storing it properly ensures it works better and lasts longer. Here's how to look after your stove.
Camping recipes
When it comes to feeding the family on a camping holiday, it’s tempting to take the easy road and stick to traditional camping fare like fry-ups and tinned meat.
But you don't have to be Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson to treat your family to something more interesting. Our recipes are easy to follow and don't need a huge amount of skill - but they will bring a new dimension to your outdoor cooking.
Create delicious campsite meals
We've chosen some of our favourite camping recipes. No matter how skilled you are, you’ll find a dish here to brighten up your campsite cooking...
- Quick camping recipes (15 minutes or less to cook)
- Everyday recipes (15 to 45 minutes to cook)
- Serious camping recipes (From 1 to many hours of cooking)
- Sweet recipes (desserts for everyone)
More camping skills
Camping with dogs
Camping means your dog can come on holiday, too. But it's important that you follow some simple rules to make sure your pet and fellow campers are all happy.
Camping jargon explained
Don’t be baffled by the terminology around tents and camping. Our camping jargon buster explains all the technical language to make you an instant expert on the campsite and in the outdoor shops
Camping packing checklist
There’s nothing worse than arriving at a campsite and discovering you’ve forgotten to bring an essential piece of kit. But follow this list and you should be fine.
Beginner’s guide to hillwalking and hiking
Should I get fit before tackling a hike? What do I need to do before setting off? What should go into my rucksack? We've got all the answers for you here.
Looking after your boots and jackets
These are expensive pieces of kit and it's important to keep them in good condition. Make sure you clean them correctly or you could end up doing more harm than good.
Choosing the ideal family campsite
Choosing the right campsite for what you need can make or break a camping holiday, but there are many other factors to consider.
Top tips for camping in Europe
Taking your tent overseas on a holiday in Europe is a totally different kettle of fish. Here’s our 12 essential tips for camping abroad.
Top tips for camping in windy weather
Camping in windy conditions can be daunting but there's no reason why it can't be done even without an expensive technical tent.
Camping guide to trailers
So, why do you need a trailer? Because you can carry a whole lot more gear when you go camping and preserves the space in your car.
Essential camping kit you need
Have a look at our list of alternative camping items that no one ever tells you to take on your trips but will massively improve your tent life.
