Camping is a popular choice for summer and fall vacations – it is low cost compared to hotel stays or trips to a resort and can be easily customized to suit you and your family’s needs.

However, camping sometimes involves a bit of trial and error – not only are you spending a lot of time outdoors (where things can become a bit…unpredictable), you may also be outside of your routine, which can cause anyone to make a mistake or two!

In this article, we’ll take a look at common camping mistakes to avoid, including some common “tips” that may actually make your trip more complicated. You can also check out the video below – a compilation of the best “camping fails” by America’s Funniest Home Videos!

Even experienced campers can make mistakes or have a “camping fail!”

Camping Mistake #1: Not Preparing For The Weather

Although weather can be unpredictable, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before your camping trip. Even if the forecast is not 100% accurate, you will get an idea of what to expect while camping. Checking ahead of time can help you prepare for:

• • High humidity or heat warnings – In the summer, high humidity and extreme heat can not only make your trip uncomfortable, but can also become dangerous. Plan ahead so that you can stay safe during the heat!

• • Rain or thunderstorms – This is especially important if you are camping in a tent, which provides very little protection from extreme weather. If a storm is coming, it is always best to pack up your tent and move to safer shelter until the storm passes. Rain can also become a problem in a tent, as heavy rain can seep inside.

• • Unseasonably cold weather – While most people go camping in the summer when it’s hot, there can an unusual cold snap! It’s best to come prepared so that you are not uncomfortable, especially at night. If you are camping later in the season or during the fall, you will want to adequately prepare for cold nights and warmer days.

Checking the weather before you head out will help ensure you’ve packed accordingly and planned your trip. For example, if it looks like storms during one or two days of your trip, you may want to adjust your schedule so that you have indoor activities planned for those days.

And did you know…sleeping bags are also rated for temperature! Knowing this will help you choose the right sleeping bag for your adventure, depending on the location you are camping in and the time of year you’ve planned your trip for.

Camping Mistake #2: Not Testing Your Equipment Before Leaving

If you are new to the world of camping, you may have excitedly gone out to your local outdoorsy store and purchased tons of new equipment, like cooking gear, tents, sleeping bags, outdoor clothes and more. However, one of the biggest mistakes many campers have made but definitely won’t do again is failing to actually test out of their equipment before they leave for their trip.

There are two main reasons why this is a big mistake to avoid. The first one is that of course, something could be broken, damaged or not functioning properly. The last thing anyone wants is to find out their “new-to-you” trailer has a serious leak or their tent has a hole! Purchasing your equipment from a reputable company is the best way to avoid this, but even then, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The other reason why you want to test out your equipment is because you may not know how to properly use it if it’s your first time camping! Camping is so much fun, but it’s also a lot of work. You need to set up your campsite, cook your own meals and spend lots of time preparing if you want your trip to go smoothly.

Testing out new equipment ahead of time can ensure that everything is in working order and you actually know how to use it when you get to your site!

Camping Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long To Book Your Campsite

Unless you plan on going camping in your own backyard, you are going to have to book a space at a campsite. Because camping is so popular, campsites book up quickly, especially at popular locations such as Algonquin Provincial Park, Killbear Provincial Park and Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario.

Don’t make the same mistake thousands of campers have done before you – that is, waiting way too long to book your site and then not having anywhere to go! Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

• • Book earlier than you think you need to: In Ontario, provincial parks open reservations five months in advance—set a reminder for the day your preferred date becomes available. If you are looking outside of Ontario, check to see when they open reservations and mark the date!

• • Be flexible: If your first-choice park or dates are full, try looking at mid-week options, or consider shoulder seasons like late spring or early fall.

• • Check back often: Cancellations happen! Keep checking the reservation site, especially in the days or weeks leading up to your trip.

• • Consider lesser-known parks: Hidden gems like Mikisew, Grundy Lake, or Restoule in Ontario offer beautiful nature experiences without the crowds.

• • Use the Ontario Parks Reservation tool: Ontario Parks lists available campsites online – check out the tool here!

Camping Mistake #4: Falling For DIY “Hacks” That Don’t Work (Or Can Be Dangerous!)

If you’ve spent any time on sites like Pinterest, you have probably seen hundreds of “hacks” for everyday life – including camping. One of the most popular “hacks” is the DIY fire-starter kit. It seems easy enough; stuff dryer lint into cardboard egg cartons, pour wax on top, and voilà! Instant DIY fire starters using household trash!

However, experienced campers know that this is actually not the best way to start and maintain a campfire for a number of reasons:

• • Lint burns fast but not hot: It flares up quickly but doesn’t sustain heat long enough to light real logs, especially if they’re damp.

• • Wax can make a sticky, smoky mess: This is especially true in windy or damp conditions.

• • They’re bulky and messy to transport: Bringing lint with you? Not super easy to transport!

• • It can stink: Dryer lint from synthetic clothes can smell awful when burned.

Better fire-starting alternatives include store-bought kits specifically designed for camping or simply just bringing dry kindling with you before you go camping.

Sadly, some other “DIY” ideas are not just bad, they can be deadly. One of the most common is using a propane heater inside a tent to either cook or warm you up. This can cause carbon monoxide to quickly build up and can become fatal quickly. Always cook outdoors and if you are new to camping, ensure you how how to safely use your cooking supplies!

Camping Mistake #5: Choosing The Wrong Camping Accommodations For Your Family

Camping should be a fun and comfortable experience for everyone involved – whether you are camping with just your partner, with your kids or even with extended family like grandparents. Many people also choose to go camping with their dogs.

The more people (and pets) you have camping with you, the more you need to think about everyone’s needs and preferences. Below are some of the most common camping accommodations:

1. Tent

• • Traditional fabric shelter pitched with poles and stakes.
• • Comes in many styles: dome tents, tunnel tents, pop-up tents, etc.

2. Trailer

• • Towable unit with solid walls. Often includes a bed, kitchen, and small bathroom.
• • Examples: Sunset Park, Airstream, Jayco, Forest River.

3. RV (Recreational Vehicle)

• • A motorized vehicle that combines transportation and sleeping space.
• • Types include Class A (bus-style), Class B (van), and Class C (truck chassis with cab-over bed).

4. Pop-Up Camper / Tent Trailer

• • Compact trailer that “pops up” into a tent-like structure.
• • Lightweight and easy to tow.

5. Campervan

• • A van converted for sleeping, sometimes with a small kitchenette or bathroom.
• • Popular in road-trip style camping or boondocking.

All of these options have both pros and cons, including different price points, versatility and extra features. Before you go camping, it’s important think about your wants, needs and expectations. For example, if you and your partner are camping with the kids, where will the kids sleep? Does everyone want or need separate sleep spaces, or are you all okay to pack into a single tent?

If you are camping with your dogs, how will you keep them safe and restrained during the day and during the night? Do you have big or small dogs? You may also want to consider your physical health – are you able to set up a tent or move heavy objects, or could that present a challenge?

If you’re set on one type of accommodation – for example, a trailer, there are hundreds of options, and you won’t want to spend your budget on a trailer that isn’t the right fit for your family! Many campers before you have invested thousands of dollars into camping equipment that they soon find out isn’t quite right for them. Don’t make that same mistake!

Planning Your Upcoming Camping Adventure? Keith’s Trailer Sales Has The Perfect Trailer or RV For Your Family!

Planning a family camping trip and have decided that a trailer or RV is right for you? if you are new to the wonderful world of camping, choosing the right trailer can feel a bit overwhelming – and after reading this article, you probably want to avoid making a mistake! At Keith’s Trailer Sales, our experienced team can help you choose the perfect trailer for your unique wants, needs and budget.

Located just north of Hillsburgh, Ontario, Keith’s Trailer Sales has been a beloved part of our small town since 2014. As a family-run business, we are dedicated to providing top-quality service and building lasting relationships with our customers. At Keith’s, we offer all of our customers an exception experience, including personalized service, competitive pricing on all of our products and quality assurance.

Planning to go camping with your dogs but don’t know where to start? The professional and experienced team at Keith’s believes in going the extra mile for our customers. With every trailer purchase, you’ll receive a full walkthrough and hands-on demonstration, so you feel confident operating your new unit. We offer a one-year manufacturer warranty on all of our trailers.

Browse available trailers now!