A CAMPING GUIDE FOR NEW CAMPERS

Camping guide for new campers

A camping guide for new campers can be valuable if you don’t know where to start.

We put together this camping guide for new campers to help you plan for your first camp.

Campers who plan for their first camp are often unsure about what to do, how to do it, what to leave, and what to take on their introductory camp.

If you are lucky enough to have an old hand who can give advice and who can even go camping with you, you are already winning.

Planning your camping trip

We accept that you have all your camping accessories in place. You can check these camping products to see if you have the most important camping accessories.

It all begins with the planning of the trip. The fun starts here for both seasonal (holidaymakers) and all-season campers (long-term campers). 

Start your planning by buying a map, a travel book, a GPS, or use Google Maps. Campers often like to use GPS devices (global positioning system, sometimes called a satellite-based radio navigation system) in their vehicles. The planning and the booking of campsites for a trip can take a while, depending on how long you are going camping and how comfortable you are with the experience.

How to pack for a camping trip

What you will need in your car for the trip

Keep in mind that packing differs for short and long travel trips. Much depends on the number and age of the travellers. 

Remember the phone! It keeps you in contact whatever the situation.

You may need to plan for eating and drinking on the road for which you will need food and drinks and a cooler bag that will keep the products fresh and cold. 

To keep frustration and fighting between children at a minimum make sure that cellphone batteries are charged and that everyone has enough data. Take books for those who read and don’t get car sick and games and toys for all the children.

Camping

Beds, mattresses, and bedding

If you have the privilege of owning a caravan, camper, or trailer, most appliances and equipment are already installed. 

Beds are of paramount importance because you will not enjoy your camping if you can’t sleep as well as at home.

The bed will need a measured mattress. Caravan bed spaces often differ from conventional size beds. If your caravan comes with a mattress it will be less of a concern, but you will need to replace an old mattress sometime in the future. A replacement mattress is something that could cost more than anticipated.

Tent campers use a variety of beds. Some prefer roll-up foam, others inflatable or air beds and some campers will not go without stretchers or bunker beds.

Once you have the bed sorted, you will need to plan for linen, duvets or comforters, cushions, blankets, or if you prefer to have less bedding, sleeping bags. If it’s important to the woman of the camp, one can even decorate a bed with a teddy bear or other soft toy.

Camping cupboards

Most caravans provide cupboards to hang clothes, so you will need clothes hangers. 

Three helpful camping clothes tips:

• Hook the clothes hanger with the closed side to the outside of the rail to prevent it from dislodging and falling off while travelling, 
• Make deep cuts in a pool noodle at the distance you need between clothes hangers, wrap the noodle over the cupboard rod and hook the hanger hooks into the cuts. This will keep the hangers fixed and stop them from sliding and bouncing.
• Buy clothes that are easy to wash and dry. Camping is a different lifestyle, let your clothing follow the lifestyle.

Tent campers will need something to store their clothes in. Most use either portable wardrobes, ammo boxes, or plastic containers to store their clothes.

Depending on how long you are going to camp, your list of clothes will differ.

Clothing for all-season camping:

• At least four sets of day clothing (don’t forget your belt if needed)
• 2 sets of pajamas
• One coat for winter days
• One long sleeve jacket for cool days
• Enough underwear for at least 4 days
• Socks
• Warm shoes or hiking shoes
• Sandals
• Hat
• Swimming suit
• A raincoat or umbrella
• Towel
• Toiletries
• Shower mat

Camping kitchens

Some caravans only have facilities for sleeping, while others also have an equipped kitchen with most appliances installed. It all depends on the caravan model and size. 

Portable kitchen for camping

Meals are just as important as beds. Many caravan campers use portable camping kitchens as most caravans come with a tent, and many prefer to cook outside or in the tent rather than inside a caravan.

A slide-out kitchen is becoming increasingly popular. Many caravan models are designed with a slide-out kitchen while some owners have them installed afterwards.

The tent camper needs a portable kitchen equipped with a gas plate, utensils, cutlery, dishes, cups, glasses, and more in a neat and easy-to-reach place in or outside the tent.  

There is a wide range of space-saving camping kitchens for tent campers on the market.

A list of kitchen utensils that you can pack for camping:

• Glasses
• Wine glasses
• Coffee mugs
• Plates
• Cutting board
• Kettle
• Pot and pan
• Grater
• Toaster
• Plastic zip log bags
• Tongs for the braai
• Knifes, forks, spoons
• Bread knife
• Meat knife
• Bottle opener
• Tin opener
• Spatula
• Wood
• Firelighters
• Matches or lighter
• Braai grid

Camping tables

A table near your camping kitchen is essential. Fold-up tables or cupboard tables made from aluminium, canvas, plastic, or melamine are available.

Camping table cloths

Plastic tablecloths are popular because they are easy to clean and do not stain. You can even use a material table cloth with plastic draped over it. Use a weight or laundry pen to keep it from blowing away. If the wind is a problem try heavier materials like rip-stop or leather as they won’t blow away easily.

Domestic appliances for camping

Campers do most of the things they do at home, and they need many of the same appliances when camping as they would need at home, with a few exceptions and adaptations.

Much of what they can travel with depends on the space available in the caravan and the towing vehicle. For this reason, many campers adapt their food preparation habits. They may use smaller appliances such as a hand mixer rather than a food processor, or they may eat more food prepared on an open fire rather than food that needs heavy appliances for preparation.

What appliances can I use in my caravan, camper, or motorhome?

Your needs will not change just because you camp, but you will have some restrictions that you don’t suffer at home.

Off-grid campers need to downsize on the appliances and are more inclined to use “bush appliances” that do not need electricity and are used on the open fire, or appliances that work from sun-powered batteries. A good idea from the start is to buy low wattage appliances for campers (cooking equipment) (12-volt off-grid)

Campers in campgrounds where there is electricity available will depend more on appliances that they use in their home kitchens. They often have fewer appliances dedicated to camping and use kitchen tools and appliances that they transfer from the kitchen to the caravan or tent, come camping time.

Cooking at the camp

Campers love to braai (barbecue). The braai is usually done by men and many of the cooking tools are to enable them to braai. 

Long-term campers may have more permanent food preparation equipment because as time goes on, the need for vegetables and food that one eats at home, increases.

Prepare for an easy camp at all campgrounds by getting yourself a portable braai. It is used where built-in braais are not provided by the owner of the campground. On the open fire braai utensils like a handheld braai grid, a cast iron pot (potjie), and a kettle to cook water. Potjies can be used on gas stoves, especially the flat bottom ones. 

If you are going to use gas, make sure you have the right gas stove for what you want to do. Some campers use an induction plate but you will need to always camp where there is electricity available. 

All-season campers, and sometimes holiday campers, use a stove, microwave, air fryer, toaster, jaffle or waffle maker, and other cooking utensils. All these appliances increase the family’s comfort level.

Campers ask: what foods shall I bring when camping?

Food for camping must be stress-free. It depends on your equipment, the length of your camping trip and what food you like to eat.

You can start by planning for the trip to the camping ground by asking the following questions:

How long will I travel? 

Do you prefer to eat in the car, stop at a restaurant, or next to the road?

You can make or buy snacks and cold drinks that will be easy to eat in the car for a short trip. Prepare or buy a lunch box and drinks when travelling longer.

Road trip meals :

• Fruits, nuts, and seeds
• Energy bites
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Biltong 

Food to prepare beforehand for your trip:

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Frikadelle (Meatballs)
• Cold meat sandwiches
• Jaffles

When will you eat?

When you arrive at the campsite

Keep your first meal and drinks available for your arrival at the campsite. It should be easy to reach:

• Hotdogs
• Hamburgers
• Jaffles
• Leftovers from your trip

You certainly will need all your strength for the task of erecting your tent.

If you won’t reach a shop during camp, or the shop at the campgrounds is limited, bring enough food along.

Breakfast

Campers like to make breakfast on the open fire or on a gas plate, usually later in the morning after their swim or walk.   

Eggs, bacon, sausages, bread, tomato are the popular ingredients for this type of breakfast. 

Lunch

• Cold meats
• Bread
• Precooked meals
• Yesterdays leftovers

Supper or the braai

• Meat
• Pap
• Vegetables
• Fruits

Here is a list of ingredients to pack

• Salt and pepper or braai salt dry herbs and spices to put on the meat when you braai.
• Mayonnaise, Vinegar, or balsamic vinegar for your salads or to use in prepared food.
• Instant or quick cook soups for rainy or cold days.
• Extract powder, tomato sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, blatjang, kerry powder, and turmeric for sauces on your hamburger or hot dog and for flavour.
• Pickled or tinned food for easy opening when you don’t cook.
• Cereals if you do not want to make a full, cooked breakfast.
• Cornmeal (mieliemeel) pap with the braai.
• Jam, peanut butter, marmite for sandwiches when not cooking.
• Salt Biscuits, Chips, small cookies for between meals.
• Rusks with your morning coffee.
• Sweets, marshmallows, chocolate
• Bread, buns, hotdog rolls are the easiest food to prepare for active people who get hungry after activities. You can use wraps and pita bread with all types of fillings instead.
• Milk for the cereal and hot drinks or just to drink.
• Cheese on sandwiches or in food.
• Butter, margarine, or oil to put on the sandwiches and to cook with.
• Ice cream if you are lucky enough to have a camp freezer.
• Eggs are quick and easy to make for breakfast. Several dishes and puddings can be baked on the open fire.
• Bacon for breakfast with your eggs.
• Cold meat to put on your sandwiches.
• Meat for the braai. Mutton, steaks, pork, chicken, etc.
• Fresh fruit for in between or with meals.
• Fresh vegetables to company your meals and to use for the potjie braai. Potatoes or whole mealies wrapped in foil are popular dishes with the braai.
• Coffee, tea, fruit juice, wine, beer
• Sugar and honey

Tired of barbecuing (braai)?

Make a vegetable pack with tin foil, or make a vegetable sosatie. Fruit can also be used to make a sosatie, mostly for pudding after the meal.

Easy meals that don’t need cooking

• Cereal for breakfast doesn’t need cooking. Add milk and eat it with a hot drink like coffee or fruit juice.
• Try a can of tuna or cold meat on a sandwich with cheese, avocado, and tomatoes.
•  Peanut butter spread with a banana on bread gives enough energy for that lengthy swim or a long walk.
• Canned vegetables and fruit.
• Freeze-dried or wind-dried food.

Camp dishwashing is a culture

To many campers washing the dishes is a culture and each one has their loves and hates.

Some couples wash together and do the chore each prefers. One always washes, and the other always dries the dishes. Others prefer to do it differently and let only one partner do the dishes. Some husbands enjoy doing the dishes as a role reversal because their wives are responsible for the dishes at home. That is why they acquired a dishwasher at home in the first place – to make it easier for the wife!

Many husbands play a more active role in preparing food when camping for the same reason. (And because braaing is easier than preparing vegetables, starch, and protein, which is what the wife does at home)

One of the prime rules of dishwashing at a camp is that the washing facility must always be left sparkling clean for the next user. Campers don’t “skinner” as a rule, but leaving a dirty sink ensures that you will be the topic of conversation!

How do campers wash dishes?

Washing dishes are one of the chores of camping, just like at home.

There is one difference and that is that camping does not lend itself to transporting a dishwasher to every camp.

So, how do campers wash their dishes?

There are as many answers as there are campers. Much depend on the attitude of the dishwasher. Some people hate washing dishes at home and when camping. Others like washing dishes as part of their camping experience, although they prefer a dishwasher at home.

Here are some ideas and observations about dishwashing while camping.

You can use paper dishes to escape the hassle of dishwashing at camp. Some campers prefer tin or plastic dishes, and some campers like the glamping style of camping and will use porcelain or glass plates, cups, and saucers. It doesn’t matter which you prefer, you still have to wash the dishes.

Dishwashing stations

Campers can either use the facility for dishwashing at campgrounds or bring their dish-washing station. The campers who prefer the dishwashing facility provided by the campground will tell you that they use the facility because they enjoy meeting people. While doing the task at hand, they will make small talk with other campers.

Remember to take your sink plug as the possibility is great that the washing station won’t be equipped with plugs. 

Portable dishwashing stand

Some campers prefer to wash their dishes at their campsite. As part of their camping equipment, the least they usually bring is a large washing bowl. Campers use equipment like a portable dishwashing stand or table for the bowls and a dish rack. It is popular to use a hosepipe linked to the camp-site tap with an electric heating water faucet attached to the stand.

An alternative is to boil water in an electric kettle or a kettle boiled over an open flame like a gas stove or campfire.

The stand with bowls and rack is easy to use when camping in the bush. Campers with less space can use a collapsible silicone bowl or a fold-up tarpaulin bowl.

Many campgrounds have only one tap between two or more sites. A special hosepipe connected to the tap with more than one outlet at the tap itself can then be used. In this case, you won’t be hampering other campers who may need to use the tap.

Extreme dishwashing

How to clean dishes when there is no water at the camp

The water supply may happen to be interrupted for whatever reason. In these extreme circumstances, you may need to wash your dishes without any water. 

If that ever happens to you, there are a few things you can do to keep going until water is available again. 

Unscented baby wipes or alcohol wipes can wipe dirty dishes quite clean. This has happened to people who were camping in the bush and ran out of water or became concerned with the quality of the water.

Another tip for washing your dishes with a minimum of water is to use a spray bottle filled with water and vinegar. Spray the dirty dishes and dry them with a paper towel or a clean cloth. Use baking soda for the greasy pots and scrub and clean it with the water in the spray bottle.

Believe it or not, sand can be used to wash dishes. Sand is an effective natural scrubber. Rinse the dishes by spraying them with a little water (if you have available) using a spray bottle, or rub it clean with a cloth or a paper towel.

Remember to pack :

• Soap
• Dishcloths for washing and drying
• Scrubber for pots
• Wet wipes or alcoholic wipes
• Spray bottle.

Camping chairs

A must-have for every family member is a chair. Relaxing while camping is part of the experience. You get chairs designed for lighter people or children, chairs without back rests that can be pushed under the table, and out of the way. Recliners are popular especially for those who need an afternoon nap under the trees. Specially designed chairs for heavy people are usually made of thicker material and stopped. Most chairs are foldable to use less space.

Doing the washing when camping

What clothes you pack is essential. Easy to wash and non-ironing clothes are popular when camping.

A bucket for this purpose is the least equipment to use. A bucket with a rotary inside is a useful product. Some campers use a bucket with a lid, put it in the car while driving, and then have clean clothes back at camp.

Small washing machines that will make the camping experience easier, can be purchased.

Remember to pack:

• Washing powder
• Pegs
• Rope to tie between trees for those with little space, 
• or a portable washing line

Extras to pack

• Cleaning products
• Broom
• Dusting cloths and cloths for wiping the surfaces
• Cloth for cleaning
• First aid kit
• Cellphone chargers
• Hairdryer
• Fan / Heater
• Gas bottle
• Fire extinguisher
• Leveller
• Electric cord
• Adapters for electricity
• Flashlight
• Toilet paper
• Water bottle
• Water holder
• Spade
• Hammer
• Gloves
• Small sewing kit
• Mosquito/bug spray
• Fly swatter
• Cettie
• Books to read
• Binoculars
• Cameras
• ID’s
• Motor and Caravan licenses
• Drivers licenses
• Tent
• Tent pegs
• Ropes
• Tent poles
• Storm ropes
• Storm net
• Groud sheet
• Reflective sheet

It is a good idea to make a list of things to pack that suits your individual needs.

You can also read What you should know about Camping, Caravans and Caravan Parks in South Africa _{(opens in new window)}

We hope you found this camping guide for new campers useful and that you will have many years of enjoyment in the campsites of South Africa.

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