Has the time come – are you taking the plunge and finally booking that camping adventure you’ve always wanted to go on this summer? If you’re a camping novice but are excited to get stuck in then be sure to check out our handy packing list, specifically designed for first time campers. When you’re thinking about what to pack for a summer camping trip keep in mind that your list should include shelter, sleeping gear, clothing, cooking equipment, food, water, lighting, insect protection, and safety essentials, plus some fun extras that will help make the trip that much more enjoyable.
Essential Camping Gear Checklist
First let’s talk about the essentials. It’s all well and good pulling up to Long Meadow campsite with your s’mores kit ready to go, but if you’ve forgotten your tent you’ll be turning right around and heading straight back home. Before you leave for your holiday double check that you have the following items to ensure you can actually have a camping holiday.
- Tent (we recommend practicing pitching it a few times before you leave)
- Tent pegs
- Sleeping bag/duvet
- Sleeping mat, inflatable mattress, or even a yoga mat will do
- Pillow (or, if you’re trying to save space why not try stuffing clothes into a pillowcase)
- Speaking of clothes, we all know the UK weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, so we also always recommend packing:
- A waterproof jacket
- A warm jumper/cardigan
- Spare socks…so, SO many spare socks
- A hat to keep those sneaky sun rays off your head and your scalp burn-free
- Comfortable footwear – this is not an occasion for heels or fuzzy slippers. Plus, you’ll want to stay comfortable during all the day trips you can enjoy from Long Meadow
- Suncream – this is an essential especially if you plan on spending your time sunbathing with a good book (in our opinion the best way to spend a camping holiday)
- A fully charged power bank for phones, e-readers, headphones and any other electricals you may bring along
- A torch for those midnight bathroom runs
- Medications
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Emergency whistle or alarm
Food and Cooking Essentials
When you’re thinking about what to pack food wise you need to keep in mind that what you bring will vary depending on the kind of camping experience you are after. Luckily Long Meadow is a very well-equipped campsite and offers dish washing, drinking water taps, laundry, showers, toilets, washbasins and even WiFi, among many other facilities.
- Always bring a re-usable water bottle so you can make the most of the onsite drinking water taps
- A camping stove and fuel for cooking up a storm or boiling water for your morning cuppa is always a good idea
- Luckily Long Meadow has a small onsite shop so you can grab any essentials you may have forgotten, but it’s always good to bring along a few tea bags, coffee (along with a mug) and some of your favourite snacks to keep you going
- If you plan on cooking your own meals bring along a compact bowl and a spork (which you’ll be able to find in any camping store)
- A cooler is a great idea to bring along during the hot summer months! It’ll keep everything nice and cool, ready and waiting for you to enjoy
The Fun Checklist
Now you’ve got the essentials all packed and ready to go we can move onto the fun stuff! While these items aren’t strictly necessary, they sure will make your first camping holiday at Long Meadow campsite a ton more fun and a lot more comfortable!
- A foldable camping chair and table
- Dry bags for clothes and electronics in case the English weather pulls a fast one on you
- Small washing-up sponge and biodegradable soap
- If you’re not a morning person be sure to grab your earplugs and eye mask before you leave
- Bug spray – the last thing you need is mosquitoes ruining your peaceful cup of tea as the sun sets
- Your favourite hand sanitiser
- A stack of books or your e-reader with a selection of pre-downloaded choices
- Journal – camping is the perfect place to do some reflection and get into the creative spirit and there’s no better way to do that than with your favourite notebook
- Playing cards for those long, relaxing summer evenings
- Long Meadow is known for its regular visits from a large herd of wild deer, so if you’re arty be sure to bring along your sketchbook to capture the magic of this unique place
- Binoculars are a must pack if you’re a wildlife enthusiast! From rare birds to furry forest friends (including free-roaming horses) – there really will be no shortage of animals to spot during your first camping trip.
- Don’t forget to download a few episodes of your favourite TV shows, podcasts, audiobooks and films! Podcasts and audiobooks are the perfect companion for slow strolls through the forest to Brockenhurst, and watching your favourite film snuggled up in your tent is the perfect end to your day
- Marshmallows, chocolate and digestive biscuits for the camping classic that is s’mores
- BBQs! A BBQ while camping is the perfect way to enjoy dinner. Barbeques are allowed on our Long Meadow site if they are specifically designed and used only for the purpose of cooking food (i.e. not firepits). They should be robust, secure and able to be raised off the forest floor. Please note we do not allow disposable barbecues
Don’t make these common first-timer camper mistakes
Avoid these if you can:
- Bringing too much clothing and not enough warm layers
- Bringing too much clothing and not enough warm layers
- Forgetting a sleeping mat
- Testing gear for the first time at the campsite
- Relying entirely on phone signal (though Long Meadow does offer WiFi!)
- Not bringing enough snacks
- Underestimating how cold the nights can get
- Arriving at Long Meadow too late – no one like setting up a tent in the dark
- Ignoring campsite rules – you don’t want your first camping trip to be your last so familiarise yourself with the rules and stick to them
- Not respecting the wildlife, or the New Forest Code
So, what are you waiting for?
You’re packed and ready to go – the last step is booking a pitch! Long Meadow is the perfect campsite for those wanting to get back to nature while still being close enough to civilisation (and the local pub) to enjoy the beauty of the New Forest, find out more about all the best pubs, cafes, restaurants and local shops just minutes from Long Meadow Campsite here.
Click here to book your perfect stay today. Find more handy tips for first time campers here.
