15 Biggest Camping Fails Every Camper Makes

Heading out into the great outdoors for some camping can be the perfect way to unwind and make some memories. But even the most seasoned campers can run into hiccups if they’re not careful.

Camping, while fun, requires quite a bit of planning. If you aren’t careful, you might find yourself in a world of trouble. From packing the right supplies to planning around the weather, there are a few common mistakes every camper should be aware of.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, avoiding these 15 common mistakes will help ensure your camping trip is as fun and hassle-free as possible.

Don’t Count on a Campfire

Camping seems incomplete without a campfire, but environmental conditions don’t always permit one. Droughts and other factors can lead to burn bans at many campsites, restricting or outright prohibiting fires.

To avoid disappointment and stay on the safe side, check the latest fire restrictions for your destination before you head out. This might mean no campfire s’mores this time, but you can still enjoy the great outdoors!

Don’t Arrive After Dark

Showing up to your campsite after dusk can turn setup into a stressful ordeal. It’s tough to pitch a tent or arrange your camp in the dark, and using your car’s headlights for light can disturb your neighbors.

To keep your arrival smooth and courteous, aim to get to the campsite with plenty of daylight left. This way, you can set up calmly and start enjoying your getaway sooner. And remember, if traditional camping feels like it’s too much, you can always go glamping!

Don’t Disrupt the Peace During Quiet Hours

While it’s fun to sing songs arounf a campfire, remember that sound travels far in the quiet of nature, especially at night. Most campsites enforce quiet hours, typically from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., to ensure everyone can enjoy their stay.

Respect these rules by lowering your volume when the time comes. Not only will this help maintain a harmonious environment for all campers, but it can also boost your own experience, letting you tune into the sounds of the great outdoors.

Don’t Forget Your Flavor Kit

When you’re out in the wild, don’t let your meals suffer from blandness just because you left the salt, pepper, and your favorite spices at home. It’s way too easy to forget these essentials when packing. The same goes for cooking oil, knives, cutting boards, and other kitchen tools.

A simple solution? Maintain a dedicated camping “flavor kit” with spices, oils, and basic utensils that live with your camping gear. For those who camp infrequently, a detailed checklist that includes everything from seasonings to sanitizing wipes will ensure nothing important is forgotten.

Don’t Let Your Dog Wander

Bringing your dog camping can enhance the fun, but an off-leash pet is a liability, not a luxury. It’s tempting to let them explore freely, but this freedom can lead to trouble—from getting lost to encountering wildlife or other dogs.

The potential for accidents increases significantly when pets are not properly supervised. Always use a leash or a secure tie-out that lets your pet enjoy the outdoors while staying within the safety of your campsite’s boundaries.

Also, remember to bring extra water and food, since they use more energy outdoors.

Don’t Haul Your Own Firewood

Bringing your own firewood might sound like a smart move, especially if you’ve got plenty to spare at home. However, it’s not just about the convenience—it’s also about the environment. Transporting firewood can inadvertently spread invasive insects that devastate local forests.

Plus, burning construction wood can release harmful chemicals. Most places even have laws against bringing in outside firewood.

The best plan? Buy it on-site or nearby. Kiln-dried wood from the camp host or a local store is safer for the environment and ensures a cleaner, better burn.

Don’t Mishandle Perishable Foods

Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than a case of food poisoning. With no standard fridges at most campsites and the reliability of RV fridges often in question, managing perishables requires some thought.

If you’re planning to bring items like meats, seafood, or dairy, investing in a good-quality cooler and plenty of ice is huge. Check your cooler’s temperature regularly, and restock ice as needed.

Don’t Forget the Propane

Whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent, propane will be your silent hero. It powers everything from your stove to your water heater and even your RV’s climate control. Running out can mean a cold dinner—or worse, a cold shower.

Before you head out, make a quick check of your propane levels and top them off if needed. For tent camping, it’s wise to pack an extra bottle for your stove. And remember, if you do run out, your camp host can usually direct you to the nearest refill station.

Don’t Underpack on Layers

It might be tempting to pack light, especially on those sunny, warm days. However, even the sunniest days can turn into cool evenings. Many campers get caught out with just beachwear when they really need something more substantial. Dressing in layers doesn’t just keep you warm, it also protects you from the sun, scratches, and bug bites.

Start your morning with a base layer like pants and a sweatshirt, and adjust as the day progresses. This way, you’re prepared for any changes in weather or activity throughout the day.

And don’t forget your hiking boots and socks—they’re just as crucial as your clothes!

Don’t Skimp on Bug Spray and Sunscreen

When you’re packing for the great outdoors, throw in a little extra bug spray and sunscreen. It’s easy to underestimate just how quickly you can burn through a can of bug repellent or a bottle of sunscreen, especially when you’re out in the wild swatting at mosquitoes or lounging by the lake.

DEET is your best bet against the itchy onslaught, and ample sunscreen is a must. Consider bringing several cans of each for a weekend, and maybe even more for bigger groups or longer stays. Prices at camp stores can be steep, so it’s best to come prepared.

If you’re like me and don’t love how toxic DEET can be, stock up on essential oils like Citronella. There are also a ton of non-toxic bug sprays you can find on Amazon!

Don’t Misjudge the Weather

It’s easy to forget just how wild the wilderness can be, especially when it comes to weather. Without the comforts of home like air conditioning or heating, temperature swings can catch you off-guard. A sunny day might turn into a chilly evening faster than you expect, leaving you shivering around the campfire.

Always pack for variety—a warm jacket, rain gear, and a tent rain fly should be staples in your gear. Check the forecast close to your departure too, so you’re not caught out by a sudden storm.

Don’t Invite Critters for Dinner

Keeping food and scented items like deodorant in your tent might seem harmless, but it’s like sending an open dinner invitation to wildlife. From bears to raccoons and even smaller critters, these animals don’t see much difference between your snacks and your toothpaste.

To keep uninvited guests at bay, stash your food and toiletries securely. Use bear boxes or hang them in bear bags if you’re in bear country—yes, they’re known to break into cars too!

Always clean up after meals and keep everything out of your tent to avoid nocturnal surprises.

Don’t Rely on Plastic Tent Stakes

So, you remembered your tent stakes—great start! But if they’re the plastic kind that came with your tent, think about an upgrade. Plastic stakes might not hold up against a gusty night or a rough patch of ground. They can snap or bend when you need them most.

Opt for metal stakes instead. They’re sturdier and can handle the unpredictability of outdoor conditions.

And while you’re upgrading, pick up a small rubber mallet. Trust me, using a rock to hammer in stakes is just asking for trouble (and maybe a bruised toe!).

Don’t Skip the Shakedown

Ever arrived at a campsite only to realize your brand new tent is more like a puzzle than a shelter? Avoid the headache by going on a “shakedown trip” before your actual adventure. This practice run lets you test all your gear—tent, stove, and everything else—close to home. It’s your chance to catch any missing items or malfunctioning equipment.

Imagine figuring out how to use that complicated camp stove with a flashlight in your mouth because you forgot to test it at home. A few hours of trial before the trip can save your peace of mind.

Don’t Trespass on Campsites

It might seem like a shortcut, but walking through someone else’s campsite can quickly make enemies out of fellow campers. Each campsite is a little temporary home, and just like you wouldn’t cut through someone’s backyard, it’s important to respect others’ camping space.

Beyond just being rude, it’s also a safety hazard—you might trip over unseen ropes or startle a protective pet. Stick to the marked paths. Not only is it courteous, but it also keeps you safe from unnecessary hazards.