If you only ever looked at Instagram, you'd think camping consisted of fairy lights, perfectly toasted marshmallows and people waking up looking like they'd just stepped out of a shampoo advert.
The reality?
Well... someone always forgets the milk.
We've been camping for a couple of years now, and while we're certainly not experts, we've learnt a lot through trial and error (mostly error). Every trip teaches us something new, whether it's a packing hack, a piece of kit we can't believe we ever lived without, or a reminder that checking the weather forecast means absolutely nothing in Britain.
Looking back, there are quite a few things I wish someone had told us before we bought our first tent and enthusiastically declared ourselves "campers".
So, if you're thinking about giving camping a go, or you've just started your camping journey, here are eight honest things nobody tells you about starting camping.
1. You Don't Need Every Camping Gadget on the Internet
When we first started, I was convinced we needed absolutely everything.
Portable washing machines.
Collapsible everything.
A gadget that peeled potatoes while simultaneously making tea.
Camping shops are dangerous places because suddenly you're stood there thinking, "Well... I suppose we do need a rechargeable citronella lantern with Bluetooth."
Spoiler: you probably don't.
Start with the basics. After every trip you'll naturally discover what would make life easier. That's a much cheaper way of building your camping setup than panic-buying half the camping aisle before you've even pitched a tent.
2. Packing Takes Longer Than the Holiday
Nobody prepares you for this.
The holiday might be three nights.
Packing somehow takes two days.
Then you come home, unpack everything, realise the tent has to dry before you can put it away and suddenly you're still dealing with camping nearly a week later.
It's worth it, but don't expect to throw everything in the car ten minutes before leaving.
Future You will appreciate Present You making a checklist, or in my case, a full spreadsheet.
3. Bigger Tents Are Worth It (If You Have the Space)
We started out wondering whether a smaller tent would do.
Now? We'd struggle to go back.
Being able to stand up properly, have somewhere comfortable to relax if it rains, and not have to climb over each other every time someone wants a snack makes such a difference.
Yes, bigger tents take longer to put up.
Yes, they take up more room in the garage.
But after spending an evening listening to the rain while sitting comfortably inside with a hot drink, you'll quickly forget about the extra twenty minutes it took to pitch.
4. The Great British Weather Has Absolutely No Respect for Your Plans
You'll leave home in glorious sunshine.
By lunchtime it'll be raining sideways.
By dinner you'll need sunglasses again.
Learning to embrace the unpredictability is part of camping in England. Pack layers. Pack waterproofs. Accept that weather apps are making educated guesses at best.
Some of our favourite camping memories have actually come from the days that definitely weren't perfect.
5. Campsite Showers Become Weirdly Exciting
I never thought I'd have strong opinions about shower blocks.
Now?
"Oh, this one's got underfloor heating."
"Fantastic water pressure."
"Hairdryer included? Five stars."
It's a slippery slope.
6. Everything Somehow Tastes Better Outside
Breakfast.
Pasta.
A bacon sandwich.
Even the slightly squashed biscuits that have spent three hours rolling around in the car somehow taste incredible when you're sitting outside the tent.
I don't know the science behind it.
I just know camping calories don't count. (Please don't correct me.)
7. Camping Is Much Slower Than Normal Life And That's the Best Part
At home I'm always thinking about the next job.
The washing.
The emails.
The shopping.
When we're camping, everything naturally slows down.
Morning coffee lasts longer.
Evenings stretch out over a game of cards.
Reading a book suddenly feels like a perfectly productive way to spend an afternoon.
It's one of the biggest reasons we've fallen in love with camping.
8. You'll Never Stop Tweaking Your Setup
You don't "finish" buying camping equipment.
You simply reach a point where you're temporarily satisfied.
Then someone walks past your pitch with an ingenious storage solution, a brilliant bit of kit or a setup that makes you think, "Ooh... that's clever."
Before you know it, you've got another item on your wish list before you've even packed up to go home.
Camping is basically one long process of making tiny improvements every trip.
And honestly? I think that's part of the fun.
Final Thoughts
If you're new to camping, don't worry about getting everything perfect.
Honestly, nobody does.
You'll forget things.
You'll overpack.
You'll underpack.
You'll spend twenty minutes looking for the tent pegs that were "definitely in this bag."
And then you'll sit outside as the sun starts to set with a cold drink in your hand and remember exactly why you booked the trip in the first place.
Camping isn't about perfection.
It's about making memories, laughing at the little mishaps, and slowly creating a setup that works for you. Even after a couple of years, we're still tweaking ours, discovering little ways to make each trip even better and, inevitably, finding another camping gadget to add to the wish list.
Now I'd love to hear from you!
What's one thing you wish someone had told you before your first camping trip? Let me know in the comments. I love hearing other campers' stories, tips and the lessons they've learnt. There's always something new to discover, no matter how long you've been camping!
Molly
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