Camping tips for beginners

As technology improves and we develop more and more mod cons and intelligent solutions to our problems we move further and further away from our primitive selves. And yet, camping remains as popular as ever. Maybe it’s because we have some deep-seated need to connect with nature as humans. Maybe it’s a nostalgic thing, wanting to recreate the memories we had as kids, or create new memories with families of our own. Whatever the reason, Australians spent nearly a collective 60 million nights camping and caravanning in 2019 and those figures are only likely to go up.

If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about and want to dive into the world of camping we’ve got everything you need to make your first camping experience easy, fun and unforgettable to turning into the next Bear Grylls. We’ll cover what to pack, where to camp, what to wear, eat, drink and heaps more. Read on, and happy camping.

Ok, so you’re ready to try camping for the first time. Congratulations! Get ready to make some of the best memories of your life and reconnect with nature, friends, family and yourself. Here are some of our top camping tips for beginners to help you plan for your new camping adventures so its not an epic fail.

1. Don’t invest in a load of camping gear until you’re sure it’s for you

Camping may be all about getting back to nature but it does require a solid investment in the right camping gear. If this is your first time you might want to borrow some camping equipment from friends or family first just in case you realise this whole camping malarky isn’t for you.

2. Go camping with an experienced group first

If this really is your first-ever time camping, try going with a group of experienced campers. Get a group of friends and family together so you can get some pointers or even stay in a holiday park so you’re surrounded by fellow campers who can lend a hand when your tent just won’t stay up (it's all about the tent pegs), your fire won’t start or you forget to bring a torch.

3. Whatever you’re planning on packing, you probably need half

It’s amazing how few things you actually need with you on a camping trip. Many experienced campers still return home from a trip with unused items in their bags. The number one thing you’ll probably overpack on your first camping trip is clothes. More likely than not you’ll wear the same two or three outfits the whole time and simply add layers when it gets cold at night.

4. Enforce a “no shoes in the tent” rule

Whether you’re camping by yourself or are embarking on a full-blown family holiday you need to keep the tent clean and one of the easiest ways is by having a “no shoes in the tent” policy. Try keeping thongs or other slip-on shoes handy by the front of the tent for quick trips to the bathroom and use a picnic blanket or tarp as a doormat to collect dirt or mud.

5. Keep your zips zipped

Get into the habit of zipping the zips behind you every time you go in and out of the tent. It’s like shutting a gate on a farm or shutting the fly screen door at home, it’ll be second nature before too long. Plus, you’re unlikely to forget to zip your zips a second time after spending a sleepless night being mauled by mosquitos.

6. If no one is camping in a spot, there’s probably a reason

If there’s a lovely riverside spot that no one’s pitched their tent in or a gorgeous shady location that’s begging to be taken, don't rush in straight away. If a camping spot looks too good to be true, it probably is. You might get eaten alive by mozzies, the ground might be soaking wet or there might be a noisy bird nesting in the tree above you that’ll make you at 4 am. Assess the spot thoroughly and proceed with caution before making camp for the night!

7. Before buying a tent ask to see the display model put back into the bag it came in

It’s one of those great mysteries in life — getting your tent, chair or sleeping bag back into the bag it came in as easily as it came out. If you’re buying gear at a camping shop ask to practice packing the display model back into the bag. Expect some degree of rolling, squeezing, stuffing and cajoling but if it’s too hard, you might want to try a different model.

8. Stay close to civilisation (for now)

As this is your first attempt at camping it’s best to stay within cooee of civilization. If you’ve forgotten something or lose your temper while trying to cook on a camp stove you can head into town for supplies or a pub dinner. Once you’ve got the hang of things and have the art of camping mastered you can head further afield and experience proper wilderness camping.

9. Prepare for the unexpected and do your research

No matter how prepared you are, camping can still surprise you. Those four days of sunshine you expected replaced with torrential rainfall, the sealed access road on the map turning out to be a potholed dirt track, all that fresh fruit you packed getting ransacked by possums in the middle of the night. Make sure you thoroughly research your campsite to check it has all the amenities you need and pack your wet weather gear just in case!

10. Ease into camping with glamping first

If it’s reconnecting with nature you’re after you may want to try easing into things with a glamping holiday.Luxury camping is more popular than ever these days with plenty of scenic and comfy camping spots available throughout Australia. It’s all the best bits of camping without the hard work!

Camping safety essentials

One of the most common concerns of first-time campers is safety. What if something goes wrong? What if I get injured? These are valid concerns and while a hint of danger adds to the thrill of a camping trip there are plenty of practical ways to minimise the risk of something going wrong on your camping adventure.

First aid kit 💉

No matter where you’re going, take along a first aid kit. It’s best to take a comprehensive first aid kit as well as a compact portable first aid kit like this Trafalgar Go Anywhere First Aid Kit from Anaconda with the basics for when you go bushwalking or exploring. Your kit should include things like bandages, a snake bite kit, burn dressings, antihistamines, aloe vera, bandaids and panadol.

Sun protection 😎

Take along high SPF sunscreen (at least 30+) to protect yourself against the sun along with a tube of aloe vera in case you catch a few too many rays. Wear hats and long sleeve shirts to protect yourself from sunburn and remember to stay hydrated. According to Health Direct, men should drink around 2.5 litres of water per day and women should drink around 2 litres of water per day. If you’re doing strenuous exercise or it’s an extremely hot day you should increase your intake.

Insects, snakes and creepy crawlies 🐍🕷️🐜

When you go out into nature you got to take the good with the bad. Insects, spiders and other creepy crawlies are part and parcel of camping but there’s plenty you can do to keep these critters at bay.

• Mosquitos. Take along some insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects. If you’re taking your baby camping, take a mosquito net to keep the mozzies off without dousing their sensitive skin in repellent. And always remember to zip up your tent!
• Ticks. Take a set of tweezers for extracting ticks. If you’re a little squeamish about tick removal, take some vaseline and apply it to the tick — the tick will feel smothered and back out on its own (we know, gross). Ticks tend to like warm places and will often be found in armpits, groins and scalps. Check yourself thoroughly after a hike and be on the alert for itching.
• Leeches. If you’re going hiking in an area prone to leeches, apply insect repellent to your feet and ankles prior to putting on your socks to protect yourself. If you do get a leech on you, hook your fingernail underneath it and flick it off. Leeches are sticky and may stick to your hand — if this happens you simply need to roll it around in your palm then firmly flick it off into the bush to get rid of it. Leeches do not cause any pain as they have a natural anesthetic in their saliva but they can cause bleeding if they latch on for a long time. If your leech bite bleeds apply pressure and put on a band aid.
• Snakes. Despite what we see in the movies snakes are typically timid creatures and will try to avoid humans if they can. Keep your tent zipped up at all times to avoid any unwanted visitors (snakes like to seek shelter in cosy places like sleeping bags!). When going bushwalking wear solid, covered-in shoes and avoid walking in long grass or thick undergrowth where snakes might be hiding. If you do see a snake back slowly away from it and under no circumstances try to touch or harm it. Be sure to carry a snake bandage with you wherever you go and keep a phone handy just in case.
• Spiders. As always abide by the golden rule of keeping your tent zipped up to keep unwelcome guests of the eight-legged variety away. Keep hiking boots, joggers and other shoes either in a container in the tent or shut away in the car to avoid spiders taking refuge in them at night. Be aware of spiders hiding in woodpiles and other spots throughout your trip. Take a pair of garden gloves for handling firewood to protect your hands from splinters and spiders.

Emergency supplies 🚨

If you’re going remote or planning on doing some serious hiking on your camping trip make sure you take some emergency supplies.

• Take a space blanket in case you get caught out without shelter. A space blanket is extremely lightweight and compact and can act as both a thermal blanket and a rescue device as its shiny surface can be used to signal others.
• Take a radio or GPS if you’ll be out of mobile range to ensure you always have a reliable method of communication.
• Pack torches and spare batteries in case you get caught out after dark, even if you’re only going for a day-hike.
• Take your phone with you. Camping is all about getting away from the daily grind and switching off, but in an emergency, you need to be able to reach the authorities and notify family members. Take your phone, even if you keep it switched off, along with a portable charger. You can get power banks and solar-powered phone chargers from camping stores like Anaconda and Kathmandu.

Check conditions before you leave for your trip 🌦️⛈️🌞

• Bushfires and total fire bans. Check the bush fire alert level in the area you’ll be camping in and check whether there will be a total fire ban in place (this could put a spanner in the works if you’re planning to cook everything over the fire).
• Water restrictions. Check if there are water restrictions in place in the area where you’ll be camping. You can find current water restrictions on the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website.
• Weather. Check the weather forecast for your entire trip and pack sufficient warm, cold and wet weather clothes. Whatever the forecast says make sure you take wet weather gear just in case!

Fire safety 🔥

Chilling out around the fire is one of the very best bits about camping, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Follow these fire safety tips to minimise your risk of injury or mishap with your campfire:

• Keep water handy at all times. Keep a bucket or another large container of water nearby whenever you have your fire going in case you need to put it out quickly.
• Never pour flammable materials onto your fire. Pouring petrol, lighter fluid or other flammable materials onto a fire is extremely dangerous and can cause explosions and serious burns.
• Teach children about fire safety rules. Teach any kids along for your camping trip to respect the fire, tell them to walk, not run near the fire and not to play with flaming sticks. Children should never be left by a fire unsupervised.
• Wear close-toed shoes and sensible clothing near the fire. Gumboots, hiking shoes and running shoes are best around a fire. Hot coals can fall out of the fire easily and cause serious burns if stepped on.
• Thoroughly extinguish your fire before leaving. You should be able to put your hand in the centre of your fire if it has been put out properly. Don’t leave hot coals smouldering as they could ignite after you’ve left.
• Learn first aid for burns. Running cold water is best for burns. Keep fresh, clean water on hand in case of burns and keep running water on the burn until it no longer feels hot. Seek medical attention if the burn is serious.

Always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return 👨‍👩‍👦👫

In the highly unlikely event that something goes seriously wrong or you become lost people need to know where to find you. Tell a friend or family member where you’re going camping and when you expect you’ll be back so that if something goes wrong people can find you quickly.

Camping clothing & shoes — what to wear?

When going camping the first rule is don’t wear anything you’re too attached to. Between campfire smoke, mud, weather and adventure your precious hoodie or brand new jeans might get damaged, so it’s best to pack practical, comfy clothes that can take a bit of wear and tear. We’ve put together a quick guide to what you should pack for each season and the clothing items you need all year round.

Tip: take bin liners or large ziplock bags to keep wet or muddy clothes in.

How to stay warm

Staying out in the elements is one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating things you can do for your soul, but you don’t want to freeze your toes off while you do it. There are plenty of ways to stay cosy as the mercury drops while camping in the great outdoors.

1.Fire

When most of us conjure up an image of camping the first thing we think of is a campfire. There’s nothing better than sitting around the “bush TV” as the sun goes down, toasting some marshmallows or preparing dinner and soaking in the sounds of the bush settling in for the night. If you’ve never been a Scout or a Girl Guide don’t panic, starting a fire isn’t rocket since.

2. Portable Camping Heaters

If you’re staying at a campsite that doesn’t allow fires or you don’t fancy all the hard work of building and feeding a fire you can get a portable heater for your tent. Propane, Kerosene and LPG heaters can quickly warm your entire tent or caravan. Note: always use as directed

3. Dress Warmly

The key to keeping warm when camping is to wear the right clothes. Make sure you wear layers of clothing to trap warm air and keep you toasty. The humble flanno (or flannelette shirt) with its lightweight construction, layer-ability and cosiness is a camping must-have for chilly weather. Try wearing a singlet, shirt, flanno and a jacket to keep yourself warm on those crisp outdoor evenings. Keep your extremities warm too. A beanie is your best friend and an (old) pair of Ugg boots will keep your feet toasty.

4. Choose the right sleeping bag

Sleeping bags come with a temperature range they’re designed to be used for, for example, -6℃ to -10℃ or 5℃ to 15℃. A good night’s sleep is crucial to the enjoyment of your camping trip and you don’t wait to be shivering in your tent or sweltering in your sleeping bag, so check if the sleeping bag you’re taking sits within the temperature range you need.

What to eat and drink

Food just tastes better when it’s eaten around the campfire. After spending the day swimming, bushwalking, surfing, relaxing or adventuring there’s nothing more enjoyable than gathering around the campsite to prepare the evening meal. Part of the charm and zen of camping is taking the time to prepare your food with no distractions and no mod-cons, cooking over a fire or a camp stove and producing something hot and delicious that warms the cockles of your heart.

• Pro Tip: freeze your milk, juice, water and meat as these can act as additional ice bricks in your esky.

What camping equipment do I need as a first-time camper?

Tents

Seems like a no-brainer, but first of all, you’ll need a tent. The size of tent you need will depend on how many people are sleeping in it and how far you intend to carry it. If you’re going on a hiking-camping trip you’ll need a small, lightweight tent or swag. If you’re settling in for a week-long family camping trip, a family-sized tent is the go.

• Swag — A swag is a compact single-person tent that’s designed to fit a sleeping bag, a backpack and not much else. They are designed to be crawled into with enough headspace to crunch or kneel but not stand. Swags are an easy option for hikers and solo-campers who don’t want to lug around a heavy, bulky tent.
• Tent. Tents come in all shapes and sizes from single and double tents to towering family tents you can stand up in.
• Tip: add reflective tags or tape to the guy wires on your tent to avoid tripping.
• Hammock tents. If you want to go all out and sleep in extra comfort a hammock tent is the ultimate choice. The name says it all, these tents are designed to be strung between trees so you can sleep off the ground.
• 4WD Rooftop tents. A rooftop tent is a great option for folks with a 4WD who also like fast tent setup. These tents are designed to be attached to the roof of your vehicle.

2. Sleeping

A good night’s sleep means a good day’s fun, so make sure you take something comfy to sleep on. There are a range of different sleeping options from simple bedrolls to deluxe air mattresses. If you’re new to camping you may want to borrow and test out some sleeping options to find out what level of comfort you prefer.

• Sleeping bag. Sleeping bags come in a range of temperatures to suit everything from sub-zero temperatures to mild summer nights.
• Camping pillow. If you’re strapped for space an inflatable or compact pillow will help you sleep without weighing you down. Tip: if you’ve got the space and weight allowance take your own pillow from home for a better night’s sleep!
• Air mattresses. Air mattresses are available in single, double and family-sized options and make a great compromise between comfort and practicality. Air mattresses usually fold down to about the size of the average pillow and can provide a cushy buffer between you and the ground. Tip: Unless you’ve got lungs of steel take an electric air pump with you to blow up your mattress!
• Camp beds and stretchers. Camp beds fold out and raise you off the ground on a thin but strong base. Camp stretchers can be bulky and heavy but are comfortable and don’t require inflation.
• Bedrolls. Bedrolls are super basic camping tech, a simple rolled-up length of foam or other material which acts as a buffer between you and the ground.
• Linens. Depending on how much space you have, taking sheets and light blankets to use on your air mattress or camp bed can be comfortable in place of a sleeping bag, particularly on hot summer nights.

3. Lighting

Once the sun goes down you’ll need some lighting options. You can go for anything from a simple hand-held torch to a fully floodlit campsite

• Torches. You can’t go wrong with the classic hand-held torch. You can get a cheap and cheerful torch from places like Big W or K mart that will get the job done or invest in a serious heavy-duty torch from an outdoor shop.
• Headlamp. A headlamp is the holy grail of camp lighting. You’ll be free to prepare the dinner, carry your shower stuff to the amenities block or read your book curled up in your sleeping bag, all with your hands-free. You can find headlamps at camping and outdoor stores.
• Lanterns. Battery-powered lanterns are great for in the tent or around the campsite. Hang one from the ceiling of your tent to light the whole space or keep one on your camp table while you’re playing cards after dark.
• Floodlights. Floodlights are great for illuminating your entire campsite at once. There are even solar-powered remote control floodlightsout there if you really want to impress your fellow campers!

4. Cooking

One of the best parts of camping is gathering around the campfire or settling down at your campsite for a meal together.

• Camp stove. Gas-powered camp stoves are super easy to use and are designed to withstand the elements — plus they’re a great item to have in the house in case of a power outage!
• Fire cooking supplies. Take alfoil for wrapping up jacket potatoes or making campfire nachos (delicious!). Take an extra-long set of barbecue tongs for grabbing stuff out of the fire. If you’re a fan of toasted sandwiches you should definitely invest in a set of jaffle irons for making campfire toasties.
• Camp kettle. A retro stove-top kettle will be your best friend while camping. Use it to make hot chocolate, tea, coffee, noodles, soup, whatever! It’s also handy for heating up water for washing up if your campsite doesn’t offer dishwashing facilities.
• Dehydrated food. You can buy dehydrated meals from the supermarket or you can make your own with a food dehydrator. Dehydrated food is lightweight and super easy to prepare — just add hot water.
• Esky. Keep your cold stuff cold in an esky. Tip: Freeze your milk, juice, water, meat and other freezable items to help keep the esky cold and keep your perishables fresh for longer.
• Cutlery. Spoons, forks, knives, you know the drill! If you want to minimise the amount of cutlery you’re taking you can invest in a splade (an all-in-one knife-fork-spoon).
• Bowls, cups and plates. Melamine, plastic or tin plates, cups and bowls are ideal for camping as they’re lightweight and virtually unbreakable.
• Pots and pans. You probably only need one pot and one pan, but if you’ve got space you may like to take extra.
• Washing up supplies. If your campsite doesn’t have a camp kitchen, take a plastic tub about the size of a small kitchen sink to use for washing up. Take an environmentally friendly washing up liquid, sponges and tea towels.

5. Furniture

When you’re camping your campsite becomes your home away from home. There are a few furniture items you can take along to make it comfy and make your trip easier.

Chairs

There are countless different iterations of the humble folding camp chair out there, from compact three-legged stools to luxurious three-seater folding armchairs. There is also the campers prerogative of using any old thing as a chair — eskies, for example, make superb makeshift chairs, as do logs and plastic tubs. If you can make something serve two purposes while camping, that's always a bonus!

Tables

While not absolutely essential a camp table makes everything easier and saves your knees and back from too much time on the ground. There are plenty of compact, lightweight folding camp tables around that can be used for food prep, board games, cards and eating.

Tarps, Awnings and Shades

You can create a shaded area outside your tent using a tarp held up with poles or a structured awning or shade cloth. This can serve as protection from sun and rain and keeps the tent free for just sleeping and storage. Tarps are also super handy for laying out on the ground in front of your tent as a sort of welcome mat to help keep mud, dirt and grass out. A picnic blanket can be used for the same purpose.

Clothesline and pegs

This doesn’t have to be anything fancy, a simple piece of string strung between two trees is enough to serve as a makeshift camp clotheslines. Perfect for drying swimwear and towels and airing out smelly socks. Be sure to bring pegs in case it gets windy! You can also bring a clothes horse for extra hanging space.

6. Gadgets, accessories and extras

These items certainly aren’t “must-haves” for new campers, but they sure can make the experience a lot more enjoyable!

Camp shower. If you’re heading right off the beaten track to a place without showers a camp shower is a real life-saver. From rudimentary solar camp showers to state of the art ensuite shower setups, having a shower on-site will make your experience just that little bit more comfortable.

Outdoor Espresso. Portable coffee makers like the AeroPress Coffee Maker can make delightful coffee on the go, a nice bit of luxury to make your trip even more enjoyable.

Camping air conditioner. Perfect for those hot summer holidays, if you just can’t coax a breeze into your tent you can get a little help from technology. Check out the Companion Rechargeable Evaporative Cooler System which uses evaporative cooling to bring the temperature down.

Microfibre towel. Microfibre towels are ultra-lightweight and compact — perfect for camping. They fold down to virtually nothing and dry super quickly, too.

Solar charger. Keep your devices juiced up no matter where you are with a portable solar charger. You’ll find these at any outdoor or camping store.

Filtering water bottle/straw. If you’re going on a bushwalking holiday or plan to stay somewhere without amenities a filtering water bottle or straw can provide you with an endless supply of safe drinking water.

Board games and cards. If you’ve got the space it’s always worthwhile taking some rainy-day or evening activities!

Choosing a camping location

You’ve got all the gear, now you need the perfect camping location! We’re spoilt for choice in Australia for scenic camping spots, and whether you’re dreaming of a coastal retreat or a bush getaway there are several factors you should consider when deciding on a camping location.

What amenities would you like to have?

How off-road do you want to go? Are we talking about digging a hole for a toilet and carrying all your supplies in with you or would you rather have hot showers and a kiosk at your disposal? If you’re new to camping it’s probably best to start with a holiday park that allows camping that has amenities like showers, toilets, washing up facilities and access to shops so as not to get overwhelmed.

Proximity to towns and shops

Are you going to take everything you need with you at once or will you need to replenish your supplies? If you’re camping for more than 2 or 3 days it can be a struggle to take enough food and supplies, especially if this is your first time. By choosing a camping spot that’s within easy driving distance of a supermarket you’ve got a safety blanket in case you need to restock.

Make sure you’re permitted to camp there

Camping may give you a great sense of freedom, but that doesn’t mean you can pitch your tent just anywhere. In Australian National Parks for instance camping is usually only permitted in designated areas.

Family-friendly camping

If you’re taking the little ones with you you’ll need to consider the safety of the campsite. Are there dangerous cliff edges or bodies of water they could wander into? Is there a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere at the campsite or is it full of rowdy teenagers? Picking a family-friendly holiday park with kid’s facilities will make your holiday more enjoyable and relaxing.

Taking the dog with you?

Many camping locations don’t permit pets, particularly National Parks and Reserves. Your dog is part of the family and it’s great having them along for the camping trip. Fortunately, there are many designated dog-friendly holiday spots around that will welcome your furry best friend.

Setting up your campsite

Setting up camp is super exciting, but make sure you choose the right spot before you claim your pitch.

Make sure you choose a spot with level ground.

Even a slight slope can be a nightmare when you lay down to sleep in your sleeping bag and find yourself rolling to the side of the tent.

Make sure the ground is dry.

Damp, muddy camping spots won’t just make your tent dirty, they’ll also make it cold. The cold from the wet ground may seep into your tent and make your sleep uncomfortable.

Remove all sticks and rocks before pitching your tent.

Clear away any rocks, sticks or other debris from your campsite before laying out your tent. This is a great way to keep the kids occupied while you’re getting organised.

Test the hardness of the ground before you set up your tent.

Grab a few test tent pegs and hit them into the ground you intend to camp on. The ground might be rock-hard or there could be a layer of rocks just under the surface.

View.

Think about what you’d like to see first thing in the morning when you open your tent. This is something that has to be compromised with the rest of the factors.

Privacy.

Would you like to feel like you’re 100 miles away from everything (and everyone?). Pick a spot that’s separate from nearby campers with a screen of trees for added privacy.

Consider proximity to facilities.

There are pros and cons to camping near the toilets, showers, kitchens and other facilities. Obviously, it’s handy to have the bathrooms right by your tent but it will also mean there will be more people milling around your campsite. Tip: avoid pitching your tent near the bins!

Beware of trees.

It’s lovely to have the extra shade and coolness from trees but be aware of the flipside. You may end up with bird poo all over your tent or get woken up at 5 am by a noisy early bird. As they’re not insulated, tents heat and cool rapidly, so morning shade is best if you don’t want to wake up too early.

Best time to go camping in NSW

Whether you want to go camping by the beach or head out bush for some country NSW camping there are so many stunning spots to get back to nature in this state.

Ease into camping with glamping

If you’re feeling unsure about going camping for the first time or want to ease into it then a glamping holiday is exactly what you need. If you’ve never camped before it can be a bit of a culture shock. Glamping is the perfect way to figure out if you’re into this whole camping thing before diving in the deep end. Check out the difference between camping and glamping here

All the best bits of camping without the hard work. If you love the idea of camping but the practicalities of it are putting you off, try glamping instead! With things like lounges, kitchens, bathrooms and comfy beds, glamping combines the serotonin-boosting joys of nature with the ease and comfort of staying home. What’s not to like?

No time-consuming set-up or pack down. If you’ve only got a weekend's worth of time to enjoy your camping trip you don’t want to spend hours setting up and packing down your campsite. With glamping, it’s already set up for you and when it’s time to go home you can just pack your bags and leave the tent where it is!

No need to invest in a heap of camping gear. Once you’ve got your tent, cooking things, sleeping bag, furniture and all your other camping supplies you’re set — but getting all that gear can be expensive.

You’re guaranteed the best spot. No need to leave work early on Friday and rush up to your camping spot, with glamping you’re already guaranteed the best seat in the house. Because you can book your glamping spot ahead of time you won’t need to jostle with other holidaymakers for the good campsites. Explore more about where to glamp in New South Wales here

First-time campers checklist

Feeling ready to take the plunge and head out on a camping adventure? Use this handy checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need to make it a trip to remember.

First time camping trips at Reflections

At Reflections Holiday Parks we offer some of the best camping locations available anywhere in New South Wales including a selection of stunning coastal glamping spots. Our welcoming holiday parks are all situated on Crown land in some of the most beautiful and unspoilt locations in Australia. Our parks are fitted with convenient modern amenities including camp kitchens, laundries, barbecues and more, with kids playgrounds available in many parks.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy our holiday parks with disability-friendly accommodation available at over a dozen parks throughout New South Wales. We’re also pleased to offer 30 dog friendly holiday parks for holidays the whole family can enjoy. Discover our gorgeous, friendly and welcoming holiday parks and choose your next holiday spot today.