Camping checklist: What to prep and what to bring
The ultimate guide to prepping for your UK holiday park camping trip
You’ve booked your campsite holiday at one of our lovely North Devon holiday parks. You’ve researched your trip away, reviewed all the things to do in Devon and planned your activities, as well as days out and about. You’ve arrived with smiles galore, only to discover you’ve got nothing but wonky tent pegs, mouldy sleeping bags and nothing to open the beans with…
Whether you’re touring with an awning, camping or glamping, or even caravanning around – we’ll ensure you are well prepared and have everything you need. Here is our ultimate checklist of everything you need to bring with you on your camping holiday.
1. Organise your tent and sleeping area
Get your tent out of storage a week or so in advance, put it up if you can and leave to air for a day or so – check for mildew. Groundsheets are always overlooked so peg it outside with the tent. Do the same with your sleeping bags, hang them out on the washing line to air. If it's a brand new tent then you'll likely need to weather it first so make sure you plan that in advance.
Check any air mattresses for holes and don’t forget the pump, batteries/car adaptor too. Pillows, cushions and duvets can make that extra difference in comfort when you’re camping, and will keep you warm and snug if the UK weather takes a turn - but only if you have room to pack of course.
Buy galvanised tent pegs, you can normally pick up a pack of 4 for a few pounds, they make all the difference. A claw hammer is great for when you’re pulling the pegs back out of hard ground too.
Galvanised tent pegs, we repeat – we do highly recommend these!
2. Plan for campsite cooking
Like most campsites, you're of course allowed to cook here at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, but not on an open fire or fire pit. Stoves and barbecues are allowed when lifted off the ground – camping is a community and you don’t want to ruin the pitch for the next guests.
Stove, extra fuel, barbecue, matches and lighters are essential... don’t forget the kindling, firelighters and charcoal. Pots and pans, a frying pan will be missed if forgotten, and all the cutlery and utensils for your mobile kitchen; all needed if you intend to go back to basics. While there are lots of great family-friendly restaurant options open nearby if you don’t fancy cooking dinner yourself, but an open-air breakfast of champions is an amazing way to start the day.
The two most common items likely to be forgotten, when camping, are your tin opener and your corkscrew or bottle opener (they could make or break your arrival party) and any glasses or dishes to eat and drink out of. A good quality sharp knife is a must, as is a chopping board.
Fancy a cuppa? Bring the camping kettle. And spoons. And cups!
3. Love lamp? Pack light!
You will definitely need a light. So definitely bring a torch. Gas lanterns are economical if spending time in the tent after-hours, bring spare fuel. Solar lamps are getting much better, if you can find one with a decent output.
Outdoor candles can help repel insects if your campsite allows them, always check before lighting up. Battery powered alternatives are available.
Batteries! Always forgotten.
4. Get your groceries
What food and drink do you need to bring on your camping trip? A cool box will help to keep the perishables fresh, with ice packs of course. Some campsites will have frozen ice packs to purchase in their shop, or ice cubes at least.
Bacon! And eggs, mushrooms, bread and butter. Beans! There really isn’t anything better than a hearty outdoors breakfast. Cooking oil, ketchup, salt, pepper and all the spices too. Well, you wouldn’t ignore them at home.
Bring a bunch of long-life items. You’ll need them if you’re arriving late and miss the shops, they’re great for emergencies. Dried ready meals, pasta packets, rice pots or noodles. Anything that’s ‘just add water’. Bring water carriers!
Fancy a cuppa? Bring the tea bags. And coffee. And milk.
5. Plan your campsite cupboard
If you’re staying for a few days, then you’ll need a few items in the campsite cupboard. Dishwashing items, sponges and towels and washing up liquid. Tinfoil can be very handy, as can sandwich bags.
Some empty plastic bottles could be useful, rubbish sacks and carrier bags as well. A bunch of items such as a sewing kit, safety pins, padlocks and a swiss army knife; they could all be needed at some point. Some multi-purpose tubs for storing all these items too.
A washing up bowl, sink plug, clothesline, pegs, washing liquid – you can bring the kitchen sink if you want.
Don’t forget the toilet roll. Or tissues, tissues work, tissues will save the day. Tissues are great!
6. Don't forget other camping essentials
You’ve been on holiday before, probably. So, pack all the clothing, towels and toiletries you’d normally pack for a holiday; when camping you’ll need a shower or two, probably. If you’re staying at one of our Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, you’ll have access to all our pools and water activities, as well as the beach - so don’t forget your swimming suit!
If you need to sit, bring chairs. If you need an alarm, bring a travel clock. If you’re intending to go trekking anywhere, bring a map and compass. You get the idea.
Are you a little clumsy? Bring a travel medical kit; insect repellent, painkillers, plasters, bandages, lip balm, etc. Again, it’s not your first rodeo.
Sunny weather? Pack the sun-cream and after-sun. But it is the UK, so bring rainy weather gear just in case!
Do you need entertainment? Bring something to keep you entertained! Books, board games, laptops… Whilst there are plenty of activities, entertainment and events to take part in at Woolacombe Bay, sometimes it's also fun to sit in the evening sun outside your tent with a simple pack of cards.
Going on a camping holiday in North Devon? Enjoy it!
Need an even more comprehensive camping checklist?
A handy breakdown of what to take on your family camping holiday in Devon perfect for planning your packing in the few days running up to setting off for your campsite holiday.
