15 Common Camping Mistakes Newbies Make (And How to Dodge Them Like a Seasoned Pro!)

As we hit the peak of fall camping season, it’s the perfect time to gear up without the drama. Whether you’re a total newbie pitching your first tent or just need a refresher, we’ve dug into a classic Reddit thread where veterans shared their epic fails. Think of this as your cheat sheet to avoid turning your adventure into a comedy of errors.

We’ll keep it fun, sprinkle in some laughs, and load you up with practical tips. Let’s turn those “oops” moments into “nailed it” victories!

Affiliate links are used in this post at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure and Privacy Policy for more info.

1. Forgetting a Headlamp or Flashlight

Picture this: You’re stumbling around in pitch-black woods, using your phone’s dying battery as a makeshift torch—classic newbie nightmare! Campers in the thread lamented losing backups in the desert or just plain forgetting them.

Why it’s a bummer: No light means tripping hazards, lost gear, and a quick-draining phone when you need it most.

Pro tip: Pack a compact headlamp (hands-free hero!) and a spare. Test ’em before you go—don’t be the camper yelling “Marco Polo” to your tent!

 Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

 

2. Overpacking Gear and Supplies

Ah, the “kitchen sink” syndrome—dragging along an 8-person tent for four people or enough gadgets to start a pop-up store. Redditors confessed to this every trip, making setup a workout.

Why it’s a bummer: Extra weight exhausts you, especially backpacking, and turns packing/unpacking into a chore.

Pro tip: Start with a minimalist checklist and tweak it after each outing. Ask: “Do I really need this?” Spoiler: You probably don’t need the espresso machine.

3. Not Collecting Enough Firewood

One camper joked, “If someone says ‘you think you got enough firewood?’ laugh at them—then add more!” Many admitted to underestimating how fast it burns.

Why it’s a bummer: Your fire fizzles out, leaving you cold, hangry, and scrambling in the dark for more.

Pro tip: Gather three times what you think you’ll need: one armload of tinder, two of kindling, three of fuel. Buy dry wood from covered stands to avoid soggy starts.

4. Underestimating Water Needs

“Bring double what you think!” was the chorus. Gallon jugs are MVPs for storage and ease.

Why it’s a bummer: Dehydration hits hard, and you can’t cook or clean without it—especially off-grid.

Pro tip: Calculate per person/activity (aim for a gallon per day minimum). Keep a billy can simmering by the fire for quick hot water wins.

 Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

 

5. Not Preparing for Cold Nights

Even 45°F feels like the Arctic at 2 a.m.! Folks regretted skimping on hats, gloves, or layers, freezing despite “warm” bags.

Why it’s a bummer: Shivering ruins sleep and fun—hello, cranky mornings!

Pro tip: Layer up with hats, gloves, and clean, dry sleep clothes. Remember: Sleeping bags are for survival, not spa-level coziness—add insulation underneath too.

 

6. Not Waterproofing Your Tent or Setting It Up Right

Stories of tents turning into swimming pools during storms? Too real. One user sprayed seams twice and stayed dry while friends bailed to cars.

Why it’s a bummer: Wet everything = misery, damaged gear, and a ruined trip.

Pro tip: Use silicon spray on seams pre-trip, stake the rain-fly taut (no touching the tent!), and face the narrow end into wind. Practice in your backyard first!

7. Forgetting Bug Spray or Protection

As a Floridian camper put it: “Best way to ruin a trip? Becoming mosquito buffet!” Even with spray, bites happen.

Why it’s a bummer: Itchy, painful distractions that turn paradise into purgatory.

Pro tip: Slather on DEET or lotion (for spot-proof coverage) and pack Benadryl cream. Bonus: Long sleeves at dusk!

 Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

 

8. Skipping a Packing Checklist

“Forget the list, forget the fun,” said many. One evolved an Excel sheet over years to avoid disasters like no bug spray.

Why it’s a bummer: Missing essentials (lights, ketchup?!) mid-trip turns adventure into annoyance.

Pro tip: Make a categorized list (shelter first!), mark items as gathered and packed. Update it post-trip with “oops” notes.

 

9. Leaving Gear Exposed to Weather

That “it won’t rain” optimism? Leads to 4 a.m. scrambles in downpours or dewy mornings soaking chairs and wood.

Why it’s a bummer: Wet stuff = cold, uncomfortable, and potential damage.

Pro tip: Stow everything under tarps or in tents overnight. Use dry bags for clothes—dew is sneakier than you think!

 Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

 

10. Not Packing Enough Layers or Extra Socks/Underwear

Sweaty socks by day = frozen feet by night. Campers swore by extras and clean changes for bed.

Why it’s a bummer: Damp undies lead to chills and chafing—gross and uncomfortable!

Pro tip: Pack multiples (good socks, not cheapos) and switch to dry ones before zipping up. Layers let you adapt to temp swings.

11. Botching Fire Starting

“Holding a lighter to a log? Nope!” Laughs ensued, but failed fires mean no s’mores or warmth.

Why it’s a bummer: No heat, light, or cooked food—back to square one.

Pro tip: Learn basics: Tinder first, then kindling. Pack multiple lighters and practice at home. No shortcuts!

12. Not Securing Food from Critters

Bears are scary, but raccoons are the real thieves—they unlock coolers! Mice nibble too.

Why it’s a bummer: Lost food, messes, and wildlife encounters that could turn dangerous.

Pro tip: Hang food bags high before dark or use locked bins. Trash nightly—leave no snacks for uninvited guests.

13. Pitching Tent on Uneven Ground

“Slight slope? You’ll roll like a log all night!” Mountain campers warned of this sneaky sleep-killer.

Why it’s a bummer: Zero rest = grumpy, tired you the next day.

Pro tip: Scout for flat spots; level with rocks if needed. Test by lying down before staking.

 Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

 

14. Forgetting Hygiene Items Like Wipes or Soap

Beer + chili + no wipes = “disaster,” per one vivid tale. Wet wipe “showers” save the day.

Why it’s a bummer: Poor hygiene leads to discomfort, smells, or worse—health woes.

Pro tip: Pack baby wipes, soap, and a spigot jug for easy washes. Pro move: Bar soap for multi-use!

 

15. Ignoring Rain or Storm Signs

Thunder rumbling? Prep now! One learned the hard way spotting cumulonimbus clouds too late.

Why it’s a bummer: Sudden soaks or lightning risks catch you off-guard.

Pro tip: Learn cloud types, monitor weather apps, and have a quick-setup routine. Car as backup shelter FTW!

 

There you have it, campers—15 ways to level up your game! Camping’s all about embracing nature (and a little chaos), but skipping these mistakes means more time for stargazing and stories around the fire.

• 30+ BEST RV Books (Ultimate Must-Read for RVers!)
• 15 Common Camping Mistakes Newbies Make (And How to Dodge Them Like a Seasoned Pro!)
• 100+ Easy Lunch Recipes for Camping (Tasty & Quick!)
• How to make a camping tent from scratch (3 simple supplies!)
• New Year’s Resolutions for Campers: The Fun, Fresh Start Your Outdoor Life Needs