There’s no better time to go camping than in the summer. With the weather generally hotter and drier, you can head off to a field for some fun in the sun roughing it. Whether it’s for a few days or a week or two, then you’ll need to ensure you have everything you need for the camping trip. After all, this is the UK. The weather is the most popular topic of conversation and that’s because it’s always changing. You need to be prepared.

So what do you need to bring? And how can you ensure that your car has everything packed for every scenario? The good news is we have you covered. So here’s our ultimate guide to packing the car for a camping trip.

Getting your car ready

First up, it’s time for a clear out. Get inside your car and take out all the trash and items you won’t need on the trip. Making space even goes down to the car seats. If you have more seats than people in the car, and know you’re not going to use them during the trip, why not take them out? 

Just make sure you keep the spare tyre and changing kit, as well as water and oil. If you’re going on a long journey in good weather, you might regret taking it.

The essentials

Make a list of the things you definitely know you’re going to need. This is the tent, sleeping bag, bedding, cooking equipment, seating and the first aid kit. These are the things that you cannot go camping without. You’ll want to pack these somewhere accessible. After all, one of the first things you’ll want to do when you arrive is to set up your campsite.

The last thing you want is to have these essential items buried at the bottom of the car. So you might want to get these items together, work out how much space they will need, and either put them in last or a place that you can guarantee easy access to.

The emergency provisions

If the gas heater fails or the heavens open, you’ll want to ensure you have some emergency provisions to get you going. We’re talking chocolate bars, packets of crisps, and maybe even some plastic tarpaulins to give yourself some extra rain cover.

Getting the balance right between pessimism and optimism is key. It’s better to have things in your car that you don’t need, then have more space in your car but find out you’re missing that bag of snacks or waterproofing that can save your camping trip.

The fun stuff to bring if you still have space

Once you have the essentials and the emergency provisions packed, you’ll want to start adding in the fun stuff. From swing ball sets to inflatable flamingos, have a look at the campsite and the local attractions and see what takes your fancy. It could be you want to strap some bikes to the roof rack, or maybe a few buoyancy aids for kayaking or paddleboarding. The second enemy to camping, after the weather, is boredom. So, if you have the space, pack in some extra fun. Even if you don’t end up using it, the chances are you’ll be having a good time regardless.

Get your camping trip car

If you’re considering getting a new car before your camping trip, then why not apply with Creditplus?