Camping is the ideal way to break free and explore new places, but it’s important to know the rules.
It’s a new world out there. Back in the day, when many of us started camping, we did it in tents, or panel vans or utes. If we were one of the rare people who had a van, it was very small. I upped from a one-man tent to my ‘Troopie’ campervan. After having camped alongside some really big brutes, the irony of the name was lost.
There are so many people on the road now, it’s no longer possible to free wheel. Many are on the road already, but in winter crowds of people will be heading north and in summer crowds of people will be heading south.
There are also so many people who are new to the game. They may need a few pointers. We all need a few reminders.
What we need are some rules to prevent camping chaos.
I’ve been around the block a few times, and, from my observations, these are them.
1. Big isn’t always best. Do you really need to tow a house around with you? It’s called camping. Go for need. A lot of roads are narrow and winding. Do you really want the stress?
2. Do some research, have a rough direction but do not over plan. Leave time to stay longer in places you love or move on earlier if it’s not for you.
3. Always carry a compressor. With all those people out there, it will be Murphy’s Law that something will happen to your tyres, or you will need to deflate in the sand, or for when you get bogged in the mud out in the sticks, or just get stuck pulling off the bitumen for a cuppa.
4. At the end of the day, drive around slowly looking for your site whether in a campground or a free camp. No-one wants to eat your dust and it’s not a race.
5. Give other campers some space. If space is tight, ask first before you pull alongside, and then do not go for face-to-face positions. There is COVID out there … and good manners.
6. If you have a generator (does anyone anymore? Get solar!), then park as far away from others as humanly possible.
7. If space is at a premium, it would be very aggravating to park your rig horizontally across the best view, or at an angle taking up premium space. If you have snagged the best location re: view, do not then put up your satellite antenna and remain inside watching TV. You are camping.
8. Go for a wander and say hello to other campers; maybe have a quick chat, but don’t intrude further unless you’re invited.
9. If you’re invited for happy hour, go home at a reasonable time. It’s not a dinner date.
10. And just sometimes, it’s friendly to invite a single person near you to join your happy hour.
11. Go right out the back sometimes, alone, far away from other campers. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
12. Go for a walk to the beach, along the road, to the bush. You’re here to see stuff.
13. Have a campfire if allowed. Use fireplaces if provided. Get some fresh air. Get the feel of the outdoors. Put out your fire with water, not sand or the next camper will be firewalking.
14. Real camping is dirty business. If you’re sitting around a campfire each evening, wear ‘smoking clothes’ to keep your other clothes fresher for longer.
15. Things will bite – bring clothes to cover up, pack insect repellent, and watch out for those invisible sand flies up north that seem to arrive about 4pm.
16. Do not play music that is audible to real campers. They’re listening to bird calls.
17. Keep dogs under control or restrained at all times. Beware of poison baits in the outback.
18. If you’re in a caravan park laundry and someone’s washing cycle finishes, it’s acceptable to bag or basket it up for them.
19. Do not leave toilet paper on the ground EVER!
20. If you’re caught short, dig a hole away from waterways. Burn the toilet paper in the hole (unless it’s a peat area, or total fire ban). Cover with dirt and a rock to keep the animals out.
21. If you have grey water, securely catch it in your tank or a tote. Never drive off with the tank tap open and the water dribbling through the site and down the road.
22. There will be snakes and spiders. Get used to the idea. Share their space with them.
23. Bring your own firewood, or collect in advance, so you don’t have to wreck the bush or burn out all the creatures around the camp sites.
24. Do not feed the animals and birds. Any food you offer is bound to kill them.
25. Take up a new hobby – fishing, rock-fossicking, bird watching, painting etc. Now’s your chance!
26. Go skinny-dipping.
27. LOOK at the sunrises, the sunsets and the stars. You’re camping.
28. Be kind – to the land, the plants, the animals and to each other.
29. Keep a journal as a reminder for your next trip. You’re sure to be back.
30. Camping is an adventure. Seek out many adventures.
