10 Wild Camping Tips for Beginners
If you’re brand new to wild camping, this post is for you. Whether you’re eyeing your first woodland overnight or planning a rugged solo trip across the hills, here are my 10 beginner wild camping tips you need to know — learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.
1. Start with a Tent, Not a Tarp
When you're first starting out, there are loads of shelter options: bivvy, hammock, tarp, tent. My advice? Start with a tent.
Tents are straightforward and forgiving. You won’t have to worry about bugs crawling across your face, or how to pitch your tarp against sideways rain. You just need a flat spot and you’re golden.
Hammocks can be game-changing, but only once you've figured out spacing, sag, and bug nets. Bivvys? Great for stealth, but prone to condensation and less forgiving. And tarps? Well, that’s an entire rabbit hole of tarpology.
Tip: Save the minimalist setups for later. Start with a solid tent.
2. Choose Your Spot Wisely
Location matters.
When you're brand new, I recommend:
Start in your back garden for a dry run.
Choose a site close to home in case things go sideways.
Look for flat, sheltered spots — even a small incline will ruin your sleep.
If you're using a hammock, check above for widow-makers (dead branches).
Do your homework. Watch camping videos. Check OS Maps. Scout ahead if possible.
3. Dial In Your Sleep System
You could have the best tent in the world, but if your sleep system is rubbish, you’re going to have a bad night.
Sleeping bag: Down or synthetic, rated appropriately for the season. Rab Ascent 900 is my go-to.
Sleeping mat: Thickness matters. Aim for at least 5cm.
Ground mat: Reflective or foam to prevent heat loss through the ground.
Sleep systems aren’t sexy, but when it’s 2°C and you’re toasty inside your bag? You’ll thank yourself.
4. Check the Weather (But Don't Trust It)
Always check the forecast.
But remember: UK weather is unpredictable. What starts as a dry afternoon can easily turn to sleet at night.
So bring the layers, the waterproofs, and a backup plan.
5. Practice Your Setup
Don’t wait until the rain is coming sideways to learn how to pitch your shelter.
Practice setting up and packing down in your garden or local park.
Learn to do it in low light (headtorch style).
Be ready to pack down quickly if you get asked to move on.
6. Know Your Cook System
There are loads of options:
Gas stoves: Jetboils, OEX Tacana — fast and reliable.
Alcohol stoves: Lightweight, cheap, weather-resistant.
Wood stoves: Fuel from the land. Fun, but takes practice.
Open fires: Only where permitted. Needs skill and respect.
Whichever you choose, practice with it first. Don’t fumble when you’re cold, tired, and hangry.
7. Sort Your Water
Water is life out there. Think through:
How much to bring (1L = 1kg).
How to carry it (Nalgene, bladder, bottle).
How to purify it if needed (filter, tablets, boiling).
Plan around nearby water sources and your camp distance.
8. First Aid + Emergency Plan
Basic kit:
Plasters, antiseptic, scissors
Bandage, painkillers, tick remover
Personal meds
Emergency prep:
Tell someone where you're going
Carry a map and compass, not just your phone
Optional: Garmin inReach or similar GPS SOS device
9. Master Staying Warm
Warmth = safety + comfort.
Layer up: Base, mid, outer. Avoid cotton.
Hot water bottle trick: Boil water, pour into Nalgene, drop in your bag.
Hand warmers: Cheap, effective.
Watch your sweat: Strip layers when hiking to avoid soaking your base.
Once you're cold, it's hard to recover.
10. Leave No Trace
The most important tip: respect the land.
Pack out everything, even tiny wrappers.
Extinguish fires properly.
Avoid damaging live trees or digging trenches.
Leave the site better than you found it.
We’re lucky to enjoy these wild spaces. Let’s protect them.
Key Takeaways
Start with a tent before progressing to minimalist shelters.
Location, weather, and gear knowledge are essential.
Sleep systems, cook setups, and water plans matter.
Prep for emergencies and learn basic first aid.
Above all: leave no trace.
Final Thoughts
Got a favourite wild camping tip I missed? Or a lesson learned the hard way on your first night out? Drop a comment below and share your story.
Let’s help each other stay wild — and do it right.
Wild camping tips for beginners – must-know advice before your first night out in the wild! Whether you’re just starting your wild camping journey or want a refresher, these 10 essential tips will help you avoid beginner mistakes and enjoy a safe, rewarding first night outdoors. From picking the right gear and respecting the wild, to tips on tents, cooking, and staying warm, this video covers everything you need to feel confident and prepared.
A spontaneous wild camp in a forgotten woodland using the DD Frontline hammock. No tarp, just stars, birdsong, and a full mental reset.