Your main priority before setting off for any camping trip is to draw up an inventory whether your going for a couple of days or for a whole week. You will need to bear in mind such items as tents, sleeping bags, extra blankets, firewood and cooking equipment. From a personal point of view I always find arranging everything a night in advance is ideal so you're not hurrying on the day and forgetting to put those crucial items on the list.

Prior to leaving on your camping holiday it will also be a good idea to research what kind of services the camp site has to offer, such as toilets or showers or whether they allow any pets on site. I try to give myself adequate time between departing the house and driving to the camp site so I can unwind as packing a car and remembering all the basic gear can be very demanding.

When you arrive at the camp site take a drive or even a walk around to see what setting will be best for you to pitch your tent. This can make a considerable difference because it will establish how your trip will be affected, so you have a few options to choose from, do you want to be in a quiet and peaceful area? Or do you need to be by the camp sites facilities? Be sure that the ground where you pitch your tent is level and clear of any debris such as twigs, stones or anything else that could affect your night's sleep.

Building a camp fire can be very tasking, so be prepared. Talking from experience it is always key to start off small then build it up later on if the fire is quickly burning away. The best wood to use for lighting fires are dry hardwoods such as walnut or birch as they tend to burn slowly and use firelighters to give a bit of extra aid. Once your fire is in full glow you can then start to roast those marshmallows! You must always remember that starting a camp fire can take time, effort and persistence and you must never leave the fire unattended.

If your new to camping you will almost certainly feel the cold especially if your trip is around autumn or winter periods. What I have always done is to do some exercise before you climb into your sleeping bag. Taking a walk about the camping area or even a quick run will help get the blood in your body circulating. If your not one for exercise then spend 5 - 10 minutes in front of a camp fire before retiring to your tent. Added warmth can also be gained from wrapping yourself in an extra blanket inside your sleeping bag or by wearing an extra pair of trousers, a woollen jumper or even a woolly hat.

At the end of your camping trip you will have to start repacking for the journey back home. Although the thought of getting back to luxury will be in the forefront of your mind remember to clean up all your rubbish and don't forget any paraphernalia. It may even be worth just going through that check list as you start to pack all your possessions back into your car so you don't risk leaving anything behind.