If you’re looking for a way to discover the inner adventurer inside yourself then camping is as good a place to start as any. There are so many ways to experience camping, from wild camping alone in forests to family camping in a camping ground, you can’t go wrong. Camping isn’t simply sleeping outside, its the activities and memories you make during the day that really make your experience last. Transport kayaks and canoes on a water sport carrier or bring your bikes on a bike rack to really make the most of your time away in the wild. If you are that rare professional camper then you’ll already know all the ins and outs of this outdoor adventure, but if you are new to sleeping outdoors then here are a few pieces of advice on how to get the most out of your camping experience.

One of the best ways to fully experience your camping location is to first research the area. Seems mundane, but scouting the location before you arrive means that there is more time to do everything you want, instead of racking your brain on what to do next. You can decide what activities you wish to try, adventures you want to take on and sights that need to be seen. Having something solid to do each day will also give you something to look forward to, its better than the alternative of dragging your feet unsure of where your going and what your doing. A quick tip is to have a look at some online forums before you go, check out some do’s and don’ts from previous campers who have already enjoyed the location. Who knows, you can even join in the conversation, ask questions, make friends and become a part of an online community. It’s always useful to check other peoples impressions and see if their responses suit your own in regards to what you’re looking to get out of the trip. Remember, your trip is all about making memories. In this day and age photos are essential in showing off your life on social media, it’s also a convenient and effective way to share photos with friends and family. With the vast majority (if not all) of the world owning a camera phone, photos of life moments and sharing memories take but a second to capture. It’s always a struggle to fully articulate the places you’ve been and things you’ve seen, even a photo can’t capture the entire essence of something in front of you- no matter how advanced technology gets. But it is always fun to try, take multiple shots of the same view and then spend hours afterwards choosing the right one and editing the photo so that its just right. So take a camera with you on your trip and go photo crazy with all the new sights and life experiences you just have to relive once it’s all said and done.

Looking for something different to try? Kayak along the Devon coast and explore the sights of the land from the sea. If the thought of kayaking alone doesn’t appeal to you, you can always join a kayaking group adventure with local guides and have fun meeting people while taking part in a new activity. Alternatively, if you’re looking to explore somewhere close to nature, the Lake District is the place to be. There are plenty of forest trails and hills to climb that are sure to take you all day. Take a small picnic and make a day of it, just don’t forget to take your walking shoes! You could also take advantage of cycle paths near your location and wander the outdoors on your bicycle, or even push your limits with a bit of mountain biking. Camping means really experiencing the outdoors, so embrace this and spend time hiking, cycling, canoeing or simply relax on a blanket, remember it’s not something you do everyday so you might as well make the most out of the experience! The outdoors in general is a animal friendly environment, so who dont you take your dog camping with you, they’ll enjoy a new place to run and play. They’re also great for companionship if you’re travelling alone. Not only will it be a good way to give them some exercise but it’s somewhere new for them to explore and their own break from a routine life. Take them off the lead if your confident they won’t run away after some squirrels or an interesting scent, watch them run ahead and lead the way on your trail.

If you’re a seasoned camper you may already have your preference, but if your not then try both wild camping and camping grounds. Split your trip between two home bases and experience camping the hard way and maybe then try the slightly easier alternative. For those of you who are unsure what the difference is between the two; camping grounds provide your basic amenities and security, while wild camping is closer to nature due to the fact that you rely entirely on yourself with no form of help from anyone or anything. Think of a field of designated plots with a building for toilets and showers, compared to a remote forest or field. It may be a good idea to go for camping grounds if it’s your first time, ease yourself in. But if you love nature and the wildness of the outdoors, wild camping is a definite recommendation. Each option offers different things, so find the right way of camping for you and your guaranteed to enjoy the experience all the more for it. Have fun with your camping trip and try every stereotypical activity; make a campfire and roast s’mores or hotdogs, have a campfire sing song and you even could take a guitar if you’re musically inclined. Trying these classic camping activities will be a great way to round out your adventure and fully enjoy the experience.

A highlight of camping for many people is sleeping under the stars, you’ve probably heard it spoken about a lot in films and books but experiencing it for yourself is a memory you’re not likely to forget anytime soon. Whether your alone and want to do some self exploration, spotting constellations with family or enjoying a romantic night with someone special, it is said there is something unique about stargazing when your closer to nature. Take a good book for at night when you want to relax under the stars, try to stay away from any form of technology and take a short break from the world of social media. Not only will you feel closer to nature but your likely to feel closer to yourself, something you won’t feel connected to a piece of technology. Embrace all aspects of nature to their fullest and enjoy them.

The best piece of advice given to you for camping is to be in the moment. Connect with nature and those around you before your trip comes to an end and you have to go back to everyday life and stress. Take advantage of the lakes, forests, sea or hills around you and have fun outdoors. Enjoy the fresh air by going on a hike, or the relaxation of kayaking on still water lakes while you have the chance. If you don’t fancy hiking, explore your surroundings with a good bike ride and have some fun on your own or with the family. Essentially, to get the most out of camping is to fully embrace your environment and fill up your days with outdoor activities and moments of relaxation. But everyone is different, so during your camping experience you are sure to find a way that suits you. Who knows, you may not want to come home!