Camping Advice from Industry Gurus – Learn to Set Up Your Tent

More than 70 holiday park managers from 35 parks and boutique accommodation within the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust (NSWCHPT) group have banded together to provide their top tips to successfully step into a spring caravan and camping holiday, with many agreeing that having a few practice runs to reverse your caravan or set up your tent before travelling was key.

NSWCHPT CEO Steve Edmonds said park managers within the group represented decades of experience in the caravanning and camping industry and had much wisdom to share on how to get the most out of your cabin, caravanning or camping holiday experience this spring.

North Coast Holiday Parks Evans Head Manager Adrian Easdown said he offered complimentary caravan parking which prevented a lot of conflict and was jokingly referred to as their 'marriage-saving' service. “Don't hesitate to let park staff assist, we get a lot of practice manoeuvring vans,” he said.

Top tips shared from the North Coast, South Coast and Inland Waters Holiday Parks range from serious safety advice to fun ways to make the most out of your holiday experience including:

1. Practicing reversing your caravan or trailer and setting up (and packing away) your tent to ensure a quick set up or getaway.
2. Testing your gear, including camping stoves and lights, etc. to ensure you identify missing equipment or faults at home rather than on your adventure.
3. Preparing a comprehensive checklist of what you will need to bring with you.
4. Never storing a gas bottle indoors and opting for a shady, well ventilated position outside which is away from ignition sources.
5. Carrying a fire extinguisher on board your caravan.
6. Wearing a life vest when rock fishing, boating or engaging in water sport activities.
7. Leaving a rubber doormat at the entrance of your tent or caravan to minimise dirt or sand from entering your camp area.
8. Storing food in containers or coolers outside your tent to prevent attracting nocturnal critters to your campsite and always keeping your tent zipper closed to keep bugs out.
9. Putting glow sticks in water bottles for fun night time bowling or giving your kids glow sticks at night to ensure you know where they are, especially when located near water.
10. Finding a rock every time you go camping and writing a memory on it.

Mr Edmonds said he loved camping and fishing so his top tip would be to always pack a fishing rod and reel.

“Our parks are located near some of the best fishing spots in Australia enjoyed by fishing enthusiasts and families alike,” he said. “Many of our park managers are also experienced fishermen so don't forget to ask for their local tips.”

With the weather warming up and the Spring School Holidays just around the corner, getting back to nature and shaking off the winter blues in a holiday park adventure is a popular option. Most of our parks across the group hold a comprehensive range of fun school holiday activities. For those families and travellers who like to travel with their four-legged friends, 23 of our 35 parks and boutique accommodation now provide pet-friendly accommodation or camping sites. To book your spring escape visit www.northcoastholidayparks.com.au, www.southcoastparks.com.au or www.inlandwaters.com.au.