Our Top 10 Camping Tips for a Stress-Free, First Time Camping Adventure

There’s something special about your first camping trip. Waking up to birdsong, enjoying breakfast in the fresh air and watching the sun set over the Pembrokeshire coast can be a world away from everyday life.

But if you’ve never been camping before, it can also feel a little daunting. Over the years, we’ve welcomed plenty of first-time campers to Rainbolts Hill Campsite at Newgale Holiday Cottages, and we’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way.

Here are our top 10 camping tips to help make your first camping trip a memorable one – for all the right reasons!

1. Do a Practice Pitch at Home

This might be the most important tip on the list. Don’t wait until you arrive on site to discover you can’t remember how your tent goes together. If you can, and you have the space then set it up in the garden beforehand and make sure everything is there.

2. Check the Weather Forecast

Even in summer, Pembrokeshire weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproofs and a warm jumper for the evenings. It’s always better to have it and not need it.

3. Bring More Pegs Than You Think You’ll Need

A windy evening can quickly turn into a stressful one if your tent isn’t secure. Spare pegs and a small mallet take up very little space but can save the day.

4. Invest in a Good Sleeping Setup

A comfortable night’s sleep makes all the difference. Whether it’s an airbed, camping mattress or sleeping mat, don’t underestimate the value of a good sleeping arrangement.

5. Pack a Torch (and Spare Batteries)

Campsites are wonderfully dark at night and have limited lighting, which is perfect for stargazing but less ideal when you’re trying to find your way back from the toilet block at 11pm.

6. Keep Meals Simple

Your first camping trip isn’t the time to attempt a three-course meal. Simple breakfasts, easy lunches and a barbecue or one-pan dinner will make life much easier.

7. Don’t Forget a Camping Chair

It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most commonly forgotten items. After a day exploring Pembrokeshire, you’ll be glad of somewhere comfortable to sit and relax.

8. Plan a Few Local Adventures

One of the joys of camping in Pembrokeshire is having incredible scenery right on your doorstep. Newgale Beach, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and St Davids are all within easy reach and make fantastic day trips.

9. Bring Your Dog Along

Camping is even better when the whole family comes along, including the four-legged members. Dogs are very welcome at Rainbolts Hill Campsite, with plenty of open countryside, nearby walking routes and dog-friendly beaches to enjoy together.

10. Choose the Right Campsite

The campsite you choose can make a huge difference to your experience, especially if it’s your first time.

At Rainbolts Hill Campsite, situated at Newgale Holiday Cottages near Newgale Beach, we’ve worked hard to create a campsite that’s welcoming, spacious and easy to enjoy for both experienced campers and complete beginners. Set within peaceful Pembrokeshire farmland, the site offers plenty of room for tents, campervans and caravans, so you’ll never feel crowded.

Our modern facilities include heated showers, clean toilets, free Wi-Fi, a washing-up area, laundry facilities, smartphone charging points, an on-site shop and electric vehicle charging. We also offer fire pit hire for those classic camping evenings under the stars.

Best of all, we’re just a short distance from Newgale Beach and some of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular coastal scenery. After a day exploring, you can return to your pitch, put your feet up and watch the sun set across St Brides Bay – one of our favourite ways to end the day.

Camping doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, the right equipment and a great campsite, your first camping trip could be the start of a lifelong love of the outdoors.

We’d love to welcome you to Rainbolts Hill Campsite and help you discover why so many guests return to Pembrokeshire year after year.