If you are a nature lover you will have to prepare your backpack carefully to have everything you need during your camping holiday. First thing you should do is to carefully prepare the necessary equipment a few days or weeks before your departure. Here is a mini-guide with a list of the necessary equipment to take with you to the campsite, and a few tips that will make your trip better.

 

Choose your tent carefully

The choice of a good tent, new or used, obviously depends on the weather conditions and the type of holiday you have in mind. If you intend to stay in the same place for weeks, you can choose a classic Canadian tent

But be careful, even if the Canadian tent offers you more space to store backpacks and your camping gear, it is uncomfortable to carry, heavy and bulky. It protects you very well from the water (remember however to dig a small ditch that surrounds the tent, in case of rain) and from the cold, but it is not the ideal solution if you intend to move from one campsite to another. That is why if you wish to explore more campsites during your vacation, choose a tent more comfortable to transport, remember you can get various tent sizes from single tents to the best 2 room tent and bigger depending on the size of your family.

Regarding your tent, you will need an additional waterproof sheet that you will place under the tent. Its purpose is better thermal insulation from the ground. You will also need a small shovel to dig a ditch around the tent in case of rain. And don’t forget your sleeping bag.

Other important camping gear

Bring some sort of a mattress 

If you plan to move often, from one campsite to another, choose a small inflatable mattress to isolate yourself from the ground. If, on the other hand, you want to be more comfortable, choose an inflatable double bed and it will feel like sleeping in a hotel. Also, first aid kit and emergency equipment are a necessity.

Let there be lights

Remember to bring a pair of electric extension cables with you to use electricity on the campsite. The pocket torch is also a must-have and is useful when looking for something in your tent or outside in the dark. Also, a LED lamp with a hook, which you can hang in your tent will help you a lot. Finally, don’t forget the batteries! 

Camping cooking equipment

What is essential for cooking during camping trips are cutlery, pots, camping stove, coffee and tea, plates and glasses, garbage bags and a barbecue grill. Don’t forget to bring some food to last you at least for the first two days. This will give you time to explore your surroundings without thinking about where your next meal is going to come.

West Highland Way Campsite 

This site is alongside Ardoch House Hotel, so if you ever need something or you have trouble with your tent, you will have a backup plan. The site is perfect for walkers and its base is perfect for exploring not just Paisley but Glasgow, Loch Lomond and Stirling too. Here you will get familiar with stunning Scotland’s countryside.

At West Highland Way Campsite pets are welcomed to. The campsite facilities include Wi-Fi, TV room, washing machines, bathroom, and BBQ. From there you can take a 3-minute drive to Blane Valley Inn and Blanefield. However, this camping site is not open all year round.

Gleniffer Braes

Gleniffer Braes is a range of hills and a park area located on the south of Paisley. On 480 acres at Gleniffer Braes lies Robertson Country Park that has a sensory garden, a skate park, tennis and putting areas, a play area and a pets’ corner. There are numerous waterfalls and streams, walk paths, bird watching areas and picnic spots. There is a ranger service that provides guided walks, and there is a wide walking network within the Park. 

Lomond Woods Holiday Park

 

This is a 5-star park that holds a Tripadvisor Hall of Fame Award and is open throughout the whole year. This park offers mountain biking, kayaking, and the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond. Facilities in Lomond Woods Holiday Park include showers, laundry rooms, and reception is open every day. There is even a children’s play area that is an outdoor and an indoor game room. This place allows pets, and it has Wi-Fi. If you are staying the night in your tent, there are electric and water hookups.

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X