FIRST TIME JITTERS

Let’s look at some tips to help give you confidence if you’re free camping for the first time

WORDS BY GRANT HANAN AND LINDA BLOFFWITCH, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MY AUSSIE TRAVEL GUIDE

Many of us have been free camping for a while at farm stays or roadside stops, or have even been completely off the grid for weeks on end. But we all had to start somewhere. We explore how to face those first time free camping jitters and gradually work your way towards having the confidence and skills to get off the grid.

PREPARATION

If this is your first time free camping you may not know what to expect. While it may sound strange, why not begin by simulating free camping in the comfort of your own driveway?

Start by hitching your van to the vehicle as though you’ve stopped for the night. Let’s now simulate some of the free camping basics that you need to consider.

LEVEL AND ANGLE

Check the level of the van and its angle. You want to ensure the angle is suitable for both moving around inside your van when hitched and good for sleeping.

LIGHTING

As it gets dark, what is going to be your lighting solution? You need to be able to see somehow and there is no street lighting in the bush!

MEAL PREPARATION

Prepare your nightly meal. Consider how this will be achieved without having electricity or water plumbed to your van as you would in caravan parks.

SLEEPING

Get yourself ready for bed and be satisfied your setup will keep you warm to give you a good night’s sleep.

EMERGENCY PACK UP

Every RV free camper should have a plan in place should you need to pack up in an emergency. In your situation, is it simply a case of locking the van and jumping in the car and away you go? If not, how long will it take? What needs to be done, and if one of you can’t do that job, can the other? (For example, disconnecting the jockey wheel).

TOILET SOLUTION

Consider what solution you will use with your setup when nature calls.

So you’ve made it through the first night; well done! Take time the following morning to discuss what worked well and what could be improved. Also check items such as the fridge and batteries for performance (if you have them fitted).

The benefit of trying this all at home gives you the opportunity to test what it might be like to be disconnected from power and water while free camping. And even better, it’s all in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

TAKING THINGS GRADUALLY

Some travellers rush straight into freecamping with the attitude: “whatever happens, happens!” This method wasn’t for us: we took a step-by-step approach. Over time we grew in confidence as we gained experience.

To ease ourselves into free camping, we established ourselves in the unpowered section of a caravan park. We were disconnected from hoses and cords, but could still use the amenities block.

Once we had confidence in how our setup worked, we then tried a farm stay. It was bush-style camping that offered amenities close by. This option worked well for us because if we needed help, other campers and owners were within sight.

Whichever method you end up adopting, the important thing is to take it at your own pace.

TOP 5 FREE CAMPING CONCERNS

We all have different levels of experience and confidence when it comes to travelling. The way we live our day-to-day life with all the comforts of home can influence how we might feel about being remote. When meeting people when we travel, we often discuss free camping including what concerns they had. These are the items that seemed to be the biggest worries for travellers.

1. Security – This was the number one concern with all travellers.

2. Location – Knowing whether the spot chosen was suitable

3. Neighbours – Determining whether they’ll be noisy or unruly.

4. Authorities – Where to get help if it’s needed.

5. Amenities – What to do if you don’t have a full bathroom on board.

ADDRESSING CONCERNS

The key to addressing concerns is all about having plans, procedures and a process in place. Let’s see how we could deal with those top 5 concerns.

SECURITY

Exit plan

You need to feel safe when free camping so having an exit plan is important. But it also comes down to the bottom line – if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t stay.

Selecting your camp

Try picking a larger free camp area where others have already set up when you arrive. If it’s later in the day and you are the first to arrive, move on to another camp with others.

Locking up

Have your vehicle and RV positioned in such a way that you can drive straight out if required. Put your belongings away and lock external hatches. Once you’re inside your RV for the night, keep your RV door locked.

Communications

Ensure whichever method you use is set up before free camping. This means having relevant phone numbers pre-loaded into your mobile or satellite phone.

LOCATION

Proximity

Here it’s more about knowing where you are in relation to nearby towns and passersby. Decide whether you aim to be in sight of the road which also means being visible to other road users or tucked behind some trees to avoid being seen.

Used and abused

If the free camp area looks unloved, chances are it may be a gathering area for rebel rousers. Find another site!

Popularity

If you selected the campsite from a reputable source chances are others will know about it.

NEIGHBOURS

Respect

When free camping where there are others, it’s all about respecting another person’s space. At some of the more popular overnight camps it can get very busy and respect can fall by the wayside, so you may just find yourself getting hemmed in. Staying hitched and ready to move on means exactly that. If it’s not working for you, don’t stay.

Noisy Neighbours

If possible, avoid parking near picnic tables, fire pits and any amenity areas. Generally these are gathering places and some travellers like to extend their socialising into the wee hours. When pulling into a site, you will soon be able to see other campers who are travelling in multiple groups, so size them up and park accordingly.

AUTHORITIES

Distances

There is no doubt the more remote you go the larger the distance involved to obtain assistance. While you are getting a feel for free camping, stick closer to towns and tourist hubs to be closer to hospitals, chemists, or police.

Self-sufficient

The more remote your camp, the greater your need to be self-sufficient. Consider undertaking a first aid course that focuses on remote situations. Also think about becoming a member of the RFDS and carrying a means of communication with you. Let friends or relatives know where you’re heading or register with the local authorities and adhere to their protocols.

AMENITIES

Basics

You don’t need full ensuite bathrooms to free camp if you intend only to do overnighters. A visit to a major camping store can have you kitted out with the bare essentials. Many tourist routes will have some form of toilets en route and it’s easy enough to set up simple bathing arrangements inside any RV. For longer stays you may want to have better facilities to make it more enjoyable.

OUR TOP 5 “MUST HAVES” WHEN FREE CAMPING

1. PLAN

Having a plan means knowing how to get out in a hurry if need be.

2. COMMUNICATIONS

We don’t go anywhere without knowing we can call someone so having a mobile and a satellite phone is a must.

3. FIRST AID KIT

We carry multiple kits but the one in our RV is comprehensive and includes a few extras – a variety of ointments and prescribed medications.

4. WATER

This means drinking water. Other than our RV tanks, we always carry either a jerry can full or storebought water for an emergency.

5. LIGHTING

We keep a variety of torches, lanterns and candles and a few boxes of matches.

With these 5 items in your RV, you can go everywhere. As you become more adventurous, there is no doubt you will add other things.

SUMMING UP

Free camping can be a lot of fun and need not be daunting. It is all a learning process, so ask lots of questions, do some research, and make a plan. And if you see us at your next free camp, come over and say hi!