When Is The Best Time To Go Camping

If you are planning to go camping, it is necessary for you to consider the climate and the temperature in the area. Poor weather can affect your camping experience and may dampen the enthusiasm of being outdoors.

Local and international tourists are choosing camping for leisure in Australia. The 2017 data released by Tourism Research Australia shows that 377,000  visitors from other countries have gone on a camping and caravan holiday in the country within the past year, a 13% increase from last year’s data.

Australia is a vast continent, and weather conditions differ from one region to another. The northern end of Australia is humid and experiences monsoons just like in the tropics. The central region is extremely hot and dry during summer and the temperatures can drop below freezing due to the dry air in winter. Temperatures range from below freezing to 45 degrees Celsius.

So, when is the best time to go camping?

Camping in Uluru and Central Australia

The ideal time to visit the Outback Region is during autumn when the temperatures are around 20-25 degrees Celsius, ideal for camping and road trips. This is also a less busy time in the Uluru base, so it is less crowded.  The months of June to August are a good time to camp out, but it becomes extremely busy during this time. The months of December to February are not good options because temperatures can reach over 45 degrees Celsius, making hiking and camping difficult.

Camping in Southern Australia

In Tasmania, outdoor activities are ideal between November and March when the weather is milder and sunnier. Temperatures are around 25-28 degrees Celsius. This is also the best time to hike and camp in the Victorian Alps, as the temperature drops 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1000-m increase in altitude.

There is an influx of tourists during midsummer (December to early February) because of the agreeable weather during this time and the school holidays. Expect a significant rise in prices during this time, too. The best time for camping in the Alps is during late summer and early autumn (late February to early April) because there are fewer tourists then, and this period has the most stable weather.

If you are a beach lover, you may also head out to the beach from December to February. Bear in mind, however, that during this time, you will not be getting your peace and quiet, and you will be sharing the beach with hundreds of kids. Airfares are also a little overpriced.

Camping in Kakadu National Park

If you want to visit Kakadu National Park and camp in the lush green and see the waterfalls filled with water, the best time to visit is in May or June.  This allows you to see nature without having to deal with the peak season, which is during the Darwin Festival. The rainy season would also be over by this time.

Camping in Northern Australia

The northerly regions near the equator have tropical weather patterns of wet and dry seasons. The Wet season coincides with summer and is generally from December to March. During the Wet season, many tourist attractions are hard to access, and travel is difficult because many dirt roads are closed or impassable. Bridges may become flooded and some areas may be landlocked.

Although the wet season brings forth beautiful sceneries and prices are low, camping is not recommended during this time of year. It is really hot during the wet season, and the humidity level is high. If you would like to see stunning lightning shows and the rugged red outback, you may camp in tropical north Australia during this season.

Camping Tips

Leave early

Since a lot of people might be looking for a place to go to relax and have fun, expect a lot of campers on the road. Leave early, so you can choose the best spot for your caravan or tent before the place becomes busy.

Avoid camping during long holidays

Although it is convenient to go camping with your family during Easter and the school holidays, expect that a lot of families will also be heading to your planned destination at this time.  This means that camping grounds are packed, and you might not get the camping experience you are looking for. If you must go camping during the holidays, leave early.

Check the campsite rules

Check the rules of the camp and follow them. Summer means bushfires, and there may be a ban on campfires or generators in your camp.

Bring all your camping essentials

Make sure to bring a first aid kit, your camping gear, and your sleeping gear. Bring sunscreen, especially during the summer, and bring clothes that are appropriate for the temperature in the area. Also bring lots of drinking water because hiking and outdoor activities can make you dehydrated.

Wherever you want to camp, what makes or breaks the camping experience is the camping gear you will bring. Make sure your camping gear is suited for the weather and the location of your camp. Also make sure that you have sufficient lighting to enjoy camping at night. A convenient way to get the energy you need is to bring a portable solar panel. This will ensure you have your lighting, cooling and charging needs covered. Insufficient chilling for your food would mean spoiled food, hot beer, and possible food poisoning. It’s best to always be prepared.

For all your camping needs, be sure to check out Outbaxcamping!

This is a great guest post for those of you who are looking to get away for a while and do something different. Thank you to Nicole at Outbaxcamping.

Until then,

Use your instincts to survive