Aussie Christmas looks a little different to the snowy scenes filling your socials. Here, it's long summer days, balmy evenings, cold drinks, backyard cricket, and finding every excuse possible to be outdoors. So if you're heading away for a camping trip over the festive season, why not bring a little Christmas spirit along for the ride?
The good news is that creating a memorable Christmas camp set up doesn't mean packing half the decorations from home or turning your campsite into a flashing light show. With a few practical touches, some festive food, and the right camping gear, you can create a campsite that feels special while still embracing everything we love about an Aussie Christmas.
Here's how to build a Christmas camp setup that's festive, functional and seriously good fun.
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Start With the Right Campsite
Before you pack a single decoration, think about where you'll be spending Christmas Day.
Christmas is one of the busiest camping periods in Australia, with many popular campgrounds and holiday parks booking out well in advance during the summer holiday season. Planning ahead gives you the best chance of securing a shaded site, a waterfront location, or a spot big enough for the whole crew.
If you're camping with family, look for a site with:
Plenty of shade
Accessible amenities
Space for outdoor dining
Easy access to swimming spots
Room for games and activities
A comfortable campsite is the foundation of a great Christmas camp set up. Everything else is just the icing on the Christmas pudding.
Create a Festive Outdoor Living Space
Your camp chairs will naturally become the gathering point throughout the trip, so focus your festive styling efforts there.
Set up a comfortable communal area with:
Quality camp chairs
A folding camp table
Solar or rechargeable string lights
A festive tablecloth for Christmas lunch
A few simple decorations go a long way. Think subtle festive touches rather than over-the-top displays. Drape some battery-powered fairy lights around your awning, add a festive centrepiece to the table, and hang a lightweight Christmas garland along your camp kitchen setup.
Make the Camp Kitchen Christmas-Ready
Let's be honest. Christmas often revolves around food.
One of the best parts about camping over Christmas is enjoying a relaxed festive feast outdoors. With modern camp cooking gear, it's easier than ever to put together a Christmas spread without missing out on your camping adventures.
A few campsite-friendly Christmas favourites include:
BBQ prawns
Seafood platters
Fresh summer salads
Glazed ham rolls
Roast veggies cooked in a camp oven
Pavlova or summer fruit desserts
Keep things simple by preparing as much as possible beforehand so you're not stuck washing dishes while everyone else is enjoying the day. And don't forget the all-important Christmas snacks for when visitors inevitably stop by your campsite.
Add Some Christmas Characters
Nothing says Christmas quite like Santa.
If you want to inject a bit of festive personality into your camp setup, a statement decoration can become the centrepiece of the site. The BCF Inflatable Light Up Santa stands over two metres tall, features built-in lighting and self-inflates using an integrated blower, making it a surprisingly easy way to add festive cheer to your campsite or caravan setup.
Position it near your awning, caravan or campsite entrance for an instant Christmas vibe when everyone rolls back from a swim or fishing session. The key is choosing one feature decoration rather than overloading the entire campsite.
Set the Table for Christmas Lunch
A little effort on the dining setup can make Christmas lunch feel genuinely special.
Some easy additions include:
Reusable festive plates and cups
Christmas-themed napkins
Christmas crackers remain a classic Aussie tradition and add a bit of fun around the table, especially when everyone's competing for the world's worst Christmas joke. It's a simple way to create that "it's actually Christmas" feeling, even when you're dining in thongs on the beach.
Lean Into the Great Outdoors
One of the biggest advantages of a camping Christmas is that you're already surrounded by everything you need for a great day.
Plan some festive activities that make the most of your location, such as:
Morning fishing sessions
Paddleboarding adventures
Swimming competitions
Bushwalks
Outdoor lawn games
Sunset drinks around camp
Instead of trying to recreate a traditional indoor Christmas, embrace the outdoor lifestyle that makes an Australian Christmas unique. After all, nobody's ever complained about swapping stuffy dining rooms for waterfront views.
Don't Forget the Kids
Christmas camping can be pure magic for kids.
Pack a few festive activities to keep them entertained throughout the trip:
Christmas scavenger hunts
Water games
Beach toys
Card games
Glow sticks
Outdoor sporting equipment
If Santa is making a campsite delivery this year, choose gifts that encourage outdoor play. Think body boards, inflatables, fishing gear, paddle sports equipment or beach games they'll actually use throughout the rest of summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you power Christmas lights while camping?
Many campers use rechargeable LED string lights, battery-powered decorations or portable power stations. These options provide festive lighting without requiring access to mains power.
What food is easiest to cook for Christmas camping?
BBQ meals, seafood, salads, pre-prepared sides and camp oven recipes are among the easiest Christmas camping meals. They require minimal preparation on-site and help keep the day relaxed.
How can I make a caravan or camper trailer feel festive for Christmas?
Simple touches such as fairy lights, festive cushions, Christmas-themed table settings and a feature decoration can help create a festive atmosphere without cluttering your setup.
What are the best Christmas decorations for camping?
The best camping Christmas decorations are lightweight, weather-resistant and easy to pack. Battery-powered fairy lights, inflatable decorations, festive table décor, lanterns and Christmas crackers are popular options that create atmosphere without taking up too much space.
How far in advance should you book Christmas camping?
Many popular Australian campgrounds and holiday parks book out months ahead for Christmas and New Year. Booking as early as possible gives you the best chance of securing your preferred campsite.
A great Christmas camp set up doesn't need to be extravagant. A few festive decorations, good food, comfortable camping gear and your favourite people can turn an ordinary campsite into something genuinely memorable. So throw a few decorations in the car, pack the bon bons, fire up the BBQ, and get ready for a Christmas that's equal parts festive and outdoorsy. That's what we call BCFing Fun!
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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