With Easter just around the corner, there are two things we can count on for sure: we’ll all be smashing choccies like there’s no tomorrow, and the car will soon be jam‑packed with all the camping gear needed for an epic Easter escape.
Whether you’re heading out for your very first camping trip or you’re a seasoned outdoor legend looking to shave seconds off your setup time, these handy hints will help you spend less time stressing and more time kicking back with a cold one in hand.
Before you hit the road this Easter, suss out these top camping tips from the BCFing experts — they’ll have you sorted in no time.
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1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION – PICK THE PERFECT CAMPSITE
Choosing the right campsite can make (or break) your Easter camping getaway. You might not get to choose the family you travel with, but you can choose where you park the swag — so, make it count.
Start by asking the big questions:
Do you need a powered or unpowered site?
Are there amenities like a loo, shower, or a barbie?
How far is it to the nearest town or servo?
Is there a bin for all the empty cans and choccy wrappers?
If you’re travelling with little tackers or anyone who prefers their creature comforts, aiming for a more “glamping‑ish” setup might be the go. And don’t forget to think about fun factor: Is there a creek to fish? A lake perfect for paddle boarding? A trail begging to be explored?
Once you’ve found your spot, book early — or risk another Easter spent camping in the backyard. If you're chasing inspo, check out our Top Easter Camping Locations.
2. Good to go? GIVE YOUR CAMPING GEAR A ONCE‑OVER
You’ve locked in the campsite, you’re dreaming of the bush telly, and you can already hear the crackle of the campfire… until you roll out your swag and find it covered in mould. Nothing kills the holiday vibe faster.
Before loading up the car, give the camping gear a proper once-over:
Do your sleeping bags need a wash?
Is your cooker firing properly?
Are all the tent poles actually in the tent bag?
Has your air mattress survived since last Easter?
Don’t assume everything's good to go. Do a home test run: put up the tent, inflate the mattresses, fire up the cooker, and maybe even treat yourself to a pre‑trip snag.
Give yourself at least a couple of days to sort out any surprises — plenty of time to duck into your local BCF for any last‑minute replacements. And if you need a nudge in the right direction, check out our camping checklist.
3. Let’s get cooking – bust out a new camp recipe
Sure, snags on the barbie will always be a winner, but Easter is the perfect time to level up your camp-chef game.
You don’t need to be the next Gordon Ramsay to impress the crew. Simple camp cooking ideas like Choc Banana Toasties or the Ultimate Snag on Bread will have everyone lining up for seconds.
Want to take things up a notch? Grab yourself a camp oven and dive into the world of open‑fire cooking. From slow‑cooked stews to desserts that’ll blow your taste buds away, a camp oven unlocks a whole world of camp‑chef greatness.
Even if you don’t rate your cooking skills, give a new recipe a crack — you might surprise yourself.
4. Safety first – don’t forget the first aid kit
It’s a simple tip, but an important one: don’t forget your first aid kit.
From rogue tent pegs to fishing hook mishaps, little dramas can turn an epic day sour real quick! Make sure your kit is fully stocked and ready to go. If your current kit has been kicked around a bit, open it up and restock before you leave.
While you're at it, pack all the safety staples: sunscreen, bug spray, hats, sturdy shoes, and clothing suitable for whatever the Aussie outdoors throws your way.
The goal? Your first aid kit stays untouched for the whole trip.
5. Leave no trace – make sure you deal with your choccy wrappers the right way
Easter and chocolate go hand in hand — but all those tiny foil wrappers can cause big trouble for wildlife if left behind.
Keep your campsite clean by binning every wrapper and bit of rubbish. Running an Easter egg hunt? Snap a quick pic of every hiding spot, so nothing gets left behind.
And hey, you might even score yourself a bonus egg the kids missed.
6. EASTER CAMPING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I need to book my Easter campsite early?
Yes. Easter is one of the busiest camping weekends of the year, and the good spots get snapped up faster than hot cross buns at smoko. Popular campgrounds are often fully booked months out, and even the free‑for‑all sites fill by Thursday arvo.
2. Are campfires allowed over Easter?
Sometimes yes, sometimes absolutely not! A heap of regions still run with fire bans over Easter, even if it’s been a wet season. Always check the local park or council rules before you spark up anything more than a BBQ.
3. What’s the best way to avoid Easter traffic when camping?
If you can, leave a day early or bail a day late. Otherwise, hunt for scenic back‑roads instead of the main highways and make sure your rig is in good nick before you hit the road — tyres, fluids, lights, trailer hookups, the whole lot.
4. Do national parks allow pets over Easter?
Most (if not all) national parks don’t allow pets, especially in protected ecosystems. Always check with the local rangers before bringing your four-legged friend along.
5. Why is Easter such a popular time to camp?
Because the weather hits a sweet spot: cooler nights, fewer mozzies, and mild days perfect for hiking, fishing, and chilling by the fire.
So, there you have it, 5 handy Easter camping tips to help you and the fam hop into the long weekend with ease. Whether you want to swing by your local BCF store or grab your gear with the convenience of click and collect, we’ve got everything you need for a cracking Easter camping trip. Now get out there and enjoy some classic BCFing fun.