Camping’s a blast until someone ends up sunburnt, snake-bitten, or out of water. Here’s how to stay safe out bush, without killing the vibe.
Making It Home Safely
We all love a good campsite yarn, a cold one by the fire, and kicking back under the stars. But the reality is, a great trip can turn south fast if you’re not switched on. Gear gets forgotten. Weather changes. Accidents happen. And if you’re hours from the nearest servo, that tiny mistake suddenly feels a lot bigger.
So here’s your guide to staying safe while camping. From dodging dehydration to prepping for real emergencies, we’ve got your back with 10 simple tips and the avoidable mistakes that get people into trouble.
1. Don’t Leave Without a First Aid Kit
Mistake to avoid: Thinking nothing bad will happen
Burns, blisters, mozzie bites, stubbed toes, and mystery rashes, camping has a way of throwing weird events your way. Having a solid first aid kit isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Keep one in your vehicle and one in your day pack, and make sure it’s stocked with the basics: bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, gloves, and pain relief.
OZtrail pick: The Adventure First Aid Kit is compact, well-organised, and easy to stash in your gear bag. It's especially important in remote areas where help might take a while.
2. Water First, Everything Else Second
Mistake to avoid: Underestimating how much you’ll need
Running low on drinking water is one of the fastest ways to ruin a trip. You’re out in the sun, on your feet, maybe hiking or hauling gear, and you’re sweating out more than you think. You’ll need water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and emergencies. That single 600ml bottle in the side pocket isn’t cutting it.
OZtrail pick: The 1L Water Jug gives you serious water storage without taking up much space in the car or camp.
3. Don’t Trust the Weather Forecast
Mistake to avoid: Packing like it’ll stay sunny
You might leave under blue skies, but that can turn real fast. All it takes is one cold snap or downpour to wreck a trip or worse, catch you unprepared. Pack like the weather’s going to mess with you. Always bring layers, a rain shell, and a way to stay dry when the heavens open up.
Tip: Dry clothes and socks are worth more than gold when the rain hits. In national parks, plan ahead and always check alerts before leaving home.
4. Know Where You’re Going And How to Get Back
Mistake to avoid: Trusting your phone too much
Reception’s patchy at best once you’re off the main roads. And if your battery dies or your GPS app decides to glitch? You’re stuck. Basic bush navigation skills—using a compass, reading a map—still matter. You don’t need to be a scout, just smart enough to not get lost.
OZtrail pick: The Map Compass gives you direction in one compact unit.
5. Fire Is Your Friend Until It’s Not
Mistake to avoid: Lighting fires wherever, whenever
A good fire keeps you warm, cooks your meals, and lights up the night. But get sloppy, and it’s a bushfire risk. Use a fire pit if the site has one, never leave a fire unattended, and keep water nearby just in case. And when it’s time to sleep, extinguish fires completely. No glowing coals and smoke. Just dirt.
Check local fire restrictions. Many national parks only allow fires in designated areas. Remember to only light fires where it's safe, and never during total fire bans.
6. Don’t Let Animals Wreck Your Trip
Mistake to avoid: Leaving food out overnight
Ants, possums, dingoes; everyone’s looking for a free feed. Leaving snacks out is a rookie mistake. Not only will they find it, they might bring their mates. Plus, you’re inviting potential dangers to your gear and some very unwelcome wild animals around camp.
Use secure containers or stash food in the car. If you're hiking, hang your food or use animal-proof bags. Keeping a safe distance from native animals helps protect both you and them.
7. Be Snake and Spider Aware
Mistake to avoid: Walking barefoot or sticking your hand in places it doesn’t belong
Aussie bush = Aussie wildlife. Shake out boots before you wear them. Zip up your tent. Don’t go poking around in logs or rocks unless you know what’s inside. If someone does get bitten, stay calm, apply a pressure bandage, and don’t try to suck the venom out (you’re not in a movie).
OZtrail pick: The Compact First Aid Kit gives you everything you need to respond quickly and correctly.
8. Don’t Camp Right on the Water
Mistake to avoid: Pitching where it looks nice
That flat spot near the creek might seem perfect until it floods, or until mosquitoes eat you alive, or until condensation soaks your gear. Give natural waterways some space. You’ll sleep better, stay drier, and keep your gear safer.
Bonus: You won’t wake up to a curious kangaroo sniffing your tent. Insect repellent also helps keep the bugs off, especially when you're near water or dense bush.
9. Don’t Go Completely Off-Grid Without Telling Someone
Mistake to avoid: Not sharing your plans
If you’re going bush, let someone know. Simple as that. Where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and who you’re with. If things go sideways, a family member needs to know where to start looking. For remote areas, consider getting a locator beacon or sat device.
Don’t just say “We’re going camping.” Be specific. It could save your life.
10. Know a Bit of Survival
Mistake to avoid: Thinking you’ll just figure it out
You don’t need to be Bear Grylls, but knowing how to purify water, start a fire without a lighter, or signal for help goes a long way. Unpredictable events may happen. And when they do, your gear might not be enough, you’ll need to know what to do with it.
OZtrail pick: The Flint Fire Starter is made for moments you hope never come.
Why Choose OZtrail
At OZtrail, we don’t just sell gear, we use it. Every product in our survival and first aid range is designed to keep campers safe, ready, and confident in the great outdoors.
- Adventure First Aid Kit – Covers cuts, bites, stings, burns, and more
- 1L Water Jug – Portable, reliable hydration storage
- Compact First Aid Kit – Complete with compression bandages and instructions
- Map Compass – Compact tool for navigation and safety
- Flint Fire Starter – For all safety-related needs
You can check out our other survival tools and first aid kits for more options.
Where Smart Campers Get It Right
Camping isn’t just about ticking off a packing list. It’s about thinking ahead, knowing the risks, and having the right gear to deal with whatever the bush throws your way. Supervise children, avoid camping near large trees, and choose your camping equipment with care. When you plan ahead and respect the outdoors, you get a better trip and fewer surprises. The rest? That’s up to the weather and the stories you bring home.