That remote cliffside spot overlooking the ocean might seem lovely on a sunny afternoon but it might not seem that way in gail force winds at 3am. By all means look for a pitch with a good view - the beauty of camping is that it can afford you a location that not even the best hotels can beat - but never underestimate the value of a sheltered spot. Ever.

A desperate dash across an enormous muddy field in the dead of night is enough to put you off camping for life (we're speaking from experience) - so anticipate the call of nature before you bed down for the night, or make sure the loos aren't a long trek from where you'll be calling home.

Technically speaking a camping trip ought to be gadget free to allow you to unplug and get back to nature. But an ipod loaded with bedtime stories is a brilliant way to lull little kids to sleep under canvas and the Sound Asleep kids speaker pillow is a genius invention for helping them chill out when it's time to bed down.

Some campsites offer free hot showers all day long, others at set times of the day, and some will charge you an arm and leg for a luke-warm six second shower. It pays to know what you're in for before you're half naked, shower gel poised.

Word up for glow-in-the-dark toilet roll. We're not joking - it's wonderful stuff, and not just for the purpose for which is what intended, either. What other practical camping accessory can help you find your way out of your sleeping bag in the dead of night? glow.co.uk

Little treats - like fresh coffee or a decent bottle of Scotch - are essentials for a relaxing camping adventure. it's tempting to leave such things out when every square inch of the car is packed with camping accoutrements - but don't. You'll thank us for this.

Old-fashioned family pursuits like playing card games come into their own on camping trips, helping you unwind and rediscover simple pleasures, far from the distractions of the digital age. Try Uno for all-age family fun.

Plan your food, and don't forget to figure out how you're going to cook it. Check out the Cool Camping Cookbook for inspiration and remember that eating outdoors is one of the true pleasures of sleeping under the stars. And don't forget the marshmallows for the campfire.

If it's not fun you're doing it wrong, so try not to stress about midges, the lack of en-suite facilities or the state of the showers or the fact that it's er, raining again. Remember - it's an experience. And you're making memories - so make 'em good ones!

Not all campsites are created equal, and a shabby site can make the difference between a brilliant camping holiday and a disaster. Do some proper research into the facilities, and pay close attention to what other campers have to say about the site. Check out the Camping and Caravanning Club for reliable guides to sites across the UK.