Are you an urbanite who's thinking about going on your first camping trip? Or an outdoor enthusiast who loves spending the night under a starry sky? Maybe the time is ripe for your next camping trip.

For experienced campers, planning a camping trip is just a matter of routine – find a camping site, pack your bag with essentials and buy some marshmallows to roast. It’s easy to get bored from the same camping trips over and over again. You should aim to make every camping trip a unique experience and better than the one before.

Here are 15 tips to help you plan an unforgettable camping trip.

1. Never visit the same place twice

There are so many national parks out there that there is absolutely no reason to go to the same place twice. Create a camping wish list of all the places you want to visit. Cross off a destination once you’ve been there and move on to planning your next camping trip.

2. Prepare kids activities

If you’re going on a family trip, then you probably want to avoid any tantrums and tears. Keep the kids busy and entertained by stocking up on fun activities, such as board games.

3. Keep a camping diary

Relive the best moments from your camping trip over and over again by keeping a diary. This can either be a written account or a video recording. This way, you can keep track of all the things you liked or disliked about the trip.

4. Tell ghost stories

Your camping trip won’t be complete without telling a spooky ghost story around the campfire. Take turns sharing your eerie tales and enjoy the thrill of it.

5. Organize a scavenger hunt

Although there are many games you can play while camping, nothing quite beats a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items that can be found in your camping area, such as sticks, pinecones and leaves. To make things even more competitive add texture and color as a feature.

6. Stock up on bug spray

Don’t let pesky insect bites ruin your camping trip. Stock up on bug repellants to ensure you don’t wake up in the middle of the night to a horrible itch.

7. Bring your bike with you

Explore the great outdoors by going on a bike ride. You will cover a lot more ground than by simply walking around. Most campgrounds have paths that are perfect for cycling so it’s worth bringing your two-wheel companion on your camping trip.

8. Separate areas of your campsite

Allocate different areas for eating, washing and lounging. This way your things will be better organized and your campsite won’t get as cluttered.

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9. Go trail hiking

Another exciting camping activity is trail hiking. Whether you’re climbing up the mountains, trekking by the coast or wandering in the forest, embarking on a trail hike will bring out the adventurist in you. You’ll have a blast exploring the scenic features of your surroundings.

10. Turn off your phone

This may sound a bit extreme for some but turning off your phone during your camping trip will help you experience the true meaning of camping. Forget about the modern world, if only for a day or two, and give into the beauty of nature.

11. Use foam tiles for flooring

Get a good night’s sleep by using foam tiles as padding inside your tent. You will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. It’s a cheap and reusable solution that your back will be thankful for.

12. Put solar lights around tent pegs

Avoid any accidents happening during a midnight outing by placing solar lights around the tent pegs. This will help you locate your tent much easier in the dark.

13. Go horseback riding

Many national parks and reserves offer horseback riding as an activity for campers. If you have this opportunity then you should make the most of it. It’s an experience you will most definitely remember.

14. Enjoy boating activities

If there is a body of water near your campsite then you should look into some boating activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or even fishing. You can either rent or carry your own equipment.

15. Plan your camping trip well in advance

Planning an unforgettable camping trip takes time so don’t rush it. Think about everything you’ll need for your trip. Does the national park you want to go to have a camping fee and do you have all the camping essentials ready, such as a sturdy tent, some sleeping bags and lanterns? You should think about all these things several weeks before the camping trip to ensure the perfect outdoor escape.