How To Go Tent Camping Like A Pro

In Just 4 Weeks


Even if you are ✅a beginner ✅ new to family camping ✅revamping your existing tent camping setup✅or just want to lighten up and ditch the hitch occasionally.

How to escape the gridlock for the great outdoors, and go camping, any time you like

Does any of this ring a bell?

  • You're a busy parent but want to give your kids a more active and outdoor childhood and connect with them on a much deeper level.
  • Your kids are champing at the bit to go camping, but you really don't know where to start and what to buy, and aren't sure if you will even like it.
  • You've actually started camping but everything seems such an effort - the kids, the food, the cost, the car, the pack, the pitch, storage, the weather...  
  • You're lugging around a huge RV every time you go camping, and sometimes it would be sooo good to just ditch the hitch and go back to the good old days.
  • You don't want to always have to rely on the one person who knows how to rig up the RV and tow the darn thing etc etc. and want a setup that you have full control over.

If that sounds like you, then you're in the right place.


Because, tent camping has a reputation for being uncomfortable and a huge effort. 


And why?


Because most people try and work it all out themselves.


You wouldn't make a complicated dish without a recipe, or build a house without a plan, so why try to work the whole camping thing out yourself?

That was me 12 years ago

Hi there, Jo Simon from Melbourne, Australia, here.

And yes, that was me 12 years ago!

Our first family camping ordeal (oops) holiday left much to be desired, involving:

  • A WEEK-LONG RECORD rainfall "event".
  • A dud new tent
  • No outdoor shelter from the rain
  • A leaking airbed
  • Virtually everything a regret buy
  • The nightmare that was packing the car
  • No idea what we were doing

And saved only by the hospitality of our co-camping friends.

Camping friends who spent many years to curate great camping setups.

Setups brought along curtesy of their trailers

Trailers that, living in inner-city, we had no room to store.

Image of Jo Simon

Not to be defeated, I went back to the drawing board. Basically, I wanted what my friends had, but minus the trailer.

Like them, it took a number of yeas, 4 plus in my case, of trial and error to achieve a camping setup for 4 people I was happy with.

Now, I want to help you achieve that, but in 4 weeks and not the 4 years it took me.

And, Having Been There And Done That, Here Are My Do's and Dont's

  • Plan before you buy anything. If you use a recipe to make a complicated dish, why put together a camping setup without one.
  • Don't try to work it all out yourself.  It takes way too long - 4 years in my case.
  • Buy good quality key items. Why save a few hundred dollars on a cheap tent that won't survive bad weather - with you in it!
  • Avoid the piece-meal approach. Like buying cheap gear or going without in case you don't like camping, then you don't like it because you haven't got the right gear.
  • Be preparedAs the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

That's Why I Created My Program

To share my trailer-free camping setup and other tips I had learnt along the way with others.

  • Would-be beginners
  • Urban families like us
  • Busy parents
  • The eo-inclined
  • Those who don't have loads of space for trailers, RVs and bulky camping gear.
  • Anyone for that matter who wants to simplify their camping and lighten their load and still be comfortable.

And, in as little as 2-4 weeks, not four years like me.

But with enough variety and camping setup options so you can discover your own personalized setup, because one size doesn't fit all.

Want to know how to do it?

Sign Up To The

Camping Kickstart Program

Image of Camping Kickstart Program mockup

And Go Camping In Comfort Like A Pro, In as Little As 2-4 Weeks Without...

  • Falling down the research rabbit hole.
  • Buying cheap, flimsy and unreliable gear, or going without an important piece.
  • Spending hours trying to pack the car.
  • Learning how to camp at the campsite the hard way.
Image of car packed and on the road for camping, 4 different camping setups and a vieview from a tent

How It Works

Our aim is to break down the barriers to camping, especially for families, with a tried and tested but customisable camping setup that is non-minimalist in nature.


We have designed it to be easily transportable by a mid-size car for a family 4, or for a family of 5 a larger car, and without the need for a trailer.

That said, the program would suit anyone interested in our style of camping, with or without a trailer, especially those with larger families, smaller cars or special needs.

Image of a notebook and pen

Week 1: Planning

Choose your own adventure. Plan what kind of camping setup suits you, and which car.

Image of man in camping store looking at a table

Week 2: Buying

Walk through the Kickstarter Kit, identify the individual items and start sourcing it.

Image of two girls planning their camping

Week 3: Organising

Organise the storage area as well as how you will pack and load the car and your test run.

Image of father and son pitching tent

Week 4: Testing

Test run the individual items at home and the setup as a whole at a nearby campground.

Sign up to the Camping Kickstart Program Now and get THE 1 HOUR PACK for just $45 Just $1

What's In The Program

Our program is delivered through a mix of content styles to cater for most people. All of the content is explained in blog style articles accompanied by audio files to listen two and supported by video and images.

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STEP 1: PLAN YOUR PERFECT PITCH CAMPING SETUP

Here you plan the perfect camping setup based on your needs, camping style, and budget. With these step-by-step instructions you will save loads of time and money and camp with confidence knowing you are prepared and have the necessary gear.

Image of Car Buying Checklist Mockup

STEP 2: FIND YOUR CAMPING CAR: A RIG THAT'S JUST RIGHT FOR YOU

Here, we help you to find the perfect camping car to suit you and your camping needs - one that is not too big but not too small either so you can save money and know you are travelling safely.

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STEP 3: KICKSTARTER KIT WALKTHROUGH

It's starting to take shape. We take a walk through our Camping Kickstarter Kit, our camping setup for beginners, to identify the individual components of your camping setup. Complete with notes, suggestions, links to related tips and guides so you will know what to look for when you are out accummulating your gear.

Image of packed car on a pretty country road

STEP 4: HOW TO PACK YOUR CAR FOR CAMPING - THE 4X4 FORMULA

Packing the car for camping can be a real bug-bear, especially when you are keen to hit the road. Our the 4x4 Formula for efficient car packing breaks the process down into easy to digest components, saving time and frustration, and giving you the confidence you have everything you need and you are travelling safely.

STEP 5: STORE AND ORDER - YOUR SMALL SPACE STORAGE SOLUTION

We share a storage solution that is compact and takes up only 1.5m2 of floor space, so you can quickly and easily prepare for camping trips without the frustration of a disorganised storage system and have a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

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STEP 6: HOW TO PREPARE FOR A QUICK CAMPING GETAWAY

Next, we focus on preparing for your next camping trip, providing tips and guidance on how to be properly equipped and ready for a quick getaway.

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STEP 7: THE EASY WAY TO PACK, PITCH AND PACK UP

We simplify the packing, pitching, and packing up of your camping gear, saving you time and stress so you can camp more often and focus on enjoying quality time with your family.

Plus, You Get My 365 Day Money Back Guarantee

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logo

If you try out the Camping Kickstart Program and you don’t in the end feel camping is for you, l’ll give you a full refund, no questions asked.

I’m so confident you’ll love what you can achieve with this program (plus the amazing bonuses) that I’ll take the risk of giving you such a generous guarantee.


Plus, These Bonuses

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#1: THE KICKSTARTER KIT BUYING GUIDE

Our Kickstarter Kit Buying Guide provides our exact curated list of recommended camping products, giving you the essentials for a seamless, enjoyable and hassle-free outdoor experience. You can be confident that you are investing in high-quality and reliable products that have been tried and tested.

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#2: THE CAMPUS LIBRARY - OVER 70 "HOW TO CAMP" ARTICLES

No more trawling though the internet for tips, hacks an "how to's". Many of our articles are now ranking highly on search engines, and they are just the tip of the iceberg. You will find in the Campus Library everything from tent camping tips, camping for beginners, camping for families, camping with kids, the weather, camping health and safety, eco-friendly camping, time saving, camping for urban families, space saving and cost saving tips, and so much more. It's truly your one-stop-camping-trailer-free-shop.

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#3: OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CAMPING IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER

No longer will you need to worry about the camping weather. This guide covers every type of weather condition - what to do, what not to do, how to be proactive, how to embrace the conditions and make the best of it.

Sign up to the Camping Kickstart Program Now and get THE 1 HOUR PACK for just $45 Just $1

In The Camping Kickstart Program, We Will Show You Exactly How To Do It

By giving you my step by step Trailer-free Framework and by showing you how it can actually work for you, you can get your camping kickstart:

  • You can invest in your camping setup with confidence.
  • You can invest in your car with confidence.
  • You can invest your time and energy with confidence.

Instead of sitting on the sidelines and letting those precious family moments pass you by...

Don't wait any longer, because their childhood is gone in the blink of an eye.

Yes, It's Really That Easy

You don’t have to worry about whether you are giving camping a good crack before you decided if it is really for you or not.

You won't need to sit around thinking about what to do with the kids over the school holiday, wondering how to get them off the screens and worrying about whether they are active and outdoors enough.

Just follow our Trailer-Free Framework to get your Camping Kickstart so you can take them camping any time you like.

You could be camping in less than 4 weeks, if the stock is available. You may take around a month if you can only spare 15-20 minutes a day, or get in early and wait patiently for the sales.


Why Parents Love To Take Their Kids Camping

LISA: A number of years ago we (husband and I) decided to adopt the camping holiday life and I relish every trip we have done since. My boys have seen many places (still so many to see!) and a lot of their holiday memories are the camping ones we have done.

For me camping is the ultimate rest relax reset and the best family time I could have ever hoped for! There’s nothing like it!"

KIM: We love caravan parks, the people you met the friends the kids make, the memories of just being on holidays.

And hey the kids are way more enjoyable! We have taken our son camping and he had the time of his life."

JENNA: We have been taking our boy 4wd/camping since he was born... He s slowly getting more adventurous in exploring & loves going for a bush walk. All kids should experience it..."

JAIMEE: The kids had an awesome time. Best of all, it felt like the camping I did as a kid so I loved having my own kids experience this and can’t wait for our next trip!"

MELISSA: Single mom camping with four kids! I’m thankful to my parents who taught me a love for camping! Something I love sharing with my kids."

SHANA:We have taken all 4 boys since they were newborns. They all love camping!!...It's an amazing way of life and so good the the soul."

SARAH: Been taking the kids camping since they were 3 months and younger! Kids are completely different while camping.

Mine are so overly active at home, yet while camping they are calm and relaxed. We love it."

SARAH: We've been camping since the boys were babies. Their favourite place so far is the Simpson desert!

We take tent or camper, depending where we go. Last trip was a month in the tent spending a few nights at each place along the way."

TANIA: We have taken our son camping and he had the time of his life."

Sign up to the Camping Kickstart Program Now and get THE 1 HOUR PACK for just $45 Just $1

Got Any Questions

why do you charge for your information when there is so much out there online for free?

We have the information you need all centralized in one place. You don't have to search through endless forum threads and online articles full of ads and commission based recommendations trying to find the information that is relevant to you. 

I have a lot of existing camping gear. Can I still use it.

If you have a trailer or just want to "revamp your camp" by lightening your load, improving your existing setup and speeding up your packing, pitching and packing up times, then absolutely not. There are loads of ideas for you to consider depending on your existing gear and the good old cost / benefit analysis.

If, however, you want to camp trailer free, you may not be able to use some of your existing gear because of the small margins involved. 

That said, when you compare the cost, you are still likely to be ahead if you replace your gear, compared to the alternative of investing in a larger vehicle or trailer, and somewhere to store it, or choosing alternative forms of holidays.


I don't have a lot of money to spend on camping gear. Can you help me?

Yes absolutely! This is the place to be if you want to camp comfortably and safely, whether you have a trailer or not, and you are on a tight budget. We focus on keeping costs down and getting the most out of your gear. That said, we recommend you don't skimp on what you sleep in and what you sleep on (ie your tent and basically avoid cheap airbeds and thin sleeping mats). Good quality gear can last you for years and save you in the long run.

I live in an apartment. How will that work?

Our camping setup for beginners would be ideal for you. It is entry level, but still allows you to take advantage of most of the tips and advice available here on this site. The better you are equipped and prepared for camping at the beginning, the more likely you will enjoy it and want to continue with it. If not, you will find a later use for most of the items in the camping setup.

What if your particular camping setup doesn't suit me?

This website is really here to help beginner campers and families or groups of up to five to camp comfortably and safely, trailer free. It's not about encouraging you to do exactly as we do, although if you want to, that's perfectly fine with us. As they say, imitation is the best form of flattery!

We know that one size doesn't fit all, and your particular family size, circumstances, preferences and personalities will influence and help shape your final camping setup.

Within the context of our trailer-free and tent style of camping, we will provide you with as much variety and choice as we can to help you put together a camping setup that suits your circumstances. The more you understand the principles of our setup, the more you will be able to independently make your own additions as you go.

I don't live in Australia. Can you help me?

Yes definitely. While there are references to the Australian dollar, and most products at present are linked to Australian retailers, we also provide detailed descriptions to help you to source products locally as well. We also where possible reference imperial as well as metric measurements.

I am an experienced camper. Is this program right for me?

Beginner campers and families new to camping would gain the most out of the Camping Setup Sorted program. That said, we still believe we have useful information for any camper, especially if you are looking to streamline your camping and lighten your load. We also have a lot of time and money saving tips that would help any camper.

I have an RV. Is this program right for me?

Beginner campers and families new to camping would gain the most. There is still a lot of useful information for any camper, but the core offering won't be particularly relevant to you.

Do you do one-on-one consultations?

Yes, you can book a one-on-one consultation on the checkout page. Sign up and I'll send you further information. I do have limited capacity to provide more one-on-one support which is by invitation only.

Is this everything I need?

If camping trailer free is not important to you, ie you have a trailer, then yes, this program plus the bonuses will give you everything you need to gear up and go camping,

And, if you want to get some additional help to camp trailer free or to further fast track the process, you can sign up to either of those programs. The attached articles willExpress program.

How long do I have access to the program / content?

Indefinitely! This may change at some point for future subscribers, but you will have access to the content as long as I am running the program, and I don't plan on going anywhere :)

Why So Cheap

Despite the thousands of dollars and hours and hours you could save, locking all of this behind a thousand plus dollar paywall isn't right for something as beneficial as camping.

I worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years, so I guess it's rubbed off.

You'll pay LESS THAN THE PRICE OF ONE HOTEL ROOM.

And a cheap one at that.

If you have the time it's all there.

But, if you need more help from me to implement the program and save you even more time, I'll send you more information about how to join the Express Program.

Sign up to the Camping Kickstart Program Now and get THE 1 HOUR PACK for just $45 Just $1