IT doesn't matter who you are, you are going to learn some handy tips after going camping for the first time.

And even the avid campers are still learning new things when they go camping - whether it be from other campers nearby, chatting on Facebook pages or trying out new gear.

The Bulletin asked readers for their tips for first time campers and here they are:

1. Pack plenty of drinking water  - you can use tablets that will purify water on site, but they don't always do the full job. The tablets are also suitable for other water sources not already treated by councils (eg bore water).

2. Take an extra jerry can or two of fuel. You could get lost and need the extra fuel for the car. If you have a generator, you need to take even more for back up.

3. You can never have too many batteries, or too many different types of batteries. Radios, torches, lamps, cameras, etc. They all run on battery. A USB power pack would also be smart to take camping in case your mobile phone runs out of battery and your car charger doesn't work.

4. Sleeping bag maintenance - one reader suggests keep it zipped at all times to stop creepy crawlies and slithering animals from making themselves cosy, while another suggested keeping it rolled up when not in use.

5. Watch out for drop bears - they are vicious 

6. Don't forget the dunny rolls!

7. Adam Cook suggests you calculate how much beer you will drink, then take triple that amount.

8. If you want to see where you are going once the sun goes down, you might want to remember to take a torch, or lantern.

9. If you want to sleep, or simply hang out without having to whack at flies and mozzies, you will need repellent. Aeroguard is good. There are also mozzie arm bands available at pharmacies and camping stores. But Bushmans still wins hands down.

10. You will also need a shovel - used for digging hole in ground for camp fire and outdoor toilets.

11. Make sure you have a good first aid kit and know how to treat a snake bite and spider bites, as well as treat broken limbs.

Click here for a guide by St John's Ambulance for snake bites

12. Make sure you have additional food supplies

13. Shirley McPhail says "First thing to pack is a hammer! Seen too many people trying to pitch their tents, bashing tent pegs in with their shoe etc..." Donna Hammond suggested a hammer can also be useful for unexpected visitors in swags...

14. Board games and decks of cards for those raining moments and night time entertainment.

15. Look up fire rules - some parts of the bush are no fires, some are restricted. Research building campfires safely and effectively.

16. Some suggested find alternative holiday accommodation, including huts. Or don't go at all.

17. Buy a caravan and sleep in that

18. Don't take the kids - this was the suggestion of one reader.

19. Gas bottle for the barbecue (some camp sites are no camp fires, plus, cooking on a camp fire in the rain can dampen your spirits).

20. Don't go - this activity is highly addictive and you need to be prepared