If you’ve just discovered the joys of camping, this comprehensive list of camping tips for beginners is what you’ll need to get started on the right track.
Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities, people from all walks of life take pleasure in the wealth of experiences they bring home from camping. Though, of course, camping isn’t for everyone. There are people who become rather uncomfortable at the thought of leaving the warmth and comfort of their homes in exchange for a not-so-comfy sleeping bag and just a waterproof tent over your head.
Your first camping trip should be something to look forward to. The secret is simple – know what to expect and be prepared, always. The best way to get prepared for someone like you whose never gone
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Content 1.1. Selecting a Tent 2.1 Private vs. Public |
camping before is to make a list of what to bring and to take time to your research on camping.
Camping Tips For Beginners
First Pit Stop: Gearing Up for Camping
Sometimes, it’s just gear talk and all you have to do is listen; because there are instances when the only thing that can make all the difference is bringing the right type of gear to camp and leaving unnecessary stuff behind.
There are many considerations when it comes to camping gear, but first you may want to think about whether to just rent them out from an outdoor shop or purchase what you need. Since it’s your first time, you may want to get a feel of the outdoors rather than getting camp equipment right away. This may possibly cost you less, especially when you’ve finally decided that camping is simply not for you.
However, if you’ve resolved to make family camping a hobby, then it would be wiser to buy equipment instead of renting since you may be using them at least once a year. Do a little research, ask someone who’ve been camping, and shop around.
Some of most basic camping equipment include a tent, a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. Though a camping stove is not exactly a necessity since you can always build a fire for cooking, you may want to get yourself one since it’s a more convenient way of cooking and you will also lessen your impact on the campsite.
For a Tenderfoot, you may be overwhelmed at the sheer number of choices out there. However, you can make things easier for you by knowing what you need and see the choices available. A tent is your home when tent camping so you must find the best deal available. The following are a few considerations when choosing a tent.
- Season – Are you camping in late spring or early winter? Get the right type of tent; you may want a one-season tent when camping in summer while a four-season serves you best in cold winter nights.
- Design –It can either be freestanding or non-freestanding, with non-freestanding saving you on some weight. A few tent designs available in the market today include the A-frame tent, the cabin tent, the dome tent, and the tunnel tent.
- Size and Weight – The number of people who will live inside the tent will help determine which tent is best for you. Since the weight will increase with size, and influenced by design as well, it’s important to find the one which is not only lighter but will serve its purpose well.
Choosing your Sleeping System – After a long drive and a hectic camp setup, a good night’s sleep is all you’re anticipating. Choosing the best sleeping system will ease those tired bones and weary feet, and lets you wake up refreshed for another eventful day.
Buying a sleeping system is pretty much the same as choosing a tent. Here are a few points to keep in mind when looking for the ideal outdoor sleeping system.
- Size – You sleep well when your sleeping bag and pad are the right sizes. If it’s too big, it may not provide proper insulation and you’re cold and miserable the whole night. On the other hand, if it’s a size too small and with poor ventilation, you may feel constricted and unhappy the whole night.
- Design – A serious backpacker will likely choose a lightweight but heavy duty sleeping system for nights on the trail. Meanwhile, family campers who put emphasis on comfort are going to opt for an air mattress. Insulation, ventilation, and overall construction are also part of the things you want to consider in a sleeping system.
- Age – Kids who love to camp are going to need a specially designed sleeping system that fits their needs, such as a sleeping bag with a hood and inbuilt pillow. Women will also want to choose a sleeping bag and pad that will retain more heat.
Assembling the Outdoor Kitchen – Cooking outdoors is a fun and delicious way to enjoy food, whether it’s at camp, rv camping or in your very backyard. You may not be quite reliable in the kitchen, but you’re a superstar when it comes to outdoor recipes. You can bring that flare for the grill at the camp kitchen and feed the camp ensemble with nourishing and tasty food, and you can do this if you’ve got the right equipment for it.
- Grill and/or grill brush – Though most public camp sites have grills, you may want to bring your own grill brush to clean it up.
- Dutch oven – It’s possibly one kitchen essential you’d really want to take along with you when camping. You can use it to fry, roast, and even bake on it.
- Camp stove – Bringing along a camp stove will be more convenient and causes less impact on the site. Of course, you always have the option to cook the old way – over the campfire – but may sure you use existing fire rings.
- Knife and cutting board – Simply a must-have at the camp kitchen.
- Can opener – Another must-have.
- Ladle – Needed for stirring up that sweet smellin’ brew you’ve got cooking. It may double up as a serving spoon as well.
- Mixing bowl/s – You can use this for mixing ingredients and for serving your dishes as well.
- Aluminum foil – Another must-have.
- Paper towels – For cleaning up the mess, especially if you have children.
- Garbage bags – Another must-have, and they’re quite handy anywhere at camp too.
- Drinking glasses and mugs – One for each member, as much as possible bring the plastic ones and save on the additional weight.
- Plates – You need something to put your food, and don’t forget to bring a couple of extras.
- Cutleries – Spoons and forks that won’t be missed when you accidently lose them while camping; and again bring some extras.
- Food – Prepare a menu before going to camp, pack the ingredients according to save time and space, and store your food securely. It is also very important to observe proper food storage techniques while at camp since anything aromatic may tempt uninvited guests (that is, local wildlife) to drop by your camp.
Getting the right camping gear is paramount to an enjoyable experience. When you have the right type of tent, it’s like living at home, away from home. With the right camping gear and some camping tips for beginners like yourself, your first time will truly be a memorable experience and you’ll hear the call of the wild again and again.
Don’t forget to have a checklist of what you need to bring when camping. Before heading out, double check that you have everything.
Second Pit Stop: Locating a Campsite
Looking for a campsite is not exactly an easy task but it’s important that you book your reservation well ahead of time. It’s frustrating that after all the preparation, you picked a campsite, drove a good distance only to arrive at the location and find out that the place is packed with campers like yourself, but unlike you, they’ve already made reservations some weeks back; or maybe you’ve picked a good place to share with just a few outdoor enthusiasts, but you didn’t know they don’t allow campers to build fires and you were not able to bring the camp stove.
To avoid such a disappointment, these camping tips for beginners will guide you when looking up for that ideal campsite for your first trip.
Campgrounds can be divided into two: private areas and public ones. The two main differences between the two are the prices and the amenities.
Private campgrounds are usually RV parks and campground resorts. Many of these offer first-rate amenities such as electricity, toilets, showers and running water, and even include recreational options such as tennis courts, mini golf courses, and swimming pools. However, if you do choose to enjoy these you will have to pay a good fee.
Meanwhile, most public campgrounds only have basic facilities – tap water and drop toilet, possibly a picnic table too. If you’re on a budget and want to be as close to nature as you can, then choosing a public campground would be the more practical choice.
Do’s and Dont’s of Where to Camp
- Do your research. Whether you’re planning to stay in a private or public campground, it’s advisable to look around for a location that suits your needs and budget best.
- Do not just pick a random camping site out of a directory and decide you want to camp there over the weekend.
- Do make your reservation well ahead of your camping trip. You’ll be surprised to discover that many camp sites have been reserved months in advance.
- Do not expect to find open slots especially in popular camping destinations in peak season.
- Do invite someone who is familiar with the campsite you have chosen or at least someone who has camped before. Remember, it’s your first time on a camping trip and it’s better to have someone along who knows that they’re doing.
- Do not choose an area far from your home. You’ll be very tired upon arrival on camp and setting up camp will become quite a challenge. A good possibility is that you’ll go to bed hungry as well. Definitely not the way you want your camping trip to start.
- Do choose a camping location which has a manager or supervisor so that you can reach help fast when you need it.
- Do not head out to camp without double checking your stuff. It’s a big frustration when you find out the camp doesn’t have a fire ring, and you didn’t bring the camp stove.
- Do ask the campground admin about site rules and regulations, as well as other important questions such as presence of bears and other big predators.
- Do not leave anything to chance – whether it’s where you camp, the stuff you need to bring, and most of all, your safety.
As mentioned, choosing between a public and a private campground mainly depends on your budget. After all you’re planning your first ever camping trip for some time off to get away from it all and just relax.
If budget is not a concern then what you need to consider next is – do you want to enjoy nature just as it is or do you want to take pleasure in the Great Outdoors without giving up on your home comforts?
Private campsites usually have their websites on the web and it’s easy to know what amenities and facilities they have. It would also be wise to ask family and friends which camping resorts they recommend. You can enjoy the Great Outdoors without having to go back to the basics.
Now, if you want to truly experience nature in its pure state, a camping trip to a national park can give you that. Get in touch with a local park if you have one in your area. If not, you can always look for the nearest national park by visiting the websites of the National Park System, the Army Corps of Engineer, Bureau of Land Management, and state parks as well.
Third Pit Stop: Setting Up your Campsite
The biggest secret when it comes to setting up your camp is to arrive early at the area. This is possibly the best pointer in the long list of camping tips for beginners that must be followed. This will give you enough time to find the right spot to pitch your tent, organize the kitchen, and set up the latrine.
- Find the ideal location – The right spot to pitch your tent must be elevated and away from possible areas of flooding. You can choose to set up near a bunch of trees but not directly under one. It must also be naturally buffered from strong wind and rain. Choose a spot 200 feet away of the nearest water source and trails. Set up in previously used areas or in designated spots only.
- Assign designated areas for the kitchen, the washing/bathing area, and the toilet – The washing/bathing area as well as your toilet must be at least 200 feet away from any water source. Make sure you throw away your dirty water well away from rivers and streams. Dig a hole a foot deep for your human waste and cover it properly.
- Secure your food and observe proper food storage practices – Package food in space-saving containers and secure food onsite. One of the best ways to secure your food and keep it away from the local wildlife is to hang your food bags on a tree about 12 feet off the ground. Another way is to prepare your camp menu and bring only what you need (cooking gear and food). This way it will save you from the possible added weight and no food is wasted.
- Bring along the right camping gear and know how to set them up – Not all tents, sleeping bags and camp stoves are the same. Find the ones that suit your needs. You can have a one-season sleeping bag for a summer night out at the local campground but you will never want to take it with you when you plan on a camping trip in late autumn.
- Know the campground rules and regulations before setting up your camp – Each camp site may have a different set, especially if your interstate or in a national park. These places may have special rules in addition to the standard ones. You certainly wouldn’t want to pay a substantial fine once the campground supervisor found out you built a fire not on the existing fire ring.
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