Summary
The Best Camping Tips
Camping is by far one of the best ways to experience nature and the outdoors, but it can be intimidating, especially for beginners. We have done a lot of camping over the years, allowing us to amass a wealth of knowledge from car camping to backcountry camping. Therefore, today, we are going to share all our camping tips and tricks that will make your next camping trip enjoyable.
Planning Your Camping Trip
The best camping trips start with good planning. It is not like you can just jump in your car and go. You have to take weather and the time of year into consideration. Moreover, you will probably need to book a campground well beforehand unless you plan on backcountry camping. Everything you do to plan your trip before hitting the road will make the camping experience easier and less stressful. Let’s get started.
1. What kind of camper are you?
We like to break camping down into different types of styles. Some people prefer roughing it as much as they can, while others prefer a bit of comfort on their camping trip. By determining what type of camping experience you want to have, you will be able to plan the perfect trip.
- Tent Camping: By far the most popular as it usually involves camping in a tent at a campsite or a national park where they have facilities like bathrooms and water.
- Car Camping: This is popular in North America as it allows you to drive your car into the campsite, making the setup really easy.
- Trailer or Camper: Campervan travel has become increasingly popular and involves either towing a camper or actually driving a campervan with all amenities inside.
- Backcountry Camping: This is for the hardcore campers and hikers. Here, you carry all of your gear, food, and water and camp without facilities, requiring some experience.
2. Picking a Campground
When it comes to choosing a campground, it is always recommended to do it in advance. Consider these factors:
- Best time to visit: high season or low season?
- Amenities: Are there washrooms, running water, or fire pits?
- Regulations: Is there a no fire policy or are pets allowed?
- Booking ahead: How far in advance do you need to book the campsite you want?
3. Choosing the Best Campsite
Choosing a good campsite can dramatically enhance your camping experience. Look for sites that have:
- A great view or proximity to water: These are usually away from other campsites, offering more privacy.
- Distance from bathrooms: Pick a site that is a good distance away from bathrooms, especially if you go to bed early or are a light sleeper.
- Shade: When camping in the summer, look for a site that has shade from trees to help keep your tent cool.
4. Packing the Right Camping Gear
Camping gear is highly personal and varies by comfort level and budget. Here are some essential items you should consider:
Tent
Your tent is the most important piece of camping gear you will need. We recommend a 3-season tent, as most campers will not be doing winter camping. If car camping, choose a size that allows you to stand and move freely. If hiking, opt for a lightweight tent.
Sleeping Bag
When choosing a sleeping bag, consider insulation types: down and synthetic. Down offers a better weight-to-insulation ratio, making it ideal for lightweight backpacking, while synthetic is generally less expensive and perfect for casual camping.
Sleeping Pad
A sleeping pad provides cushioning and insulation between you and the ground. Look for a pad with an R-value between 2.5 and 3.5 for sufficient comfort.
Outdoor Living and Cover
Be prepared for rain and sudden weather changes. A large tarp can offer protection from rain, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors even during downpours. Fasten it to nearby trees and utilize it for comfort and shelter.
Headlamp and Lanterns
Having proper lighting is crucial when camping. A camping lantern is essential for card games or reading. Additionally, a headlamp frees up your hands for other tasks, making it a must-have item.
Practice Camp Set Up at Home
Familiarizing yourself with your gear at home can mitigate stress when you reach your campsite. Set up your tent multiple times, assess its comfort, and plan where to store necessary items inside.
5. Practice Setting Up Your Tent
Practice will make setting up your tent easier when it counts. As you set it up, think about comfort—where will your packs go, and where will you keep essentials for nighttime bathroom trips?
6. Practice Using Your Camp Stove
Familiarize yourself with your camp stove before heading out. Follow the instructions and practice cooking to avoid frustrations when hunger strikes.
7. Check Your Headlamp and Lantern Batteries
Ensure your headlamp and lantern batteries are functioning before camping adventures. Re-chargeable headlamps provide convenience and sustainability.
8. Setting Up Your Camp Site
Select level ground, clear of rocks and debris, for your tent. Utilize tree cover to hang tarps and keep packs dry, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
9. Prepare and Plan Your Meals
Meal preparation is key to enjoyable camping. Opt for gourmet meals, or prepare self-portion meals in advance using ziplock bags. Don’t forget breakfast options, like oatmeal or pre-cracked eggs stored in water bottles for easy cooking.
10. Make a Kitchen and Sitting Area
Create a comfortable sitting area to enjoy your meals and campfire. Don’t solely rely on picnic tables; portable camp chairs add comfort and convenience to your camping experience.
11. Dealing with Bugs
Prevent annoyance from bugs with bug jackets and adequate repellents. Remember to keep tent zippers closed to avoid unwanted visitors.
12. Campfire Tips
Learn the essentials of starting a campfire, including packing multiple fire-starting methods and ensuring you have dry firewood. Knowing how to properly stack your logs can lead to a successful fire for cooking and enjoyment.
13. Water
Always carry a sufficient amount of water for cooking and drinking. Bringing a purification system for backcountry camping allows you to access safe drinking water from natural sources.
14. Dry Your Tent
Taking care of your tent post-camping is crucial. Ensure it is completely dry before storage to prolong its life. Regular maintenance keeps your equipment in top shape for future adventures.
Fast Hacks for Camping
15. Tripping Over Your Tent Pegs
Gather rocks to cover tent pegs, preventing accidental stumbles during the night.
16. Mosquito Repellant
Create natural mosquito repellent using lemon and eucalyptus. Burning sage can also deter insects.
17. Use Jugs of Water for Ice
Instead of messy ice packs, freeze water jugs to use as ice, providing coolness for your drinks while remaining functional.
18. Fill a Hot Water Bottle to Keep You Warm at Night
Consider placing boiling water in your Nalgene bottle before bed to maintain warmth inside your tent.
19. Pack a Pair of Crocs for Wearing Around Camp
Easy to slip on, Crocs provide comfort and protection from outdoor terrain.
20. Pack a Warm Hat and Warm Socks for Sleeping
Consider wearing a buff for added warmth; night temperatures can drop significantly while camping.
21. Pack Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Hand wipes and sanitizer can be lifesavers when soap is unavailable.
22. Sleep with Your Clothes in Your Sleeping Bag
This method helps avoid the discomfort of cold clothes during nighttime temperatures.
23. Don’t Have a Lantern? No Problem
Use your headlamp wrapped around a filled Nalgene bottle for instant illumination.
24. Pack in Bins and Sacks
Utilizing bins keeps your gear organized and can double as tables for meal prep.
25. Don’t Forget Condiments and Spices
Pack your favorite spices in pill containers to ensure flavorful meals on the go.
These tips will enhance your camping experience, making it enjoyable and stress-free. Feel free to share any unique tips you have; we’re always learning and adapting to the great outdoors.
