Ready to head into the great outdoors for a camping adventure? Or maybe you’re preparing for your first time camping at a festival?
Whatever the case, being prepared is essential when you go camping. This is why we’ve created this complete beginner camping guide – to help you choose the right camping gear, know how to set up your tent properly, and feel prepared and confident in your adventure.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go camping.
What are the Different Types of Camping?
First things first, let’s cover what types of camping exist.
Campsite Camping
Campsite camping involves setting up tents or parking RVs at designated campgrounds or campsites.
These sites often provide amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms, and sometimes showers. Campsite camping offers a structured and regulated camping experience, making it suitable for families, beginners, or those who prefer some level of comfort and convenience.
This is the most common type of camping and something you can do all around the world.
Wild Camping
Wild camping, also known as backcountry camping or primitive camping, involves pitching tents or sleeping under the stars in remote and undeveloped areas, away from designated campsites.
This type of camping requires self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, as there are typically no amenities available.
Wild camping offers a more immersive and adventurous experience, allowing campers to connect with nature in its purest form.
If you’re interested in wild camping, make sure that you only do it in designated areas where wild camping is legal.
Glamping
Glamping combines the experience of camping with luxury and comfort.
Instead of traditional tents, glamping accommodations often include yurts, safari tents, treehouses, or cabins equipped with amenities like comfortable beds, electricity, heating or air conditioning, and sometimes even private bathrooms and hot tubs.
Glamping sites may be located in scenic natural settings or within established resorts, offering a high-end camping experience for those who seek relaxation and indulgence in nature without sacrificing comfort.
What Tent Size Do You Need?
Choosing the right camping tent size is one of the first, and most important, considerations before you go camping. Quite simply, this depends on how many people will be sleeping in the tent.
For one or two people, a small tent like a 2-person tent works great. If you have more people, you’ll need a bigger tent. A 4-person tent is good for a small family, while a 6-person tent can fit more people comfortably.
Remember, it’s better to have a little extra space than to feel cramped, so consider going up a size if you’re unsure. Also, keep in mind that tents often have a capacity based on sleeping bags without extra space for gear, so consider that too.
Make sure you also understand the size of your tent when it’s packed down, and how you’ll carry it around.
What to Take on a Camping Trip
While there’s a lot you can bring when going camping, start by making sure to bring these essentials:
- Shelter: Tent, tarp, or hammock for sleeping.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bag with the right temperature rating, sleeping pad, and pillow for comfort.
- Clothing: Pack weather-appropriate clothes, including layers for warmth.
- Food and Cooking Supplies: Bring non-perishable food, a cooler for perishables, a portable stove or grill, utensils, pots, and pans.
- Water: Carry plenty of water for drinking and cooking, or bring a water filtration system if camping near a water source.
- Lighting: Flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns for visibility at night.
- First Aid Kit: Include basic medical supplies for treating minor injuries and illnesses.
- Navigation: Map, compass, or GPS device to navigate trails and unfamiliar terrain.
- Tools and Repair Kits: Multi-tool, duct tape, and repair kits for fixing gear and equipment.
- Personal Items: Toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any medications you may need.
- Fire Essentials: Matches, lighter, and firestarter for building campfires where permitted.
- Entertainment: Books, games, or musical instruments for leisure activities.
While packing for any camping trip can be tricky, the more you go camping the better you get at perfecting your gear list. As a rule of thumb, pack light and enjoy the simplicity of camping, but make sure you bring along all of your essentials.
Of course, make sure that you understand what amenities your campsite includes before you go. Different types of camping will also require different levels of gear.
Before Going Camping
Going camping for the first time? Be sure to follow these basic steps before heading out on your adventure.
Check Your Gear
Take inventory of your camping gear to ensure everything is in working order.
Check your tent for any tears or missing parts, inspect your sleeping gear for comfort, and make sure your cooking equipment is clean and functional. Always test this stuff out before you’re in the wilderness.
Test Pitch Your Tent
Set up your tent in your backyard or a nearby park to practice pitching it. This will help you familiarize yourself with the setup process and ensure all the parts are there.
It’s also a good opportunity to check for any issues with the tent before you’re out in the wilderness.
Make a List of Everything You Need
Create a comprehensive checklist of all the items you’ll need for your camping trip. Include essentials like shelter, sleeping gear, cooking supplies, clothing, and personal items. Refer to this list as you pack to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
This list will also help you pack up at the end of your camping trip, making sure you don’t leave anything behind.
Having a list of all your gear is also good practice because you can go over it after each trip and highlight important and unnecessary items. If you do this each trip, you’ll soon refine your camping packing list to perfection.
Check the Rules
Research and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the camping area you’ll be visiting.
This includes any permits or reservations required, fire regulations, waste disposal guidelines, and specific rules about wildlife encounters.
Understanding the rules beforehand will help you have a safe and enjoyable camping experience while respecting the environment and other campers. It will also make sure you bring along all the right things – like firewood or rubbish bags.
Choosing the Right Campsite
An important part of any beginner’s camping guide is choosing the right campsite. If you’re new to camping, you probably won’t want to visit a site that’s too remote or wild. As you gain some camping experience, you can gradually camp out in more distant places.
When choosing the right campsite, consider these factors:
- Location: Look for a campsite that suits your preferences and activities. Whether you prefer a remote wilderness experience or a campground with amenities, choose a location that aligns with your camping goals and knowledge.
- Terrain: Check the terrain of the campsite to ensure it’s suitable for pitching your tent or setting up your RV. Look for flat ground that is free of rocks, roots, or other obstructions. Avoid areas prone to flooding or erosion.
- Accessibility: Consider how easy it is to access the campsite, especially if you’re traveling with children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities. Choose a site that is easily reachable by car or within a reasonable distance from parking areas.
- Amenities: Decide what amenities are important to you, such as restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and trash receptacles. Some campsites offer more amenities than others, so choose one that meets your needs.
- Privacy: Consider the level of privacy offered by the campsite. Some people prefer secluded sites surrounded by trees, while others prefer more social campgrounds with neighboring sites nearby. Choose a site that provides the level of privacy you desire.
- Regulations: Familiarize yourself with any regulations or restrictions associated with the campsite, such as maximum stay limits, fire bans, quiet hours, and pet policies. Make sure you’re prepared to abide by these rules during your stay.
Outdoor Cooking Tips
When cooking outdoors, it’s important to keep a few key tips in mind for a successful and enjoyable experience.
First, ensure you have the right equipment, like a portable stove, grill, or campfire cooking tools. Make sure to bring along all necessary utensils, pots, and pans for setting up a camp kitchen.
Secondly, plan your meals ahead of time and prep ingredients at home to minimize work at the campsite. Pack foods that are easy to cook and require minimal preparation, such as pre-marinated meats, pre-chopped vegetables, and canned goods. Don’t forget to bring along seasonings and condiments to add flavor to your meals.
Finally, practice proper food safety by keeping perishable items cold in a cooler with ice packs, cooking meats to the correct temperature, and cleaning utensils and surfaces thoroughly to prevent contamination.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious outdoor meals while camping or picnicking.
14 Camping Tips for Beginners
Ready to get out and into nature? Then make sure you follow these essential tips that any beginner camping guide should cover.
Gear Familiarization
Before your camping trip, take the time to familiarize yourself with your gear.
Set up your tent in the backyard or a nearby park to practice pitching it. Test out your sleeping bag, stove, and any other equipment you plan to use.
This practice will help you feel more confident and comfortable when you’re out in the wilderness.
Choosing the Right Campsite
Selecting the right campsite is crucial for a successful camping trip.
If you’re new to camping, consider choosing a campground with amenities like restrooms, water, and designated fire pits. Look for a site that’s relatively flat and free of hazards like rocks and roots.
You’ll also want to check the weather forecast and choose a campsite that offers some shelter from wind and rain.
Packing Essentials
Pack smart by bringing along essential items for your camping trip.
These include a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, food, water, clothing appropriate for the weather, and personal items like a first aid kit and flashlight. Remember to pack light but don’t forget important items like a multi-tool, matches, and a map or compass.
Dressing Appropriately
Dressing appropriately for the weather is essential for a comfortable camping experience.
Check the forecast before you leave and pack clothing that can be layered to accommodate changes in temperature. Bring rain gear and sturdy footwear suitable for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
Meal Planning
Plan your meals ahead of time to make cooking at the campsite easier.
Pack non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare, such as canned goods, instant noodles, and granola bars. Consider prepping some ingredients at home, like chopping vegetables or marinating meat, to save time and effort at the campsite.
Leave No Trace
Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.
Dispose of waste properly by packing out trash and following any regulations regarding campfires and waste disposal. Respect wildlife by observing animals from a distance and avoiding feeding them.
Emergency Preparedness
Be prepared for emergencies by carrying essential safety items like a first aid kit, whistle, and extra food and water.
Familiarize yourself with basic first aid techniques and know how to use any emergency communication devices you bring, such as a cell phone or satellite messenger.
Hydration
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your camping trip. Bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, and consider using a water filtration system if you’ll be camping near a water source.
Basic Camping Skills
Learn and practice basic camping skills before your trip, such as building a fire, tying knots, and setting up a tarp for shelter.
These skills will come in handy during your camping adventure and can make your experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
Leave No Trace
As you camp, ensure you leave the environment as pristine as you found it. This means packing out all your trash, avoiding damaging vegetation, and refraining from disturbing wildlife.
Following these principles ensures that others can enjoy the wilderness after you’ve left.
Emergency Preparedness
Always be ready for unforeseen circumstances by carrying a well-stocked first aid kit, emergency shelter, and communication devices like a whistle or a charged cell phone.
Knowing basic first aid skills can be invaluable in case of injuries or emergencies, ensuring a safer camping experience overall.
Hydration
Stay hydrated throughout your camping trip by drinking water regularly. Bring enough water for your needs, considering factors like weather and physical activity.
If you’re uncertain about the water quality at your campsite, bring along a water filtration or purification system to ensure safe drinking water.
Basic Camping Skills
Familiarize yourself with essential camping skills like setting up a tent, building and maintaining a fire, and using camping equipment properly.
Practice these skills before your trip so you can handle various camping scenarios confidently, making your outdoor experience more enjoyable and stress-free.
Enjoy the Experience
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience of camping in the great outdoors.
Take time to appreciate the beauty of nature, try new activities like hiking or stargazing, and create lasting memories with friends and family.
Camping is an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with the natural world.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, camping is a simple thing. As long as you’ve got the right essential camping gear, you’re prepared for where you’re going, and understand the weather, then you’ll have a great time.
Follow the essential camping guide tips above, plan your trip carefully, and your camping experience should be amazing.