Camping can be a little stressful if it’s your first camping trip. Figuring out what to pack, what to do, and what to eat can be overwhelming. Check out our camping tips for beginners to ease some of the stress of your first camping experience.
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1. Keep Your First Camping Trip Short
If this is your first camping trip, it’s hard to know what to expect. Every trip is different. Try camping close to home so that way if you forget something or the weather gets bad you can go home.
2. Book a Campground with Activities Nearby
We love being able to hike during the day and then coming back to our campsite and relax. You can also check with your campground, as some offer daily activities for campers!
3. Bring Spare Batteries
The last thing you need is for your flashlight to die and not have any extra batteries.
4. Bring Extra Clothes
Camping is not a place to wear your nicest clothes. You will most likely get dirty. Bringing extra clothes is a great idea. Included in the extra clothes should be a raincoat.
5. Don’t Forget a Rain Shelter
The weather is so unpredictable. The last thing you want to do is be stuck in a storm with no rain shelter.
6. Bring a First Aid Kit
Hopefully, you won’t need it but you want to be prepared. If you’re bringing your dog along make sure to read our dog first aid kit post too.
7. Leave No Trace
This applies to camping, hiking, backpacking, and anything else that has to do with being in nature. Leave no trace. Leave your campsite exactly how you found it, or even better. Pick up any trash that may have been left or blown onto your site.
8. Keep the Bears Away
Dispose of all garbage properly and lock all your food up in a bear canister. If you don’t have one you can also suspend your food up in the trees. Read more about bear safety here.
9. Make Sure to Bring Enough Light
You don’t want to get stuck without light, especially if you need to head to the bathroom.
10. Choose a Campground with Facilities
I have been camping multiple times and I still choose to camp at a campground that has a bathroom. I like to be able to use the bathroom and shower in a nice clean area.
11. Wear Comfortable Shoes
I am a huge believer in comfortable footwear. If you plan on hiking while camping you will need your hiking boots. Need help choosing the right hiking boots, check out our blog post.
12. Don’t Forget Insect Repellant
Wondercide is my go-to insect repellant. It’s the best. It’s also safe for pets and children.
13. Plan Easy Meals
Cooking while camping can be difficult. Make it easier on yourself and plan out your meals and make sure they are simple. There are a ton of ideas for camping meals on Pinterest. Check out our board here.
14. Bring More Food Than You Usually Eat
You exert a lot of energy while camping. You will be surprised at how much food you will eat. I suggest bringing a lot of non-perishable snacks like trail mix, chips, almonds, and jerky.
15. Have Two Coolers
Having two coolers is the best camping hack. Put all your beverages into one cooler and then your perishable food into another. That way when you open up the cooler multiple times for drinks, your food won’t get warm.
16. Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to forget to drink water with everything going on while camping, but it’s really important to remember so you don’t get dehydrated.
17. Washing the Dishes
If you bring reusable dishes you will need some buckets to wash them in and soap.
18. Practice Pitching Your Tent
Putting up a tent may seem self-explanatory but it can be complicated if it’s your first time. Try putting up your tent in your backyard or living room to get the hang of it.
19. Make Sure Your Sleeping Arrangements are Comfortable
Make sure you get a sleeping pad or air mattress and a sleeping bag. It’s hard getting a good night’s sleep while away from home. Don’t make it harder by being unprepared with your sleeping gear. That includes your pillow!
I hope these camping tips for beginners will help you make the best out of your camping trip. Need more help? Check out the Ultimate guide to camping.
Any other tips you would add?
