If you are new to camping and are unsure where to start, rest assured that you are not the only one in this situation.
Over 40 million people go camping each year because it is one of the absolute best ways to escape your daily routine and explore nature.
If you’re a total beginner, spending the night in the wilderness can feel overwhelming. However, I aim to assist you by providing a detailed compilation of camping tips specifically targeted towards beginners like yourself!
This guide provides comprehensive information for beginners about camping. It includes advice on planning your initial camping excursion, selecting the appropriate camping equipment, and fundamental safety measures for camping.
Furthermore, I will be sharing my personal collection of advice on how to cook while camping, ensuring a restful sleep, and maintaining cleanliness in the great outdoors.
After reading this post, you will feel prepared to successfully take on your first camping trip.
Types of camping
Luxury camping in a big tent with a comfy bed is considered the only suitable way to enjoy the outdoors by certain individuals. On the contrary, others do not consider this experience as true camping and instead, prefer a basic tent and a backpack filled with necessities.
In order to assist you in determining the most suitable option, provided below is a glossary outlining the most prevalent camping styles.
Tent camping
There are several reasons why tent camping is the most popular type of camping. Firstly, it is often the most affordable and flexible choice, allowing you to easily pack and leave (once you have obtained the required equipment). Tents come in various sizes, ranging from a quick and simple one-person design that can be easily assembled and disassembled, to a more spacious option that can accommodate an entire family. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to tent camping. Unpleasant weather conditions, such as cold and rain, can make the experience uncomfortable. Also, access to restroom facilities may not be readily available, and advanced reservations during peak seasons, particularly at national parks, may need to be booked weeks or even months in advance.
Glamping
Accommodating camping, commonly known as glamping, involves comfortable camping in a canvas tent, teepee, yurt, dome, or another unique structure. Typically, beds, linens, and pillows are provided, and many glampsites offer on-site bathrooms, kitchens, and firepits. Glamping is a suitable way to introduce hesitant campers to sleeping under the stars or for experienced summer campers to try winter camping, which can be more challenging. While glamping includes everything and is pre-set up, it may not provide a true camping experience, although some people consider that a positive aspect. One drawback is that certain glampsites can be as expensive as or even more costly than a night at a hotel.
Car camping
Car camping consists of loading your car or van with provisions and arriving at your desired camping location. If your vehicle is spacious enough, you have the option of sleeping in it instead of setting up a tent (with the caveat of checking local regulations beforehand). Car camping is a relatively uncomplicated camping style that does not necessitate extensive prearrangements or the burden of carrying all your essentials in a backpack. However, as you remain near your car, you may find yourself positioned near other noisy campers who have adopted the same approach.
Backcountry camping
If you want to avoid crowds and truly escape it all, consider hiking out to the backcountry, where there are no vehicles or paved roads. Backcountry or wilderness camping offers a lack of noise, peace, and unrestricted access to nature that is not possible at crowded campsites. To have a successful trip, you will need to plan your route, decide where you can camp, and determine what to pack in advance. Your packing list should include food, first aid equipment, a tent, camp cookware, and other supplies, all of which you will need to carry in and out on your back. It is important to note that backcountry camping should only be attempted by experienced campers.
RV camping
RV camping is a convenient option as it provides a bed, kitchen, and toilet, making it an easy way to go on a long road trip. However, it is also the most expensive choice. Whether you buy or rent an RV, you must consider the cost of fuel necessary to operate a large RV. Additionally, driving and parking such a sizable vehicle pose extra challenges. While numerous RV parks provide water and electricity hookups, you can also choose to camp without access to these amenities, known as dry-camping or boondocking.
Choosing a campsite
When starting out with camping, it is advisable to stay near home at a well-known campsite that offers more amenities like bathrooms, grills, and trash disposal. It is likely that you will feel more at ease if you pitch your tent close to other campers and in an area with a director present. Additionally, if you choose a campground with a reservation office or information center, it is recommended to book a campsite near the main building for extra safety and direct guidance.
If you enjoy being out in nature and prefer the sounds of animals over people, you can look into campsites that are not commonly visited, like free camping sites in remote areas or on National Forest land. If you choose to go to a remote location, make sure you bring all the necessary supplies for living without modern amenities.
Camping Tips
Choose the best camping gear for beginners
For beginners, the process of purchasing gear can be daunting, especially if you’re starting with no prior equipment. To simplify things for you, I will outline the specific gear you require and the recommended order in which you should invest in it.
Before you start selecting camping gear, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.
- Do I plan to share a tent with anyone (including pets)?
- Do I plan on growing my camping skills and eventually get into other types of camping like backpacking?
- What’s my budget for camping gear?
Look for gear from reliable brands
When making a selection of camping gear, it is advisable to choose items that will remain durable for many years ahead. Despite the initial expense, opting for trustworthy brands and high-quality gear at a slightly higher cost would be more advantageous.
If you are looking for camping brands that are trusted the most, consider MSR, Big Agnes, Therm-a-Rest, Coleman, and REI. In terms of affordable yet dependable gear, check out REI’s own brand or Coleman.
Wear durable, quick-drying materials
It is important to wear the appropriate materials when camping because clothes cannot be washed or outer layers changed daily.
Your preference is to wear clothing made from merino wool or polyester blends that is odor-resistant and quick-drying.
It is always advisable to steer clear of materials that easily absorb moisture, such as cotton and denim.
To ensure that your outdoor clothing is both long-lasting and durable, I suggest opting for renowned brands such as Patagonia, North Face, Arc’teryx, and REI.
Choose the best shoes to wear camping
When planning for a camping trip, it is advisable to anticipate that your shoes will become dirty. In the case of hiking, I suggest acquiring a high-quality pair of hiking boots such as the Columbia Newton Ridge boots.
Columbia produces the Newton Ridge boot for both men and women, which is highly durable and regarded as the top choice for boots priced below $100! True to its quality, I recently replaced my existing pair with the exact same one after three years of extensive use and covering numerous miles.
Slip-on shoes, such as Chacos, are ideal for fast trips to the bathroom or casual evenings spent at the camp. It is dreadful to have to concern oneself with tying shoes in the dark when one needs to make a late-night trip to the bathroom!
Choose the right camping style for you
Before you begin planning your initial camping excursion, ponder over the type of amenities you desire and select a camping style accordingly, as camping encompasses various forms and sizes.
