If you are currently reading this, it is highly likely that you are a novice in the realm of tent camping and have likely had an interest in obtaining all the necessary knowledge before commencing your initial excursion.
You are in the right place which is so exciting because we have created this beginner’s guide to camping specifically for you.
In this article, we talk about all the basic tent camping gear essentials you should have, personal items to bring along, items to pack to practice good hygiene, what to eat during a camping trip, how to find camping near you, along with tent camping tips and tricks.
Keep reading for all the basic details on how to get into camping. We share all of our camping advice for beginners.
How to Start Camping
Deciding on the type of accommodation to use, either a tent or an alternative lodging option, is crucial for a comfortable and safe camping experience. Tents, being portable and versatile, are a favored choice among beginners. A well-designed camping shelter should be easy to use and provide protection against the elements, ensuring you stay dry, warm, and secure.
Before selecting a tent for your initial camping excursion, it’s important to think about the different shapes and sizes available, as well as the varying levels of weather protection and insulation they provide. Some tents are specifically designed with solo travelers in mind, while others feature multiple rooms to accommodate the entire family.
- Your needs: Tents are beginner-friendly for most campers but not suitable for everyone. Older adults or those who may struggle sleeping on the ground should seek out more comfortable alternatives. Additionally, some tents may not be ideal for young children or rambunctious pets.
- The weather: Tents do not have air conditioning or heating. For hot weather camping, you can pitch your tent in the shade or bring along a battery-operated fan — but some prefer to skip tent camping in the heat altogether. Frigid temperatures can also pose as a deterrent. While tent heaters are available, they require strict attention to safety guidelines and may not be ideal for all environments.
- Your experience: If you are unsure how to get into camping, one of the best places to start is by learning how to pitch a tent and create your own campsite. That said, some tents are more complicated than others and may require assistance or previous training. Always read your tent user manual and watch some how-to videos before you hit the road.
Tips for Pitching a Tent
The assembly of a tent relies on various factors such as the specific type of tent you own, the location in which you are assembling it, and the additional features and accessories being used alongside it.
If you are new to camping, here are some pointers on how to set up your tent:
- Know your tent: To assemble your tent correctly, you need to know which type of unit you own. Common tents include dome, A-frame, popup and ridge tents, though other variations are available. Check with your tent owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Choose a level spot: The place you pitch your tent must be on flat ground, preferably near shade, away from fire pits and mud, rocks or tree roots. Avoid pitching in areas where rainwater might gather and seep inside.
- Be mindful of tent stakes: If using stakes to secure your tent or tarp, pack extra if possible. Be sure to stick stakes deep into the ground and always practice caution when walking near them — they are notorious tripping hazards.
- Always use a tarp: Even when you know rain is not in the forecast, you want to avoid being surprised by a late night drizzle. A tarp helps insulate your tent from the elements. It’s also good for summer camping and will keep your tent from overheating.
- Make it more comfortable: To make your tent more comfortable, consider choosing a unit with a window for airflow and natural light. Bring along a battery-operated fan or tent-safe heater to create your ideal sleeping environment. If possible, sleep off the ground by using a cot, inflatable mattress or sleeping pad — this will help keep you warmer, drier and less likely to wake up with any muscle soreness. Look for water-resistant tents when shopping and hang a tarp over the roof of your tent for additional rain protection.
Basic Tent Camping Gear Essentials
When preparing for your first camping trip as a beginner camper, it is important not to overlook these necessary gear essentials.
Here is a rundown of essential tent gear that you can either buy or borrow:
- Tent with a rain fly
- Tent footprint or tarp for underneath the tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad or inflatable mattress – never sleep on the ground without padding because the ground can drain your energy.
- Camp pillow
- Headlamp or solar camp light
Before making a purchase of a tent, it is important to consider the type of camping you intend to engage in and the number of individuals involved.
If you are considering going backpacking, you should search for lightweight gear specifically designed for this purpose, as it will make it more convenient to carry and compress.
If you intend to camp in a tent from your car, there is less concern about the weight of your gear.
When considering tent size, it is advisable to always opt for a slightly larger one. While my spouse and I possess a two-person tent, it becomes rather uncomfortable for us to fit inside unless we are backpacking. Therefore, we also possess a four-person tent which offers us more space on our car camping trips.
First, consider the type of climate in which you will be camping. It is common for most individuals to choose spring or summer for their initial camping experiences.
To ensure a stress-free adventure, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with setting up the tent before embarking on your first camping trip, after acquiring all the necessary camping gear.
Campsite Items
Before embarking on your initial camping experience, contemplate the additional forms of comfort that you would appreciate having.
For car camping, we make it a point to bring firewood, fire starter, lighter, hatchet, cooler, and camp chairs on every trip.
Along with camping gear, consider which personal items you would like to bring. We recommend trying to pack simple, light, re-wearable clothes, and as practical as possible.
When packing, we typically include gear that is synthetic and provides warmth, has sweat-wicking properties, and is also anti-odor, allowing for re-wearing.
- Wool socks – at least two pairs
- Fleece
- Rain and windproof jacket
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Wireless cell phone charger
- Cell phone
- Camera with extra batteries
- Pants for cooler evenings
- Pants for warmer days
- Shorts
- Sleeping thermals
- Brimmed hat
- Long sleeve shirt
- Short sleeve shirt
- Hiking shoes or walking shoes
- Hiking sandals – depending on what you plan to do
- Undergarments
- Sunglasses
Check Campground Guidelines
It is important to always adhere to the rules and guidelines of the campground, as they are designed to ensure the safety of both yourself and others. Typically, campgrounds establish requirements concerning various aspects such as:
- On-site parking and number of vehicles.
- Unregistered visitors.
- Pet type and behavior.
- Excessive noise during quiet hours.
- Keep your campsite and all public areas clean.
If you would like, the staff is able to offer a list of rules that need to be followed, or you may choose to call the campground before making a reservation in order to verify the essential information.
