Over 48 million American households went camping at least once in 2020. And, a lot of them were first-time campers.
Are you thinking about trying out camping for yourself? Are you wondering how to get started?
Check out this guide to camping 101.
Get the Right Equipment
You should start by gathering the equipment you need to camp successfully. Depending on the camping approach you’ll be taking, you’ll have different needs. The shelter is an important part of the camping experience.
You should do what you can to be comfortable when you’re camping. Bring a proper sleeping bag, and pillows as well.
You can get a sleeping pad, too, to protect your back from the ground. If you plan to use a tent to camp, make sure that you know how to put the tent together.
You’ll need to eat when you’re out in the country. Consider buying backcountry cooking gear for your next trip.
You’ll need a way to cook your food, too, like a camping stove or supplies for a fire. A fire will also help keep you warm during cold nights.
Make sure you have emergency supplies, too. Always bring extra food and water. Always have a first aid kit available in case of injury.
And, you should make sure you have a way to contact help even if your cell reception is out. Have a map, just in case you get lost and your Google Maps isn’t working for you.
Pick a Time to Go Camping
You’ll want to be sure that you pick the right time of year for your camping trip. When you’re planning your first time camping, you probably don’t want to go in the dead of winter.
For a first-time trip, you should pick a time in the spring or fall, when it’s not too cold out and not too hot. But, keep an eye out for sudden changes in the weather.
Once you know when you want to go, you’ll have to decide where you want to go. Campsites can get booked up quickly.You’ll need a way to cook your food, too, like a camping stove or supplies for a fire. A fire will also help keep you warm during cold nights.
So, you might have to book your camping trip well in advance, if you go that route. You may also need different supplies depending on what type of campsite you plan to go to, which is something that you should keep in mind.
Entertain Yourself
Once you get out in the wild and have your camping basics all set up, you’ll want to have things you can do out in the wild. You can bring sports equipment so that you can play different games before the sun goes down. Musical instruments are a good way to entertain yourself when you sit around the fire.
Camping 101: Now you Know
With this camping 101 guide, you’ll have no problem getting out into the wild. So, start planning your first trip ASAP.