How to camp: the definitive guide for beginners

Now I know what you’re saying… I’d really like to camp, sounds like fun but I have no idea how to camp, what to bring or what to expect. There are a few things you really need to figure out before you can figure out what you need to do to prepare for your camping trip. Answering the following basic questions will guide you in finding your balance.

1. What type of camping have you decided to do? Did you want to go RV camping? Camping/caravan camping? camping tents? Backpack camping/hiking? Canoe/kayak camp?

Determining the type of camping you want to do can help you determine what kind of equipment and experience is needed. For example, you would need a very different type of gear for RV camping versus hiking camping.

Campsite descriptions:

RV camping (or RV camping) is more like living at home because you bring a furnished vehicle that you basically live in with you. You can make your RV as comfortable as you want. Chances are you can bring everything you need from home in your RV. All you really need to think about is what food and personal items you’d like to store it in. This type of camping is generally for people who don’t like to “have a rough time” but would also like to be social, as many times the RVs are parked fairly close to each other or in similar sections. Although there are some normal maintenance items with RVs, you basically park them and live in them.

Camper or Trailer camping is just one step tougher than RV camping. Many times RVs or trailers don’t have showers or toilets, unlike most RVs. Depending on the camper or trailer, a refrigerator may not be included either. In general, RV or RV camping is more for people who don’t like to sleep on the ground or worry about severe weather, but still want to get out.

Camping in tents is generally more for people who would like to “have a rough time”. Camping in tents requires you to think about all your basic needs in advance (food, hygiene, bathroom requirements, shelter, keeping watch at night, warmth). Actually, there are also different levels of tents. Some people like to bring a tent and shop for all their necessities, while others like to camp in more remote areas, away from people. Packing for a camping trip in a tent can be time consuming because you have to think about everything you might need.

Backpacking or hiking camping is a bit more for experienced campers. Think about it…everything you think you’re going to need you have to be able to strap it on your back and carry it quite a distance. You have to be able to pack well and pack light!

Canoe/kayak camping is a lot like hiking camping when it comes to packaging, but there’s another element to add. You have to make sure everything is waterproof. Canoe/kayak camping would be for the more experienced campers and of course for those who know how to canoe and/or kayak.

Recommendations for camping situations:

RV Camping: Shop around and do your research before deciding on an RV to buy. Talk to people who already have them and ask them what they like and don’t like about their particular model. Go to RV dealerships and tour some of them. Maybe go as far as renting an RV on a little trip to see what you like or don’t like about RV camping.

RV/Trailer Camping: Because conveniences like a refrigerator may not be available, more preparation and foresight is required. You will most likely have to purchase a cooler or two to keep your food and drinks chilled. Also, you may need to think about generators if you want to run electrical items. Although you may have beds in the RV, you may need to lay out bedding.

Tent – ​​Think about the type of tent you would like to make. Does my tent have to be lightweight? Waterproof? wind resistant? What size tent do I need (family size or just for me)? What terrain will I be camping on? A good tent can make a difference on your trip.

Backpacking/Hiking Camping: Look for light supplies as you have to carry them all. Equipment research on rugged, lightweight hiking backpacks is a good idea. Always check ahead of time if the area you want to hike and camp allows people to do so. Watch for “no trespassing” signs and pay attention. Check your weather! You need to know what gear to pack for the weather. It is also recommended that you camp with a friend. In case something happens, there should be someone who can go get help.

Canoe/kayak camping: It may be advisable to take a few canoe or kayak lessons (and swimming lessons) before attempting a camping trip in this way. You might want to rent a canoe or kayak to make sure you like the activity before you dive in.

two.  Where have you decided to go camping? Are you going to camp in the desert? Beach? Forest/forest?

This is a very important question that you must answer to discover your main needs. You would prepare very differently for camping in the wilderness than you would for camping in the woods.

In the desert, camping temperatures can range in extremes, from the heat of the day to the cold of the night. The biggest threats (most of the year) in the desert are the sun and dehydration. It is very important to protect yourself with sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Due to the dry air, you do not realize how much you are sweating because it evaporates very quickly from your skin.

Camping on the beach is very nice, but you must prepare for it. Due to the nature of sand, it is difficult to load things with normal tent pegs. There are tent pegs that are much longer for this specific purpose. You also need to be prepared for the possibility of sand getting into everything. Depending on how deep into the arena you’d like to go, you need to think about the vehicle you’re using to get there. Again, with the nature of sand, it can be difficult to dig back in. You may want to bring a random shovel or piece of wood.

Woods/forests are usually great for shelter from storms and sun. They’re also great for hammocks, but you have to be careful around biting insects and certain biting plants. Bug spray would be a great recommendation for camping in the woods.

3.  When or what time of year are you going to camp?

Figuring out what kind of weather you’ll be dealing with while camping is key. Personally, I think this is the most important information required to plan a proper camping trip. Of course, if you have an RV, this information probably won’t help you because it’s not exposed to the elements.

Obviously, camping in colder climates requires warmer clothing, but you may want to consider a warmer camping sleeping bag, regardless of the method of shelter you’re using.

Camping in a wetter climate means your terrain can be more difficult to manage. If you are camping in a tent, it is recommended to place a tarp under your tent, find a little higher ground to pitch your tent, and always use your rain flies.

In hotter weather, always make sure to stay hydrated. If you bring your water with you, bring plenty. If you are going camping on a hike, you may want to consider a water treatment or camping water filter.

Congratulations on taking your first step toward camp by answering these preliminary questions. You are now on your way to planning a camping trip tailored more to your specific needs and wants.

Below is a list of general items to bring camping. Take from him what works best for you and your situation. Note: Personal items may be included at your discretion.

Things to take camping:

FIRST AID/ SURVIVAL KIT

  • Prescription drugs
  • snake bite kit
  • calamine lotion
  • insect repellent
  • Distilled water
  • isopropyl alcohol
  • cotton balls or cotton swabs
  • bandages
  • Moleskin (for sore feet)
  • Tweezers
  • needles
  • feminine products
  • Scissors
  • thermometer
  • Individually wrapped gauze pads
  • Scotch tape
  • Antiseptic
  • Clean old towel or part of the folded sheet
  • Steristrips (to join the cuts)
  • Aspirin
  • motion sickness medicine
  • Pepto-Bismol
  • aromatic ammonia
  • Glucose packets (for diabetics)
  • Water purification tablets or filtration kit
  • Shaving blades
  • Matches and waterproof container
  • Whistle
  • solid knife
  • Hydrogen peroxide

THE ESSENTIAL

  • Tent (tarpaulin, stakes, rainfly)
  • Sleeping bag (mattress to sleep under or air mattress)
  • Pillow
  • small ax
  • Flash lights (and good extra batteries)
  • Camping lanterns (with fuel or good extra batteries)
  • disposable butane lighter
  • Compass
  • maps
  • Hammock
  • Cooler (and ice)
  • Water (and/or water filter or water purification tablets)
  • Clothing (appropriate for the weather)
  • hat
  • Sunglasses
  • good walking shoes
  • personal hygiene items
  • pocket knife
  • Water bottle (or hydration pack)
  • Firewood (bring or buy at the campsite)
  • Backpack (and/or day backpack)
  • Camping
  • Games (cards, frisbee, small handheld games)
  • Camera (and good batteries)
  • S’mores Garnishes (Large Marshmallows, Grain Crackers, and Hershey’s® Chocolate)

COOKING?

  • Food obviously (canned and packaged usually works fine)
  • Stovetop (and fuel or charcoal) or grill or dutch oven
  • Pot and pan (and cooking utensils if you plan to cook)
  • Cups and plates and eating utensils
  • Resealable plastic bags
  • plastic containers
  • paper towel or napkins
  • Note: If there are bear boxes where you camp…use them!

THINGS OFTEN FORGOTTEN

  • can opener
  • wine bottle opener
  • Utensils
  • Towels
  • Soap (dish soap and bar soap)

IN CASE…

  • flares
  • folding shovel
  • tea bags
  • bouillon cubes
  • Poncho
  • candles
  • Rope or cord (12′ to 24′)
  • signal mirror
  • MRE (military term for “meals ready to eat”)
  • Suture kit (for extreme cases)
  • Fishing kit (and 15′ of 10lb line and sinkers and 35mm film container and hooks)
  • Water filter or water purification tablets
  • Life jackets (camping near the water)
  • Baking soda (for toothpaste, bug bites, antacid, odors, etc.)
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