Imagine you’re camping in a forest and your tent’s pole breaks. What if you don’t even have the tools to fix it and put back pieces together? If not properly planned, camping can be a nightmare. Unless you’re a seasoned camper, planning this trip can be intimidating for beginners. The thought of spending the night under the stars and watching the sunrise makes you feel energized and motivated for camping. But in all this excitement, don’t forget to start planning in advance. Camping isn’t just about getting a tent and some snacks for the trip. There’s a long camping gear checklist that helps people plan a comfortable trip. Besides packing the right gear, you also need to consider other factors. Camping isn’t the same for all people. A group of friends going hiking needs to plan differently than those going car camping with the family.
If you’re going for your first overnight campout, it makes sense to first familiarize yourself with this adventurous trip. Remember, even after planning out everything, you may encounter a few bumps and your trip may not go as planned. However, camping gives lifelong memories to cherish. To make this trip as enjoyable as possible, get familiar with some camping basics. In this post, you’ll find some great camping tips to help you avoid making mistakes.
Plan for Bad Weather
When you’re going to spend day and night outdoors, don’t forget to check the weather forecast. However, even if the weather seems normal, you should stay prepared for unexpected twists. It’s a good idea to pack weather-appropriate clothes, some blankets, a hat, an umbrella, a waterproof jacket, bug repellent, and other useful items. Don’t forget your flip-flops and hiking shoes.
Use a Camping Essentials Checklist
If you’re a newbie, the internet is your best friend. You can find plenty of camping gear checklist online that helps you pack properly for this trip. Typically, items included in these checklists are a spacious tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, cookware, stove, cooking items, mugs, toiletries, water, snacks and ready-to-cook meals, compass, headlight, lanterns, fire igniter, knife, first aid kit, and more. Make sure you pack everything you’re going to need and even test gears like setting up the tent before you head out. Practice installing a tent and crawl inside to get an idea about how many people can sleep comfortably.
Research Destination
Before you reach the campsite, make sure you know everything about it. Take time to research your camping destination to find out information like weather, accessibility, nearby places, amenities, and activities available. If you’re going with family or trying camping for the first time, prefer a national park or local campsite that has basic facilities like running water, washroom, tables, etc. It is also good to choose a destination that is easy to reach and has plenty of entertainment options like fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and more. Researching destinations helps you pack the right gear for the activities available such as swimsuits, fishing rods, or kayaks.
Plan Entertainment & Meals
Camping means planning everything- from cooking to entertainment. Kids, especially get bored if not engaged in fun activities. While most of the time is spent exploring the area, you may need some relaxing time when you can spend quality time with loved ones. You can keep board games, a guitar, story books, or plan bonfire. You can also plan a scavenger hunt for the kids. Your children might also enjoy roasting marshmallows. So, encourage them to participate in cooking. However, to keep cooking simple, bring chopped veggies and quick snacks.
