Researching and preparing for your very fist camping trip can be overwhelming and a bit intimidating. A quick Google or YouTube search can lead you down a rabbit hole of information that may or may not help you feel prepared to take your first camping trip. In this blog I’ll be going through the absolute basics of camping to help you get started with planning your first camping trip. We will discuss the following:
- How to Find a Campsite
- What to Do While Camping
- Tent Shelter
- Sleep System
- What to Wear
- What to Pack
- Camp Meals
How to Find a Campsite
An easy way to find a campsite is to do a Google search such as “Campsite near me” or “Campsite in Yosemite National Park”. From there Google may take you to the website of the campsite you’re wanting to camp at. Some sites will list a phone number you can call to ask about campsite details and/or make a reservation. You can also download the app recreation.gov, it’s free and will allow you to search and reserve campsites across the United States of America.
One thing to consider is some campsites are on a first come first serve basis while others may require a reservation year-round or during peak seasons (typically in the Summer). Popular campsites often get booked months in advance, so getting your ideal spot may require planning and patience.
What to Do While Camping
The activities you can do while camping will depend on the location you choose to camp at. Most campsites will have a website that will list the amenities they offer. Some campsites offer easy access to local trails for hiking and/or biking, other sites have a lake nearby where you can swim, fish, kayak or jet-ski. Some sites even have bike and kayak rentals you can rent for the day or for several hours.
Knowing what your campsite offers will help you determine what you need to pack for your trip. Some sites include a picnic bench and a fire pit or picnic grill, and some may not. Some campsites may offer bathrooms only while some include bathrooms and showers. You may want to bring your quarters in case the showers are coin operated.
A few campsites include convenience stores on site that sell ice, firewood, insect repellent, snacks, and other things a camper may need and forgot to pack. If your campsite does not have a store, you may be able to find a local store in the nearest town. Exploring the nearby town/s can make for a fun camp activity (and yes you can leave your camp gear behind while you explore).
If you’re still not sure what to do while camping, you can’t go wrong with a good book, fun board games, art projects, or other hobbies you feel you don’t have time for in the business of city life.
Tent Shelter
Part of what makes camping camping is sleeping in a tent. Tent designs have improved greatly in the past few years, most being very easy to set up even for the most novice of campers. Tents can vary in size, material and design, and price range. You can buy your own tent or borrow from a friend or family member. You can also rent tents and other gear from places such as REI. You don’t have to buy the most expensive tent on the market with all the latest specs, start simple. All you need is something that will offer you some protection from the elements like rain, wind, sun, and bugs. Sleeping inside your car can be an option too if you’re not able to get a tent.
Sleep System
Most people know they will need a sleeping bag to sleep inside their tent. Again, you do not have to shell out for the most expensive sleeping bag. Start simple, borrow now, or rent one. If a sleeping bag is not accessible, take several blankets of different weights so you can adjust the warms to your comfort.
Aside from a sleeping bag/blanket you need a barrier between you and the floor. You can invest in a sleeping matt specific for camping, or you can use an inexpensive inflatable mattress. Even a simple yoga mat will be better than not having anything.
As for your camp pillow, there’s plenty of camp specific pillows or you can bring any pillow from home. Try to stay away from cotton pillows if you can as these will absorb moisture in the air and not offer much warmth. No one wants to sleep on a damp pillow.
What to Wear
The type of clothing you will wear will depend on the activities you’ll be doing and also the weather. What you want to keep in mind is to dress in layers so you’re prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Make sure to take protective shoes (i.e. sneakers, hiking boots) and comfort shoes (i.e. sandals, slippers, clogs). You’ll also want to pack some pajamas, again preferably not cotton but if that’s all you have that will work. You will for sure want to take a beanie and a few pairs of socks. If you’ get cold at night, keeping your head and feet warm can make a huge difference.
What to Pack
Aside from packing your tent, sleep gear, and personal clothing you’ll want to bring a few more things to make your camping experience more comfortable. You can download this camping checklist for free, it’s the one we use when packing for our own trips. And again, it’s ok if you don’t have everything on this list, start with what you have and if you decide you like camping and want to keep doing it, then invest in more gear.
Cell services can range from a few bars, spotty and slow, or completely off the grid with no cell reception; you’ll want to bring a map and make sure to let a friend or family member know where you’ll be and when you’re expected to be back. Most campsites will have maps available at their check in window or visitors center. You can also pack a portable battery to charge your phone and some extra batteries for you flashlight.
Camp Meals
As mentioned earlier, some campsites may have stores on site with some food options or they may be close enough to a town where you can have your meals in local restaurants.
However, if those are not options or you want the experience of making your own camp meals you’ll want to bring perishable food in an ice chest with ice, pots/pans, cooking utensils, dinner wear utensils, oil and spices/seasonings. The cooking utensils you’ll need will depend if you’re cooking over an ope camp fire, a picnic grill, or a camp stove with a bund stone burner.
If this part feels too intimidating, don’t let this prevent you from going camping. Instead, you can pack already prepared foods you can store in your ice chest and eat cold. Think sandwiches, fruit, overnight oats, salads, etc. You can also pack ready to eat foods like trail mix, jerky, tuna and crackers.
Make sure you take plenty of clean drinking water, as some campsites may not have running water on sight. Take a couple of gallons of water because you may need more than what your hydro flask can carry.
You’re Ready to Camp!
If you’ve made it this far, you are committed and ready for your first camping trip! That was a lot of information and there’s so much more we can discuss but we don’t need to go down the rabbit hole. I hope the information you received so far helps you feel comfortable and confident in spending more time outdoors.
Remember to keep it simple and start with what you have. You don’t need to be an expert to be “outdoorsy” and have a good time. Know that your first couple of times you will forget to pack things, you may even over pack, and some parts might not be so fun but that’s ok. Just like anything in life, we all start somewhere and we learn best through experience and trial and error.
You got this my friend! Go outside, be safe, have fun, and make sure to leave no trace.
Roaming The Trails 
Leave a comment