Camping seems like such an easy thing to do, right? After all, you must bundle up in warm clothes and sleep outside, right? Unfortunately, camping is more than just throwing your sleeping bag on the ground outside at night. Though it might seem daunting when you're first starting, camping isn't as difficult or intimidating as it might seem if you follow these tips from veteran campers. With this beginner's guide to camping, you'll be prepared for your next camping trip!
Types of Tents
There are a few tents to choose from, the most popular being dome-shaped and pyramidal. Dome-shaped tents are spacious, but don't have as many good ventilation options as pyramidal ones. Pyramidal tents offer more headroom and better air circulation in warmer climates, but they can also be more difficult to set up and carry around on longer trips. The tent's weight is also important to consider. For shorter camping trips, you may want to take a lighter option; for longer expeditions, it's worth investing in something that will last you for years.
Clothing & Shoes
â Dress in layers
â We recommend bringing a pair of hiking shoes, water shoes, and flip-flops to wear at the beach.
â For clothes, bring comfortable clothes that you wouldn't mind getting dirty. Shorts are always a good idea.
â Bring two pairs of socks with you (one thin pair, one thick pair). It's always nice to have dry socks if your feet get wet!
Choosing A Campsite
When picking a campsite, it's important to remember that you'll need access to water and bathrooms. The best spots are those with secluded areas or trees for privacy. Once you pick a site, make sure you have enough space for your tent and enough flat ground for your camping supplies. Don't forget to leave the area cleaner than how you found it!
Safety Tips
â Make sure that you have the right gear. This includes a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, and all the other necessities you'll need to survive. Make sure you have enough food and water for your trip.
â Always let someone know where you're going before you head out on your trip, just in case something goes wrong or if they want to join you on the camping adventure.
Cooking, Eating, and Drinking Tips
Campfire cooking can be a fun part of camping with friends. Ensure you have some ingredients for s'mores and something to cook on the fire. This could include a skillet, baking dish, or cast iron pot. Here are some good dishes you might consider making over the campfire: s'mores, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, Dutch oven breakfast casserole with biscuits, grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, baked beans in a Dutch oven, campfire calzones, or pizza dough.
Cleaning Up After Yourself
It is important to clean up after yourself when you're camping, both for your own sake and for the sake of others. Mostly, it is easy to do this using a trash bag or a bucket with a lid. Collect all your garbage, put it in a bag or container, and then discard it when you are back home. Ensure any food waste goes into a sealed container to avoid attracting animals.
Staying Warm at Night
One of the most important things to consider when going camping is how you will stay warm at night. The first option is to use a tent that has a built-in heater. Alternatively, you can bring an additional sleeping bag or use an air mattress and blankets to stay warmer. Regardless of your choice, it's important to have some way to keep your body heat contained, so it doesn't escape into the cold night air.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you to learn about the ins and outs of camping. There are a lot of great resources out there for beginners, so don't be afraid to explore new topics as you continue on your camping journey. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Happy Camping!