You don’t have to be an expert to plan an awesome camping trip. If you’re hoping to go camping with minimal problems, here’s what you need to know.
Grab the Right Gear
The best camping gear will make a huge difference in how successful your trip is. The gear you’ll need will depend on the type of trip you want to take. If you’re a camping newbie, you probably shouldn’t start by backpacking up a mountain with all your gear.
Car camping is a good idea for anyone still learning the ropes. You won’t have to worry about over-packing or under-packing since you can leave all your extra gear in the car.
It’s a good idea to talk with experienced campers to see which gear they prefer and suggest you get. You can chat with someone you know or join an online forum to see what people suggest.
At the very least, you will need a good tent, a sleeping bag (per person), and camp chairs. These are the essentials for a successful car camping trip.
Once you have the basics, you can add other items like a camp stove and a sleeping pad (for putting under your sleeping bag).
You’ll need some kitchen essentials like cups, plates, and pots and pans. Camping cookware is made specifically for this purpose, so if you’re planning to make this a regular experience, it might be a good idea to invest in a set.
When you plan what you’ll eat and drink during your trip, you can decide what pots and pans you’ll need.
Maybe you’re just going to roast hot dogs over a campfire and drink beer. Simplifying your food and drink is a great plan when it’s your first trip.
The last thing you want is to end up not eating breakfast because you brought bacon but nothing to cook it in. Getting the right gear might be the step that takes you the longest, but it’s probably the most important.
Pick a Location and a Date
In the United States, millions of people camp every year, and it’s becoming more and more popular. Summer is the most popular time to camp, and many people choose to go somewhere close to home.
This means that when you decide it’s time to try camping, the sites near you may already be overcrowded or fully booked. Take some time to research camping spots and when you’d like to go.
Summer is a good choice because of the temperate weather, but fall and winter camping aren’t out of the question.
If you live in a southern state, the time of year won’t make too much of a difference, but even campers in northern states head out for a weekend in the snow.
After you have your gear purchased and organized, pick a place and day for your trip, and don’t forget to check the weather before you leave.
The forecast may say clear skies until the last minute and then you’ll regret leaving your raincoat behind.
Scope Out the Site
Not all campsites are the same. Get recommendations from other campers and then do your research on each location.
You may want to conduct a free background check on the site and its employees to make sure everything is on the up and up. You’ll be spending a few days and nights at this site, so you want to know you’ll be safe.
A background check will make you feel more secure, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area.
Many campsites don’t have cell service, so you may want to let a family member or friend know where you’ll be and when they should expect to hear from you.
Camping can make you feel relaxed and carefree. Take a trip and you’ll never want to go back to real life.
About The Author:
Carla Smith is the founder of SafeandHealthyLife.com. Her main objective is to provide informative articles, reviews, and analysis of health & fitness topics to her readers that help them to make their life easier and happier. Connect with her on Twitter.
