Go-To Guide: Camping

Sometimes you just need to get away—from the city, from your home, from work, from your phone, from everything. Spending time in the great outdoors is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You can reset, recharge, and be at one with nature. It’s an opportunity to ditch technology in favor of scenery, to go hiking outdoors instead of to the gym, and to fall asleep under the stars instead of to the sound of the TV. You can go alone, or you can go with family or friends. Trust us, you’ll never forget the experience. While it’s easy to romanticize a camping trip, there’s also a lot about it that’s intimidating. That’s why it’s essential to prepare. Once you’ve done that, there’s no reason you can’t have a great adventure. Now let’s get to planning.

You’ve got options:

You can decide to take a traditional camping trip, where you BYO tent, find a spot at the campground, and set up your temporary abode.

You can choose a camping spot where your sleeping arrangements are set up for you. Some even offer a set menu of prepared foods, access to potable water, a cooler with ice, and grilling tools with a fire starter kit.

You can rent an RV, park it, and sleep there. Often there are communal amenities such as grills, fire pits, showers, and recreational areas with access to beaches, lakes, and fishing.

Or you can go glamping, where lodgings can include full beds, massages, Wi-Fi, and prepared meals. If you dream it, it’s probably out there.

Decide where and when you’re going. You know that co-worker who’s always talking about their off-the-grid adventures? This is a good opportunity to chat this person up. Also, talk to friends and family who have been to your dream camping destinations, and learn the pros and cons. What’s the space like? What’s the bathroom situation? What’s there to do nearby? Any rules or caveats you need to pay attention to, like, uh, lots of rattlesnakes, bears, or clouds of biting flies?

There are online resources that can help you find your ideal campsite. Check out Hipcamp, which helps people find camping experiences with all kinds of features and activities in all kinds of locations (horse camp, anyone?). And, there’s Tentrr, which allows you to book a campsite on private land, with your tent already set up. Amenities include a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, a wood stove, and a queen-size bed. Not bad!

To make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable, you’ll need to be prepared with the right gear. After all, you’re sleeping, cooking your meals, eating, and cleaning up after yourself (unless you want to meet aforementioned bears). You’ll also need equipment for all those activities you plan to do (hiking, fishing, picnicking).

If you’re going the traditional route, you’ll want to bring your own tent to the campsite. Tents come in varying sizes and offer different features, such as light-blocking technology or extra protection from the rain. Some tents are made to withstand different seasons. Some have “shelving” or mesh pockets to keep books, flashlights, and toiletries, but in terms of comfort, they’re all pretty similar to one another and bare bones. That’s what you came out into nature for, remember? Definitely bring the instructions with you, and if you have time, try pitching the tent at home before you go so that you’re not totally lost once you arrive.

One recommendation: If you can, size up. Two of you will be more comfortable in a four-person tent, and four will be more comfortable in a tent that sleeps six.

Sleeping bags have a lot of variability. Some are meant for one person, others for two. Some are meant for use during the summer, while others are meant for freezing temps. And there are those that are suitable for both warm and cold weather. Depending on where you’re going, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

If you really want to level up the whole experience, there are sleeping mats, air mattresses, and even beds that can go inside your tent. Have we mentioned this pastime has come a long way?

How long are you going to be gone? What are you planning to eat while you’re away? You may be staying close to a town with restaurants and not planning to cook every meal. Or you may want to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all at the campsite. You’ll also need snacks!

Plan your camp side meals, and make a shopping list, down to the spices. Consider bringing items that don’t need to be refrigerated. Apples, nut butters, and trail mix make great snacks that won’t take up precious cooler space. S’more fixings also don’t need to be kept on ice. Use a cooler to keep meat (for dinner, plus deli meats and cheeses for lunch), veggies, and condiments. Depending on which cooler you own, you’ll need to restock your ice sooner, so make sure you know where the nearest convenience store is.

Pro Tip: It’s important to keep food stored and covered to avoid attracting wildlife. Some campers use bear-proof food storage boxes or their locked vehicles, or even hang their foodstuffs in a bag from a tree branch. Never, ever keep food in your tent. It’s also best to avoid cooking bacon and fish, two potent items that send a signal that the kitchen is open!

You’ll also need cooking equipment. Unless you’re well-versed in cooking over an open fire (and your campsite allows it), opt for a propane grill. We like this one because it’s collapsible and has two adjustable burners. Take some grill tools and cookware with you as well, and don’t forget skewers for marshmallows! If you can’t live without your morning coffee, you might want to take along a Camping Percolator. As for those unwanted animals, keep them at bay by cleaning your cookware after using them.

Next up: You’ll need things to eat with and something to eat on. Bring bowls, plates, and cutlery. If your campsite doesn’t have picnic tables, bring collapsible chairs or a blanket with you.

In addition to your cooler for food, you’ll probably want to bring one for juices, sodas, and other drinks. A portable water filter also isn’t a bad thing to have around. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter will remove bacteria, chlorine, protozoa, and organic chemical matter from any water source. Or use tap water and add the GoPure Water Purification Pod. Don’t forget to bring a bottle with you and fill up where you can!

Remember this motto: Leave no trace! It’s key to being a good camper. Carry out all waste and dispose of it properly.

Last but not least are the things you’ll need to keep you safe and make your life easier. A flashlight will help you see at night, necessary for getting ready for bed, using the bathroom in the middle of the night, and of course, telling ghost stories. A power inverter will help you charge up using your car’s battery. And it’s always a good idea to bring a first aid kit in case of any scrapes and bruises while hiking. Oh yeah, don’t forget the bug and tick spray!

Planning ahead will make you and your family happy campers. Have a wonderful trip!