5 Essential Outdoor Camping Tips Every Beginner Needs to Read

Many people dream of camping. They envision the perfect trip where they can enjoy the beauty without the distractions of their daily lives. However, when they get out to the wilderness for the first time, they quickly discover a lot they don’t know, and the trip won’t be everything they imagined. This situation can be easily avoided by taking time to learn some basic camping tips, such as those outlined below.

Food Prep

Regular meals are important when camping. Hiking to a campsite, setting up a tent, and completing other outdoor activities requires a lot of energy. Invest in essential camping gear and consider choosing a site with grills. Transport and store the food carefully to keep wild animals at bay, and practice cooking on the camp stove at home. Out in the wilderness is not the place to figure out how it works. Keep meals simple initially and clean up as soon as the meal is done.

Sleeping Outdoors

Most people choose to sleep in a tent, camper, or cabin. Sleeping under the stars sounds heavenly, but it may not be great. Learn where and how to set up a tent. Nobody wants to sleep on a rock hidden under the tent floor or wake up to a collapsed tent. Many people invest in tent trailers for sale so they can take shelter on every trip, rather than relying on accommodations at an established campground. They always have somewhere to stay if a reserved cabin falls through or the cabin is uninhabitable. Go to the bathroom before bed and zip up the tent. This will keep unwanted visitors from coming in. Remove any extra layers, as sleeping bags need body heat to warm up. If it is warm outside, forego the sleeping bag and sleep on top of it rather than in it.

Using the Bathroom

Most campgrounds have bathrooms, so this won’t be a significant concern. Pack some toilet paper and head out for an adventure. For those camping in the wilderness, the woods are nature’s bathroom. Pack a bathroom kit, including toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a trowel to bury human waste. Find a spot away from trails, camps, and water sources, and ensure it is plant-free. Nobody wants to find they have poison ivy or poison oak on their lower body. That would be uncomfortable!

Find a Water Source

When camping outdoors, try to find a natural water source. Rivers, streams, and creeks are excellent options. If one cannot be found, search for a lake or pond. However, always treat any water taken from a natural source. Carry a water purification system to treat the water and ensure it is safe for human consumption.

Carry a First Aid Kit

Things can and do go wrong when people camp. Some accidents can be avoided, while others cannot. Always have a first aid kit on hand and include a way to contact first responders in this kit. Consider investing in a satellite phone specifically for these trips, as a cell phone won’t work if no towers are nearby. Everyone should carry a whistle and a business card containing emergency contact information, allergies, and medical conditions.

Many people find camping enjoyable. However, it does take some knowledge to have a successful trip. The tips outlined above are an excellent starting point, but learning more before embarking on the first camping trip never hurts. One can never know too much about spending time in the great outdoors, as nature has a way of surprising humans at every turn.