Planning your first camping trip can be challenging. There’s a lot to prepare and get ready for, and when it’s your first time it’s hard to know where to start. No need to worry, though, because here we will guide to get ready for your first camping trip and have a great time! We’ve broken it down into the three main things you’ll need to keep in mind: the destination, the activities, and the gear.
1. The Destination
Since this is your first time camping, you want a destination that’s easy to find and safe for beginners. Going to a private campground might be a great choice for a first trip. They usually have more amenities and better security. You won’t have to worry about water, electricity, showers, or even Wi-Fi, because they’re all included. Most private campgrounds have wide driveways (since many of their guests are RVers), and some in the pricier range even have pools and laundry facilities. Even at a less expensive place, you’ll be able to relax and unwind without having to think about logistics.
Public campgrounds such as city and state parks are a good option for first-time campers looking for the experience of going ‘outdoors’. Many of them have paved roads for RVs just like private campgrounds, but if you’re really after the ‘outdoor’ feel they’re great for tent camping too. Almost all of them have picnic tables and a common bonfire ring (great for making friends with other campers), and most of them have running water and public showers too. Only a few, however, have electricity and Wi-Fi.
I wouldn’t recommend wilderness camping (such as on a lakeshore or a mountain) for your first time. Although it’s much cheaper than the first two options because you won’t have to pay for your campsite, you can forget about having access to running water and electricity. You also run a higher risk of encounters with wild animals such as snakes, bears, and insects. This is great for getting the full outdoor experience, but it’s not something you should try unless you have prior knowledge and skills in camping.
2. The Gear
Here is an easy go-to checklist for your first time camping. These are the things that you will most likely need whether you go to a public or private campground.
Campsite
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping mats
- Tarps
- Pillows
- Shovel
- Fans
- Flashlight
- Tent repair kit
- Batteries
- Air pump
- Folding chairs
- Military knife
Clothing
- Shirts
- Pants
- Swimwear
- Active wear (if you’re going hiking, swimming,…)
- Socks
- Sweaters/jackets
- Pajamas
- Boots/sneakers
- Underwear
- Towels
- Raincoats
- Flip flops/sandals
Toiletries
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Tissues
- Deodorant
- Alcohol
- Sunscreen
- Aloe vera gel
- Medications
- Bug spray
- Bug-repellent lotion
- First-aid kit
Cooking
- Meal plan
- Lighter/matches
- Coffee
- Water
- Ice chest/cooler
- Pots, pans & skillets
- Spoons, forks & knives
- Plates, cups & bowls
- Water jug
- Bottle opener
- Sugar, salt, and other spices
- Trash bags
- Charcoal if using a provided barbecue at the campground
- Aluminum foil
Miscellaneous
- Magnifying glass
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Hats/caps
- Board games
- Umbrellas
- Lanterns
- Fuel
- Wet wipes
- Ball/Frisbee
- Radio
- Compass & map
- Mirror
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Sewing kit
- Rope
Of course, you can add/subtract things from this list, or simply make your own! Use this list to get you thinking about what you actually need; these are just the most common and most essential items for most first-time campers. I put it in categories to make it easier to keep track of everything, but you can make your own categories and classify your items in a different way – everyone has their own way of organizing. Try to have some classification system, though; it makes packing (and unpacking when you get to the campsite) a lot easier.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. Let me know in the comments if you’re starting to plan your first camping trip, and if this article helped. Happy camping!
3. The Activities
There are lots of fun things to do when you go camping! So stay away from your phones and tablets; you’re going camping, so you’d better make the most of what Mother Nature has to offer! Here are some easy activity suggestions for your first camping trip:
1. Setting up a campfire
This is a must. Your camping experience just won’t be complete without a campfire! And it’s even more fun when you challenge yourself (or your kids) to build one from scratch! When you’re just starting out with camping, though, make sure to have matches and/or a lighter ready as a backup. Also, think about bringing a few old newspapers so you can easily start your fire. Wood is usually available for purchase at the campground.
2. Hicking and nature trails
Most campgrounds have trails you can go hicking on with various degrees of difficulty. Just make sure to have good walking or hicking shoes or booths for your expedition, a map, some bug repellent, and sunscreen as well as plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Mother Nature has a lot of wonderful pets, and when you’re hicking, you’ll be able to watch them up close! Don’t get too close, though, or could put yourself in danger. The animals you’ll meet outdoors are wild yet delicate, so you have to be careful around them. Use binoculars or a super-zoom camera to get a better view!
3. Bug hunting!
Bug hunting is easy, basic, and cheap! All you need is a large jar and some guts, and you’re good to go! Do your research beforehand, though, so you know which local insects to avoid. It’s super fascinating, especially for the kids! Bring an insect guidebook so you can identify the bugs you’ve caught. When you’re finished examining them, release them back to the wild – it’s where they belong!
4. Outdoor cooking
This is actually really easy – especially once you have your bonfire set up. Roasting hotdogs and marshmallows are traditional, but you can do a whole lot more! If you bring a few pots and pans, you can cook soup, rice, stews, etc. – basically anything you can cook at home! You can also try ‘baking’ hot dogs in a makeshift oven made from a shoebox covered in foil. Put it under the sun and it’ll be cooked in a few minutes! Most campsites come with a charcoal grill, so you can easily cook burgers and sausages as well!