Demystifying Camping for Newbies
By: Michelle Martin
Tags: Nature, Adventure, Camping Gear, Camping, Outdoors

What To Do To Make Sure Your First Camping Trip is Stellar

That’s it. You’ve made up your mind. You see your outdoorsy friend post yet another series of stories on their Instagram. It makes you want to run to your nearest outdoor store and grab everything you need for a night outside under the stars. Starting with a gently-used tent, you realize you may want to splurge on a good all-weather sleeping bag because you read somewhere it’s important. You’re going down a mental checklist and start adding each item as you think of them.

After half an hour spent going down the rabbit hole, you’ve given up. There’s no way you can pick up a few supplies and go camp. You leave the store or website feeling defeated.

But I’m here to tell you: you so totally can do this.

And you don’t need to start with a trove of expensive equipment and supplies. Most experienced campers will tell you to take your time and enjoy the journey and experience. You will become more comfortable spending time outside alone and away from your home.

Let’s not get crazy and plot out a four-night, hike in/hike out trip. One where you’ll need to account for food, water, and supplies. (Although if you’re one of those all-or-nothing type folk, more power to you and you’re far more courageous than I!)

One of the biggest motivators for a first camping trip is to step away from the busyness of everyday life. To relax, unplug, and connect with nature instead of our screens. Let’s not start stressing over making this experience complicated.

Let me demystify the planning and set up of your first solo or partner camping trip.

1. Don’t worry about camping somewhere primitive right now.

Find a camping spot next to where you can park your car that isn’t too far away from your home. This will make you feel more comfortable knowing that you have easy access to a vehicle and a sturdier shelter than your tent. You’ll still get those insta-worthy outdoor shots.

More importantly, you’ll feel comfortable and confident that you’ve successfully found a good spot. That feeling of success will follow you into your next camp night. Use a tool like AllTrails to search for camping sites and trails near you.

2. Most outdoor lovers are incredibly kind and welcoming; ask to borrow their tent and other expensive items.

It’s true. The outdoor-lover is usually a very generous person who wants others to experience the joys of camping. They’ll want to share tidbits of knowledge with you and encourage this step that you’re taking. Remember those items you were looking up and determined that “maybe after I save a bit more I can go?” While you may want all the nice and new shiny camping equipment, you don’t need them when you’re first starting out. Begin to buy items a little at a time — don’t break the bank.

To begin, you’ll need:

a weather-proof tent

sleeping bag (check for the rated temperature it can comfortably handle)

sleeping pad

camping pillow

camping chair

camping table

battery-operated lantern

headlamp/flashlight with enough batteries

Don’t feel like asking to borrow or don’t know anyone who camps regularly? Reach out to your local outfitter to rent the higher-priced equipment.

3. Don’t let yourself get hangry!

Bring enough food and water with you. Rule of thumb: bring one gallon of water per person per day of camping plus extra for anything that needs or uses water. Before you go, research the spot you’ve chosen to see if there is a water source. Bring easy-to-make foods like sandwich items, fruit, bagged snacks, etc.

Wanting to warm or cook food? Not a problem! This involves a little more planning and packing.

If you’re bringing a camp stove, you’ll need:

fuel

cooking pot

cooking utensils

eating utensils

can opener

mugs (hello morning coffee!)

cutting board for meats/veggies

storage bags or containers

cooler and ice

dish towel

recycle and/or trash bags*

*It is incredibly important that you do not leave anything behind at your campsite. Pack many trash bags and be diligent in picking up after yourself.

4. Check the forecast and pack the right clothes.

Always bring the right type of clothing for the cold and rain. Again nothing fancy, your typical waterproof jacket and thick sweaters. This is a good time to check FB Marketplace or your local thrift store for deals on gently used weather-related clothing.

Don’t like the idea of wearing second-hand clothing? Look for online discount stores like REI Outlet. Some of these businesses will offer a membership where you can get more discounts. Always read the fine print and know what you’re getting yourself into before purchasing. I’ve had a great experience with REI.

If it’s spring or summer, be sure to pack bug spray or citronella essential oil.

Since you have the storage space of your car and you’ll park it nearby, bring plenty of blankets and other items that’ll make your trip more comfortable.

5. Don’t feel bad if you need to cancel or push back your trip because of unfavorable weather.

Trust me, you would rather postpone your trip than suffer through one. Take all the plans and preparations you’ve made and choose another day. There’s no point in getting out there and trying to make things work when it wasn’t meant to be.

Take stock of the lessons you learned while planning for your canceled camping trip and revise your lists and ideas. Feel confident knowing that you made the smart and safe choice of staying inside during bad weather.

You will get out there!

There’s nothing like those first few trips to a campsite. Doing something new presents its own set of challenges and with experience, you’ll overcome those challenges. There is always something new to learn from being outside.

Taking it one camping trip at a time will help you feel successful. You’ll gain confidence and experience in the planning and preparation of camping outside. After all, unplugging from our screens and escaping to the outdoors isn’t as complicated as you think. You’ve got this.

This blog post was first published at michellemartinwrites.com