We’re sure it’s getting quite stuffy being stuck at home. This is why it’s not surprising that most people are already planning camping trips even if they aren’t sure when they will be able to actually go yet.
While we’re all for this and support your plans to go out and enjoy the wilderness, camping isn’t something to be underestimated. Luckily, we’ve prepared some tips for those of you who are going to be camping for the first time. If you want to know more about this, read on for our six tips to make the most of your first camping trip!
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Plan Out Your Trip
This tip may seem quite simple, but it’ll go a long way in helping make your camping trip more enjoyable. While winging it and being spontaneous is fun, there are some things that you have to prepare and plan out. So before embarking on your first camping trip, be sure to have the essentials in order.
One thing you can do is make the necessary campground reservations well ahead of your camping trip. This is especially important during peak camping seasons, as you may find yourself without a spot if you choose to do this at the very last minute. If you’re looking for more ways to better prepare for your trip, check out Dennis Taylor’s article on planning a group camping trip.
Prepare the Right Tools
Camping is a great way to unwind and relax. Nothing beats being close to nature, taking in all the sights and sounds. Indeed, nature can be quite serene but this doesn’t mean that you should go out there unprepared or miss out on making memories. Camping can get quite rough especially if you don’t have the right tools with you. What you’ll and the equipment you require need will differ depending on where you’ll be going. Luckily, all of these things have become pretty accessible over the years so that you’re able to enjoy your trip and capture all of your memories. Adorama’s selection of drones and survival essentials represents how much equipment is readily available for camping enthusiasts on the market nowadays. Depending on where you’re going, tools can range from trekking poles, specialized apparel designed to help you cope with sub-optimal environments and the aforementioned drones to get aerial shots that can be the perfect mementos.
One tip we can give you regarding what to bring to your camping trip is to do your research on where you’ll be camping. This is important as it’ll dictate what you should be bringing. If a camping spot gets particularly cold when you’re due to go, then it is in your best interest to bring clothes fit for the environment.
Be Wary of Bugs and Animals
Speaking of being prepared for nature, you’ll also want to be wary of the wildlife present in most of your chosen camping spots. One thing that you should remember is that you’re sharing these spaces with them, which is why they should be treated with as much respect as you would your neighbors back home.
You could encounter bears, foxes, owls, and other sorts of creatures during your trip. Do not approach, feed, or harass any of the animals as this will lead to nothing but trouble down the line. Other creatures you have to watch out for while camping are ticks. While they seem like just a minor annoyance, CNN notes that ticks can be a source of diseases such as Lyme disease. One great way to avoid ticks is by tucking your pants into your socks and shoes so they have no place to latch onto. It is also in your best interests to inspect your clothing right after being exposed to nature to make sure no ticks have latched onto you.
Organize Activities
While we’re all for spontaneity, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to plan out what you’ll be doing during the trip. Now, this isn’t limited to the obvious things such as trekking and other nature-related things. This could also mean bringing along some board games or card games to help pass the time with the people you are with. Alternatively, you can make use of any cameras or drones that you’ve packed and take some unforgettable photographs or videos.
With that being said, it would be great if you could read up on the best things to do in your chosen camping area. If there are nearby lakes, it would be great to go swimming or capture them on film. If they’re known for having a great camping trail, then it would be foolish not to go. While it may seem boring, planning your activities ahead of time will be worth it once you get there and know what you’re doing.
Prepare Meals
This is the part that many people dread when they go camping. However, we believe that most people have trouble with their meals because they tend to overthink them. While camping is all about being close to nature and roughing it, this doesn’t mean that you can’t be smart about it.
This is why we suggest you bring along some prepared meals for your trip that you can either reheat or finish cooking when you get to the camping grounds. This way, you won’t need to go through the trouble of figuring out how to cook entire meals during your trip.
Proper Waste Disposal
Remember that one of the most essential principles of camping is to “leave no trace”. So for our last tip, we highly recommend that you bring biodegradable bags on your trip for quick and easy waste disposal.
Do the bags have to be biodegradable? Considering that America produces more waste than any other developed country in the world, you should do all you can to help the environment and shifting to biodegradable trash bags is a great first step. In fact, The Independent eco-friendly alternatives rightfully includes biodegradable trash bags, as they’re 100% compostable and will help lessen the amount of physical waste being amassed in our landfills. It’s important to note that these bags aren’t only better for the environment but are also more economical, as some of the bags are cheaper than their non-biodegradable counterparts.
Disposing waste in the proper manner is a good way to keep animals such as bears away from your camping. Cleaning up after yourselves also ensures that the camping grounds stay clean, allowing you to enjoy nature without it being tarnished by waste.
If you’re looking for more camping tips, check out similar articles here on Outdoor Fact!
Last Updated on September 15, 2020
