If you feel like you want to escape your day-to-day routine and spend more time in nature, why not give camping a try? Camping is a great way to explore your surroundings, learn a few new skills, and de-stress. Plus, it is usually a lot cheaper than traveling and staying at expensive hotels. If you are a complete camping beginner and do not have someone experienced with you to guide you through the process, do not worry. Check out this simple camping guide for newbies and you will be good to go!
Location
When you are planning your first camping trip, you want to make things as easy for yourself as possible. Therefore, do not go too far from your house and from civilization. You want to have the option of quickly returning home if you need to grab anything, or going to the store if it is necessary.
The best option would be a campground that has bathrooms and other campers there that can help you with anything you need. Once you become more experienced, you can go to more secluded locations, but play it safe the first time around.
Camping gear
First of all, you need to acquire some essential camping gear before you set off on your first camping adventure. The most important item you are going to need is, of course, a tent. The size of the tent depends on the number of people that will be sleeping in it, so if you are taking your whole family with you, you might need something as big as a 6-person tent. If you want to save some money, you can even rent a tent for your first campout. You will also need to learn how to set up your tent, so we recommend practicing at home before the trip. Sleeping bags and pads are necessities as well – you want to be as comfortable as you can and protect yourself from the freezing cold at night. Other things you might need include a stove, cooler, pots and plates, as well as chairs and a table. Lastly, do not forget lighting, for example, a flashlight or a headlamp.
Clothes
When you are going camping, being fashionably dressed does not need to be your priority. There is a good chance that your clothes might get dirty at some point, so it is better to bring something that you do not mind ruining. More importantly, wear something that is comfortable and warm, especially for sleeping. A good pair of sneakers is a must and it is also smart to bring a rain jacket so that you are prepared for any occasion.
Toiletries
Before your first, or any trip, it is always a good idea to make a list of all the things you need so that you do not forget anything important. You will need to bring all of your basic toiletries with you since you won’t find any of those in nature. A soap, toilet paper, deodorant, and towels are things without which you do not want to go camping. You should also be prepared for any smaller accidents, so bring your first aid kit and make sure you have bandages. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and insect repellent to avoid any annoying inconveniences.
Food
Of course, you are going to need enough food to last you your whole trip, so make sure that you plan your meals beforehand. Bring something that is easy to make or that you just need to heat up. Snacks are optional, but always recommended – is it really camping if it doesn’t include eating s’mores around a campfire? You also want to bring a lot of water as well as other drinks such as coffee or tea.
