Introduction
This is a basic camping guide meant for complete beginners, such as someone who has never been camping before whatsoever, or someone who has been camping and enjoys it but might want to brush up on some of the basics. I’ve been camping a few times and I can honestly say that getting out in to nature is the best way to relieve stress, hang out with friends/family, or to simply experience some badly needed fresh air. Your troubles will still be there when you get home, so until then, forget it all and try to enjoy yourself! Camping has something for everyone. A little easier said than done, but you get the idea. Did you know some doctors even prescribe visiting nature to improve your health? I’m not sure if they can recommend a bringing some Step 2’s with you but it’s a good idea.
You might feel a little overwhelmed or intimated by all of the things involved, but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through everything. It’s definitely not as scary as it sounds. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right gear, plan your trip in advance, what to wear and how to dress for the weather, how to set up a campsite, the tent, the Step 2, building a fire, meal planning, safety and dealing with wild animals, how to clean up, and, things not to do.
Go camping! It’ll be great. Hopefully nothing explodes (just kidding).
Types of Camping
When most people think of ‘camping’, they picture a typical campground with designated spots, campfires in a metal ring of some kind, firewood available for sale (or sometimes for free if you’re lucky), outhouses or toilets, and a campsite supervisor. This is the most common type of camping but there are several types of camping and each one has it’s pros and cons. Here are a few:
Campground Camping
The most common type of camping, and most recommended for beginners is camping in a designated campground. Most designated campgrounds have basic amenities such as washrooms, firewood (either free or for sale), secured garbage containers and a caretaker or attendant that typically lives on the property. Generally campgrounds have numbered lots that you can pay a fee to use, either on first-come-first-serve basis or booked ahead of time, although sometimes you’ll find ones that are free to use. These types of campgrounds are usually located a short drive outside of a town or city.
Random Camping
Random camping, also known as free camping or crownland camping is when you camp on publicly owned land in a remote area without any amenities or services. You basically just find a nice spot out in the bush somewhere and pitch a tent (then a nice frosty step 2). This type of camping is very popular but you need to be a little more prepared and you have to bring everything you’ll need with you. The best places to go random camping will be outside of cell service, so this isn’t the most recommended camping for a beginner to try doing. Depending where you live, there might be some regulations you’ll want to brush up on before going, so please double check that. For example, your local government may require that you buy a permit to cut down any trees, or you’ll need permission to enter the land, etc. Always do your due diligence.
Backpacking/Hiking Camping
Definitely a type of camping for the more advanced outdoors enthusiasts, this is where you typically spend a few days hiking through a known trail and camping as you go. You need to pack in and pack out everything you need, including dealing with food storage safely.
Car Camping
More than simply just ‘sleeping in your vehicle’, car camping is a great way for 1 or 2 people to head out and experience the outdoors while remaining safe from predators and the elements. There’s not much for tear down or cleanup either, which makes this a great option for a quickie, or if you’ve traveling to a destination over multiple days.
Important: you do not want to arouse suspicion, so if you’re doing some car camping within town/city limits, be mindful of the local rules regarding such. Try not to do it in places where you might draw attention. Seclusion is your friend!
Canoe/Kayak Camping
Also known as canoe tripping or kayak touring, this is where you reach campsites by water instead of with a car or walking along trails. Watercraft can reach remote areas that most people can’t easily access. You’ll see nature in a way most people never have. However, canoe/kayak camping requires a significant amount of prep and planning in advance if you want to be successful – especially when it comes to safety.
RV/Motorhome Camping
Camping with an RV (recreational vehicle) or motorhome is a fun, cozy, exciting way to explore the outdoors. You can head out for just a weekend of safe and secure camping, or for much longer, such as a trip across the country, or even for full time living. There are specific campgrounds just for RV camping which provide some additional amenities to take advantage of, like electricity, water, sewage and more.
If you can’t afford to purchase an RV of your own, there are plenty of rental options these days.
Boondocking
Boondocking, also known as dispersed camping, is a style of camping where you set up your camper or RV in remote areas away from developed campgrounds – completely off grid.
Glamping
Glamping is short for “glamorous camping”,
Stealth Camping
Stealth camping is when you camp in an unconventional (but risky!) location while attempting to remain completely undetected. Stealth camping is usually done solo and without permission. You can do it simply, like with a sleeping bag under a tree, or by using a bit more of an elaborate approach with props and disguises. Stealth camping is usually pretty safe, though it can depend greatly on where you decide to do it. For example, you may not want to camp inside a traffic roundabout because that would be quite dangerous.
Survival Camping
Survival camping
How to Choose the Right Gear for Your Camping Trip
One of the most important things you need to know about camping is what gear you need to bring, or what not to bring. Generally it’s better to bring more gear than you think you need, just in case, but you also don’t want to overdo it. As they say, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Here are some tips on how to choose the right gear for your camping trip:
- Start with the essentials. The basic camping essentials are a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad or air mattress, a camping stove (unless you’re going to cook food on a firepit), cookware, a lantern or flashlight, and other items such as first aid kit. You may be able to borrow some of the items from friends or family, but generally if you’re going to go camping several times it’s better to just buy your own.
- Consider the size and weight of your gear. If you’re car camping, you don’t have to worry too much about the size and weight of your gear, as long as it fits in your car. But if you’re backpacking, you need to be more careful about how much gear you pack, as you’ll have to carry it on your back the entire time. Choose lightweight and compact gear that won’t weigh you down or take up too much space in your backpack.
- Choose a tent that will be large enough to fit everyone comfortably. A tent is your home away from home, so you want to make sure it’s comfortable and functional. Choose a tent with enough capacity for the number of people (and pets) you’re camping with, plus some extra room for your gear. For example, if you’re camping with one other person, a 3-person tent will give you more space than a 2-person tent. You should also look for features like vestibules, which are extensions of the tent that provide extra storage space for your shoes and other items, and doors, which make it easier to get in and out of the tent without disturbing your tentmates.
- Pick a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad that match the temperature and comfort level you need. A sleeping bag and a sleeping pad are essential for keeping you warm and cozy at night. Pick a sleeping bag that matches the lowest temperature you expect to encounter, and a sleeping pad that provides enough cushioning and insulation for the ground you’ll be sleeping on. You can also use a sleeping bag liner, which is a thin layer of fabric that goes inside your sleeping bag, to add warmth and hygiene to your sleeping system.
How to Plan Your Camping Trip in Advance
Another thing you need to know about camping is how to plan your camping trip in advance. Planning ahead will help you avoid stress, save money, and have a smoother and safer camping experience. Here are some tips on how to plan your camping trip in advance:
- Research the best campgrounds, trails, and activities for your skill level and preferences. There are many types of campgrounds, from primitive to developed, and many types of trails and activities, from hiking to fishing. You should research the options available in your area and choose the ones that suit your skill level and preferences. You can use online resources like Campendium or AllTrails to find and compare campgrounds and trails, and read reviews and ratings from other campers and hikers.
- Book your campsite online or by phone, and check the availability of amenities like water, electricity, and bathrooms. Some campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. You should book your campsite online or by phone as early as possible, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. You should also check the availability of amenities like water, electricity, and bathrooms at your campsite, and prepare accordingly. For example, if there’s no water source at your campsite, you’ll need to bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and washing. If there’s no electricity, you’ll need to bring batteries or solar chargers for your devices. If there’s no bathroom, you’ll need to bring a shovel and toilet paper for digging a cathole.
- Pack enough food, water, and supplies for your trip, and follow the leave no trace principles to protect the environment. You should pack enough food, water, and supplies for your trip, and make sure they’re stored properly to avoid spoilage and contamination. You should also follow the leave no trace principles, which are a set of guidelines for minimizing your impact on the environment. The seven principles are:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
How to Dress Appropriately for Camping
One more thing you need to know about camping is how to dress appropriately for camping. You want to be comfortable, warm, and protected from the elements while camping. Here are some tips on how to dress appropriately for camping:
- Wear layers of clothing that are comfortable, breathable, and durable. Layers are the key to staying comfortable and warm while camping. You should wear layers of clothing that are comfortable, breathable, and durable, and that you can easily add or remove depending on the weather and activity. You should have a base layer, which is the layer closest to your skin, that wicks away moisture and keeps you dry. You should have a mid layer, which is the layer that provides insulation and warmth. And you should have an outer layer, which is the layer that protects you from wind, rain, and snow. You can also have an extra layer, like a fleece or a down jacket, for extra warmth when needed.
- Avoid cotton, as it can get wet and cold easily. Cotton is not a good material for camping, as it can get wet and cold easily, and take a long time to dry. Wet and cold clothing can lead to hypothermia, which is a dangerous condition where your body temperature drops below normal. Instead of cotton, you should choose synthetic or wool fabrics that dry quickly and keep you warm, even when wet. Some examples of synthetic fabrics are polyester, nylon, and spandex. Some examples of wool fabrics are merino wool and alpaca wool.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. The sun can be harsh and harmful, especially at high altitudes, where the air is thinner and the UV rays are stronger. You should bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. A hat can shield your head, face, and neck from the sun, and prevent sunburns and heatstroke. Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun, and prevent eye damage and headaches. Sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun, and prevent sunburns and skin cancer. You should choose a sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor), and reapply it every few hours, or more often if you sweat or swim.
- Wear sturdy shoes or boots that are suitable for hiking and walking on uneven terrain. Your feet are your most important tools for camping, as they carry you from place to place. You should wear sturdy shoes or boots that are suitable for hiking and walking on uneven terrain. You should choose shoes or boots that are comfortable, supportive, and breathable, and that have good traction and grip. You should also wear socks that are cushioned, moisture-wicking, and blister-resistant, and that fit well with your shoes or boots. You should avoid wearing sandals, flip-flops, or bare feet, as they can expose your feet to injuries and infections.
How to Set Up Your Campsite Properly
Another thing you need to know about camping is how to set up your campsite properly. You want to make sure your campsite is safe, comfortable, and functional. Here are some tips on how to set up your campsite properly:
- Choose a flat, dry, and shady spot for your tent. Your tent is your shelter and your sleeping area, so you want to make sure it’s in a good spot. You should choose a flat, dry, and shady spot for your tent, and avoid camping near water, roads, or wildlife habitats. A flat spot will prevent you from rolling or sliding in your tent, and make it easier to stake your tent securely. A dry spot will prevent you from getting wet or flooded in your tent, and make it more comfortable and hygienic. A shady spot will prevent you from getting too hot or sunburned in your tent, and make it more pleasant and relaxing.
- Clear the ground of any rocks, sticks, or debris that could damage your tent or sleeping pad. Before you pitch your tent, you should clear the ground of any rocks, sticks, or debris that could damage your tent.
- or sleeping pad. You can use a broom, a rake, or your hands to do this. This will prevent any punctures or tears in your tent or sleeping pad, and make your sleeping surface more comfortable and even.
- Stake your tent securely, and use a footprint or tarp to protect the bottom of your tent. You should stake your tent securely to the ground, using the stakes and cords that come with your tent. This will prevent your tent from blowing away or collapsing in strong winds or rain. You should also use a footprint or tarp to protect the bottom of your tent from moisture, dirt, and abrasion. A footprint or tarp is a piece of fabric that goes under your tent, and should be slightly smaller than your tent floor. You can buy a footprint that matches your tent, or make your own from a generic tarp.
- Keep your food, trash, and toiletries in a sealed container or bag, and store them away from your tent to avoid attracting animals. You should keep your food, trash, and toiletries in a sealed container or bag, such as a cooler, a bear canister, or a dry bag. This will prevent your food from spoiling, and your trash and toiletries from leaking or smelling. You should also store them away from your tent, at least 100 feet, and preferably in a designated storage area, such as a bear box, a tree branch, or a car trunk. This will prevent animals, such as bears, raccoons, or squirrels, from getting into your food, trash, or toiletries, and potentially harming you or your gear.
- How to Cook Simple and Delicious Meals While Camping
- One of the most enjoyable things about camping is cooking and eating outdoors. But cooking while camping can also be challenging, especially if you’re not used to it. Here are some tips on how to cook simple and delicious meals while camping:
- Use a camp stove, a fire pit, or a grill to prepare your food. You can use a camp stove, a fire pit, or a grill to prepare your food while camping, depending on what you have and what you prefer. A camp stove is a portable device that uses gas, propane, or liquid fuel to create a flame. A fire pit is a hole or a ring of rocks where you can build a wood or charcoal fire. A grill is a metal rack that you can place over a fire or a stove to cook food. Each option has its pros and cons, so you should choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. For example, a camp stove is easy to use and control, but requires fuel and maintenance. A fire pit is cheap and natural, but requires firewood and fire safety. A grill is versatile and convenient, but requires cleaning and care.
- Bring easy-to-cook ingredients like pasta, rice, beans, eggs, cheese, bread, and canned or dried foods. You should bring easy-to-cook ingredients that don’t require much preparation, cooking, or refrigeration. Some examples are pasta, rice, beans, eggs, cheese, bread, and canned or dried foods. These ingredients are versatile, nutritious, and delicious, and can be used to make a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and omelets. You can also add some spices, sauces, and condiments to enhance the flavor and variety of your meals.
- Make foil packets, skewers, or sandwiches that don’t require much cooking. You can also make foil packets, skewers, or sandwiches that don’t require much cooking, and can be easily cooked over a fire or a stove. Foil packets are pieces of aluminum foil that contain food, such as meat, vegetables, cheese, and seasonings, and are sealed and cooked over a fire or a stove. Skewers are sticks that hold pieces of food, such as meat, vegetables, fruit, and cheese, and are grilled over a fire or a stove. Sandwiches are slices of bread that contain fillings, such as meat, cheese, vegetables, and spreads, and can be eaten cold or toasted over a fire or a stove. These options are simple, fun, and tasty, and can be customized to your liking.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is a term used by people who hike, explore, and of course, go camping, but what does it actually mean? In short it means to leave no trace you were ever there. The idea is to preserve the wilderness and natural spaces as best we can for future generations to use and enjoy as well, so please, take good care of it. It’s especially a great rule to follow if you stealth camp!
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Research the area, understand regulations, and pack appropriately. Proper planning reduces unexpected impacts.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to established trails and campsites. Avoid trampling fragile vegetation and disturbing wildlife.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Carry out all trash, including food scraps. Use designated waste disposal methods and pack out used toilet paper.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features. Don’t pick plants, disturb historical artifacts, or alter the landscape.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Use stoves for cooking instead of open fires. If fires are allowed, use established fire rings and keep them small.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance. Don’t feed them or disrupt their natural behavior.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Keep noise levels down, yield the trail, and maintain a positive attitude toward fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
