{"id":3063,"date":"2022-04-13T21:32:01","date_gmt":"2022-04-13T21:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/price.com\/blog\/?p=3063"},"modified":"2022-04-13T21:33:43","modified_gmt":"2022-04-13T21:33:43","slug":"camping-essentials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/price.com\/blog\/camping-essentials\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top Camping Essentials to Bring on Your Next Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Camping: you either love it or hate it. Whether you\u2019re pumped to begin your first camping adventure or you\u2019ve been pressured into it by a loved one, you\u2019ll need a beginner’s guide to camping. And if you have been camping but still have a lot to learn, look no further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camping is great to do solo. It is also a fun experience with others. It can be meditative and serene \u2014 a chance to unplug from the Internet and society. It is also a chance to feel at one with nature or an opportunity to authentically bond with others without the distractions you\u2019d typically have back home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter your camping vibe, it\u2019s essential to know how to spend the night out in nature safely. When it comes to learning how to get into camping, we\u2019ve got you covered with camping tips and packing essentials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 Camping Tips for Beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Annual North American Camping Report<\/a> indicates that a camping renaissance is happening right now. In the United States, there were five times as many first-time campers in 2020 as compared to 2019. Also, in 2020, 10.1 million U.S. households camped for the first time, with trends indicating the numbers won\u2019t be going down anytime soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A first-time camping experience should be a memorable and stress-free experience. It\u2019s a low-cost vacation, after all. It could become a yearly bonding activity for your family or friend group. Here are twelve camping tips for beginners to start your adventure off on the right foot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Decide How Rustic You\u2019re Willing to Get<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When camping for the first time, you must decide how rustic you want your experience to be. There are various kinds of camping, from glamping to sleeping in a van on public land, pitching a tent, and roughing it under a temporary shelter, you build out of sticks. Some campsites are highly trafficked with working toilets and showers. Others are in remote locations with no amenities. There\u2019s no need to push yourself with your first adventure: you can increase difficulty with each future trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Decide How Unplugged You\u2019re Willing to Get<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Try to figure out if your chosen camping location will have Internet access or if it will be possible to get cell service. A totally unplugged experience will allow you to leave your worries behind, tune into nature, and be fully present with your fellow campers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, beginner campers might prefer access to cell service and the Internet for their first trip to feel safe. Knowing if you will have a working phone will help define your intention for your trip: to unplug totally or keep a tether to civilization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Decide Your Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A local camping trip is probably the easiest way to go when camping for beginners. You are likely to be more familiar with local flora, fauna, and temperatures. Plus, it will be easier to get there and to leave if necessary. You\u2019ll have the assurance that friends and family are nearby if needed. Staying local will keep it simple and take some guesswork out of the adventure. You can also ask around which local camping spot is recommended for a first-timer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But perhaps you have your sights set on a faraway locale to explore the world and challenge yourself. Regardless of your camping destination, be sure to fully research what time of year is best for your desired location before you set off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware if you are camping on hunting grounds. To prevent accidents with hunters, make extra noise to alert them to human activity in the area, and wear bright orange clothing. You won\u2019t run into any hunters in national parks. Always double-check ahead of time that your chosen campsite \u2014 wherever it is \u2014 will be open and safe during your intended visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will you be camping at multiple locations, with hiking in between? Doing so will require more planning and supplies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Decide the Time of Year<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re set to go camping this weekend, check the weather beforehand! If you are planning months in advance, decide if you\u2019d rather sweat or shiver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind the weather and the entire ecosystem during your selected time of year. For example, springtime in forested areas will potentially put you in the path of ticks and snakes, while autumn is when spiders will be scuttling about. Decide which conditions you are willing to deal with and which ones are a no-go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Be Ready for Wildlife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you go camping, you are entering into the territory of wild animals that you probably would not otherwise interact with on a daily basis. Fully research which animals are the top predators in the area and understand how to react to them if you cross paths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, back away slowly if you come upon a bear or a mountain lion<\/a> near your campsite. Research to see if you need to pack any extra gear to ward off predators, like bear spray. It\u2019s not a bad idea to get familiar with animal tracks so you can identify if you are in the path of a cougar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding flora, do not touch plants that you are unfamiliar with. Know what poison ivy looks like if you are in a forested area. Research dangerous and edible flora in your area. Do not scavenge and eat any weeds or mushrooms unless you are certain they are edible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Be Ready for Any Weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you see that wind, rain, or snow is scheduled, wait for clearer skies for your first camping trip. Even if the weather looks great, pack weatherproof clothing and a weatherproof tent anyway. No matter what time of year you head out, it\u2019s always a good idea to carry sunscreen and sunglasses. These are needed in the snow, too: the sun reflects off of snow on the ground and back onto your face. Always be prepared! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Choose Your Companions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you going on a solo or group trip? This will dictate the size of your tent and the activities you do. If you are camping solo, tell someone beforehand when you are leaving and when you plan to return. That way, if something happens, they will know to check up on you and get you help. Camping companions also include pets: is your campsite pet-friendly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Decide the Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to go camping for one night, one weekend, one week, or more? Decide the duration of your trip beforehand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Wear Layers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Camping, at times, is chilly; other times, you\u2019ll be working up a sweat. It\u2019s helpful to easily shed layers when hiking and put them back on when you\u2019re in the shade or moving less. Vests with pockets are your friend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Note How to Get in Touch with Park Rangers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In case of emergency, know where the nearest park rangers are to your site. Jot down the phone number.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Practice Fire Safety<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lighting a fire at a campsite, especially during fire season, requires you to fully extinguish the flames before leaving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Respect Camping Etiquette<\/a> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you know how to hike, the learning curve for how to go camping will be easy enough. In both scenarios, respect for nature is paramount. No littering. While being friendly, always respect the boundaries of your fellow campers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Camping Essentials?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you\u2019ve got a plan for your first time camping, you need to know what to pack. Let our camping guide below help you get prepared for a great time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Gear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Knowing how to camp means using the right gear. A lot of camping gear can be rented or borrowed if you\u2019re unsure about becoming an avid camper just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n