Wherever We Land

Let’s face it, the idea of sleeping under a canopy of stars, breathing in fresh air, and roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire is pure magic. But for the uninitiated, the world of tent camping can seem intimidating. Fear not, my friend! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and gear to have a fantastic camping trip, even if the only experience you have with tents is watching Bill Murray pitch one in a movie.

Finding Your Perfect Pitch: Locating a Campsite

First things first, you need a place to pitch your little slice of canvas heaven. Thankfully, there are a variety of options to suit your style, from rustic campsites to fully-loaded campgrounds with amenities like hot showers and laundry facilities.

• National Parks and Forests: These sprawling havens offer some of the most scenic backcountry camping, but be prepared for limited facilities and the potential for sharing your campsite with curious wildlife (think squirrels, not so much bears).
• State Parks and Recreation Areas: Often less crowded than national parks, state parks offer a good balance of nature and amenities. Some even have yurts or cabins available if you’re easing into the whole “sleeping bag” thing.
• Private Campgrounds: These campgrounds can range from no-frills to full-on glamping experiences, complete with swimming pools and mini-golf. Perfect for families or those who like a touch of luxury in the wild.

Do your research! Many campsites require reservations, especially during peak season. Look up the campground online or call them to get information on fees, amenities, and any restrictions they might have (like pet policies or fire bans).

Be a Good Neighbor Camper:

• Leave No Trace: This is the golden rule of camping. Pack out all your trash, including food scraps. If you must bury something, make sure it’s biodegradable and at least 6 inches deep (and far, far away from any water sources).
• Respect fellow campers: Keep noise levels down, especially at night. And speaking of nights, use flashlights with red bulbs to avoid blinding your neighbors.
• Be mindful of wildlife: Store your food properly (think bear canisters in bear country) and never feed wild animals.

Gear Up for Great Times: Your Camping Essentials

Now for the fun part: shopping! Here’s a basic rundown of what you’ll need for a comfortable camping trip:

• The Tent: This will be your home away from home, so choose wisely. Consider the size (enough room for you, your gear, and maybe a grumpy teenager who refuses to sleep anywhere but on top of you), the number of seasons you’ll be camping in (three-season tents are a good option for beginners), and the ease of setup (trust me, after a long drive, the last thing you’ll want to do is wrestle with a complicated tent). For beginners, a dome tent is a great choice because it’s easy to pitch and offers good stability in windy conditions. You can find tents at various sporting good stores like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or even online retailers like Amazon. There are many great tents out there, but here are a few options to consider, keeping in mind budget and needs:
  • The North Face Stormbreak 1 Tent: This one-person tent is a great choice for solo campers or backpackers. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and very affordable [price range between $89.99 and $112.46, available at The North Face].
  • Gazelle Tents: These spacious pop-up tents are perfect for families or groups who prioritize ease of use over weight. They can be set up in a matter of minutes, making them ideal for those who are impatient to get to the s’mores [price range between $279.99 and $353.20, available on Amazon.com].
  • MSR Habitude 6 Tent: This six-person tent is a great choice for car camping families who want a spacious and comfortable shelter. It’s easy to set up, has plenty of headroom, and even features a gear loft for storing extra stuff [price around $699.95, available at MSR].
• Sleeping Bag: Just like tents, sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes (and temperature ratings). For summer camping, a lightweight bag will suffice. But if you’re planning on braving colder temperatures, invest in a warmer bag. A mummy bag will be more thermally efficient than a rectangular bag, but it can also feel a bit claustrophobic.
• Sleeping Pad: Don’t underestimate the power of a good sleeping pad! The ground can get surprisingly cold at night, and a sleeping pad will provide insulation and keep you comfortable. There are inflatable pads, foam pads, and self-inflating pads. Inflatable pads are the lightest and most comfortable, but also the most expensive. Foam pads are cheap and durable, but they can be bulky. Self-inflating pads are a good compromise between the two. You can find sleeping pads at the same places you found your tent.
• Headlamp: Because fumbling around in the dark with a regular flashlight is a recipe for frustration (and potentially tripping over a rogue tree root). Headlamps are a lifesaver when you need to use both hands, whether you’re setting up camp, cooking dinner, or reading a book before bed.
• From Fire Starters to Flip Flops: Must-Have Camping Supplies
• Camp Chair: Who doesn’t love relaxing by the campfire after a long day of exploring? Camping chairs come in all shapes and sizes, from lightweight folding chairs to luxurious padded recliners. Choose one that fits your comfort level and budget.
• Camping Stove: Whether you’re a master chef or a master of Ramen noodles, a camping stove will allow you to cook delicious meals out in the wild. Camp stoves come in a variety of fuels, including propane, white gas, and even wood.
• Cooler: Fresh food is a must, but it won’t stay fresh for long without a cooler. Choose a cooler size that accommodates the amount of food and drinks you’ll need for your trip.
• Mess Kit: Paper plates are an option, but they’re not exactly eco-friendly. A reusable mess kit with a plate, bowl, cup, and utensils is a more sustainable option.
• Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is important, especially when you’re outdoors. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up frequently.
• First-Aid Kit: Accidents happen, even on camping trips. Be prepared for minor cuts, scrapes, and bug bites with a basic first-aid kit.
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and pesky insects with sunscreen and bug spray.
• Flashlight: Even with a headlamp, it’s a good idea to pack a regular flashlight as a backup.
• Toilet Paper and Trowel: If you’re camping in the backcountry, you’ll need to dispose of waste properly. Pack a small trowel to dig a cathole and toilet paper to, well, you know.
• Duct Tape: The ultimate fix-it solution for everything from a ripped tent to a broken camp chair.
• Campfire Tools: Fire restrictions are common, so check with the campground before you build a fire. If a fire is allowed, pack fire starters, a lighter or matches, and a small camp shovel to tend to the flames.
• Playing Cards or Campfire Games: When the stars come out, it’s time for campfire fun! Pack a deck of cards or some simple campfire games to keep everyone entertained.
• Don’t Forget These Creature Comforts
• Camp Shoes or Flip Flops: After a long day of hiking, your feet will thank you for having a pair of comfy shoes to change into.
• Towel: Because even roughing it in the outdoors requires a little hygiene. A quick wipe-down with a towel after a hike will make you feel refreshed.
• Warm Clothes: Evenings can get chilly, so pack some warm clothes to snuggle up in at night.
• Sun Hat: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Swimsuit: If your campsite has a lake or swimming hole, you might want to pack a swimsuit for a refreshing dip.
• Camera: Capture all those camping memories with a camera.
• Cash: While many campgrounds accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for firewood, park entrance fees, or that random ice cream truck that rolls by your campsite.
• Book: Enjoy some quiet time by the fire with a good book.
• Campfire Snacks: S’mores ingredients are a must, but don’t forget to pack other campfire-friendly snacks like hot dogs and popcorn.
• Become a Camping Master: Essential Skills
• Now that you have your gear, it’s time to learn a few basic skills to make your camping trip go smoothly.
• Setting Up Your Tent: Most tents come with instructions, but watch this great video tutorial to see a visual demonstration
• The video you linked is a great resource on how to set up a tent for beginners! In the video, the speaker says that the first thing you need to do is find a place to go camping. There are websites and apps that you can use to find campsites. The speaker recommends choosing a campsite that is easily accessible and has water and electricity.
• Once you have found a campsite, you need to pack your gear. The speaker recommends making a checklist to make sure that you have everything you need. Some of the things you will need include a tent, stakes, a mallet, a rain tarp, a camp toilet, and kitty litter.
• When you arrive at the campsite, the first thing you need to do is set up your tent. The speaker gives step-by-step instructions on how to do this. Once your tent is set up, you can set up your rain tarp and your camp toilet.
• The speaker also gives some tips for camping, such as bringing a shovel and making sure to clean up your campsite before you leave.
• Here are some additional tips that the speaker mentions in the video:
• Choose a tent that is the right size for you.
• Bring a rug to put inside your tent under the mattress.
• Bring a tarp to put underneath your tent to protect it from rocks and moisture.
• Choose a campsite that is large enough for your tent.
• Bring a meal for breakfast that is easy to make.
• Bring a shovel to tend to your fire.
• I hope this helps!