Wherever We Land

By Nikki & Snatcher | Wherever We Land

Watch the Full Step-by-Step Video Guide

If you really want to see how we do it—including Snatcher’s fire-starting secrets and our bathroom setup—you need to watch the video below. Trust us, you’ll want to watch this one more than once to catch all the pro-tips we dropped!

Step 1: Finding Your Perfect Campsite (The Digital Scouting)

Nikki: Before you even pack a bag, you have to know where you’re going. I’m very meticulous about this! Being a beginner doesn’t mean you have to struggle in the deep woods right away.

Snatcher: Exactly. We always suggest starting at a site with Water and Electricity. It’s the “Level 1” of camping. It lets you bring a few comforts from home while you get used to sleeping under the stars.

The Must-Have Apps for Tent Camping:

• Recreation.gov: This is the gold standard for federal lands and national parks.
• RA Camping (ReserveAmerica): Great for state parks and local gems.

Pro-Tip from Nikki [00:01:31]: Use your current location or the zip code of your destination. Look for sites that are “easily accessible.” As a beginner, you don’t want to haul heavy gear 500 yards from your car to the tent pad!

Step 2: The “Stay Ready” Gear Setup

Snatcher: One of the biggest mistakes people make is arriving at a campsite and realizing their extension cord is too short. [00:02:44] Always check your cord length! You want a heavy-duty outdoor-rated cord that can reach from the site’s power pedestal into your tent.

Mastering the Tent Stake [00:04:24]

Snatcher: Listen up, because this is where a lot of “noobs” get it wrong. I’ve got the scars to prove it! You don’t want to drive your stake straight down or angled toward the tent.

The Secret: Angle the stake away from the tent. This creates the tension needed to keep your tent from turning into a kite if the wind picks up. Use a rubber mallet—don’t try to use your shoe!

The Rain Fly: Don’t Skip It! [00:05:05]

Nikki: Even if the weatherman says 0% chance of rain, put that rain fly on. We’ve been caught in “surprise” showers more times than we can count. It’s a vapor barrier and your first line of defense against the elements.

Step 3: The DIY Camping Bathroom (The “Game Changer”)

Nikki: Let’s talk about the thing everyone is afraid to ask about: The Bathroom. You don’t have to hike to a smelly vault toilet in the middle of the night! We use a dedicated bathroom tent.

Nikki’s Portable Toilet Setup [00:10:04]:

1. The Toilet: We use the Magellan Outdoors Camp Toilet (but any sturdy bucket-style toilet works).
2. The Bag: Line it with a heavy-duty waste bag.
3. The Secret Sauce: Kitty Litter. It’s a no-brainer! It absorbs liquid and kills the odor.
4. Organization: Our bathroom tent has pockets. Keep your toilet paper and flushable wipes right there so you aren’t searching in the dark.

Snatcher’s Add-on [00:13:09]: Don’t forget the straps! Most of these tents have straps for your towels and a hook at the top for a portable shower. It’s a full-service spa in the woods, gang!

Step 4: Fire Starting 101 – The Snatcher Method

Snatcher: If you can’t start a fire, you’re going to be cold and hungry. I like to make it easy. [00:14:03] Step-by-step, here is how you get a roaring fire every time:

• Clear the Area: Clear away leaves and debris from your fire ring.
• The Base: Gather dry twigs, small branches, and dry leaves.
• The Fuel: We love using Birchwood—it burns hot and smells great.
• The Shortcut: Use a “Quick Start” bar. Stick it in the middle of your twig pile and let it do the work for you.

Nikki’s “Bug Hack” [00:15:40]: We are very meticulous about where we face the tent. Face the tent towards the fire. The smoke helps keep the bugs from getting inside your sleeping quarters!

Step 5: Creating a “Humble Abode” Inside the Tent

Nikki: You want to be comfortable. We’ve upgraded our mattress over time. [00:16:17] When we first started, we used a simple blow-up mattress. Now, we use a double-high mattress because Snatcher is tall—it makes it so much easier to get in and out of bed.

Inside Organization Tips:

• The Vapor Barrier: Put a tarp or rug under your air mattress. This prevents the cold ground from sucking the heat out of your bed and protects the mattress from sharp rocks.
• Gym Mats [00:32:01]: Lay down foam gym mats on the tent floor. Your feet will thank you when you step out of bed onto a soft surface instead of gravel!
• Tupperware Bins: Keep your clothes, sheets, and dry goods in clear plastic bins. It keeps things organized and keeps the moisture (and bugs) out.

Step 6: Outdoor Cooking & Food Safety

Snatcher: You don’t have to cook over an open fire if you aren’t ready. A simple propane gas stove is the perfect way to start. [00:19:10] It’s fast, clean, and you don’t have to wait for coals to get hot.

Nikki: One rule you cannot break: The “Smokey Bear” Rule [00:20:37]. Always keep your cooler and your dry food bins inside your vehicle when you aren’t using them. You do not want a bear or a raccoon visiting your tent at 3:00 AM because you left a bag of chips out!

Step 7: The “Morning After” & Breaking Camp

Snatcher: Before you leave, you have to leave the place better than you found it. [00:38:02] The most important thing is the fire. Pour water over those coals until they stop hissing. This is why having a site with a water hookup is so vital for beginners.

Nikki: And don’t forget to check the weather even for your departure day! Packing up a wet tent is no fun, but if you have your rain fly properly secured, at least the inside of your home will stay dry while you work.

Bonus: Exploring Moravian Falls

Nikki: Part of the joy of camping is exploring the local area. After we broke camp, we headed to Moravian Falls [00:38:20]. It’s a beautiful, serene spot known as “Prayer Mountain.”

Snatcher: It’s right across from the Moravian Falls Family Campground. Whether you believe the legends of angels or just want to hear the soothing sound of the water, it’s a must-visit. It’s where we land, and where we find our peace.

The #OutsideGang Checklist for Beginners

Join the Community!

Nikki: We love our community! Shout out to our friend Steve, and our fellow creators Hopping the Trails with the Hopkins and the Glam Fam Campers. You guys keep us motivated!

Snatcher: If this guide helped you, do us a favor—hit that like button on the video, leave us a comment, and join the Outside Gang by subscribing. We want to hear about your first camping trip!

Connect with us:
📧 Email: whereverweland7@gmail.com (Message us for stickers!)
📸 Instagram: @WhereverWeLand
🛍️ Amazon Store: Our Favorite Camping Gear

Keywords: How to tent camp, camping for beginners, DIY camp toilet, how to start a campfire, Wherever We Land, Nikki and Snatcher, Moravian Falls, tent camping tips, outdoor cooking.