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Planning to camp? Awesome! Camping is an enjoyable, healthy, and fairly priced way to connect with nature. You get to put away your screens, escape the rush of city life, and head back to nature so you may dine and sleep among the stars.
However, there is much to learn if you’ve never gone camping. Which type of tent do you require? How do you select a campground? How do you access the restroom? But don’t worry. This guide will help you plan the perfect camping itinerary for your upcoming outdoor excursion.
- The destination: Understanding the type of camping you want is as important as deciding where to go. There is car camping, where you fill-up the vehicle and drive to a paid campsite, and there is backpacking, where you take it all on your back and hike into a secluded location. For a tent-free experience, there are also RV and pop-up camping options.
- Book ahead in time: If you’ve chosen an established campground, don’t just assume there will be space for you when you reach. Developed campgrounds are particularly preferred by families, especially in the summer months, since camping is becoming an increasingly popular activity. Campsites in national parks can be reserved up to a year in advance, and there is often fierce competition for available spaces. To avoid disappointment, make sure you’ve reserved your spot in advance. Otherwise, you might have to spend the night driving about, looking for a place to stay.
If you want to go wild camping, you should still research to see if it’s legal where you want to set up your tent because not all public land might be available for you to camp.
- Gather all the gear: Make sure all of your gear is packed. Some things are absolutely necessary, even if you want to pack a few more. The most crucial thing is a place to sleep, so get a tent. Sleeping bags are essential since you need a place to lie down and something to keep you warm. Moreover, having a few cooking essentials will be quite helpful. Water and food are necessary for obvious reasons. Also, you may need a camping knife, a camp stove, and a lamp or flashlight.
- Setting the camp: When you arrive at the campground, you must check in with the office or camp host. Look for a nice site that appears to be a spot you could spend the weekend. Try to arrive early because the sites with the most cover are in high demand.
You’ll then setup your camp from there. Choose a location for your tent, prepare your food, and relax.
- Preparing for the weather: The weather is out of your control, but you can plan for it. The problem with getting wet while camping is that there is little of way to dry off. If you have damp clothes inside your tent, the environment will likely be moist and uncomfortable, and if your sleeping bag is made of down, you might experience a chilly night. Regardless of the weather forecast, a waterproof jacket is the most important item to take. They are portable, lightweight, and keep your body warm and the clothes underneath dry. If there is a lot of rain in the forecast, you should also consider wearing waterproof shoes and pants.
Temperatures can drastically drop overnight, even in scorching desert regions. As a result, you should take base layers that are lightweight yet warm, as well as one warm outer layer, such as a fleece that can serve as a cushion at night.
