Get a tent with multiple “rooms” if you plan on camping with other people. If it’s supposed to rain at all while you’re camping, make sure your tent has a rain cover so you don’t get wet while you’re sleeping. Some campsites or outdoors stores may offer tent rentals if you don’t have a tent you can use.
If you don’t want to lie directly on the floor of the tent, consider packing a sleeping pad or an air mattress as well so you have an extra layer of comfort. Don’t forget to bring a pillow for yourself so you can stay comfortable.
Transfer food that’s in large containers into something small and compact so you can transport it easier. For example, you may crack multiple eggs into a plastic bag or container so you don’t break any eggshells while you’re packing. You may be able to use a portable grill rack that hangs over the fire to cook larger foods, like burgers and vegetables. Bring a cast iron skillet if you have one since you can hold it directly over the fire to cook things like eggs or soups.
Some campgrounds have ice on site so you can refill the cooler when the old ice melts.
Some basic things to include in your kit are knives, bandages, antiseptic wipes, lighters, and emergency flares.
Look at the office or ranger hours listed when you check in so you know when you’re able to contact them or get supplies if you need them.
During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, make sure to set up your campsite away from other groups so that you don’t risk transmission. If you can’t find any level ground for your tent, make sure you sleep with your head elevated or else you can get headaches or feel uncomfortable. Make sure to always keep your tent zipped so bugs or animals can’t get inside.
Animals are usually afraid of humans, so they may not come onto your site while you’re there. If you’re in a location that has bears, you can also hang your food from a tree so they cannot access it.
Don’t transport foreign wood into the campsite since it could have invasive bugs or bacteria that could infect the local wildlife.
Only use a few logs at a time so your fire doesn’t get out of control while it’s burning. Make sure you start your fire inside of a pit so it doesn’t spread. Put out your fire completely when you’re finished using it so it doesn’t keep burning while it’s unattended.
Basic campsites usually come with a picnic table and a fire pit so you have somewhere to sit and cook. Many national park campsites don’t have electricity, so you need to bring extra phone batteries or a portable charger.
Campgrounds with electricity are great if you plan on staying in a trailer or RV since you’ll be able to use your gear inside.
Campgrounds that have multiple facilities may be more crowded than sites that don’t offer them.
You may have to deal with thunderstorms or mosquitoes if you camp in the summer.
Campsite reservations may cost anywhere between $10-50 per day you’re staying. Most campgrounds let you reserve sites a month or two in advance so you can easily plan the rest of your trip. You do not need to make a reservation if you don’t want to, but you may risk not getting a campsite if it’s busy.
If you plan on going hiking off of a known trail, then make sure you have a map and a compass so you don’t get lost. Don’t litter or leave anything behind on the trails since it could affect local wildlife.
Try using different types of candy when you make your s’mores for different flavors. For example, use a peanut butter cup instead of a chocolate bar for a sweet and salty taste.
Be sure to wear sunscreen while you’re swimming so you don’t get any sunburn. Carefully read any warning signs near the lake or beach if there are any. Some campgrounds may have beaches with lifeguards on duty. If there isn’t a lifeguard, make sure you’re a strong swimmer and you stay at a depth where you feel comfortable.
Check the map of the campgrounds to see where activities or different sites take place. Some campgrounds may have special events around holidays, such as fireworks for Independence Day.
