19 Most Useful Camping Tips For Beginners (And What You Actually Need!)

August 30, 2023 Maura Bielinski

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Did you just catch yourself googling “Camping 101,” “How to camp," "Camping for beginners,” or something along those lines, making you feel slightly abashed as a camping newb? Don’t be! On the contrary, major props to you for exploring something new, building new skills, and going out of your comfort zone.

The concept of camping can seem intimidating or overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, but fear not. With a little research and prior knowledge that we provide here, you will be set up for success and feel comfortable to venture out on your first camping trip in nature.

We have consolidated the most fundamental and useful camping tips for anyone preparing for their very first camping trip. If you are not confident that you’ll be able to “survive the wilderness” (let alone enjoy it), you can be assured that anyone can camp successfully if you plan ahead and bring the appropriate equipment, information, and attitude.

Camping is a rewarding and rejuvenating opportunity to unplug and unwind, travel and relax, bond with family and friends, spend time in the great outdoors, open yourself to adventure, and retreat into the peaceful escape that nature provides.

And here is how you do it!

Preparing For Your First Camping Trip

When preparing for your first camping trip, there are a few simple things to keep in mind and steps to take to ensure a fun and comfortable experience.

Research the area, weather conditions, and local news

Conduct a basic online search of your intended campground, and read recent news headlines to be aware of local events, crowds, and local emergencies or dangers to public safety. Look for recent weather conditions and the upcoming forecast, so you know what to expect, wear, and pack. Is the area experiencing unexpected weather lately, like storms, flash floods, or snowfall? Have there been recent wildlife sightings or encounters?

Go With An Experienced Camper

You will have many learning curves and learning opportunities during your first camping trip, and going with someone who can teach by example may ensure a smooth and well-prepared trip.

Camp close to home the first time

It could be better to stay local—instead of planning an out-of-state or extended camping trip—in order to grow your confidence and experience level. Planning a hardcore backcountry camp trip in Alaska may be biting off more than you can chew for the first camping trip (as cool as that sounds).

Be prepared for all weather and temperatures

The most important thing is to stay dry and warm, and your sleeping bag, tent, and clothes are the vital components. Be aware that wet and cold are your two biggest enemies when camping and the two things you should be prepared to combat, by way of both clothing and equipment. Even when camping in the heat of summer, temperatures can drop surprisingly (and potentially dangerously). It’s best to plan for the worst!

Book Your Campsite Ahead of Time

Some campgrounds require reservations, and some are first-come-first-serve. If the campground is supposed to be busy or popular, it can be wise to book ahead of time.

If you are new to camping, select a well-reviewed established campground. Campsites are very affordable (another great reason to travel and experience the outdoors in this way), typically ranging from $10-40, depending on space, time of year, popularity, campground amenities, location, and other factors.

Once you have camping experience at established campgrounds, then it could be appropriate to seek out more challenging camping, such as backcountry or dispersed camping. The Bureau of Land Management has a great number of no-fee camping areas that are often remote, primitive, and isolated (not recommended for first-time camping).

Look For A Site With Desired Amenities

This could include picnic tables, bathrooms within walking distance, and a fire pit. You could get by without any of these, but these perks can improve your camping experience, especially if you are new to camping and unsure if you could go a night without the comfort of your home. Read reviews of the campground to double-check safety, availability, and amenities.

What are the campground regulations?
Are there bathrooms and running water?
Is there a camp host on site?
Is there a cell signal?
Are pets allowed?
Are campfires allowed?

PRACTICE SETTING UP (AND TESTING OUT) YOUR CAMPING GEAR BEFORE BRINGING IT

It is best to not bring brand-new, untested equipment straight from the store box to the campsite. You should know how to pitch your tent (different styles have differing levels of complexity) and you should have tested out all of your equipment to make sure that it is fully-charged and in good condition. Not preparing in this way could leave you up the creek without a paddle.

Packing for Your First Camping Trip

Make A Packing List Ahead of Time

Camping equipment makes all the difference in your camping experience. We have provided a list below of essential camping equipment that will improve the quality and comfort of your night in the outdoors!

Better to Be Over-prepared Than Under-prepared

Better safe than sorry! If in doubt of whether it is necessary to bring something, just bring it. Bring two of everything (or just extras) of the essentials: spare socks, sweaters, pants/leggings, blankets, rain flies, bug spray. You can always just leave it in the car. Bring your ID and cash as well!

Leave The Technology At Home

This is your chance to escape from modern life—don’t bring unnecessary screens with you!

Bring Entertainment or Plan Activities

If you are worried about being bored, bring cards, games, or books; or plan a few activities like hiking.

Prioritize Lightweight and Weather-Resistant Materials and Fabrics

No denim or cotton, as they dry slowly and unpleasantly. Wool is warm!

Borrow Equipment For Your First Time

Don’t purchase the most expensive gear out of excitement for your first time. First, make sure camping is an experience you enjoy, would repeat, and invest time and money in. Camping gear can be pricey, so make the investment only if you see yourself making use of it!

Arriving At The Campground: How To Set Up A Campsite

Arrive In The Daylight

Don’t arrive after dark, as you will want to scout out the area, conditions, safety, and terrain. It is far easier preparing for the night with the sun above you, even with lanterns and flashlights at your disposal in the dark. Elements such as starting a fire, cooking, pitching a tent, being aware of who your neighbors are, getting a feel for the campground’s safety, are just simpler in the daylight than in the dark.

Camp Within The Vicinity of Other Campers For Safety

Especially when you are first starting out, having neighbors can bring a sense of security, as opposed to a very isolated campsite where if anything goes wrong, you will be stuck dealing with it on your own. Some campers even enjoy getting to know their temporary neighbors and make friends for the evening! At the same time, you don’t need to pick the site immediately next to other campers (you both will want peace and serenity).

Double Check The Ground Before Pitching A Tent

Choose the flattest stretch of dirt available to you, because a slanted surface can really throw off your balance when trying to sleep. Avoid roots and rocks that will tear your tent or poke into your spine all night. Choose the high ground, in case it rains. If it is windy, pitch the tent near a source of shelter, such as near or under a sturdy tree (not one that appears rotting or unstable).

Camp On Designated And Established Campsites Only

Hi, this isn’t your backyard. Use the designated campsite, instead of just dropping your tent where you please, for the sake of the local ecosystem. Conserve and care for the land on your camping trip, because you are on Nature’s homeground, not your own!

Pack-in, Pack-out

You should be leaving the campsite in the same conditions as you found it, if not better! If you moved the picnic table or deconstructed the fire pit, put everything back in an orderly and neat fashion. Please do not disrespect the land by littering or leaving a mess.

Practice Your Humor, Resilience, Flexibility, and Self-reliance

Come with the expectation that you will be roughing it and going without accustomed sources of comfort. That’s the fun of it! You will probably forget something, and something unexpected is likely to occur. You can’t control external conditions—whether it is a surprise storm or noisy neighbors—but you can control how you are prepared to withstand these unfortunate factors, and you can certainly control your reaction and attitude.

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Camping Gear List for Beginners

The gear you bring will make or break your camping trip. There are really only a few essentials that are utterly necessary for a good camping trip, but the more pieces that you bring for extra comfort, the more enjoyable your experience will be. We have included both the fundamental camping necessities and a few additional items to optimize comfort and enjoyment!

Ultralight Portable Folding Chairs

Moon Lance

Price: $$$

Why We Love It: A set of two reliable and comfortable camping chairs that are easy to carry and set up.