State parks also offer campsites throughout diverse settings. You could sleep by the shores of a Great Lake[2] X Research source or near caves ready for you to explore. [3] X Research source
Extra services and amenities may enhance your camping experience, and you can often find these at privately owned camp sites. From delivery of fresh-caught lobster to your tent[5] X Research source to heated indoor and outdoor pools,[6] X Research source private camp sites can cater to your every need.
Consider choosing a tent with a larger capacity than you will actually need. This will give your more space and can be helpful if you don’t like closed spaces or if you move around a lot while sleeping. [7] X Research source Look at the weather forecast before you get a tent. If you are a new camper, a three-season tent, designed to be lightweight and good for camping in moderate conditions in the spring, summer, and fall, will probably suffice. If you will face harsher conditions, however, a four-season tent may be the right choice for you. [8] X Research source Bring a tarp to place under your tent to protect it from damp, soggy ground. Another useful item is a mat for your tent entrance to help keep down the amount of dirt tracked in to your outdoor home. Regardless of the type of tent you choose, you should be sure to bring along extra stakes for the tent, in case you have a problem with one.
Bring camp chairs, folding tables, and hammocks so you’re not stuck sitting on the ground. Extra blankets are good for wrapping up while around the campfire. Most camping problems are easily solved if you bring along tools and hardware like a hammer or axe, rope, matches, pocket knives, lanterns, and flashlights. [9] X Research source Other items that will help ensure your comfort and pleasure while camping include fire wood, toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, extra batteries, shower shoes and towels for bathing, and rain gear/umbrella.
Bring an air mattress, cot, or foam pad for under your sleeping bag. If you bring an air mattress, remember to bring your air pump as well. Remember your pillow. There are pillows specifically designed for camping, but many prefer to just bring their comfortable one from home. [10] X Research source Eyeshades and earplugs are also useful to help block out unfamiliar sounds or lights while sleeping in your tent.
Yogurt and granola are easy breakfast foods to bring, and bagels and muffins work well too. Bean salads, pasta salads, fruit salads, and gourmet sandwiches are easily packable and could make for a tasty lunch or light dinner. For dinner, you could bring items to cook over the campfire, like macaroni and cheese or Dutch oven lasagna. A quick Internet search will give you dozens of ideas. Bring lots of ice in a cooler to keep your food from spoiling. To keep food safe from foraging animals, odor-proof plastic bags or bear canisters are useful. [11] X Research source
Proper footwear, like hiking boots or trail shoes, will keep you comfortable and safe on trails near your campsite. Be sure to pack a few extra pairs of wool socks, too. They’ll help prevent blisters, and extra socks will be welcome if you face wet conditions. [12] X Research source It’s good to think about layering when packing for camping. That way, you can remove or add layers depending on the conditions. If you’re comfortable, you are more likely to enjoy your campout. A hat and sunscreen will help keep the sun off of your face, and rain gear will keep you dry in inclement weather.
You could spray the outside of your tent with bug spray to deter mosquitos and other pests from bothering you while sleeping. Citronella candles are another helpful item for keeping pests at bay. [14] X Research source Although DEET has been declared safe by the Environmental Protection Agency, some still prefer “natural” bug repellents. Those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus have been found to be effective against mosquitos and ticks. [15] X Research source
While outside, reapply your sunscreen every two hours, and don’t forget areas like your lips, ears, and back of your hands.
If you are backcountry camping, rangers can offer useful advice on good areas to consider for setting up camp. [18] X Research source Look out for insect nests and slanted ground when setting up your tent. You will want to avoid both. Avoid setting up below or near a dead or dying tree, since limbs can break off during heavy winds. [19] X Research source Think about whether you want to be near restroom and shower facilities, for convenience, or away from them for privacy.
You may want to just bring a few friends to your first camping trip, since it will be easier to plan for a smaller number. Another benefit of bringing friends along is that you can split up the gear and food that you’re bringing, so you each have to pack less. Just knowing that you have some help in the planning and preparation may help you have a better time while on your campout.
If you are a foodie and love to cook, think of all of the ways you can bring that enthusiasm to cooking over an open fire. The Internet is full of gourmet campfire recipes you can use to impress your friends. For example, you could make grilled chicken or a fire-roasted vegetable salad. [20] X Research source If you are a physical activity enthusiast, you have many options to increase your camping enjoyment. Hiking, biking, swimming, and boating are just a few of the activities you can partake in while on your camping trip. Nature lovers can have a great time while camping by incorporating bird watching or stargazing into their trip. If you need a break from the great outdoors, choose a campsite close to local attractions like historical sites or museums. That way, you get to do something you enjoy, while your camping partner gets to have fun too.
Tell ghost stories around the campfire while eating s’mores. Bring a guitar or other portable instrument and have a sing-along. Play hide-and-seek in the dark. Play card games. Catch fireflies.
Tell your camping partner that you’re not ready yet for tent camping, but you are willing to start with cabin camping. Explain that you get the benefit of being with nature without the hassle of bringing along all of your equipment. Show your fellow camper the amenities offered at the cabin you’ve chosen. They can range from fireplaces to hot tubs. [21] X Research source
Options at glamping resorts range from staying in treehouses, to yurts, to multi-bedroom permanent “tents. ”[22] X Research source Butlers, spa services, and fine dining are also common at glamping destinations.
Many state and national parks offer lodges that can be rustic or deluxe. With amenities like swimming pools and game rooms, you’ll be able to enjoy some indoor activities while also being close to nature.
Items to pack in your first aid kit include adhesive bandages, gauze pads, nonstick sterile pads, and medical tape. You should also include antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, blister treatment, tweezers, and safety pins. Medications to include are ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief, an antihistamine for allergic reactions, aloe vera gel for sunburn, poison ivy/poison oak treatment, and insect sting treatment. In case of a sprain or strain, elastic wraps and finger splints are also useful to include.
Just knowing the information could help you relax and have a good time while camping. Make sure you also bring your insurance card or coverage information in case you need to go to the hospital.
Additionally, you won’t miss out on urgent news from home if you are easily able to be located and contacted.
Many national and state parks offer cabins and lodges, which could be an option if you face bad weather. Often, camping sites are in recreational areas that have at least one motel or hotel nearby.
Poison ivy is native to every U. S. state, except Alaska and Hawaii. It is characterized by its three pointed leaves that change color with the seasons. It can grow as a vine or as a bush. [24] X Research source Poison oak also has three leaves, but these leaves resemble oak tree leaves. It can grow as either a low shrub, such as in the eastern part of the country, or as a climbing vine on the West Coast. Poison sumac tends to grow in wet areas. It has smooth, not saw-toothed, leaves and red stems. [25] X Research source The black widow, characterized by red marks on the underside of its abdomen, is a poisonous spider found throughout the United States. [26] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Another spider to watch out for is the brown recluse, which is brown with a dark violin-shaped mark on its head. It also has six, instead of the usual eight, eyes. Brown recluse spiders are most commonly found in southern and Midwestern states.
