As humans living in modern society, we have almost completely replaced nature with the concrete jungle. Even though city life has a lot of perks, we can still find ourselves daydreaming about an escape and taking a break. Camping is the perfect way to do so. It’s just you, the night sky, and the sounds of nature reminding you how freeing the life beyond the concrete walls can be. There are so many things you can do and see in the wild, but you have to be prepared for it. These camping tips and tricks will show you exactly what you need for an amazing camping trip.
Camping tips for beginners
If you’ve never been camping before, don’t worry, because it’s never too late to start.
- Choosing your camping site
Choosing the right campsite could be the difference between having a foul and an amazing time. Since you’re a beginner, it’s best to choose a campsite near to a town. Look for a child and pet-friendly site, with high-quality facilities (showers and bathrooms). This will make your first experience with camping much more comfortable and help you gain the confidence you need for more adventurous trips.
- Getting the necessary equipment
The two most important pieces of equipment you’ll need are the tent and the sleeping bags. One of the best camping tips and tricks is to choose a tent which is a size or two bigger than the number of people sleeping in it. This ensures everyone’s comfy and has enough room. The sleeping bag will keep you warm at night, seeing as the temperatures can sharply drop as the sun sets.
- Practicing
Practicing before you actually go camping is always a good idea. This allows you to get a feel for pitching your tent and setting up the campsite. Sleeping in the backyard before the trip is also advised. As a beginner, it’s important to deal with these things before you get to the campsite to figure out how much time you need to set everything up and how you feel about sleeping outside.
It’s one thing to daydream about it, but a completely different one to actually do it. Make sure not to start your trip without an essentials list, either.
RV camping tips and tricks
Those who want to try RV camping should know that there are certain rules you need to abide by in the campsite. Following them ensures everyone has a nice time and the campsite is kept clean and orderly.
- Respect camp boundaries
Even though there aren’t physical boundaries when it comes to RV’s, boundaries still exist. Respecting everyone’s space is important, so don’t walk through someone’s outdoor living quarters just because that’s the shortest way to the bathroom.
Another part of respecting boundaries is not hibernating, regardless of how cold it is. In other words, you should always try to be neighborly, because the warmth of company is sometimes even more comforting than the warmth of the RV.
- Be a good neighbor
Being a good campsite neighbor means considering other people’s feelings. Your RV neighbor wants to have a good time just like you do, so it’s best to keep your kids and pets under control.
As well as that, don’t be too loud in the evenings because most people use camping as an opportunity to be one with nature and get some rest. Finally, make sure your campground is always clean and that no garbage is left behind.
- Be selective about your campground
Even though you think it doesn’t matter where you park your RV, it could very well determine how good your camping trip is. Just because you intend to be a good neighbor doesn’t mean everyone does. Scout the area before you park and check out your neighbors as well as other important campground factors (like the distance from the facilities, for example).
Sometimes it’s a good idea to even meet your potential neighbors before you park it.
Family camping tips and tricks
Camping with your family can be quite difficult, especially if you have preschoolers on your hands. Being on your A-game the whole time will be essential for a good time.
- Prep the food & toys
Camping with kids is a bit different than camping with adults, mostly because you have to have everything on hand. We all know kids tend to lack patience, which is why having snacks and toys with you is a great idea.
Hungry and bored children are fussy and tense, as well as unable to enjoy the camping experience. That’s why one of the most important camping tips and tricks for parents is to pack their snacks and toys and have them with you in the car and the campsite. You’ll beat the fussiness and frustration and save your camping trip.
- Bring extra equipment
With kids, there’s no such thing as “too much”. Instead of just bringing tents, you should bring tarps, too. This will make it much easier and more comfortable to hang out during the afternoon and create a safer environment for your little ones.
Remember to pack extra clothes, as well. Kids can be messy, it might be colder than you expected, or they might have an accident. Don’t forget to bring extra personal hygiene supplies, too. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are a must. On top of that, you should bring a vegetable peeler and a bar of soap. It’s much easier to shower with just a sheet of peeled off soap then discard it than to carry a soggy bar of soap around.
Conclusion
Camping is definitely one of the most rewarding activities there are. It helps you understand the world around you better while also showing you everything you’re capable of. Anyone looking for a way to connect to something bigger than themselves should consider going camping at least once. It’s bound to change your perspective on the world and make you appreciate the little things in life. Breathe in the fresh air and let yourself feel freer than ever before.
