How To Go Camping

If you’ve never spent a night under the stars, learning how to go camping can feel a bit overwhelming. But with some simple planning, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy.

This guide will walk you through everything, from picking a campsite to packing your gear. We’ll keep it simple and stress-free.

Let’s break down the process into managable steps. Following a logical order makes planning your first trip much easier.

Step 1: Choose Your Camping Style

Not all camping is the same. Your first decision is what kind of adventure you want.

Car Camping: You drive right up to your campsite. This allows you to bring more gear, like coolers, chairs, and larger tents. It’s perfect for beginners and families.
Backpacking: You carry everything you need on your back to hike into a remote site. It’s more physically demanding but offers solitude and immersion in nature.
RV or Campervan Camping: Your vehicle is your shelter. This provides more comfort and protection from the elements but requires a special vehicle and different reservations.
Dispersed Camping: Camping for free on public lands outside of designated campgrounds. It requires more self-sufficiency and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.

For your first time, we highly recomend starting with car camping at an established campground. It offers a safety net and easier access to facilities.

Step 2: Find and Reserve a Campsite

Popular campgrounds book up fast, especially on weekends. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Public Campgrounds: Check Recreation.gov for federal lands (National Parks, Forests, BLM) or your state’s park website. These often have basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets.
Private Campgrounds: Sites like Hipcamp or The Dyrt list private land and often have more amenities like showers, laundry, and hookups.
What to Look For: Read site descriptions carefully. Consider proximity to water, bathroom facilities, shade, and privacy. A shorter walk from the car is easier for your first load-in.

Step 3: Gather Your Essential Gear

You don’t need the most expensive gear to start. Focus on the “Big Three” shelter, sleep, and pack.

The Big Three: Shelter, Sleep System, Pack

Tent: Get one labeled for one more person than you need (e.g., a 3-person tent for 2 people). Practice setting it up in your backyard first!
Sleeping Bag & Pad: A bag rated for the expected nighttime lows is crucial. A sleeping pad is not just for comfort; it insulates you from the cold ground.
Backpack (for backpacking): For car camping, large plastic bins or duffel bags work fine to organize gear in your vehicle.

Other Critical Gear

Lighting: A headlamp (hands-free!) is essential. Bring extra batteries or a power bank.
First-Aid Kit: A pre-made kit is fine. Just make sure it has bandages, antiseptic, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
Navigation: A physical map and compass, even if you plan to use your phone. Service is often unreliable.
Food & Water Storage: A cooler with ice for perishables. For backpacking, a bear-resistant canister or bag is often required in wild areas.

Step 4: Plan Your Meals and Water

Keep meals simple. Think of foods that are easy to cook and require minimal cleanup.

Breakfast: Instant oatmeal, granola bars, fruit.
Lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, or crackers and cheese.
Dinner: Pre-made chili reheated on a camp stove, hot dogs, or simple pasta.
Snacks: Trail mix, jerky, dried fruit. You’ll be more active and hungrier than usual.
Water: Always bring more than you think you’ll need. A rule of thumb is 2 gallons per person per day for drinking and cleaning. Have a way to purify water if you’re getting it from a natural source.

Don’t forget the cooking basics: a camp stove and fuel, a pot, a pan, utensils, a sharp knife, a sponge, and biodegradable soap.

Step 5: Pack the Right Clothing

Cotton kills—when it gets wet, it stays wet and makes you cold. Stick to synthetic fabrics or wool.

Layering is Key: A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer (fleece), and a waterproof/windproof outer shell.
Always Pack for Rain: A rain jacket and pants can save a trip.
Sturdy Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots. Break them in before your trip!
Extra Socks: Always pack at least one extra pair. Dry feet are happy feet.

Step 6: Set Up Camp Like a Pro

You’ve arrived! Now, work efficiently to get comfortable before dark.

Check-In: Stop at the campground host or kiosk to confirm your site.
Site Survey: Look for the best tent spot (flat, high ground, free of rocks and roots). Note where the fire ring and food storage area are.
Pitch Your Tent: Clear the area of debris. Use a footprint or tarp under your tent to protect it. Stake it out securely, even if it’s not windy yet.
Organize Your Kitchen: Set up your stove on a stable surface away from your tent and flammable materials. Keep food sealed and stored properly.
Create a Comfort Zone: Set up chairs, hang a lantern, and unpack your sleep gear into the tent.

Step 7: Master Campfire and Cooking Basics

A campfire is a classic part of the experience, but safety is paramount.

Check for Bans: Always verify if there are active fire restrictions.
Use the Existing Ring: Never build a new fire ring. Keep the fire small and manageable.
Water Nearby: Have a bucket of water or a shovel ready before you light the fire.
Extinguish Completely: Drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and drown it again until it’s cold to the touch.

For cooking, a two-burner propane stove is a car camper’s best friend. It’s reliable and easy to control. Always clean your dishes promptly and dispose of wastewater away from water sources.

Step 8: Follow Leave No Trace Principles

Our goal is to leave the place better than we found it. These seven principles are the golden rule.

Plan Ahead and Prepare.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. (Use established sites and trails.)
Dispose of Waste Properly. (Pack it in, pack it out.)
Leave What You Find.
Minimize Campfire Impacts.
Respect Wildlife. (Observe from a distance, never feed animals.)
Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

Step 9: Break Camp and Head Home

Leaving efficiently ensures you get home on time and the site is ready for the next campers.

Pack Gear: Shake out and pack your tent dry if possible. If it’s damp, unpack it at home immediately to air out.
Clean Thoroughly: Pick up every bit of trash, even micro-trash like bottle caps. Do a “final sweep” of your entire site.
Douse the Fire: Ensure your fire is 100% out using the water method.
Final Check: Look under picnic tables and around the perimeter for anything you missed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone makes mistakes, but you can learn from these common ones.

Arriving After Dark: Setting up camp in the dark is frustrating and difficult.
Overpacking: You don’t need five changes of clothes. Stick to the essentials.
Underpacking Water: Dehydration can ruin a trip quickly.
Ignoring Weather Reports: Be prepared for sudden changes, especially in the mountains.
Forgetting a Can Opener or Lighter: Double-check your kitchen box!

FAQ Section

What is the easiest way to go camping for the first time?

The easiest way is to go car camping at a developed campground with a friend who has some experience. This gives you access to your vehicle and often has amenities like running water and restrooms.

How do I go camping on a budget?

Borrow gear from friends, rent equipment from an outdoor shop, or buy used. Camp on public lands (dispersed camping is often free), and keep your meal plans very simple to save money.

What are the basic rules for camping?

The basic rules are summed up by Leave No Trace: respect nature, respect other campers, and always leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Specific campgrounds will have quiet hours and rules about food storage.

Is camping safe for beginners?

Yes, if you prepare properly. Choosing a popular, staffed campground for your first trip significantly reduces risk. Tell someone your plans, pack a first-aid kit, and know how to respond to the weather and wildlife in your area.

How do you go camping without a tent?

You can use a hammock with a rain fly and bug net, or sleep in your vehicle if it’s suitable. Some campgrounds even have cabins or yurts you can rent. Always check what shelter is provided before you assume.

Remember, your first camping trip doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal is to get outside and enjoy yourself. Each trip you’ll learn what gear you actually use, what food you like, and how to streamline your setup. The most important step is simply getting out there. With this guide on how to go camping, you have the foundation you need for a great adventure.