How To Survive Camping

Heading into the wilderness is an amazing experience, but it requires some know-how to stay safe and comfortable. Knowing how to survive camping is the difference between a great story and a rough night. This guide will give you practical, step-by-step advice for your next adventure, whether you’re a first-timer or looking to brush up on your skills.

This isn’t about extreme wilderness survival. It’s about the smart planning and common sense that makes your trip enjoyable and safe. Let’s break down the essentials.

Step 1: Master Your Planning & Packing

Your trip’s success starts at home. Good planning prevents most problems before you even leave.

Research Your Campsite

Not all campsites are the same. A little research saves a lot of hassle.

Know the Rules: Check the campground’s website for reservations, fire regulations, and bear policies.
Check the Weather Forecast: Look at the trend for the days you’ll be there. Conditions can change fast in the mountains.
Understand the Terrain: Is it a drive-in site or a hike-in? Are there water sources? This affects what you pack.

The Non-Negotiable Packing List

Forgetting a key item can turn a minor inconvenience into a real issue. Use this checklist.

Shelter & Sleep: Tent (with footprint or tarp), sleeping bag rated for the expected low temperature, sleeping pad.
Clothing: Pack for layers! Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer (fleece), waterproof outer layer. Always pack extra socks.
Food & Water: More than you think you need. A water filter or purification tablets is essential if you’re not at a site with potable water.
Tools & Safety: Headlamp (with extra batteries), multi-tool, map and compass (not just your phone), first-aid kit, fire starters, 50 feet of paracord.

Step 2: Setting Up a Safe and Secure Camp

You’ve arrived. Where and how you set up camp is your first big in-the-field decision.

Choosing the Perfect Campsite

If you’re in a designated campground, use the provided pad. For backcountry or dispersed camping, follow these rules.

Look for High, Flat Ground: Avoid valleys or depressions where cold air and water settle. A slight slope is okay for drainage.
Check Overhead for “Widowmakers”: Never camp under dead or broken tree limbs that could fall.
Respect Water Sources: Camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to protect the water and avoid damp, buggy ground.
Consider the Sun and Wind: Morning sun can warm your tent quickly. Position your tent door away from the prevailing wind.

The Art of the Tent Pitch

Clear the area of rocks, sticks, and pinecones.
Lay down your footprint or tarp (it should be slightly smaller than your tent’s base).
Assemble your tent according to its instructions. Stake it out firmly, even if it’s not windy yet.
Always use the rainfly. Weather can change unexpectedly.

Camp Kitchen Setup

Keep your cooking area organized and away from where you sleep.

Store Food Properly: Use a bear canister or hang a bear bag 10-15 feet high and 4 feet from any tree trunk. This isn’t just for bears—raccoons and mice are expert food thieves.
Keep a Clean Camp: Never leave food, trash, or scented items (toothpaste, deodorant) in your tent. Wash dishes immediately after eating.

Step 3: Fire, Food, and Water Fundamentals

These are your core comforts. Managing them well keeps your energy up and spirits high.

Building and Managing a Campfire

First, always confirm fires are allowed. If they are, and there’s no fire ban, follow these steps.

Use an existing fire ring if available.
Gather three types of fuel: Tinder (dry grass, birch bark), kindling (small twigs), and fuelwood (wrist-sized logs).
Build a small teepee or log cabin structure over your tinder.
Light the tinder and gently add more kindling as it catches.
Never leave a fire unattended. To extinguish, drown it with water, stir the ashes, drown it again, and feel for heat with the back of your hand.

Simple and Satisfying Camp Cooking

You don’t need to be a gourmet chef. Focus on calories, nutrition, and ease.

Breakfast: Instant oatmeal, granola with powdered milk, or pre-made breakfast burritos wrapped in foil and warmed on the fire.
Lunch: Often a quick, no-cook meal like tortillas with peanut butter, jerky, and cheese.
Dinner: One-pot meals are king. Think dehydrated meals, pasta sides, or rice and bean mixes. Pre-measure and bag ingredients at home.

Water: Your Most Important Resource

Never run out of water. Dehydration happens quickly and is dangerous.

Always Treat Water: Even clear, flowing water can contain bacteria or parasites. Use a filter, chemical treatment, or boil it for 1 minute (3 minutes at high altitude).
Carry Enough: Have at least 2 liters on you while hiking. Drink regularly, don’t just wait until your thirsty.

Step 4: Handling Wildlife and Weather

You are a visitor in nature’s home. Respecting the elements and the animals is key to staying safe.

Wildlife Encounters 101

Most animals want to avoid you. Your job is to not attract them or surprise them.

Make Noise on the Trail: Talk or clap occasionally, especially in brushy areas, to avoid startling a bear or moose.
Give Animals Space: Use binoculars for viewing. Never approach or feed wildlife.
Know Specifics: Research what animals are in the area. For example, with black bears, you make yourself look big and back away slowly. With moose, you put a tree between you and them.

Weathering the Storm

Mountain and forest weather is famously unpredictable. Be prepared.

Hypothermia is a Real Risk: It can occur even in temperatures above freezing if you’re wet and windy. Get out of wet clothes, add dry layers, and have a warm drink.
Lightning Safety: If a storm rolls in, avoid open ridges, isolated trees, and water. Seek lower ground in a dense group of smaller trees.
Wind Management: Secure all loose gear. Guy out your tent’s rainfly for better stability.

Step 5: Essential Skills and Troubleshooting

When things don’t go as planned, a few basic skills can make all the difference.

Basic First Aid for Campers

Your kit is useless if you don’t know how to use it. Focus on these common issues.

Blisters: Stop and treat them immediately. Cover with a moleskin or blister bandage.
Cuts & Scrapes: Clean with purified water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage.
Sprains: Remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

What to Do If You Get Lost

Stay calm. Panic is your worst enemy. Follow the STOP acronym.

Stop. Sit down. Don’t wander any further.
Think. What was your last known location? What landmarks do you recognize?
Observe. Look for trails, streams, or any signs of people. Check your map and compass.
Plan. If you cannot confidently backtrack, it is often safest to stay put, especially if you told someone your plans. Make yourself visible and conserve energy.

Leave No Trace Principles

This is the ethical code for the outdoors. Following it ensures the wilderness stays wild for others.

Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly (pack out all trash, including toilet paper).
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts.
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.

FAQ: Your Camping Survival Questions Answered

Q: What is the most important thing for camping survival?
A: Clean water is your top priority. You can only last a few days without it, so always have a way to treat water from natural sources.

Q: How do you stay warm camping in cold weather?
A: It’s all about layers and insulation. Wear a hat to bed, use a sleeping pad with a good R-value, and change into dry clothes before sleeping. Eating a high-calorie snack before bed can also help your body generate heat.

Q: What food should I bring for a 3-day camping trip?
A: Focus on non-perishable, high-energy foods: oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit, jerky, pasta, rice, and dehydrated meals. Pre-cook and freeze meals like chili to act as an ice pack in your cooler on day one.

Q: Is it safe to camp alone?
A: It can be, with extra preparation. Always tell at least two people your detailed itinerary and check-in plan. Choose a familiar, well-traveled area for your first solo trips and trust your instincts.

Q: How do you keep bugs away while camping?
A> Use a tent with good bug netting, apply picaridin or DEET to your skin, and treat your clothing with permethrin before you go. Keep your tent zipped up at all times, even during the day.

Q: What should I do if I see a bear near my campsite?
A: Stay calm. From inside your tent, make noise by talking firmly. If you’re outside, gather your group, speak calmly, and back away slowly—do not run. Ensure all food and scented items are properly stored far from your sleeping area to avoid this situation.

Final Thoughts Before You Go

The best way to learn how to survive camping is to get out there and practice. Start with a short overnight trip at a maintained campground close to home. Test your gear in your backyard. Each trip will build your confidence and skills. Remember, the goal isn’t to conquer nature, but to enjoy it safely and responsibly. With the right preparation and a respectful attitude, you’ll be ready for countless adventures under the stars. Always double-check your gear list, tell someone your plans, and then go have a great time.