Get Started Camping

Camping is the most fun when you’re the most comfortable. So follow these tips to make sure everyone has room to stretch out and enjoy the outdoors. At the very least, you’ll need:

When choosing a tent, remember that the number of people in the name means only the people, not their gear, bags, clothing, stuffed animals, etc. So unless you want to be packed in like sardines, you should get a tent rated for more people than will be sleeping in it. Just the two of you? Get a 3- or 4-person tent. Family of four? Go for a 6-person or multi-room tent. You get the idea.

TENTS

If you’re looking for some extra room to stretch, then the same rule applies here – go with a larger sleeping bag. If cuddling is more your aim, a standard two-person sleeping bag will absolutely do the trick for two people. And if you really want to save space, a mummy bag is shaped to fit closer to your body.

SLEEPING BAGS

Pick up a comfy, portable camp chair for everyone in your party, and maybe one extra. You don’t want to deprive anyone of a prime marshmallow-toasting spot.

CAMP CHAIRS

SLEEPING PADS, COTS & MATTRESSES

PILLOWS

FOLDING TABLES

Once your tent is set up and you’re ready to enjoy the campsite, you’ll have to cross your fingers and hope Mother Nature cooperates with good weather. But no matter the conditions, a little planning can go a long way towards staying comfortable and having fun.

Even in summer, temperatures can dip sharply at night; and in spring or fall, staying warm is even more important. Do a little research on the temperatures where you’re camping; you want a sleeping bag with a rating that’s higher than the lowest nighttime lows. (A 30° sleeping bag will keep you warm when the temperatures drop to 30°, but probably not below that.)

COLD WEATHER SLEEPING BAGS

Another consideration for camp comfort is our creepy-crawly friends who share the campground at certain times of year. Biting, buzzing insects can turn a lot of people off from camping, but again, a little preparation can keep them away. If you’re camping in bug season, make sure to bring bug spray and repellent devices that will keep them away from you and the entire campsite. You might also consider bringing a screen house to put around your dining area, so you can enjoy your meals in peace. Another great way to fend off biting insects is wearing clothing that has bug repellent technology built right into the fabric.

BUG REPELLENT CLOTHING

SCREEN HOUSES

Finally, no matter what time of year you’re camping, you’re going to be left in the dark when the sun goes down. Lanterns are great for illuminating a large area, like a table or a tent, and headlamps will light things up right in front of you while keeping your hands free.

LIGHTING

Now you’ve got a tent that will fit your whole party, comfortable sleeping arrangements and campsite chairs, and gear that tells bugs to bug off. The last of your preparations depends on how long you plan to stay in this outdoor wonderland.

Food is something you’ll need to plan for, even if you’re only camping out overnight. If you aren’t confident in your campfire cooking skills, there are many campgrounds where it’s possible to head into town for every meal, but you’ll be missing out on the experience of campsite cuisine.

To make mealtimes go smoothly, make a plan for your meals ahead of time – you can even prepare or pre-cook some at home – and organize the refrigerated ingredients in a well-insulated cooler. A camp stove is a great stand-in for your grill or stovetop at home, or your can try your hand at cooking right over the campfire.

CAMP KITCHEN

Many modern campgrounds have spots where you can fill containers with clean water, and you’ll want to make sure you have plenty at your campsite. In addition to staying hydrated, you’ll need water to wash up and keep your camp dishes clean – even if there’s a modern restroom nearby, water at your site will keep you from running back and forth.

WATER BOTTLES & TREATMENT

COOLERS

CAMPING DISHES & UTENSILS

STOVES

Food, shelter, safety and comfort – that’s all your essentials covered. Pretty easy, right? Now the only thing to do is decide how you want to spend your time outside while you’re there.

If you’re hanging around the campsite, you may want to take this time away from the modern world to relax. Sling up a hammock and catch up on reading, strum a guitar by the fire or do yoga to the sounds of nature. Board games and card games are a great way to disconnect from your phones and connect with the people around you.

CAMPING HAMMOCKS

Wherever you’re camping out, it’s likely there will be a wealth of outdoor opportunities around you waiting to be explored. Get in contact with the campground or do a little research ahead of time to find hiking trails, paddling spots or cycling routes nearby, then make sure to pack everything you need into (or onto) your car.

ALL CAMPING & HIKING GEAR

If you’re just getting started camping, you’ll have a better experience if you head somewhere that feels safe and comfortable. (It might be easier to convince your kids and friends to come along for the trip, too).

The National Park Foundation’s Find Your Park tool is a great resource to find a beginner campground near you. With more than 400 park sites in the U.S., there’s probably one closer than you think – in fact, most Americans have one within 100 miles of their home. Many feature campgrounds with creature comforts like bathrooms with running water and showers, as well as fire rings, picnic tables and tent platforms that are ready-and-waiting for your visit.