I notice that there’s A LOT of people that go camping when they’re kids (through school and whatnot, however I’m not going to count that) but as soon as they get older that all stops, when this shouldn’t be the case. I know that life gets in the way, kids, family and work. But there should be at least 1 or 2 times in your adulthood when you embark on a journey into the wilderness. My first time camping tips is dedicated to those people – most probably you, if you landed on this page 🙂
Read on to find out my best camping tips for first timers so YOU know what to do and what to avoid when heading into the unknown.
Don’t Rush Into It – First Trip
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to be excited – so you should be, you’re heading out on a journey you haven’t done before. My #1 tip for first-time campers is to ease yourself into it, don’t do a full blown 7 day camping trip, because you don’t know if you’ll like it not.
Your Very First Ideal Trip
I recommend a 1-2 night trip in a public campground, with family and/or friends, preferably with people that have done it before.
Don’t Be Afraid To Get Your Hands Dirty
You’ll most probably be standing back most of the time, enjoying the peaceful nature sounds (birds chirping, wind blowing) however, it’s perfectly fine if you want to help out – cut some firewood, put some in the fire, help with getting dinner ready.
Because you never know, if you enjoy it enough you may want to head out on your own camping journey one day, completely solo.
In order to complete a successful solo trip you will need to learn the basics of survival, fire making, tent pitching, cooking your meals. It’s totally different when you’re out on your own since you have to rely on yourself. Consider yourself lucky with everyone doing all the work 🙂
Don’t Be Scared Of Wildlife
When it comes to camping, it’s not a matter of IF you’ll encounter wild animals, it’s a matter of when. Know that you have to stay calm and appreciate what nature has to offer, because wild creatures are incredible.
99% of the time wild animals want to avoid us just as much as we want to avoid them, so you’re perfectly fine in the outdoors.
The Importance Of A 2-Room Tent
Now I know you may be sharing a tent with someone else, however if you can get your hands on a 2-room tent this will help you immensely. On your first trip you’re going to find it hard keeping your clean clothes from getting dirty, causing a lot of your spare clothes to get muddy and whatnot.
Eliminate this by having a 2-room tent, and have all your dirty clothes, muddy boots and everything else in it, which will make your entire camping experience that much better.
Your Equipment
What’s a camping trip without any equipment, right? Take a look at my full camping equipment list so you’re not left scratching your head wandering what you need. You don’t have to bring everything along with you, just the items you need.
Before Heading Out On Your Journey
With everything packed and ready to go, you’re ‘almost’ ready, all you need to do now is read my outdoor safety tips, because there’s hundreds of hazards just waiting to happen – and you HAVE to be prepared for them.
When You Learn The Ropes – After 3+ Trips
After a few successful camping missions (if you enjoyed the first one of course)
you may find yourself appreciating nature more, helping out a lot more, maybe even doing things yourself.
This is a very good sign, and hopefully good enough to one day completing your own successful solo camp.
What Next?
Well, since you’re a lot better at outdoor living, it’s time to start camping in more remote locations – maybe off the grid with your friends or family where you don’t have to pay for a campsite.
If you decide to go this route and if you haven’t read my safety article yet, I’d suggest you take a look at how to stay safe while camping, because safety is just as important as having fun.
Advanced Camper – After 10+ Trips
You now know how to start a fire, how to pitch your tent, cook your dinner, and most of all – have fun. Your are an advanced camper, this takes a long time to get up to this status so give yourself a pat on the back.
You’re most likely ready to camp by yourself, if you’re not ready that is perfectly fine.
Not everyone wants to try it.
Conclusion
Completing a successful camping mission – whether it be with family/friends or by yourself, this is a great achievement and something you ought to be proud of, because most people can only THINK about going down this road.
If I can give you one word of advice to help you towards that giant leap, it is to go now, because later may never come.
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