Camping

You Should Camp This Summer

As a child, we exclusively camped for our vacations. With more than three decades of experience, I still enjoy spending time outdoors both backpacking and car camping. But I’m also realizing that not everyone has lots of childhood memories in a tent, or they think it’s not for them for a myriad of reasons. So here is my best sell for why you should consider camping, and a few tips to make it more enjoyable.

Why Camping?

I’m a city girl at heart and feel most at home in the busiest of urban escapes, but there is something about being surrounded by green and blue that calms me.

There is actual science that proves being in nature can lead to better health including reduced stress, better eyesight and decreased blood pressure.

The museums and breweries will be there when you get back, but the spring snow melt, summer blooms, and fall foliage will not last forever.

You don’t even have to go completely off grid if you’d rather stay in touch and post your beautiful new photos on Instagram.

Exploring our national parks and hiking the thousands of state parks around the country and even the world can be an experience like no other. 

Here’s how to make it less uncomfortable and more fun.

Plan ahead

There are so many things to think about when planning a regular vacation, and planning to camp can double the number of things on your list to research. You’ll need to choose an exciting destination and find a place to stay, but also research weather more scrupulously, what wildlife you might encounter and how to behave near them, as well as all of the gear and equipment you’ll need.

I always start with where I want to visit, who wants to come with me, how long we have to enjoy the place, how we’ll get around (if we’re flying and renting a car, or driving there), what hikes we want to do, what are the rules and restrictions in those areas and where we want to stay, before starting any packing lists or gear shopping. 

Where to Camp

Normally, I’d say start small and stay close to home, but camping isn’t easy so in order to make all of the work worth it, I say go big. Maybe don’t plan to hike Mount Whitney as your first trip, but somewhere you’ve always seen photos of on Instagram or somewhere a friend just went that looked incredible. If you’re from the Midwest, exploring the Pacific Northwest can be a doable but magical experience. You might also enjoy Southern Utah or Northern California. There are beautiful hidden gems around the United States and even more around the world! Small issue lugging gear with you but if you find this becomes a hobby of yours, go for it!

Once you have some of the other big things figured out, you can find an excellent campsite. You can choose a traditional campground which will likely have you just a few feet from other groups, but may offer amenities like a camp store, a pool, electricity, flush bathrooms, showers and more. They are typically $15 - $100 per site around the country depending on what you need. We’re staying at Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park in September and I believe it was $30 per night.

Another option is Hipcamp which is like Airbnb but for property individuals can rent to you overnight. Our most recent Hipcamp was in Lucas, Ohio, and this guy had 13 acres and we could just pick a spot and enjoy. He had a stocked pond for fishing, string lights, picnic tables and fire pits for us too.

There also may be places to camp along major hikes. Not formal campgrounds, but you are permitted to set up a tent for a night or two, like near Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness near Mount Tallac and Lake Tahoe. Be sure to research where exactly you are permitted to camp because there are usually strict rules and even permits may be required.

Harvest Hosts is another option for RVers looking to park for the night where you stay at the vineyard for free with purchase of their wine.

And the last option is called boondocking, or just sleeping in random parking lots or parks. As long as it’s public land, you should be okay, but it’s not legal in every state and can be one of the less safe options. On the plus side, it’s always free. In some regions, it is perfectly normal and encouraged. In Sedona, AZ, my friend and I rented camping equipment off of Airbnb and then camped along the side of the road on Bureau of Land Management property. The views were incredible and we were all alone out there under the stars.

Who to Camp With

If you’re new or nervous about camping, don’t drag your diva friend along. Invite a more experienced friend who can help you navigate all the details of food and fire safety, how to get rid of bugs and more. Camping alone can be fun if you’re a pro, but I find that my sweet spot is 2-6 people. Your group will have plenty of hands to help set up your tent, prepare meals, and stoke the fire, but won’t be too loud or overwhelming so you can still enjoy the quiet of the outdoors.

How Long to Camp

There is too much work involved in setting up a comfy campsite to do it for just one night in my opinion. On the other hand, if you aren’t an experienced camper or have the best gear, two weeks in a sleeping bag may not be the most fun either.

I love camping for a long weekend or 2-4 nights. I find that I have plenty of hammock time to read my book and binge on s’more creations, but my back doesn’t start hurting, nor am I eaten alive by bugs and desperately craving a shower.

How to Get to Campsites

Depending on how far away the destination is, you may want to fly, then rent a car when you arrive. You will most definitely need a car to get to the campsite then to any hikes you want to add in. Plus, having a car means you have some safety in case of curious animals or bad weather, and power to charge up if you don’t have a solar charger for any devices.

What Activities to Do While Camping

Firstly, you likely need to spend a couple hours setting up upon arrival and tearing down the day you leave. But other than preparing meals and reapplying bug spray and sunscreen, you will have plenty of time to read a book, play a game board, card or yard game, fish, or hike.

The best place to start your hike research is All Trails. However, once you narrow it down, you may look for a regional website that has even more details about your destination. 

What To Know Before You Camp

There will always be common standards like Leave No Trace, but there may be even more regulations depending on where you end up camping.

During wildfire season out west, you may not be permitted to make a campfire at all, propane stoves only. You may not be allowed to bring in firewood from out of state, fish without a license, pick flowers as souvenirs, dig holes for pooping, or bring your pets. You may also check for any warnings about harmful algae blooms in the drinking water, flash flood watches, or insect swarms. Knowing what to expect and planning ahead can help make this whole thing way more fun.

Often weather apps look at the weather in the nearest metro. Be sure to check the weather of the exact location you’ll be camping in. Elevation can mean more than 20 degrees different than you expect or there could be rain just in the valley but not on the mountain top.

You should also have an awareness of what kind of wildlife lives where you’ll be. Knowing the difference between a grizzly bear and a black bear can be key since they require you to react to their presence differently. It’s always a good idea to keep food and anything smelly at all including the clothes you cooked and ate in away from where you’ll be sleeping. Even small varmints can be a nuisance so it’s best to use a bear canister and maybe even hang it from the trees 100 meters from your sleeping spot.

What Gear is Needed for Camping

Throughout your research you’ll likely think of things you’d like to bring. Make a packing list so you don’t forget the many things you’ll need to bring along. But don’t feel like you need to spend thousands of dollars on top-quality gear just to explore if you enjoy camping or for a few short trips. You have options.

The first option is to borrow from friends. Of course it’s more fun to camp with friends and I did say you should invite your experienced camper friends with you on your first couple trips, but they likely have tons of gear you can borrow, or know other friends who can share equipment. With a couple exceptions, I have gear to support up to 4 people camping and the things I don’t have for a fourth person, they can likely find an easy substitute from what they already have at home.

The second option is to rent. Outdoor gear stores like REI and other local outfitters offer used equipment for as little as $2 per item per night. This will likely cost you upwards of $100 to rent everything you need, but if you just want to try it once, or haven’t quite built up all of the gear you need, it’s certainly a great option. We don’t own a bear canister or a stove believe it or not, and usually just rent when we need those things.

And last but not least, buy second hand. Camping equipment will get dirty and scuffed and scratched. Might as well get a deal on some pre-loved items instead of buying new. REI Garage Sales, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great options to start your search.

For a full list of camping, backpacking, and hiking gear, check out this post.

My summer and fall of this year are already booked up with camping and other travel, but I’d love to go camping with you next summer!

Pack With Me: Camping, Hiking, Backpacking

Camping, hiking, and backpacking can be so much fun, but it’s even better when you have luxury gear and don’t forget the important stuff. Here’s everything I bring with me when I’m camping for more than a couple nights, hiking for more than 5 miles, or backpacking any amount.

Sleeping

  • Tent: We have an ultralight two-person we like for backpacking, and a larger 4-person tent for car camping. Good tents usually come with a footprint, but you can use a tarp underneath your tent if necessary. Ideally your tent also has a rain fly just in case it rains in the middle of the night or you expect there to be a lot of dew. (REI)

  • Pillow: If we are backpacking we have small inflatable pillows, but if we are car camping, we usually just bring the pillows from our bed at home.

  • Sleeping bag: If you are car camping feel free to bring bedding from home. But you’ll have a much better experience with a high quality sleeping bag. We have bags that can keep us warm in 15 degree temperatures. Some people even use a liner inside their bag to stay warm when they need it. When we get too warm during the night we just unzip and stick a leg out. You want one that is somewhat form fitting to your body because any extra space is room for cold air. I got one especially made for women’s shapes and my partner got one made for his height. We love our down sleeping bags so much! (Marmot)

  • Sleeping pad: For extra comfort and warmth, you can also use a pad between your sleeping bag and the tent floor. You can get one that folds or rolls up or an inflatable one. (REI)

  • Sleeping cot: We recently added cots to our car camping setup. Way better than an air mattress! We don’t bring them for backpacking because they are about as heavy as folding camp chairs. Not ideal when we’re trying to keep our weight to 30 pounds total including water. (REI)

Eating and Drinking

  • Bladder: We use both bottles and bladders for our camping trips. We have a water filter if we know there is going to be somewhat potable water nearby like a flowing stream, but we also may just bring in all the water we intend to consume during the trip. Always overestimate what you’ll need. Always.

  • Water filter: There are many ways to ensure you are drinking clean water throughout your camping trip. We personally like an easy filter but are exploring other options as well. 

  • Paper towels: it’s a little wasteful, but they are an easy option for cleaning up messes on gear to prevent attracting bugs and animals.

  • Trash bags: Something you can hang from a clothesline to keep animals away. Remember to Leave No Trace.

  • Cookware: Planning out your meals will help you determine what you need to bring as far as cooking utensils, pots and pans, etc. There are specialty camp versions of everything, or you may decide not to bring anything but a mountain pie maker and a cast iron skillet to cook over a fire. Don’t forget marshmallow sticks!

  • Serveware: I like reusables but cardboard or bamboo disposables are fine in a pinch. Be sure they don’t have any sort of coating on them if you intend to throw them in the campfire though. 

  • Cleaning supplies: I usually use biodegradable soap and paper towels.

  • Animal protection: This can be a bear canister, a bag with rope to hang from a tree branch or other option. You don’t want to leave food in a cooler or out in any way.

  • Cooler: To keep food and drinks cold. I prefer large ice packs so when they melt my items aren’t floating in water, but ice is always an easy option. I try to keep cheese and other small items in a separate cooler with ice packs and leave the cooler for things like milk and beer since they won’t get soggy.

Wearing

For as much of my clothing as possible, I try to bring natural fibers like wool and cotton. I do also have some more technical clothing as well that helps wick sweat and dew from me.

  • Bottoms: I almost never wear jeans because they don’t dry quickly so hiking pants and leggings for me, but some people prefer shorts. I usually bring one per day. I’ve been burned before (falling into the river while kayaking) and have needed more than one outfit in a day, but you can also wear the same thing more than one day. No one cares what you look like while camping. (Prana, Patagonia, Girlfriend Collective)

  • Tops: Regardless of the temperature, I always bring tank tops, short sleeves and long sleeves so I can layer as necessary as the temperatures change throughout the day and night. I wear these items over and over unless I sweat excessively. (REI, Patagonia)

  • Pajamas: changing into clean pajamas before you slip into your sleeping bag can help keep it clean since it’s so hard to launder.

  • Underthings: sports bras, underwear, socks, etc. I bring just a few sports bras and wear them inside out the second time. I always pack more underwear than I need. Fresh underwear is the best feeling when the rest of you feels a little dirty out in the woods somewhere. I usually only bring enough socks for the days I’m hiking. I wear dirty socks inside out with my sandals around the fire in the evenings. (SmartWool)

  • Swim suit: I almost always bring it even if there is no pool. You may find a lake, pond or river you just can’t resist.

  • Rain gear: It’s important to bring a waterPROOF jacket, not a water RESISTANT one. One with a hood is best. You can also get waterproof pants as well, but it’s not necessary unless you anticipate being wet and cold for a long time like in Iceland or during a winter hike. (Patagonia, Columbia)

  • Gloves: Speaking of winter, you may decide to bring warm gloves with you as well. If you’re seeing below 40 degrees, you may also consider a winter coat, scarves, and other accoutrement like crampons.

  • Hat: this could be something warm for winter or a baseball cap for warmer weather. I hear bucket hats are in lately, but I just can’t with some 90s trends.

  • Hiking shoes or boots: Depending on your needs, you may decide to go with a more lightweight hiking shoe or a more sturdy boot, but both should be waterproof when possible. (Merrell, Ariat)

  • Sandals: I like thick velcro ones I can adjust as my feet swell throughout the day. I can use them as water shoes and campfire shoes, and even short, flat hikes in them if I need to. (Teva, Toms are good alternatives if you don’t plan on using them for water)

  • Sunglasses: But don’t bring your fancy ones in case they get dirty, broken or lost.

Relaxing

  • Hammock: Laying in a hammock is one of the best ways to chill out. Be sure to pack your straps and stand if you don’t anticipate finding good trees for it. (ENO, Kammok)

  • Camp chairs: Any folding camp chairs will do, but there are awesome anti-gravity ones that will really enhance your experience.

  • Games: I always bring a deck of cards for the size and flexibility, but board games that can be played on a picnic table or that don’t have small pieces that could get lost in the grass or cards that can blow away in the wind are great as well. If you have room in your car, you can also bring yard games like corn hole, bocce, can jam and others.

  • Binoculars: If you want to peep some birds or animals from afar, binoculars are a fun addition to your list

  • Firewood: Make sure it’s seasoned and dry. You’ll want large logs and small kindling as well as a lighter and paper and cardboard scraps.

Safety

  • Sunscreen: Sun protection is no joke. I’m a bit of a crazy person about making sure I apply it thoroughly and reapply regularly. We were just at a cabin with friends and I was the only one who didn’t get burned. I prefer 50 SPF mineral sunscreen in lotion form, but anything is better than nothing. Aerosols and chemical sunscreens aren’t great for the environment (if it doesn’t say mineral on the label, it’s chemical). Many places like Hawaii and Australia are even banning chemical sunscreens because of the damage they can do to reefs and ocean life.

  • Bug spray: Even if you don’t think you need it, bring it anyway. You can also bring citronella candles and other bug deterrents but spray is often the easiest and most reliable.

  • Whistle: If you get lost or need help, a whistle may be louder and use less energy than your own voice. 

  • Emergency blankets: These small foil blankets you often see marathoners wearing after a race can help keep you warm. Hand warmers are also a nice thing to pack if you expect any chilly weather.

  • Band aids: My partner loves to prevent blisters with bandages like Moleskin, but band aids are still helpful for small cuts. You should also have an Ace bandage and a healthy first aid kit with a variety of common items like allergy pills, ibuprofen, Tums, and antiseptic.

  • Hand sanitizer and soap: We have biodegradable soap we use for everything and washing your hands with soap and water is always the better option, but in a pinch hand sanitizer will do.

  • Hand crank radio: I have this hand crank-powered radio and flashlight device that I would use in an emergency, it’s the size of a can of soda and if my phone and headlamp died, I could use it to listen to music and get some light.

  • Toilet paper: Just in case your campground runs out in the middle of the night, or if you are primitive camping. You should also consider a portable loo or double doodie bags if you need to pack out your personal waste.

  • Jumper cables: And generally a car safety kit. You may need to turn the headlights on for a bit or charge phones so it’s best to not get stranded with a dead battery and no cell service.

  • Knife: Many people bring a knife or ax as well for odds and ends set up and firewood management.

Miscellaneous

  • Backpack, day pack: Obviously if you’re backpacking you’ll need something to carry everything. You can mostly get away with a 30-40 liter pack for most short trips. But it’s also nice to have a smaller day pack that’s only 10-15 liters for hiking and exploring. (Osprey, Mountain Hardwear)

  • Hair ties: no one wants you to accidentally light your hair on fire; pull it back. Rock a braid or top knot.

  • Headlamps: It’s nice to have a lantern or flashlight as well, but to keep the number of items we need to bring low, we just bring headlamps. The brightness and angle can be adjusted on the ones we have. (Black Diamond)

  • Towel or sarong: We have a small hand town made of microfiber as well as a thin sarong-style blanket we can use as a towel as well. Again, if we are car camping, we just bring beach towels from home.

  • Deodorant and other toiletries: I like to keep a fragrance-free set of toiletries for camping and outdoor trips. I’m not bringing perfume to attract bees my way, or anything of the sort. My camping toiletries are bare bones and I may not even bring a hair brush. My fingers work just fine for my hair for the most part. Toothbrush and paste, deodorant, facial cleansing wipes. I like using these wipes just before bed once I’m already in my tent to get all the bug spray and sunscreen off. You may need to bring additional sanitary items if for example you need to stick your dirty fingers in your eyes to remove your contacts. You do you.

  • Solar charger: I have a small hand held solar charger for my devices. It’s not a battery so it only charges when it’s in direct bright sunlight, but I can usually make sure all my devices are charged by sunset and make it through the night just fine. Airplane mode helps too if you need it. I also have been bringing a power bank lately for car camping trips. Definitely leaving that heavy item at home for backpacking though.

  • Clothesline or rope: to hang food, trash, wet clothes, etc.

  • Bags: I bring dry bags to keep wet things separate from dry things, ziplock bags for period products or toilet paper I can’t dispose of immediately, and beeswax and reusable baggies for leftover food and other items I want to keep covered.

  • Corkscrew: I will not be caught with a bottle of wine I can’t open. Usually I try to bring only screw tops or other options, but a good one to have just in case. 

  • Trekking poles: Great for elevation gain and icy spots along the trails. They can also be used as poles in some tent/tarp combos in a pinch. (Black Diamond)

  • Downloaded offline maps: Download offline Google Maps to your phone so even if you don’t have cell service you can still navigate home.

  • If you know you’re staying somewhere that is known for having a bunch of bugs, I recommend a mosquito head net. It’s basically a drawstring bag that you can wear over a wide brimmed hat to keep the bugs at least out of your face.

  • Duct tape: Because it can fix everything including holes in your tent.

  • Cash: Some parks and campgrounds only accept cash. Plus it’s nice to have for emergency vending machines or tipping anyone who assists you during your trip.

I know that’s a lot. I’m happy to help you pack or plan your next camping trip. I promise it’s a blast, even if it’s a little extra work!