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!