Going on an adventure trip every once in a while is one of the best ways to unwind from daily stress and spend your days away from all the chaos and confusion. Every person has a different definition of adventure, some find peace by hiking the trails, some by enjoying the water, and the other few do it by going camping. While all these outdoor activities are truckloads of fun and invigorating in their own way, camping can prove to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re going alone or with a bunch of friends or family, camping can be enjoyed either way. However, when it’s your first time experiencing this whole camping thing, all the preparation and planning can easily take a toll on you. While we understand that camping for the very first time can feel a little intimidating, with a few tips and tricks up your sleeves, you can make the whole experience hassle-free and a lot more fun.
All those campers who have now become a pro at camping were once in your place, with no knowledge or learning about how to become a smart camper. Therefore, there’s no need for you to be hard on yourself if things don’t go your way, take them as a lesson and avoid them the next time you go camping.
However, to ensure that your first camping experience goes better, we have put together a list of some tips that will help you evolve as a camper.
Always test your gear before leaving the house
One of the common mistakes that most campers do while camping for the first time is not checking their gears before leaving home. It is one of the most crucial things to do for your own good. New campers should always get familiar with gears they have never worked with before, such as a tent. You should practice setting up a tent in your house before leaving so that you can get a hang of setting it up the right way on the camping ground, additionally, you can also check the tent for any kind of fault or damage that might have made things difficult for you if you hadn’t checked them before. You can also get familiar with a few other gears like your sleeping bag, lanterns, electronics, or any other important stuff.
Reach the campground early
The best part about camping is the great views and you probably wouldn’t want to end up getting the least favorite spot on the camping site. Therefore, it’s best if you reach the campground early and not too late. Other than that, arriving at the campground in daylight will also help you to set up a tent without any problem. Additionally, you can also get familiar with the rules and amenities of the campground, which will help you settle down more easily.
Always prepare a checklist
The last thing you want is to miss out on things that were essential for camping. Therefore, preparing a checklist is the best thing to do, and merely preparing it won’t do the trick, you will also have to use it to make sure that you don’t leave important things behind at home. Being organized is the key to becoming a smart camper, therefore, make a list of all the essential gears and use it while packing.
Pack sufficient clothes
Another key to being a smart camper is packing smartly. And clothes are certainly one of those aspects you cannot afford to go wrong with. Reaching the campground all prepared keeps you away from all the unnecessary hassle or trouble, therefore, you should always pack sufficient clothes as weather conditions can change pretty quickly, and also, there is no laundry facility on the camping sites. Apart from bringing a rain suit for those sudden downpours, pack your swimming costume for a quick dip in the lake as well as a few layers as it tends to get a little chilly in the evening.
Try camping close to your home
When you’re a beginner, you wouldn’t want to go all out with this whole camping thing and end up finding yourself in trouble away from home. Therefore, it’s always best to stick to camping ground that is not too far from your home. Things are pretty unpredictable, you never know when they take turn for worse, therefore, it’s best to choose a camping ground that is close to your home so that you can always head back when you feel the need.
