Are you thinking about going on a camping trip anytime soon? Well, you better! Camping is a fun and exciting activity to do whether you are going alone or with your loved ones. But, planning is not as simple as it seems. To make it your trip fun and successful, you have to plan comprehensively. To help you out, here are the things you need to take note when planning your camping trip:
1. Choose Your Destination
There are two kinds of campgrounds – public and private. While both have their own perks, finding a really good destination can be challenging. It’s not as simple as choosing a random place and set up your camp there.
When choosing your campground, list down your favorite locations and compare them. Take the time to get to know each place, like reading reviews and checking their amenities. Do you want your location to have a public park? Swimming pool? Convenience store? You should think about these things. Also, consider the kind of camping you’re planning. Are you going to use a tent, RV, or rent a cabin? This greatly helps you in choosing the most ideal campground for your trip.
A tent is convenient and cost-effective. However, it is not ideal if you are camping with kids. Renting a cabin costs more but you will already have a comfortable to stay in. You’ll have a kitchen, bedroom, dining room, and even a living room. So, when choosing your camping type, make sure to consider all your requirements and resources.
2. Prepare Your Essentials
A common mistake that people make when thinking about camping is they don’t plan ahead. If you have chosen your campground, make sure to reserve early. This should be more important if your location is well-known. Many campgrounds get jampacked right away so contact them early.
When you already have your location, it’s time to prepare your essentials. You’ll need the following:
- Tent – If you’re buying your first tent, it does not need to be expensive. However, choose a good quality camping tent that provides reliable weather protection.
- Sleeping pads and bags – Sleeping on a campground can be comfortable, which many people think otherwise. So you can sleep better, use padding to cushion you. Some great examples are closed-cell pads and inflatable pads. On top of your padding, put your sleeping bag. If you don’t have a sleeping bag yet, don’t worry! You can find a range of selections at reasonable prices.
- Cooking supplies – For outdoor cooking, you’ll only need the simple ones. These include the following
- cooler,
- barbecue spatula,
- water container,
- pans,
- pots,
- propane stove, and
- Spices of your choice
- First Aid Kit – While it’s important to be careful at all times, you should still bring a first aid kit. Accidents can happen anytime, so it’s better to be ready.
- Lantern – So you can see clearly at night. This is especially important if you are using a tent.
- Flashlight – A flashlight is a convenient way that lets you see at night. If you need to go to the bathroom, you can simply bring your flashlight instead of the lantern.
3. Setup Your Camp
Upon arriving at your campground, you must notify first the office or the person in charge. Find a great location to set up your camp. Make sure to choose a site that you can hang comfortably during your stay.
If you’ve tried camping before, you might have come across annoying campers. Ake sure you don’t become one of them. Observe the basic camping etiquette, such as keeping your area clean, expect to see wildlife, and most importantly, respect fellow campers.
4. Go for a Backpacking Trip
A backpacking trip is a combination of camping and hiking in the forest. This is an awesome activity if you are camping alone. However, if you have children with you, it’s best to discuss with them first if they are up for the activity. This kind of trip is one of the best ways to experience nature. But, before going on this trip, make sure that you are fit enough to make it successful. Although it’s an exciting activity, you still need to be extra careful to avoid any unfortunate events.
5. Tips When Using a Recreational Vehicle (RV)
A recreational vehicle is probably the most ideal way to go camping. You can use it to reach your destination and from there, you can use it for your camping site. More known as an RV, it offers everything you need. You have a kitchenette, dining area, and a comfortable bed to sleep in. If you are camping with your family and friends, an RV is a really great choice.
If you are thinking of bringing an RV instead, here are things you need to attend to before the actual trip:
- Reserve campsites ahead to make sure that you will have access to electrical hookups. Also, make sure that there is a dump/garbage site nearby.
- Before leaving, make sure to check your RV that it is functioning well. You don’t want to experience problems when you are on your way or already on the campground.
These are the basic, but among the most important things, to consider when planning your camping trip. To make sure you have everything covered, make sure to use this guide! Hopefully, you will make wonderful memories of your trip.
Have fun!
