There’s nothing to bring your senses to life quite like spending time outdoors.
Reconnecting with nature can have numerous psychological benefits—and also offer a good time. Still, if you’re just getting into camping, you may feel like there’s a lot to learn. The reality is that camping can be as simple (or as serious) as you make it.
Here’s our guide to tent camping for beginners.
Find Your Place
For the best camping experience, you’ll want to find the perfect place. That means you’ll likely want to put some research into where to go and when. There are usually a lot of local resources available for camping in your local area, so be sure to make use of them.
One of the better sources of information is, unsurprisingly, other campers. If you know any keen outdoor types, be sure to ask them where they camp, what they bring, and anything else you need to know. It’s a great way to get recommendations.
Get Your Gear
You don’t need to splash a lot of cash to get started with camping—though there are plenty of ways to do so if you discover a love for it.
Starting out, it’s best to keep things simple. Here’s a list of camping essentials for beginners:
- Tent
- Sleeping bags and pillow
- Flashlights and lanterns
- Camping chairs
- Mess kit
- First aid kit
Watch the Weather
The easiest thing to forget about when you’re used to sleeping with a roof over your head? The weather.
Sure, your tent will probably keep the rain off, but weather comes in plenty of other flavors that could give you more trouble. Deep snowfall, strong winds, and biting cold are all things that will make you long for home.
So keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly. If the weather is bad enough to present a threat to life then consider modifying your plans. Camping should be fun and relaxing, not a Bear Grylls show.
Take Safety Precautions
Camping can be an excellent, low-stress activity, but you should always go prepared. Basic preparations include adequate clothing, shelter, and supplies. A reliable source of light is also vital (you can pick up camping flashlights from repthewild.com) as it’s easy to forget just how dark things can get away from the city.
Leave No Trace
We humans place a heavy burden on the planet, which means it should be our job to look after it. There’s a classic phrase to express this for campers: leave no trace.
This is a basic reminder to look after your campsite and reset it back to its natural state as much as possible when you leave. Take your trash with you, respect wildlife, and don’t make any large changes to the area.
Tent Camping for Beginners Made Simple
Happy camping! That’s right, tent camping for beginners can be as simple as the above steps. Follow these tent camping tips, and you’re ready to head out into nature — just be sure to leave it how you found it.
Looking for more new adventures? Check back often to see more guides.
