I just got back from a camping trip
with my family. We used to go camping all the time but we haven’t been as a family
in years. Part of that is because our van to tow the camper died followed by
the camper floating across the yard in a flood. Kinda put a damper on the
camping trips for a while. But my sister and I recently bought our own teardrop
camper, and my parents decided a tent inside an easy up canopy was an
acceptable arrangement, so camping we went! It took me a minute to get back in
the camping routine but it wasn’t long before I remembered why I loved it so
much. So, here are some camping tips from a lifelong camper!
First and foremost, for any form of
travel, always be prepared. A first aid kit is a must. I am a trained lifeguard
so I know how important it is to have everything from band aids to a CPR mask
on hand. It’s also not a bad idea to be trained in first aid and CPR just in
case you end up somewhere you won’t be able to find help right away. While
you’re camping this is more likely. Whether you’re at a campground with no cell
service, or climbing to the top of a mountain, there’s always a chance you could
get hurt without immediate help.
Figure out what type of camping
you’re most comfortable with. I fall comfortably in the middle. I’d rather not
be in a tent but I don’t need a whole RV either. I grew up camping in a pop up
camper and now my sister and I camp in our teardrop. Very few luxuries and
that’s how I like it. Off the ground with easy set up but not something I could
live in. Personally I think fancy RVs are cheating. But that’s just my opinion.
Since there’s no built in bathroom
in a camper that’s only big enough for a bed, we always try to book a site
relatively close to the bathroom. Nothing worse than having to walk a long way
outside, in the middle of the night, when you need the bathroom. Well, there
are a lot of things that could be worse, but you get the idea. Speaking
of the bathroom, be sure to bring your bathroom essentials. Depending on
the campground you should assume it has nothing. Bring soap, toilet paper, and
a hand towel just in case. The campground we stayed at recently had soap and
toilet paper, but no towels and it’s really annoying to walk around with wet
hands.
Another important thing that I
neglected to do myself on this last camping trip, make sure your bed is
comfortable. It probably won’t match your bed at home, but it’s important to
get good sleep when you’re off adventuring all day. Our camper didn’t have
quite enough padding so I woke up sore. But it was only our first time in it so
we will fix that for next time. I also recommend more blankets then you think
you’ll need, it gets cold outside at night, even in the middle of summer. And a
fan is nice depending on your set up and preferences. Our little camper needs
some air flow since it’s so small and we also like the fan for some white
noise. Fellow campers, birds, wildlife, and the sun get up awfully early; it’s
nice to drown it out for a little while.
Bring water. We brought a 3 gallon
jug of our water from home for the weekend. Not only is it not guaranteed there
will be drinkable water at the campground, bringing endless water bottles takes
up space and creates lots of waste. Better to take a bigger jug if you can with
refillable water bottles. You’re camping in wilderness after all; we should be
trying to create as little waste as possible.
A good cooler. It’s a good idea to
invest in a good cooler. I have not, so I shouldn’t really be talking, but
being able to keep your food cold while camping is obviously important. Most
campgrounds have ice for sale even if they have nothing else, though, so you
should still be able to keep everything cold.
Buy a really good flashlight. I
have a great one that recharges that my mom gave me. I’ve dropped it several
times and it still works, actually thought I lost it for good in Roatan once
but the nice lady who did my laundry found it for me and gave it back. Whether
you’re walking to the bathroom, back from a trip down to the beach to see the
stars, or ended up out after dark by accident, a good flashlight is essential
for all types of travel.
Bring layers. I’ll mention this for
all travel but here’s the specific reason for camping. You’re outside. Unless
you camp in an RV with both heat and air conditioning you will not have
consistent temperatures for your whole trip. It will be chilly in the morning,
warmer in the afternoon, and cold again at night, even in summer. And that’s
only if it doesn’t rain! Layers are great for whatever weather gets thrown at
you.
You can get a campsite with
electricity, but if you don’t, I love all things solar. Our teardrop is totally
solar and I’m planning on making it even more efficient. You can get batteries
that charge on solar and then can charge your phone or other devices, be a
Bluetooth speaker or radio, and even a flashlight if you need it to be.
Depending on your budget you can get really fancy ones. They’re great for
camping, especially if you’re camping off grid.
Don’t go alone, and if you do, make
sure someone knows where you are and when you’re supposed to be back. Be aware
of your surroundings.
Please clean up after yourself.
Don’t leave food or garbage out when you’re not around. I had a raccoon happily
snatch my hotdog once because I left it unattended and a bear slurped ketchup
we weren’t aware was out one night. Don’t feed the animals, intentionally or
unintentionally.
Most importantly, enjoy the
adventure! Being out in the middle of God’s creation is the most rewarding
adventure there is. Breathing the fresh air, being one with nature, living a
simpler lifestyle, if only for a weekend. Camping can be extremely fun, I loved
camping trips with my family as a kid and I’m excited that we’re getting back
into it, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared. I only scratched the
surface with this post. If you have any questions about camping, feel free to
reach out. And if you have any tips of your own, please share!
