Travel Tips: Camping

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!