by Camping can be a great way of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounding yourself with beautiful nature and then pitching a tent for the night is a fun adventure for parties of any size. It can be the perfect option as an affordable family holiday or become more of a regular occurrence for those who have a love of exploring.
Camping Equipment You’ll Need
Giving up your material possessions and braving the wild can be a daunting task, especially for less experienced campers. Part of the fun of camping is challenging yourself to make do without your normal creature comforts, though. Of course, the specific equipment and items you’ll need for camping depends largely on where you’ll be setting up and what you hope to do.
To help out, below is a list of camping essentials for you to consider getting if you plan on roughing it in the great outdoors.
Tent
Your tent is your home whilst camping, so making sure you find one that best meets your needs is very important. This goes far beyond ensuring your tent can fit everyone in your party. One of the most important decisions you will be faced with is how roomy a tent you would like. Smaller, lightweight tents are great for campers who are planning on changing location several times during their trip. For those planning to stay in one spot, a larger, more luxurious option might make more sense. There are a wealth of tents out there, so regardless of your specific needs, you’ll be sure to find something that suits you.
Sleeping bags
Getting a good night sleep whilst out in nature can be one of the best parts of any camping trip. However, it’s important to make sure you have the necessary gear to make sure you are comfortable. A good sleeping bag is an absolute must have for any camping trip as it provides you with the basic warmth and comfort you’ll need. If you feel that alone is not going to cut it, sleeping pads and camping pillows are often worth the investment to give you that extra level of comfort at night.
Camp Chairs
If you’re looking to take in the breathtaking view you’ve just come across on your camping trip, you will need somewhere to sit. A lightweight, comfortable camp chair allows you to relax amongst nature whilst not being a burden to pack up when it’s time to move on. Additionally, while many campsites will provide you with a picnic table, if they don’t you may also want to consider a camp table.
Water Jugs
When you’re out in the wilderness, food and drink are harder to come by, so you need to make sure you come prepared. Large water jugs are important so that you can stay hydrated whilst you explore. You may also want to consider a thermos or even a camp grill if you’re looking for some hot food and drink to keep you warm.
Water is very important to have with you if you are going into the wilderness, and you should always plan on having extra water in case you get lost or stranded for a long period of time. However, many recreational camping areas are not highly secluded. If you’re just camping out in your backyard, an emergency supply of water won’t be too important. So use your judgement based on your particular camping location.
Flashlight
When the sun goes down, you will need another source of light in the mornings and evenings. For that reason, bringing a good flashlight or headlamp is incredibly important to any camping trip. Lanterns are also great to keep around your campsite so you can stay up socializing with your fellow-campers into the late evening.
Many first-time campers will be incredibly surprised at just how dark it gets when you’re away from the light pollution of city life.
Repair items (multi-tool, mallet hammer)
When you’re in the wilderness, having basic tools around camp can be incredibly useful. A multi-tool is a great way of ensuring you are prepared for a variety of tasks around camp and a mallet or hammer is often a must when setting up your tent.
Returning to nature and sleeping among the stars can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With these essentials in mind, just about anyone can become an avid camper in no time.
Places to Camp
National Parks
The best places for camping in the United States are National Parks. The US offers a wide variety of National Parks, including many places that are perfect for beginners. Because these are popular destinations and have government-run facilities, they are generally safer than trekking out into the wilderness on your own or sneaking onto someone’s private land.
Yosemite is always a favorite of camping enthusiasts, but there are great locations across the US to discover nature. Joshua Tree is another great park for camping, and if you want some unique experiences try visiting Carlsbad Caverns or the Grand Canyon.
However, make sure you familiarize yourself with the park’s particular rules and guidelines before you go camping. One of the most important rules is to clean up after yourself. It’s important to preserve the pristine natural environment for others. Timing will also be something important to note since National Parks aren’t always open year round and may not allow overnight camping.
Remember, just because you’re at a National Park doesn’t mean you’re completely safe. While several National Parks have staff and a lot of visitors around that can hear you screaming for help in an emergency, there are many parks which consist of huge expanses of true wilderness and people can and do get lost. So always be mindful of where you’re heading and don’t take on an excursion you aren’t ready for.
“Glamping” Retreats
While National Parks are usually free or inexpensive, there are certainly private camping options available too. However, these often carry a hefty price tag but will come with their own treats and amenities for those so inclined.
A particular trend these days is “glamping”, a portmanteau of glamorous and camping. This is really ideal for people who want to get a little bit of the camping experience without a lot of the inconveniences. A glamping experience usually offers luxury camping tents or even cabins which will typically include access to indoor plumbing.
Depending on the retreat, you may even have staff available to tend to your needs as you play in nature. So if you’re not looking to rustle up your own grub in the wilderness, find a retreat that cooks you and your guests up a campfire meal each evening. Most retreats will also have cell service available, unlike remote parts of many National Parks, and even offer WiFi.
Your Backyard
A true beginner should consider taking advantage of the nature right outside their backdoor. Setting up camp in your backyard (or a friend’s) can be a good way to dip your toes into the water of camping without putting yourself at any serious risk. You can always run back inside if it’s too much for you to handle or if you get bored staring at blades of grass.
While it might seem like a dull comparison to the real thing, there can be something charming and quaint about backyard camping, particularly if you really commit yourself to it. Just because you are within a short distance of your home and all the amenities it provides doesn’t mean you have to take advantage of them. Challenge yourself to live like you would out in the wilderness.
For kids in particular this can be a fun and safe way to introduce them to camping and help them learn about camping basics. Just remember that most city ordinances forbid using your own backyard as a toilet, so either go back inside to take care of business or get yourself a portable toilet so you can properly dispose of your toxic waste after your “trip”.
