60 Amazing Tips On Camping For Beginners

I remember the first time I camped and the many mistakes that I made. Let’s just say that those nights were probably the most uncomfortable nights of my life. In reality, I was not prepared and had no idea what I was supposed to bring. I wish I had a guide that helped me with planning and prepping. That is why I came up with this excellent blog post on camping for beginners. Below, I talk about the many mistakes I made as a beginner camper, what to pack, and how to sleep as comfortably as possible. Hopefully, your first-time camping experience is a lot more comfortable than mine :-).

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. Thank you to REI Co-op for collaborating on this blog post. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Tips On Camping For Beginners

Tent Camping Essentials For Beginners

Tent

A tent is the number one essential when camping. When you buy a tent, make sure it has a good rainfly, so you don’t get soaked when sleeping. I have seen people use tarps on their tents because it didn’t come with a rain fly. The REI Co-op Kingdom 4 Tent is great for beginner campers and you can check it out here.

Mattress

The first few times I camped were one of the most challenging nights of my life. I honestly didn’t know people slept with mattresses or sleeping pads.

I eventually went into an REI to find a better solution and found out that most people slept with a sleeping pad or mattress. Ever since then, I have always slept with one, and my sleeping situation is so much more comfortable. >>>Buy My Favorite Comfy Mattress For Camping Here

Sleeping Bags

A sleeping bag is perfect for camping. Make sure to check the average temperatures at night to get the correct sleeping bag. Most sleeping bags have a temperature rating but always get a sleeping bag rated with a temperature lower than the average temperature of where you are camping. Usually, the temperature ratings do not necessarily mean you will be comfortable at night. I had to learn that the hard way. >>>Check Out The Sea To Summit Sleeping Bag Here >>>>Check Out The REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 Sleeping Bag Here

Stove

Cooking over a fire can sometimes be a pain. That is why I love to bring my stove on my camping trips. I like that I can have two pots and pans heating up at the same time. For example, I can boil water for my coffee while cooking some breakfast on another burner. So convenient and easy to use. Do not forget to buy the propane at a local store as fuel cannot be shipped to your house. >>>Buy this convenient stove here

Pillow

Pillows are something you definitely need when you are camping, to stay as comfortable as possible. I love the NEMO Fillo Pillow because it is so comfortable and packable. My husband is a picky sleeper and cannot go camping without this. >>>Check It Out Here

Read More: 10 Best Camping Pillows

Cooler

A portable yet lightweight cooler is perfect if you want to cook some great dishes while camping. We used the new REI Co-op Pack-Away 12 Soft Cooler during our camping trip to Grand Teton National Park, and it held up pretty well! >>>Buy One Here

Camping Chair

There is no better feeling in the world than coming back from a long day of exploring to a nice warm fire. I love REI Co-op’s camping chairs because they are so packable, lightweight, and comfortable. I have had these chairs for over five years, and they are still going strong. >>>Buy Some Awesome Camping Chairs Here

Cooking Utensils, Pots/Pans, and Dishware

Cooking utensils, pots, pans, and dishware can sometimes be difficult to pack. That is why I pack my Stanley Adventure Cookset because it is highly packable and lightweight. No kitchen clusters around my campground. This set is my favorite for camping. >>>Check It Out Here

Knives

I love cooking so I must have knives with me when I go camping. Luckily the GSI Outdoors Knife Set makes it very easy for me. It even comes with a cutting board and a towel to dry off the knives after washing them. >>>Check It Out Here

First Aid Kit

You never know if you will need medicine or a bandaid when you are camping. I have been using the HART Outdoor Extended First Aid Kit for so long, and you can also get refills at REI. >>>Buy Some Here

Water Jug

I don’t know how I ever traveled without this water jug! It is so convenient, packable, and lightweight! I used this jug on road trips and camping trips, and everyone asked me where I got this nifty thing. While I was at the Grand Tetons, I would refill it at a water spout and would use it to wash my dishes or fill my water bottle. I didn’t need to walk over to the sink every time I needed water. It was so great to have. >>>Buy this amazing water jug here

Headlamp

I love using headlamps instead of flashlights when camping because they are so much more lightweight and convenient. I have been using the Petzl Actik Core for years now, and they are so durable and bright. I also like that you can recharge them instead of buying new batteries. >>>Check It Out Here

Read More: 10 Best Headlamps In The Market

Lantern

I usually use this lantern after dark around the picnic table. Sometimes we have to put away all the food and drinks at night, and a lantern always helps. I like that the Nite Ize lantern can also charge my phone. It was very convenient when I was at Grand Teton National Park. >>>Check It Out Here

Mug

For coffee lovers and tea lovers, this Yeti Rambler is perfect for your morning. It is durable and keeps drinks hot! >>>Check It Out Here

Coffee

I cannot go camping without my coffee. I am also not an instant coffee kind of gal, so when I found out about Kuju Coffee, I was ecstatic! This pocket pour-over makes it easy for us coffee lovers to go camping with some delicious coffee! All you need is a Kuju packet, hot water, and a coffee mug. >>>Buy Some Good Coffee Here

Water Bottle

Hydroflask is my go-to water bottle as it is durable and keeps my contents nice and cold on those hot summer days. I also love decorating it with national park stickers. >>>Buy A Water Bottle Here

Tent Footprint

A suitable footprint helps with abrasions and tears on your tent floor. >>>I like this one which goes with the REI Co-op Grand Hut Tent.

What To Wear Camping

Sports Bra

Wearing a regular bra while camping can get pretty uncomfortable. Most regular bras are not that breathable. I usually wear a sports bra while camping, especially if I go to a destination where I hike a lot. I love the colors available with the REI Co-op Take Your Time Bra Top. >>>Look At Them Here

Leggings

I am all about being as comfy as possible when I am camping which is why I love wearing leggings! >>>Check out my go-to camping leggings here

Sandals

If you are hiking during the day, you need some sandals for the campsite, so your toes and feet air out! I love Teva’s because they are so durable and comfortable. >>>Check Them Out Here

Read More: 10 Best Hiking Sandals For Women

Sun Hat

Some camping spots can have no shade! We had this problem while camping at Yellowstone. Luckily I had my super breathable sweat-wicking hat. >>>Check It Out Here

Breathable Shirt

I love lounging around in a breathable, sweat-wicking shirt when camping. Since there is no air conditioning, I need an excellent breathable shirt while hanging out at the campsite. >>>Check Out My Favorite Outdoor Shirt Here

Sweater

Mornings and nights can get pretty chilly at a campsite (even in the summer). One of my favorite sweaters I used on my recent trip is the Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket! They come in many colors. >>>Buy One Here

Jacket

I always love to bring a warm jacket just in case a cold front comes in! You never know! Plus, I run very cold. I love using the Patagonia Nano Puff for summer camping because it is lightweight and not too hot. >>>Check It Out Here

Read More: What To Wear Camping

How To Sleep Comfortably

Wear An Eyemask And Earplugs

Sometimes your camping neighbors stay up all night by the fire and there is not much you can do about it. Bringing an eye mask and earplugs can help you fall asleep if that happens.

Get A Comfy Mattress

A mattress or a sleeping pad helps regulate your temperature when sleeping. I have camped without a mattress when the ground was ice cold, and I didn’t get an ounce of sleep.

Since I have started using mattresses while camping, it has made a significant difference on how I sleep. I like the REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed for camping as it can fit both my husband and me comfortably, and the mattress is 6 inches high.

Get A Roomy Tent

Check the dimensions of your tent to make sure you can fit a big comfy mattress. All tents come with the number of people who can fit in the tent, but it is always best to size up when camping.

For example, if a tent says it is a two-person tent and there are two of you camping, make sure to get a three or four-person tent. Usually, tent sizes mean that only two people can fit in the tent with no more room for anything else.

When me and my husband go camping, we like to use a four-person tent. It is so roomy, and we can stretch out! The REI Co-op Kingdom 4 is an excellent tent for couples.

Make Sure Ventilation Is Ok

One of my first mistakes while camping was not thinking about ventilation. The first time I camped was in Austin, Texas, in the middle of the summer. It was excruciatingly hot, and the following day I realized that the ventilation was not set up right in my tent. Some rainfly’s allow you to ventilate so you can have fresh air circulating in your tent. It prevents your tent from getting dewy.

How To Set Up Camp

Set Up In The Day Time

If you are camping for the first time, try to get to the campground early to set up everything correctly. I have gotten to some campgrounds at night, and it can be pretty stressful.

Find A Flat Area

There is nothing worse than sleeping in the hilliest area. When you are sleeping, you feel like you are sliding down the whole time. It would help if you also found areas where there aren’t many rocks because most tent bottoms are pretty thin. You can add a footprint to improve this though.

Check Equipment At Home

Check Lighting

Before setting out for your trip, make sure you charge your headlamp and lanterns. If they need batteries, bring some extra ones just in case they die while you are camping.

Check Your Stove

It would be terrible if you get to the campground and you do not have the correct propane or the stove is not working. Always check to make sure your stove works outside before heading out to camp.

Set Up Your Tent And Mattress

Setting up a tent for the first time can be confusing. Make sure you practice before your big trip. I have also had holes in my mattresses that I luckily caught before my trip. I returned it and got a new one that worked just fine. It would have been a nightmare if I found out while camping.

Hygiene Tips

Camping On Your Period

Being on your period while camping can be a pain! But sometimes, there is nothing you can do about it. If there is a restroom, it is easy, as you dispose of it just like anywhere else. Please note that sometimes this means disposing of it in the trash as some areas work on a septic system.

But what if there is no restroom? Well, if you use tampons or pads, you need to dispose of them in the trash. Do not bury it as it is not as biodegradable as you think.

If you use a menstrual cup, you can bury the contents or throw it away in the trash. >>>Check Out This Menstrual Cup Here

Going To The Bathroom

Many paid campgrounds have bathrooms so you don’t have to worry about going to the bathroom in the woods. But most free campgrounds do not have restrooms so you have to learn how to poop outside. Find a hidden spot 200 feet away from water, dig a 6-8 inch cat hole, and do your business. You can also bury your toilet paper if it is not scented. Also, not all areas allow burying your poop, so make sure to check the rules in the area. If you need to pee you do not have to bury it. >>>Check Out This Shovel

Showering

Most campgrounds have showers for you to use but not all! I have even been to some campgrounds that said they had showers but were closed or not working. Always bring wipes with you just in case the showers are closed. It has happened to me so many times that I just bring them with me everywhere. >>>Check These Unscented Wipes Here

Do Not Use Scented Items

When camping, try not to wear any scented items. Trust me on this! Many bugs have attacked me while I was asleep because of scented wipes. Perfume attracts bugs as well, so it is best to use these items at home.

Brushing Your Teeth

Many campgrounds have sinks, so I brush my teeth there. Be careful leaving out any toothpaste in bear country as bears are attracted to the scent.

Clothes For Sleeping

Bring comfy clothes to go to sleep in. If you are in bear country, try not to sleep in the same clothes you cooked with. In places where it tends to be chilly at night, I like to wear Merino Wool.

Hygiene Things To Bring

Read More: The 16 Best Backpacking and Camping Hygiene Tips For Outdoorsy Women

How To Plan Your First Camping Trip

Pick A Date

When planning your first camping trip pick a date first as that will determine the best place to camp. For example, the summertime is probably better for northern states like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana while the winter is best for areas like Arizona, Utah, and Texas.

Pick A Campground

After picking a date pick a campground that has good weather. Always research the weather in that area. You don’t want to show up and there be like two feet of snow (which has happened to me before).

Research Permit

Some campgrounds need a permit or reservation. Others don’t. Make sure to read what you need to do before you get there. Many of the campground permits in the summer become available around March, so keep an eye out.

Getting campgrounds at popular spots has become a challenge in recent years, but if you do research, get to the website right when the cart opens, it is possible to reserve that fantastic spot.

First come, first serve campgrounds can be tricky, especially if it is your first time camping. I have had to get hotels in the past because the first come, first serve campgrounds were full, so it is a gamble.

Check The Campground Amenities

Does the campground have a shower? Does it have picnic tables? Does it have a fire pit? Is there electricity? Are there sinks to wash your face? Are the toilets flushable, or are they pit toilets?

These are questions you need to answer before you start packing for your camping trip. For example, if there are no showers, I would need to pack wipes to clean myself.

Use A Car Camping Checklist

I hate forgetting things while camping, so I use a car camping checklist, so I don’t forget a thing! Grab one below.

Get The Gear You Need

After you have a checklist and you checked the amenities and the weather, it is now time to buy all your gear. I love buying my gear at REI because of their outstanding customer service and high-quality equipment. Plus, if you are a member, they give 10% back every spring (member dividend).

I know how overwhelming it can be to buy camping gear all at once. There is an outstanding option for those on a budget. REI has a fantastic used gear program where you can buy lightly used equipment. If you’re an REI Member, you can also trade-in your gear for an REI gift card. It is such a valuable program that many of my friends love to use. >>>Read More About It Here

Tell Friends And Family Your Plans

It is always best to leave your plans with a loved one to stay as safe as possible. Some of these campgrounds have no service, so it can be hard to call for any help if there is ever an emergency.

Check The Weather

I always check the weather a few days before my trip and adjust my packing list. Sometimes it is a little colder than I planned, so then I bring extra layers. Other times it is too hot, so I pack more shorts. I usually always bring rain gear because there have been times where there was no rain in the forecast, and all of a sudden, rain clouds appear out of nowhere. It is always best to bring rain equipment just in case!

Enjoy

Don’t stress too much when you are camping and just enjoy the great outdoors. I love to just sit by the fire and hang out with my friends and family and eat s’mores. Not everything will go perfect. Even for a person like me who has camped countless times, something usually goes wrong, or I forget something. Don’t let it stress you out, and enjoy your time outside. You deserve it!

Read More: The Ultimate Car Camping Checklist

How To Pack For Camping

Reusable Bag

My husband and I have become obsessed with the Stasher Reusable Silicone bags! They are so convenient. We recently used them on our Grand Teton National Park Camping trip, and they were a lifesaver. We didn’t have many of these Stasher Bags, so we had to store some food in plastic bags. Eventually, the plastic bags got water in them while the Stasher Bags did not. They worked so well that when we got home, we bought six more Stasher Bags. The best part is that they come in different sizes. I liked the small size for my chopped-up garlic :-). Also, they are dishwasher and freezer safe! >>>Check Them Out Here

Packaway Cubes

My new REI Co-op Pack-Away Adjustable Cube was great to use on my most recent camping trip. It kept everything organized. I put the scented items in one back and clothes in another. >>>Buy One Here

Duffel Bag

No need for luggage when camping! All you need is a duffel bag or a backpack to pack all your stuff. Combine it with the Packaway Cubes, and you are golden.

Packing For Bear Country

If you are camping in an area with many bears, it is best to organize at home than at the campsite. Any scent attracts bears. Yes, it includes deodorant, makeup, toothpaste, etc. Do not sleep with these items in your tent. Instead, pack them in a bag and make a mental note that these need to go in a bear canister.

Most campgrounds provide you with a bear food storage box, and it can usually hold a lot of food. So don’t hesitate and put all scented items in there. It can be hard to go through everything when camping, so it is best to organize it at home.

Read More: The Ultimate Checklist For Road Trip Essentials

Tips For Camp Cooking

Prep Everything

I try to prep as much as I can before my camping trips to avoid washing dishes while camping. You can cut onions, garlic, meat before your trip and put them in a reusable bag. I also like to prep spices as well. One time I made nachos so I combined all the spices in a spice holder at home and I added it to the ground beef when it was time to cook.

How To Wash Dishes

Washing dishes while camping can be a pain, but it is possible. It is always dependant on the campsite and its amenities.

Some campgrounds have a sink specifically for dishes. Do not use restroom sinks as those can get clogged.

Some campgrounds do not have kitchen sinks, and all you can use is a water spigot. Throw away as much food as you can into the trash and wash using biodegradable soap. Usually, the campground will have rules on where to place the dishwater. Bear activity in certain places might be high, so don’t just throw it on the ground. Ask where to place the water.

Make A List Of What You Will Cook

Days before my camping trip, I make a list of what I will cook and I buy the ingredients. From there, I prep as much as I can and organize. I also print out the recipes because service can be spotty at some campgrounds.

Make Easy Meals

Don’t make uber complicated meals! Leave that for at-home cooking. We like to make burgers, nachos, bratz, fajitas, etc. I love cooking, but I want to get to the campground and relax after exploring all day. Not slave away cooking for hours.

Make Some Smores!

When I was a kid, I dreamed about making s’mores! Now every single time I camp, we make some yummy s’mores. It is an easy, fun dessert to have, even as an adult. >>Buy S’more sticks here

Buy Local Firewood

Some firewood might have critters that are not from the area you are camping at, and it can cause devastation to the place. It is best to always buy local firewood. Bring cash in case that’s the only thing the locals accept.

Leave No Trace

What Is Leave No Trace?

Per the Leave No Trace website, it states that “The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.” The seven principles are:

• Plan Ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

Learning about these principles is very important so we can keep the outdoors looking beautiful and clean.

Read More: The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace

Final Thoughts On Camping Tips For Beginners

Thanks for reading all about my guide to camping. Make sure to check out some of my other camping blog posts:

• 50 Best Gifts For Outdoorsy Women
• The Best Camp Kitchen Gear For Your Next Outdoor Adventure
• The Complete Car Camping Checklist
• 13 Best Places To Buy Discounted Outdoor Gear
• How To Get Free Campsites
• Hiking Photography Tips And Tricks

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