Basic Camping Skills for Thriving in the Outdoors
Illustration by Allie Runnion for Just Us Gals
Camping is a perfect way to spend time outdoors with friends and family while exploring more of the United States. Since international travel restrictions are extending into the summer, local and National Park Services campsites are being booked months in advance and more people are venturing outside to enjoy these areas that are not too far from the city. If you haven’t camped in a while or maybe have never been, we listed a few basic skills and tips to make your time easy, fun and safe this summer.
Read All Campsite Rules
Once you have a campsite booked, it’s important to read through all rules that campsites post online. These can include quiet hours, alcohol and food policies, entrance pass fees, available facilities, and local animal or wildlife awareness. Being knowledgeable of these and other rules is extremely important to make sure that you stay safe, your camp neighbors are respected, and the sites themselves are maintained for years to come. If you have any questions when you actually arrive, ask a ranger! They are there to help you and provide information you might need, so do not be afraid to clarify policies or double check with them on any guidelines.
Prepare for Any and All Weather
Checking weather apps is a great habit to get into, but it’s very important to pack more than you need, especially if you are car camping and have the space. Rain could start at any point, temperatures dip significantly at night depending on the season, and you’ll need extra layers when hiking early in the morning to catch those sunrises. Try to think of outfits for each day and night and what could get uncomfortable. Those extra socks or a light sweatshirt might just make or break your trip!
Checklists are Your Friends
Preparing for weather is only half the battle of camping. Other than public restrooms or nearby towns, you’ll need to think of everything to bring that might come in handy on the trip.
FOOD
To start, make a list of what types of food you will be bringing. Are you a camp cook who is planning on making breakfast, lunch, dinner and s’mores everyday? Or are you more likely to only need boiling water for oatmeal and ready-to-go meals? Writing out your camp menu beforehand and thinking of all the different tools you need will help you feel more prepared and allow you to make a plan for each of these meals in the woods. Don’t forget the salt and pepper!
CAMP FURNITURE
Another important list is all items you’ll need to camp comfortably. You might be fine with just your tent and sleeping bags, but sleeping mats, tarps and chairs can make longer camping trips more comfortable. Some campsites provide picnic tables and a fire ring, but it’s important to double check their amenities to see what else might be helpful for your situation.
OTHER NECESSITIES
The final checklist you’ll need to make is all extras you’ll need on your trip. This could include an emergency first aid kit that is up-to-date, sunscreen and bug repellant, duct tape for repairs, trash bags, and all personal items, such as extra tampons or medications. Preparing yourself for anything from a twisted ankle on a difficult hike to an annoying bug bite at camp will give you peace of mind and stop you from having to make drives out to the nearest town for supplies.
Leave No Trace
Camping and hiking are a treat for all of us, and it is critical to help maintain the lands we use for recreation. Make sure to stick to paths and trails to promote local vegetation growth (and not get lost!), and don’t pick wildflowers or take seashells home. If everyone took one plant or damaged one item at our parks, they wouldn’t be the same. Perhaps the number one rule of camping is to pack out what you packed in. Never leave any garbage or food in undesignated areas, and feel proud when you can look at your campsite before leaving and not tell that anyone was there. This extremely important rule will keep the lands safe so that future generations can continue to enjoy these spots!
Have Fun!
If you have never camped before, it is such an enjoyable and healthy experience to be able to get out of the city and spend time in nature. Whether you are hiking all day or hanging out at the campsite, respect others and have fun while you are there. Sleeping and cooking outside might take some getting used to, but with some preparation and practice, you’ll soon want to go every weekend.
Taylor Borowiec is a marketing coordinator living and working (and writing!) in Boston. You can follow her for book recommendations and hiking pictures @teaylur.