What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My First Camping Trip
Camping for the first time is equal parts excitement and confusion. There’s gear to consider, food to pack, and a whole lot of nature to figure out. Many people head into their first trip with the wrong equipment, unrealistic expectations, or no clue what to do when bears show up for dinner. Here are 15 tips to make your first camping trip both smooth and memorable.
Nights Get Colder Than You Think
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Temperatures can fall fast once the sun sets, even in places that feel hot during the day. Desert and mountain nights often dip close to freezing in summer. Staying comfortable comes down to the right gear: a reliable sleeping bag, an insulated pad, and an extra blanket. While Death Valley National Park recommends one gallon of water per person each day, packing enough layers is just as essential.
Tents Aren’t True to Size
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A “two-person tent” usually means two very small humans who don’t mind sleeping shoulder to shoulder. If you plan to share a tent, always size up. A three-person tent comfortably fits two adults with bags, while a four-person model keeps things livable. It’s one of the easiest mistakes to avoid and one of the most frustrating to learn the hard way.
Food Safety Is Serious Business
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Bears and raccoons don’t see a difference between food and anything that smells interesting. Toothpaste, sunscreen, or a bag of chips are all the same to them. That’s why many campgrounds in bear country set up metal lockers: not just to protect your snacks, but to keep you safe. Leaving things in your car isn’t reliable since bears have learned how to break into them. If lockers aren’t available, pack a bear canister and stash it at least a hundred yards downwind from where you sleep.
Weather Will Surprise You
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Weather in the wilderness changes fast. A sunny afternoon in the mountains can turn into a thunderstorm in minutes, and high winds will send loose gear tumbling. Pack for rain, even if the forecast looks clear, and bring a jacket, a tarp, and dry bags for electronics. Before bed, tie down or stash anything light.
Plan More Than One Night
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A single night of camping often feels like all work and no play. Setting up the tent, arranging gear, and cooking takes time, and before you know it, you’re breaking camp the next morning. Staying at least two nights gives you room to breathe, explore, and actually enjoy the setting.
Respect Fire Rules
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A campfire can make a campsite feel complete, but it’s never just about the glow. In dry seasons, fire bans are often in place, and breaking them can put lives and land at risk. When fires are permitted, keep them inside the fire ring, never walk away without water close at hand, and put the coals out until they’re cool enough to touch. If the conditions aren’t right, light a camp stove instead. The goal is simple: enjoy the fire when it’s safe, and leave the forest as you found it.
Don’t Expect Silence
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Tents don’t block sound, which means every snore, laugh, or whispered chat carries straight through the fabric. Birds greeting the sunrise can be delightful, but late-night singing or a neighbor’s booming snore is less so. Earplugs or a white-noise app can help you sleep through the noise. If possible, pick a site set back from busy paths or restrooms to keep disturbances to a minimum.
Always Test Gear First
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There’s nothing worse than reaching a campsite and realizing your tent is missing poles or your stove doesn’t work. Even seasoned campers forget small but critical pieces if they skip this step. Setting everything up at home gives you a chance to troubleshoot before you’re hours away from a store. This quick practice run also makes setup faster when you’re actually out there.
Bring More Water Than You Expect
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It’s tempting to rely on campground spigots, but not all provide potable water. Bring several gallons, especially if you’ll be cooking, cleaning, or brushing teeth outdoors. A general rule is one gallon per person per day, but hotter climates may require more. A simple water filter or purification tablets can also back you up if the source isn’t drinkable.
Choose Your Campsite Wisely
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Tent placement matters more than most beginners realize. A spot under unstable branches can be dangerous, while a dip in the ground quickly floods when it rains. The safest bet is a level, debris-free area that keeps you dry and comfortable. Angle the entrance away from the wind, and avoid pitching too close to restrooms if you’d prefer fewer interruptions during the night.
Cooking Takes Longer Outdoors
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Cooking outside never moves at the pace of a kitchen. Even a basic meal means carrying water, getting a stove or fire going, and scrubbing dishes afterward. That’s why simple food works best: sandwiches, pasta salad, or dehydrated packs that only need hot water. A compact stove like a JetBoil boils water in minutes and is especially useful when campfires aren’t allowed. Keeping meals easy leaves more of the day for the part you came for: being outside.
Camping Chairs Aren’t Essential
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It’s easy to assume you need a collapsible chair for every camper, but most campgrounds already provide picnic tables. If you’re testing the waters, skip this purchase at first. Chairs are great for lounging around a fire, but they’re not essential for survival. Instead, borrow from a friend or grab an inexpensive one later if you find yourself returning to camp often.
A Tarp Is Surprisingly Handy
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A tarp may not look exciting, but it’s one of the most versatile tools you can bring. It creates a moisture barrier under your tent, serves as a makeshift rain cover, and doubles as shade in hot weather. With a bit of rope, you can even turn it into a dining shelter. Lightweight and inexpensive, a tarp offers far more convenience than its price suggests.
Expect Bugs to Find You
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No matter where you pitch a tent, insects will notice. A good repellent with DEET or picaridin makes a big difference, and in tick-heavy areas, clothing treated with permethrin adds another layer of protection. At night, a mesh tent or screen keeps mosquitoes outside while still letting air move through. If you can, avoid camping near ponds or marshes, as standing water draws the biggest swarms.
Cleanup Is Ongoing, Not Optional
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Leaving dishes until morning attracts pests. Wash pots and utensils right after meals with biodegradable soap, and always dump wastewater at least 200 feet from rivers or lakes. Trash should be sealed and stashed away until you can dispose of it properly. Campsites without bins mean carrying your garbage out, so bring sturdy bags. Clean-as-you-go keeps critters and unpleasant smells away.