Beginner Camper? Here’s What You Need To Know To Go Camping
No one has to know your not a pro. Explore the great outdoors like never before as a first time camper!
Explore the great outdoors like never before as a first time camper!
Make your first camping trip a memorable one with Outdoor Verified! Our easy-to-follow checklist will make sure you’re fully prepared for anything mother nature has in store. We've done our research, spent plenty of time camping, and done all the legwork so that you can just pack up your car and go. From stocking up on food to choosing proper outdoor clothing and camping gear, we'll tell you what you need for camping for beginners before embarking on an unforgettable journey in the fresh air.
Leave feeling inspired and prepared for camping after learning some tips and tricks from experts who love spending time outside just as much as you. Enjoy spending days without modern distractions and getting back in touch with nature again - it's never been easier! Get ready to experience breathtaking landscapes along with soon-to-be lifelong friends that have joined you on this adventure of a lifetime! You will be ready for anything nature throws at ya!
Take advantage of our resources today using Outdoor Verified's downloadable camp packing checklist and expert recommendations and start planning your next outdoor adventure now!
Ron Knezek
How To Camp
Camping is an exciting and fun way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. Learning how to camp can seem overwhelming, but it's really quite simple if you follow a few basic rules. A good place to start is by creating a camping checklist that includes items such as a tent, kitchen supplies, clothing, blankets, personal hygiene items, and any other comforts you may need for your camping experience. Finding the right campsite for your needs will also ensure you have an enjoyable time outdoors. Whether moto camping or going to a campsite, camping can be a wonderful adventure when done right - so get outside, face the fear of the unknown and start exploring!
Once you’re ready to hit the great outdoors, don't forget that safety should always come first. It's important to be prepared for any emergency while camping by bringing along a first-aid kit and familiarizing yourself with local wildlife and regulations. Taking these precautions can help ensure your trip is memorable in all the right ways.
More on bears...
Ron Knezek
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies and get ready to create some unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. Let Outdoor Verified help you make the most of your camping experience today!
Let's get to it!
How We Help You Camp
Camping can be a daunting experience, especially if it's your first time.
With Outdoor Verified by your side, you'll have everything you need to make your first camping trip a success. We'll walk you through the basics and provide you with a checklist for camping equipment along with recommendations so that you're fully prepared for your outdoor adventure.
Outdoor Verified is here to help make camping easy and fun. We provide all the information and the right gear you need to make your first camping trip a success. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Get your free downloadable camping checklist here!
Before You Get to the Campsite
As excited as you are with your gear ready to go for your first trip, there are some things you need to do before you hop in the SUV and head off into the wild for your first time camping.
- Make sure you have a place to stay. There are options for free camping, but there are typically no facilities. If you are camping in a state or national park, you will very likely need a campground reservation. You can make your reservation here. There may be private campgrounds where you are looking as well.
- Check the campsite you are looking at to see if it has potable water. If not, then ensure you have the necessary amount of water in water jugs to get you through your stay.
- Check to see if the site has a pad for the tent. If it does not, you may want to bring a rake to smooth it out if space allows.
- Are there restroom facilities? Taking a portable shower, or at a minimum baby wipes, would be a great idea.
- Is there any shade on the site? If not, your relaxing day could just add to the sunburn. Consider a canopy.
- Is there a dumpster for trash? If not, then you will have to store it until it is time to pack it out in your vehicle.
- Is it bear country? Bears are cute, no doubt (until you are within 20'!). If it is, however, then bear spray is a great thing to carry along. Also, trash and food will need to be stored in a manner that won't attract them. Here are some tips from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
- Is there power to the site? Many sites that work for both tent camping and RV camping are wired for water and electricity. These sites are often more costly to reserve but there are often options to have it turned on or not. Regardless, planning your power supply (think cell phones, tablets, computers, and rechargeable gear) is something to do ahead of time. Take backup power banks to keep you illuminated.
- Last but not least...Check the weather!
Keep in mind, we consider the use of the product with features and benefits and THEN price when recommending the best value. We do NOT simply find the least-expensive item out there and suggest it is a good value. The purpose being accomplished reasonably well is always first and foremost.
Unloading and Staging Gear
The tasks that need to be done can be delegated to all the members of the camping crew based on their capacity to perform the task.
Determine the basic location for each of the following before unloading the vehicle into these areas:
- Where will the tent go? Is there a predetermined pad or will you have to pick the best spot? Look for flat ground that is in the least rocky area. Most likely, it will be obvious since most people will pick the same place.
- If there is a fire pit or ring, then that is obvious? Again, there will be traces so put on your CSI hat and it will be fine.
- Where will the kitchen go? If there is a picnic table already on site, then the camp kitchen should go adjacent.
- If you brought a canopy, decide where it will be set up. Think about putting it over the picnic table or just outside where the family tent will be located.
- Make sure you are parking where you should be. If there is designated parking, it is likely it is required to be there.
Lastly, unload and stage gear into the predetermined areas. What if its raining? Stage and build only the necessary areas. If you brought a canopy, then putting it up first lets you get to everything else while it is stored underneath out of the rain. Tent setup is next followed by the camp kitchen.
Campsite Gear and Setup
We are going to cover the essential pieces of gear you need by section so it is not overwhelming. Follow the link here for a helpful video with suggestions for making it happen from REI before you go on camping trips.
Chairs are placed around the campfire to hang out with family and friends. This is where most of the memory-building exercises happen after a long day of playing in nature. Here is our best value for a chair that will hold most people while being durable and long-lasting while hanging around fire pits.
A canopy will give you the flexibility of having a mobile shade that you can use wherever you need it within the campsite. Just imagine if the dreaded rain does make an appearance. A canopy is a place of shelter from it beyond the tent. Sunburns also appreciate shade. Here is our best value pick but there are more here.
If you have the trees or the stand to do it, there is nothing more relaxing in the campsite than lying in a hammock. Watching the trees sway while listening to the breeze is amazing. Here is our recommendation.
If you are a city dweller, then you just might be surprised at how dark it can get outside at night, especially if the moon is not out. We recommend rechargeable lanterns, but there are tons of options beyond this suggestion.
Also Consider
- Firewood - Do not rely on picking up firewood around the campsite. If there was any, the campers before you have likely beat you to it. Always check fire restrictions.
- Fire Starters - Sure, you can go old school and build a proper fire with kindling, but, a fire starter is a much simpler and faster way to make it warm.
Tent Set Up and Sleeping Gear
Setting up a tent for the first time may seem like a really big puzzle. So, the recommendation is to set it up in your backyard before you get to the campsite. Here is another video from REI that will cover some tent camping essentials. Always be mindful of other campers, quiet hours, and other camping etiquette.
Your tent is where you will recharge after a hard day of activities and prepare for the next with a good night's sleep. Not having the proper gear can put a damper on how much fun you can have. Make sure you do some research to find the right one for you. Here is our overall best choice.
Having the right sleeping bag with the right temperature rating that is the right size makes sleep much more pleasant when camping. There are a ton of options for sleeping bags but look around to get the one that works best for you and your family members. Here is our top pick for adults.
It's true! You can actually fit an air mattress in many tents. If you are not backpacking and weight and space are not constraints, then why not? However, space usually is. So, our best pick for sleeping pads for your tent is the following.
Why is a headlamp in the tent section? Great question! When it is the middle of the night and someone needs a potty break, having a headlamp handy makes life so much easier. Plus, it allows your hands to be free to move around or find your way depending on your restroom situation. Here is our top pick but there are several varieties.
Also Consider
- Extra tent stakes - Extra tent stakes are handy simply because they are so easy to misplace. You don't have to be a beginner for that to happen!
- Tent Footprint or Tarp - If it rains, then the bottom and edges of your tent may very well get wet if you do not have a tarp or footprint for your specific tent. If it REALLY rains, you may be sleeping in a puddle. A consideration when picking your tent site.
Camp Kitchen Gear and Setup
Your camping trip would not be complete without your camp kitchen. Camp cooking is unique and requires meal planning for camping food that is different than at the house. After the daily camping adventure, friends and family will gather to refuel and spend quality time around the campfire eating. Take our suggested packing list for cooking essentials and improve upon it with the following. More tips here from REI.
You can live on trail mix for 5 days, though it is not recommended...at all! Make sure you have a camp stove that you know how to use. Again, practice makes perfect. Inform your decision with knowledge of the various types available. Our recommendation is the standard for a camping stove.
The included picnic table on your campsite will work just fine for cooking your meals. However, if you have a lot of people, or prefer to keep the flames away from the canopy, then a folding camping table is a great option. We recommend one that is not flammable and has storage.
These days coolers are so fancy they may be hard to recognize from the days of chrome-belted coolers of yore. Some are bear-proof and can hold food at the right temps for up to 8 days plus. Here is our overall recommendation that just happens to include both.
The need for pots and pans is obvious. If you are tent or car camping, there is really no need to be limited in size by those specifically made for backpacking. Here is a suggestion for you.
For utensils, we included them both in the same line since the set we recommend along with many others comes with both. Here is our best value for a first time camper.
Yes! You can make coffee while camping. In fact, we have an entire article dedicated to this very topic. Our best choice makes enough coffee for the whole camp. Which, is why we recommend it...
All that coffee needs some cups and mugs to drink from. Here is our recommendation for a set that combines both!
The Rest of The List
- Dutch oven
- Bottle and can openers
- Charcoal for Dutch oven
- Matches and/or gas lighter
- Cutting board
- Knives
- Cooking oil
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups
- Aluminum foil
- Seasonings and condiments
- Dish soap
- Wash bin – plastic bin
- Sponges/scrubbers
- Dish towels
- Trash bags
- Food and gear storage (Ziploc bags, Storage bins, etc.)
- Water jugs
Also Consider
- LED string lights
- Tablecloth
- Portable coffee/tea maker
- Firewood (if fires are permitted)
- Axe/hatchet
- Rope for hanging trash
- Camp carpet
Camping and Hiking Clothes
You finally have all the camping gear planned out along with which national parks you will camp in. What exactly will you wear camping? We won't cover winter camping or cold weather apparel since that requires an entirely separate set of camping clothing. But, we do have some great suggestions for first time campers.
Having a good base layer to your clothing is a great way to build in flexibility in changing weather conditions. We have created an entire article for women's camping clothes where we outline the entire outfit including our recommended base layer. Don't forget the bottoms...
Down is the most efficient insulation out there. A down jacket is lightweight and packable and always a great item to have stowed in case of cooler weather. Our best value recommendation hits the mark.
When the rain comes upon a camping trip, being prepared will prevent the horror stories that come from ill-prepared campers. Even if you are new to camping, you can still be prepared.
Ladies, just because you are hiking or camping does not mean there are no great styles to choose from. Hiking pants are lightweight and comfortable for all-day activities and our selection is no exception.
There is quite a bit of difference between walking to the office versus walking on trails in the mountains during a day backpacking trip. Uneven surfaces and backpacks add variables not normally encountered which can stress your legs, ankles, and knees. Hiking boot, or hiking shoes, are specifically designed to prevent these sorts of issues.
Socks are becoming more popular in recent years due to their comfort and ability to be customized for a specific activity. This can be seen on the hiking trail as well.
Also Consider
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Ball cap
- Camp sandals or slippers
- Swimsuit
- Neck gaiter/buff
- Long underwear
- Sleepwear
Hygiene
Kids still have to brush their teeth when camping and so should we all. Just remember, you only need the essentials when camping so that you can replicate your home on a smaller scale. This list is important to maintain some semblance of cleanliness while you may not have access to shower facilities and instead rely on pit toilets.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Toilet paper
- Soap/hand sanitizer
- Lip balm
- Toiletries kit (shower supplies, deodorant, feminine products, etc.)
- Quick-drying towel
- Personal medications
- First aid kit
- Shower shoes (great for late night bathroom runs)
- Hand wipes
Bug and Sun
- Sunscreen for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
Also Consider
- Trowel or portable toilet (if no facilities are available)
- Solar/portable shower
- Sun hat
Extras
You just never know what you will run into when you go off the grid. The following are simple suggestions to engage your brain to make sure you take what you need to make the trip the most comfortable by customizing it for you.
- Basic repair kit (multi-tool, duct tape, super glue)
- Navigation (map, GPS,compass)
- Water bottle
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Batteries and/or solar charger
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Book or Kindle
- Camp games
- Bear spray (if required)
- Activity-specific gear (daypack, fishing pole, etc.)
- ID, cards, and cash
- Cell phone with charger
- Portable chargers
- Campsite reservation
- Forest Service/park pass (if required)
FAQs For Beginner Campers
Camping can be a lot of fun, but it's also a bit daunting if it's your first time out.
It can be tough to figure out what you need to bring camping, and even tougher to know what to do when you're actually there.
Outdoor Verified is here to help! With our beginner's camping FAQs and checklist, we'll provide what you need to know, from what to pack to how to set up camp. Plus, we've got great recommendations for all the gear you need so that you're ready for anything!
How do beginners start camping?
Have you been feeling a little closed in recently? Get outdoors and enjoy the great outdoors by starting to camp! But where to begin? For those just starting their journey for their first tent camping trip, here are some tips to get your adventure started. Research various parks and campsites in your area to make sure these locations offer activities and amenities that you're looking for. Collect essential items such as a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking supplies. Pack your food and clothing carefully so you don't forget items! Choose a destination that’s safe, appropriate for beginners and kids, and enjoy some great outdoor activities those first trips. So go ahead, plan that camping trip! Get the camping gear. There's no time like the present for embarking on happy explorations of Mother Nature.
What should a first time camper know?
Are you planning your first camping trip? Well then, you'd better be prepared with these camping tips! For any after dark cold chills, make sure to equip yourself with a cozy sleeping bag. Don't forget snacks and supplies-- lunch in the woods is always tastier with some extra granola bar pizazz. Make sure to pack your bug repellent too. No one wants to wake up with mosquito bites! Flex those hiking muscles and get ready to take off into the forest with out guide to camping, wherever that may take you. Adventure awaits!
What is basic camping called?
Some people like to rough it in the wilderness, but others like a more "basic" approach. So what do you call the bare minimum of camping anyway? Perhaps it can be called streamlined natureing or reductionist camping? If that terminology is a bit too fancy, it can just be known as basic camping. It is also referred to as primitive camping, dispersed camping, or backcountry camping.
What are the 5 W's of camping?
Camping trips, where the sky is huge and the stars are bright for you to gaze upon during a peaceful night. But what mysteries can be uncovered when asking "What are the 5 W's of camping?"
Where will you go? What gear do you need to bring? Who can join in on the adventure? Why should you consider an outdoor retreat? And finally, when should you embark on your next camping trip. With all those questions, a camping checklist is essential.
What are the 3 most common types of camping?
Camping...such an exciting outdoor activity! Do you know what the three most popular types of camping are?
Well, let me tell you. First, there's car camping: all equipment is in your vehicle and set up can be done in a flash. Then there's backpacking and wilderness camping. This involves a longer setup process, typically within a few miles of any trails or road access points as transportation typically occurs on foot. And finally, there's RV camping where camping for luxury seekers reigns supreme with the convenience of having a hotel room on wheels!
What is a good age to start camping?
Roughing it in the great outdoors—it's certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but if you're game, here are a few helpful tips. Wondering what the perfect age to try camping is? It really depends on how adventurous the lil' camper is. It could be practically any time from infancy to adulthood! Bundle up some warm clothes and set out for an extra wild experience. If heading off into the wood isn't too intimidating, then as soon as you grab your hikeable size backpack camping can be yours for the taking!
Is owning a camper worth it?
Imagine turning everyday drives into weekend getaways! Is owning a camper worth it? While the decision is ultimately up to you, many outdoor adventurers will attest to how life-changing owning a camper can be! From stocking up your vehicle full of all your camping basics, ready to hit the open road and make some valuable memories – a camper provides an array of opportunities most traditional car rides could neither offer nor compare to. Plus never underestimate the power of having couches and a fridge stocked and waiting for you with all of your goodies – the easiest 'cooking method known! So open that hood and let adventure hunt you down— is owning a camper worth it? Absolutely yes!
Why does Walmart allow overnight camping?
Have you ever wanted to wake up in Walmart? How about cuddling with those giant teddy bears featured by the front door? Well, it turns out Walmart actually welcomes overnight camping outside its very own doors! It's kind of like sleeping under the stars, but you get the convenience of having a massive store nearby when you're ready to make some late-night purchases. So while spending the night sleeping in parking lots (or inside of stores) isn't always a great life goal, at least Walmart is removing some of your frustrations with that age-old question; why does Walmart allow overnight camping? The answer seems to be quite simple—it wants to provide choices for how customers travel and what places they rest.
What are 5 camping safety tips?
Are you one of those people who just can't stay away from camping? Well, if you are, make sure to keep these five tips in mind when embracing outdoor life! First, you should be respectful and stay away from wild animals. My oh my wouldn't they like that? Second, use caution when approaching a campfire; no need singed eyebrows! Thirdly, bring the proper equipment and clothing so you don’t have to worry about unplanned hypothermia or snow blindness later. Fourthly, practice cleanliness and camping ethics to make sure nobody has a nasty surprise the next time they come out for a call of nature. And last but not least: pay attention to the weather! That sounds more fun than going through all that hassle of checking what clothes to bring…right?
Final Thoughts on Beginner Camping
So to round up the basics on beginner camping, bring the bug spray and sunblock, have a plan for all eventualities, stock up on food that won't spoil or require much cooking, and take a first aid kit. Going out into nature should be an incredibly rewarding experience no matter where you live or what type of camper you may be.
After all, camping is one of the most ideal ways to reduce stress and bond with family members or your closest friends. All in all, if you're ready to get started but need just a bit more guidance before heading out for an overnight trip we would love to help point you in the right direction and make sure your first experience is everything that it should be.
Thank you for browsing our camping guide. Tap on the buttons below the products to check current pricing and availability for whatever may be missing from the list - pick up what you need today and enjoy outdoors tomorrow!
If this article was helpful, consider becoming Outdoor Verified by subscribing so you won't miss any updates on camping and outdoor gear recommendations. We even send out sale items when we find them to subscribers!
~ Ron
Comments ()