A recent study found that over 48 million couples and families went camping in 2020. Camping has seen a resurgence of popularity due to the van life trend and global pandemic. Now is the best time as any to explore the outdoors and connect with your friends and loved ones. However, how do you plan for a camping vacation?
Don't worry; with this guide, you can find out! From choosing the location to packing all the essentials like an outdoor flashlight, you can learn what you need to plan before your next camping vacation. Now, are you ready to get started? Here's an in-depth look at planning a camping trip:
Choose Your Location
The first thing you'll want to do is choose the location for your camping trip. The location you select will heavily affect the type of camping experience you have. For example, if you want to go to a secluded camp, you'll likely have to camp in a tent vs. an RV or a cabin rental.
After all, driving an RV through a secluded area can be a dangerous plus, due to its isolation, there are probably not many rental cabins nearby. Since you'll be far away from many amenities, you may also have to bring more equipment like a life straw, a camping toilet, a flashlight, and a portable washing machine. Although don't let that deter you from going on a secluded camping trip. Secluded camping trips allow you to connect with nature and ensure that you have unique experiences.
On the other hand, selecting a campsite near a tourist attraction does have its perks. Due to the location, you may be able to rent a cabin or simply stay in your RV. Plus, you'll have access to important necessities like a shower, toilets, and possibly a mini-mart.
Not to mention, camping near a popular site will offer different types of activities for you and your family to participate in. For instance, popular campsites will have amenities like a pool, a community game center, lake access, boat rentals, and picnic shelters. You may even be able to get a discount on park packages or visits to attractions through the campsite.
Think of it this way, do you want to camp out in a forest overlooking a magical waterfall, or would you prefer to camp next to other campers while enjoying the perks of the campsite?
Pack All the Necessities
After you've settled on a location, it's time to start packing. Packing all necessities is crucial for a good camping vacation. After all, you won't be staying in a hotel with access to a variety of amenities, so you need to be prepared for anything. It's likely you'll have more to pack than you generally would for a vacation, so make sure you gather all your items ahead of time.
To give you a general idea of what things to take camping, we've created a camping checklist for you to use for your camping needs:
Shelter and Comfort Necessities
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Pillows
Table and camping chairs
Clothes, Footwear, and Accessories
Waterproof or warm jacket
Comfortable pajamas
Breathable t-shirts
Quick-drying pants or fleece pants
Swimsuits
Socks
Long underwear
Hiking boots or water shoes
Sunhat or Beenie
Sunglasses
Gloves or mittens
Kitchen Necessities
Camping stove
Cooler
Fuel
Lighter or matches
Pots and Pans
Eating utensils
Cups, Bowls, and Plates
Garbage bags
Waterbottle
Portable coffee maker
Health and Hygiene Necessities
Toilet paper
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Portable camping shower
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Portable bathroom
Important Items and Documents
Credit card or cash
ID
Campsite reservation
Cellphone
Camping Extras
Books
Activity games
Field guides
Portable power generator
Binoculars
Notebook
Dog gear
In addition to these items, you'll also want to bring a variety of tools. For example, pack a roll of duck tape, a saw or an axe, extra cords, and a first aid kit. Plus, bring along a rechargeable EDC flashlight. It can easily clip on your shirt or shorts for hands-free convenience, and it's waterproof.
Not to mention it can deliver an output of 1,200 lumens that's a 166-meter beam. That way, when you're traveling at the night you know what's around every corner.
Do I Need To Pack These Items?
Now, you may be wondering if you truly have to pack all those items just to go camping and the answer is no; however, it won't be as safe or as fun if you don't. Take the rechargeable EDC flashlight, for example, one could easily not purchase it thinking that they would be asleep during the night and thus not need a flashlight although emergencies do happen.
What if you need to go to the bathroom? What if you get injured? The rechargeable flashlight ensures that you can see in any condition.
Plus, its magnetic back allows you to clip it to any iron surface for hands-free light. The hands-free light can be handy if you're playing a game in your tent, cleaning up a mess, or fixing up a wound. These items, therefore, help you stay safe and entertained while out in the wilderness.
Plan Your Meals
Now that you've got all the essentials packed, it's time to consider the food. First, you'll want to bring along some snacks like granola bars, crackers, or chips to eat when you're feeling peckish or on the move. For meals, pack some tinned food that can be eaten either as the main course or as a side dish. For example, items like beans, soups, and tuna are easy to prepare and eat while camping.
Also, pack some bread along with peanut butter or jam for an easy-to-make meal. Now, don't forget to pack other condiments and sauces. After all, without any sauce, your food is likely to be dry and unenjoyable.
To give you a few ideas on what you can eat and when we've provided a sample meal plan for your ultimate camping trip:
Jelly on toast for breakfast
Granola bar for a snack
Tuna sandwich for lunch
Chips for a snack
Fish with beans for dinner
It's important to note that completely relying on fish for dinner every night is not sustainable. After all, if you don't catch a fish or if the fish isn't large enough to sustain your appetite, you'll have to go hungry.
So bring other meal items that could be substituted for dinner when you don't feel like fishing. For example, you can bring pasta, hot dogs, or even hamburgers to cook on the campsite grill.
When you're packing, make sure you write on the tin the day you want to eat the food and the meal that is it for. That way, you can easily pick out the meal and start preparing it since everything is laid out for you.
What Not to Pack
Packing for a camping trip can feel labor-intensive; however, that doesn't mean you should pack your whole house. There are some items you shouldn't bring along with you. For example, never pack colognes, perfumes, or scented lotion. Scented items, especially floral scents, can attract mosquitoes and other bugs.
Instead, pack unscented soap; that way, you smell like nothing. Without a strong scent, mosquitoes and other bugs will certainly leave you alone. Another item you should leave at home is glassware and individual glass bottles. After all, have you ever broken a glass? Well, then you know how hard it is to clean up. However, when you're camping, you may not have a broom handy to clean it up. Plus, the glass shards could damage your tent, sleeping bag, or your lightweight fabrics.
Not to mention, if a few unfound pieces land on any of your clothing or sleeping necessities, you could end up hurt. So if you don't want any potential damage to occur to your belongings or to you, leave the glassware at home.
The last item you shouldn't bring is high fashion clothes. Think of it this way, if you're not willing to risk your clothes getting dirty or wet, don't pack them. After all, camping clothes should be suitable for the rain, heat, or the cold. If you pack high fashion clothes, there's a chance you'll be uncomfortable, which will make the camping vacation not fun at all.
Create an Activity Schedule
During the camping trip, you can participate in many activities such as boating, kayaking, biking, and even hiking. It's crucial that you plan the activities you want to do in advance; that way, you don't have to create an activity plan day of. Plus, some activities may require reservations, a deposit, or tickets that have to be purchased ahead of time.
Not to mention, some activities have specific rules about the age of the person who's allowed to participate. Thus, it's important to check out these requirements before you travel to your destination. After all, you don't want to travel to your campsite location only to learn that not every member of your group can join in on the selected activity.
Instead, do your research, and plan your trip accordingly to your group preferences. That way, everyone has an activity they can enjoy.
Plan Your Camping Trip Today
Planning a camping trip can be quite difficult, but thanks to this guide, you now have a cheat sheet. The first thing you want to do is choose a location for your camping trip.
Once you've selected a location, start packing your bags with the items you need. For example, bring tools like an EDC flashlight which is lightweight, waterproof, and can light up to 166 meters. Don't pack any scented creams, glass bottles, or high fashion clothes, as they can disrupt your vacation.
Make sure you work on creating an activity schedule that way; you don't forget what you want to do. We know camping is a hassle, but you can ensure that your trip goes smoothly and happily by planning in advance.
So what are you waiting for? Plan the ultimate camping vacation now. For more information about outdoor and camping accessories, check out our store today!
