Camping
Despite few things being as idyllic as portrayed on TV, camping is a globally beloved activity for all ages. Whether seeking real adventure or a break from the fast-paced life, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy simplicity through camping.
If you’re planning a lifelong camping adventure, these 10 tips will help you prepare and ensure safety if you get lost. Whether you’re holidaying at home or venturing into the Appalachian Trail—regardless of experience—these pointers matter.
The golden rule of camping: set up camp before dark. Choose your shelter—tent, RV, or cabin. Some adventurers sleep under the stars in hammocks. If that’s too rugged, bring a tent. Though basic, a well-prepared tent is comfy. Ask outdoor store staff for one fitting your needs—size, shape, and weight matter.
Remember: bigger isn’t always better—you’ll carry it to camp. Test it at home for flaws to avoid surprises. Pack spare tent poles (they break!). Ventilate at night to prevent moisture. Bring an old shower curtain (slightly smaller than your tent floor) to dry the ground if it rains.
Choose Sleeping Bags Wisely
For comfort, pick cold-weather sleeping bags for winter trips. Key tip: match the bag to the season. Light bags work for warm months, but winter demands low-temp resistance. Choose one rated slightly below your expected temps to stay warm.
For tent stays, mummy-shaped bags are ideal—they hug your feet to retain heat and pack easily. Synthetic bags dry faster and resist allergies vs. down, which is ultralight and packable.
Boost comfort with a sleeping pad. Skip a pillow; use a sturdy plastic bag inflated as a headrest.
Pack Only Essential Food
No camping guide is complete without food/water tips. Whether hiking, kayaking, or car-camping with DVDs, you’ll need food. Rule: pack only what you’ll eat per meal. For small groups, bring two cups of instant cereal instead of a whole oat canister. Store food in sealed bags. Near vehicles, use coolers for perishables like meat.
Clean water is fundamental. Unless sourcing safe water (e.g., known springs), bring bottled or iodine packets to purify wild water. Filter or boil it for ≥10 mins. Wrap cups in foil to speed cooling.
Leave No Trace
Camp in open areas? Remember this tip: protect nature for future generations. Leave no trace means departing with a clean site, untouched ecosystems. Clear all trash; store food off the ground.
Seems obvious, but hard to perfect. Plan routes 60+ meters from lakes/rivers. Stick to designated trails/campsites. Bury waste 15–20 cm deep. Wash dishes/body 60+ meters away; filter/boil used water before dispersing. Don’t disturb ruins/natural features. Keep camps small, use established fire pits/stoves. Observe wildlife, never feed animals.
Dress Appropriately
Even non-fashionistas need proper outdoor clothing. Wear loose, tidy layers. In cold months, add hats, gloves, jackets, and thermal underwear. Shed layers before sweating to stay dry—wet clothes are miserable.
Footwear matters. Protect feet with closed-toe shoes (linings absorb sweat). Hiking boots are ideal. Prevent blisters by applying soap to ankles/toes pre-hike. Carry soap to reapply if feet chafe.
Pack a rain poncho—nothing worse than wet clothes risking hypothermia.
Avoid Bugs, Bears & Poisonous Plants
Watch for wasp nests/insects when setting up shelters. Wear long sleeves/pants near plants; use insect repellent. Check for ticks.
Know poison ivy’s three-leaf cluster. Also beware poison oak/poison sumac (more common). Cover skin with clothing near plants. Carry calamine lotion/antihistamines for rashes.
Proper food storage avoids bear encounters. Hang food in bags or tree branches.
Prevent Getting Lost
Veteran campers know this: avoid getting lost. It’s a common mistake, but simple tools help. Compasses, maps, and GPS prevent wandering. Learn to use them beforehand (and master more tips from this guide for a smooth trip).
Carry a survival backpack
When you're camping, nothing could be truer than the Scout motto: “Be prepared.” Bringing along a survival backpack is an absolutely essential skill when you venture out from your campsite. So, what should go in this backpack? First, you should have water purification tablets, a water purifier, and a metal cup. Then, pack a survival knife that can be used for hunting, self-defense, and sending out distress signals. It’s more versatile than a regular blade and well worth purchasing from a camping or outdoor supplies store.
Another must-have for your survival backpack is waterproof matches stored in a sealed container. Waterproof matches can be made by dipping regular matches in nail polish or paraffin wax. Plastic pill bottles or 35mm film canisters work well for storing waterproof matches and are quite convenient. Your survival backpack should also include a flashlight, with spare batteries kept in the same sealed container as the waterproof matches. It’s also a good idea to pack a signal flare and an LED light.
In addition to a survival backpack, you should also carry a first aid kit. It should include bandages, wound cleanser, medical gloves, and cold packs.
Practice Good Hygiene
We mentioned the importance of cleanliness in the clothing tips above. Without a doubt, keeping your body clean is equally important. But you might wonder how to maintain hygiene under less-than-ideal conditions. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket and wash your hands before eating, drinking, or touching your face. Use cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean your body.
During camping, your feet will get very dirty, so when you come across a river, take off your shoes and soak your feet in the water for a few minutes. Avoid using cologne, perfumes, or scented lotions as they can attract insects.
When packing, wrap hygiene items such as towels, toothbrushes, and soap separately in aluminum foil to prevent them from getting other items in your backpack wet.
Before you officially go camping, train your children in handling emergencies. Of course, let them check out their sleeping bags if they want to. Camping with children or pets can be exhausting, but it can also be a delightful experience. As we’ve learned, the secret to a successful camping trip lies in advance planning. It determines whether you, your kids, and your furry friends can make it through the trip.
Be sure to bring appropriate clothing to protect your children—sun hats for summer and hot days, and long-sleeved clothing to put on them if temperatures suddenly drop. Then, just like a fire drill, help your children learn how to avoid getting lost and what to do if they do. Give each child a flashlight or glow stick, and remind them daily of the camping rules and how to stay safe.
Bringing your dog on a camping trip can make even the simplest shelter feel like home. But be prepared—and willing—to control your pet when wildlife or domestic animals pass by. Also, ensure your pet is vaccinated and that its license is up to date. Of course, bring a leash to keep your dog under control when needed. Provide your dog with clean bowls for food and fresh, clean drinking water, and properly clean up and dispose of your pet’s waste.