Top 10 Wilderness Camping Rules: Set Up Camp Before Dark

Turn on the TV, and it’s easy to come across reality shows about camping. But when the show ends and the screen goes dark, you might wonder what wilderness life is really like. Are you ready to experience the true nature-immersed, self-reliant lifestyle beyond the screen? Though few things can match the glamour shown on TV, camping remains a globally beloved pastime for all ages. Whether you're seeking real challenges or just a break from the fast-paced life, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy simplicity through camping.

If you plan to make camping adventures a lifelong pursuit, the following 10 tips will help you prepare well and ensure your safety if you get lost in the wild. Whether you’re spending a holiday at home or venturing into the Appalachian Trail, no matter your level of camping experience, here are some key points worth noting.

Find or Build Shelter Before Dark

The most important camping tip is: always set up camp before nightfall. Decide on the type of shelter you want—tent, RV, or cabin—based on your preference. Some adventurers opt for the simplest option: sleeping under the stars in a hammock. If that sounds too rough, consider bringing a tent for your camping trip. Though tents are the most basic form of shelter, they can be quite comfortable with proper preparation. It’s best to consult with an outdoor store salesperson to find one that suits your needs, considering factors like size, shape, and weight.

Remember: Bigger isn’t always better—after all, you’ll have to carry it to the campsite. Test your tent at home first to check for any issues, so you won’t run into trouble while camping. Bring spare tent poles just in case, as they can break unexpectedly. Open a window or leave small vents open at night to prevent excessive moisture inside. Pack an old shower curtain (slightly smaller than your tent floor) to lay on the ground if it rains, keeping the floor dry.

Choose the Right Sleeping Bag for the Season

The most crucial tip regarding sleeping bags is: choose one suitable for the season. Opt for a lightweight bag during warmer months, but bring one rated for cold temperatures in winter. Select a bag that can maintain warmth within a certain temperature range, and choose a rating slightly lower than the expected camping temperature to guard against unexpected cold snaps. For sleeping in a tent, go with a mummy-shaped bag—it wraps snugly around your feet, retains body heat, and is easy to carry. In terms of material, synthetic sleeping bags dry faster than down ones and are less likely to cause allergies. However, down bags are lighter and more compact.

To improve comfort, place a pad under your sleeping bag for extra cushioning. Skip the pillow and use a sturdy plastic bag—inflate it to create a makeshift headrest.

Bring Only Essential Food

No camping guide is complete without food and water tips. Whether your trip involves riskier activities like hiking or kayaking, or you’re simply relaxing in an RV watching DVDs, you’ll need food. A good rule of thumb: only pack what you need for each meal. For example, if you’re a small group, bring two cups of instant cereal instead of a whole canister of oatmeal. Use sealed plastic bags to mix and store food. If camping near an RV or car, use a cooler to store perishables like meat and keep them fresh.

Ensuring access to clean water is one of the most basic camping skills. Unless you can source clean drinking water yourself or know of a safe natural spring, it’s best to carry bottled water. Alternatively, pack a small amount of iodine to purify water from wild sources or potentially unsafe supplies. You can also filter the cleanest available water or boil it for at least ten minutes. To cool water quickly, wrap your cup in aluminum foil.

Leave No Trace

Since you’ll be camping in open spaces, keep this next tip in mind: it helps protect and preserve nature, ensuring its beauty remains for future generations. “Leave no trace” means leaving the campsite clean and undisturbed before you go. Clean up thoroughly after meals and keep food off the ground.

Though it may seem like common sense, achieving a true “leave no trace” outcome isn’t always easy. If traveling in a group, plan and prepare in advance to ensure your activities stay at least 60 meters away from rivers and lakes. Stick to pre-planned routes and campsites. Bury solid waste 15–20 cm below the surface. Bathe and wash dishes at least 60 meters from water sources. Filter used water or boil it, then scatter the leftover water widely. Avoid damaging historical sites or natural features. Keep your campsite small, use established fire pits, and cook with a camp stove. Stay away from wildlife and never feed animals.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Even if you’re not fashion-conscious, dressing right for outdoor adventures is as important as any other camping skill. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. In colder months, layer up more than in warm weather—think hats, gloves, jackets, and thermal underwear. The trick is to remove layers before you start sweating to stay dry. Wet clothes can make you very uncomfortable.

Next, choose your footwear. Protect your feet while camping. Wear closed-toe shoes with linings that can absorb some sweat. Hiking boots are ideal. To prevent blisters on long hikes, apply soap to your ankles and the undersides of your toes before setting out. Carry soap with you and reapply it to potential hot spots if your feet start to rub.

Always pack a rain poncho in case of rain—you definitely don’t want to end up in wet clothes, which can lead to hypothermia.

Avoid Bugs, Bears, and Poisonous Plants

This tip covers bugs, bears, and toxic plants. When setting up your tent or shelter, watch out for wasp nests, insects, and other creepy-crawlies. If you’ll be near vegetation, wear long sleeves and pants. Insect repellent can also help keep bugs at bay. Regularly check for ticks.

You probably know to avoid poison ivy and how to spot its three-leaf clusters. Be equally cautious of poison oak and poison sumac—which are more common than three-leaved plants. When near plants, shrubs, or woods, wear clothing that covers you from head to toe to reduce the chance of rashes. Carry calamine lotion and antihistamines or anti-allergy medication to treat any skin irritations.

As mentioned earlier, proper food storage and handling can prevent bear encounters. Store food off the ground—hang it from a rope or place it high in tree branches.

Avoid Getting Lost

Experienced campers know this one well: avoid getting lost. It’s a common camping mistake, but carrying simple tools can prevent you from straying too far. A compass, map, and GPS device can all help you stay on track. Of course, they’re useless if you don’t know how to use them. So before your trip, learn how to read a map, use a compass, and operate a GPS (and by the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll have picked up even more camping tips to keep your trip safe).

Carry a Survival Pack

When camping, nothing rings truer than the Boy Scout motto: “Be prepared.” Carrying a survival pack when venturing away from camp is an essential tip. So, what should go in it? Start with water purification tablets, a water filter, and a metal cup. Add a survival knife—useful for hunting, self-defense, and signaling for help. It’s more versatile than a regular blade and well worth buying from a camping or outdoor store.

Another must-have for your survival pack is waterproof matches stored in a sealed container. You can make your own by dipping regular matches in nail polish or paraffin. Plastic pill bottles or 35mm film canisters work well. Include a flashlight with spare batteries in the same sealed container. A signal flare and LED light are also great additions.

In addition to carrying a survival backpack, you should also bring a first aid kit with you. It should include bandages, wound cleanser, medical gloves, and ice packs.

Pay attention to maintaining hygiene

We mentioned the importance of cleanliness in the clothing tips above. There’s no doubt that keeping your body clean is equally important. But you might wonder how to maintain hygiene under less-than-ideal conditions. Carry a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your pocket and be sure to wash your hands before eating, drinking, or touching your face. Use cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean less sensitive parts of your body. Adopt a bird-bathing method—use a sponge, a basin of water, and biodegradable soap to bathe once or twice a day. Brush your teeth with purified water and toothpaste or baking soda, and floss afterward if possible. 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 the rest of your backpack wet.

Take extra precautions when camping with children or pets

Camping with children or pets can be exhausting, but it can also be a rewarding 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—bring sun hats for summer and hot days, and long-sleeved clothes that you can put on them if the temperature drops suddenly.

        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 have them review the camping rules daily to remind them how to stay safe. Bringing your dog on the camping trip can make even the simplest shelter feel like home.

        But you need to consider whether you’re prepared and willing to control your pet when wild or domestic animals pass by. Also, make sure your pet is vaccinated and that its license is up to date. Of course, bring your dog’s leash so you can restrain it when necessary. Prepare a clean bowl for your dog’s food, as well as fresh, clean drinking water, and properly clean up and dispose of your pet’s waste.

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