So You Want to Camp: A Rookie’s Guide to Sleeping Outside Without Losing Your Mind
Camping sounds simple: grab a tent, find a patch of grass, boom — you’re basically Bear Grylls. But if you’ve never actually done it, you’re in for a few surprises. Spoiler: there will be bugs. And noises. And at least one moment where you’re questioning your life choices at 3 a.m. in a nylon tube. And there always seems to be a train at 1am.
Don’t worry — I’ve got your back. After 10+ years of taking scouts and their parents camping let me share a little knowledge. This post is an overview of future posts that will go into more detail.
1. Accept That Nature Is a Little Gross
You’re not going to stay perfectly clean. There will be dirt under your fingernails, and you might smell like a combination of campfire smoke and mystery pine sap by the end of day one. That’s part of the charm — embrace it.
2. Bring More Layers Than You Think You Need
Daytime might be a warm, sunny paradise, but nighttime can turn into a refrigerator you can’t escape. Bring extra clothes, warm socks, and a hoodie you don’t mind smelling like burnt marshmallow forever.
3. Test Your Gear Before You Go
The middle of the woods is not the time to learn how to pitch a tent or figure out that your sleeping bag zipper doesn’t work. Practice setting up your campsite in your backyard (or living room if you’re really new to this) so you don’t become the campground entertainment.
4. Camp Food Doesn’t Have to Suck
Sure, you can survive on hot dogs and granola bars, but why? Pack a cast iron skillet, some foil, and you can make anything from breakfast burritos to s’mores-stuffed bananas. (Yes, that’s a thing. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.)
5. Respect the Wildlife — and Your Snacks
Raccoons will steal your food. Squirrels will judge you while you eat. Bears… well, let’s hope you don’t see one. Store your food properly in sealed containers or hang it from a tree if you’re in bear country, try not to make bear country your first trip.
6. Learn the Bathroom Situation Early
Some campsites have bathrooms. Some have outhouses. Some… well, you’ll be digging a hole. Either way, bring your own toilet paper and maybe a small shovel. Just trust me on this.
7. Don’t Overpack, But Don’t Underpack Either
There’s a fine line between “I brought everything and now my car looks like a yard sale” and “I forgot my flashlight and now I’m eating soup in the dark.” Make a list, check it twice, and remember that duct tape solves 90% of camping problems.
8. Know That It Won’t All Go Perfectly — and That’s Okay
Something will go wrong. A pole will snap, a storm will roll in, or you’ll drop your only lighter in the lake. That’s not failure — that’s a story. And the best part of camping is telling those stories later, ideally while roasting marshmallows.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Perfection
Your first camping trip isn’t supposed to look like an Instagram ad. It’s supposed to be an adventure. If you come home a little tired, a little smelly, and with a grin on your face, you did it right.
Now get out there and find your patch of dirt. The trees are waiting.
Disclaimer: The tips and opinions shared in this post are based on personal experience and general knowledge. They are not a substitute for professional advice. Before heading out on any camping trip, consult experienced guides, local authorities, or other qualified professionals to ensure your plans are safe and appropriate for your location and skill level. Nature is beautiful—but it doesn’t hand out do-overs.