Getting Started With Camping

If you’re new to camping, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through your first easy camping trip step by step, in plain language.

1. Choose a Simple First Trip

For your very first time, keep things easy:

• Type of trip: Car camping (you park your car at or very near your campsite).
• Length: 1–2 nights.
• Location: A campground with toilets, running water, and marked sites.

When looking at campgrounds, look for:

• “Drive-in” or “car camping” sites
• Amenities like toilets, potable water, and possibly showers

This kind of trip lets you learn the basics without worrying about long hikes or complicated gear.

2. Understand the Core Gear You Need

You don’t need a ton of equipment. Think in 5 simple categories:

• Shelter – Something over your head
• Sleep – Something soft and warm under and around you
• Light – So you can see after dark
• Cooking & Eating – A simple way to heat food and eat it
• Safety & Comfort – Basic first aid and personal items

We’ll break those down next.

3. Shelter: Tent and Weather Protection

Must-have:

• Tent (appropriate for your usual weather)
• Tent stakes (often included with the tent)
• Groundsheet or footprint (a sheet under the tent floor to protect it)

When choosing a tent:

• Pick a tent rated for at least the number of people + 1
  Example: 2 people → 3‑person tent (for extra space)
• For beginners, focus on:
  • Easy setup (look for “quick setup” or “freestanding”)
  • Good reviews for waterproofing

At camp:

• Practice pitching your tent once at home before your trip.
• Choose a flat spot free of sharp rocks or roots.
• Point the tent door away from strong wind if possible.

4. Sleep: Staying Warm and Comfortable

Think about three layers: what’s under you, what you sleep in, and what’s over you.

Must-have:

• Sleeping pad or air mattress – Insulation from the cold ground
• Sleeping bag – Rated for temperatures a bit colder than you expect
• Pillow – A small camp pillow or a pillow from home

Tips:

• The ground pulls heat from your body, so a pad is just as important as the bag.
• Wear dry, clean clothes to bed (not the sweaty ones you hiked in).
• Avoid going to bed very cold or very hungry—have a small snack and a warm drink first.

5. Light: See Clearly After Dark

At campgrounds, it gets very dark once the sun goes down. Don’t rely on your phone flashlight.

Must-have:

• Headlamp (one per person)
• Extra batteries or a way to recharge

Optional but nice:

• Small lantern for the picnic table or inside the tent (battery-powered)

Headlamps keep your hands free for cooking, walking, and setting things up.

6. Cooking & Eating: Keep It Simple

For your first trip, keep meals easy and low-stress.

Basic setup:

• Simple camp stove (single or double burner)
• Fuel that matches your stove (make sure it’s compatible)
• Lighter and/or matches
• One pot and one pan (or just one pot)
• Basic utensils: spatula, stirring spoon, knife
• Plates/bowls, cups, forks/spoons (camping sets or from home)
• Small cutting board

Easy meal ideas:

• Breakfast: instant oatmeal, granola + milk, scrambled eggs
• Lunch: sandwiches, wraps, simple salads
• Dinner: pasta with jarred sauce, pre-cooked rice + canned chili, hot dogs

Don’t forget:

• Cooler with ice packs for food that needs to stay cold
• Plenty of drinking water (or confirm safe tap water is available at the campground)
• Trash bags – Pack out all your trash or use campground bins

7. Safety & Personal Comfort

You don’t need advanced skills, but a few basics help a lot.

Must-have:

• Small first aid kit
  • Band-aids
  • Pain reliever
  • Blister care (bandages or moleskin)
  • Any personal medications
• Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Layers: t-shirt, long-sleeve, warm layer (fleece or sweater), waterproof jacket
  • Extra socks and underwear
• Sun protection – sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Insect repellent (if needed where you’re camping)
• Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper (just in case), hand sanitizer

Optional:

• Camp chairs – makes time around the fire more comfortable
• Small towel
• Notebook or book for quiet time

8. What to Borrow vs. What to Buy First

If you’re not sure you’ll love camping, you can borrow or rent some items.

Good to borrow:

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Camp stove

Better to buy early (for hygiene and comfort):

• Headlamp
• Pillow
• Personal clothing and layers
• Basic first aid items

If you borrow gear, test it at home:

• Set up the tent in your yard or living room.
• Inflate the sleeping pad.
• Check that the stove works and you know how to light it.

9. Simple Packing Checklist

Use this as a starting point and adjust for your trip:

Shelter & sleep

• [ ] Tent + stakes
• [ ] Groundsheet/footprint
• [ ] Sleeping bag
• [ ] Sleeping pad or air mattress
• [ ] Pillow

Cooking & food

• [ ] Camp stove + fuel
• [ ] Lighter/matches
• [ ] Pot and/or pan
• [ ] Eating utensils (forks/spoons/knives)
• [ ] Plates/bowls/cups
• [ ] Cutting board + knife
• [ ] Food for each meal + snacks
• [ ] Cooler + ice packs
• [ ] Drinking water (or confirm campground water)
• [ ] Trash bags

Clothing

• [ ] T-shirts
• [ ] Warm layer (sweater/fleece)
• [ ] Waterproof jacket
• [ ] Pants/shorts
• [ ] Extra socks
• [ ] Sleepwear

Light & safety

• [ ] Headlamp (one per person)
• [ ] Extra batteries
• [ ] Small first aid kit
• [ ] Personal medications

Personal items

• [ ] Toothbrush & toothpaste
• [ ] Toilet paper (backup)
• [ ] Hand sanitizer
• [ ] Sunscreen
• [ ] Insect repellent

Comfort & extras

• [ ] Camp chairs
• [ ] Small towel
• [ ] Book/notebook/cards

10. Your First Night at Camp: What to Expect

The first night may feel different—that’s normal.

• It will be darker and quieter (or full of nature sounds) than you’re used to.
• Temperatures often drop at night, so add layers before you feel cold.
• Give yourself time to settle: take a short walk, enjoy the evening, then get ready for bed.

Before bed, do a quick checklist:

• Stove turned off and cooled
• Food stored properly (follow campground rules)
• Headlamp within reach in your tent
• Bathroom route in your mind (know where it is)

Most important:
You’re learning something new. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Each trip will feel easier.

How we choose gear:
When we eventually recommend camping gear, we follow simple, beginner-first rules. You can read how we approach recommendations here: How We Recommend Gear.