How to Camp Like a Pro

Camping is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature, unplug from the chaos of daily life, and make lasting memories with friends or family. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, building a basecamp can provide the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. With access to amenities like running water, restrooms, and fire pits, campgrounds offer a great introduction to the world of camping. To help you make the most of your next trip, here are some essential campground camping tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

1. Choose the Right Campground

Picking the right campground is the first step to a successful camping trip. Consider factors like:

• Location: Are you looking for a remote escape or a campsite with easy access to hiking trails, lakes, or nearby attractions?
• Amenities: Some campgrounds offer more than just a place to pitch your tent, including showers, picnic tables, fire pits and even Wi-Fi. Make sure the amenities align with your needs.
• Reservations: Many popular campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. Book early to secure your spot.

2. Prepare Your Gear Wisely

While campgrounds tend to have more amenities than backcountry sites, you’ll still need to bring your own gear. Here are a few camping tips for what you’ll want to pack:

• Tent and Shelter: Even in campgrounds with pavilions, a sturdy tent can provide comfort and privacy. Be sure to bring a weather-appropriate tent with proper ventilation. Tarps or sun shades can also offer protection from heat and inclement weather.
• Sleeping Gear: Invest in a high-quality sleeping bag suited to the weather conditions, and a comfortable sleeping pad or air mattress for a good night’s rest.
• Cooking Supplies: If your campground allows campfires, bring fire-starting materials and a portable grill. Otherwise, a two-burner camp stove, fuel, and cooking utensils will make preparing meals much easier.
• Lighting: Pack a reliable flashlight, headlamp, or lantern for evening activities and navigation after dark.
  
  Pro camping tips: Hanging string lights around your kitchen and dining areas creates a festive atmosphere and saves your headlamp batteries for nighttime adventures.

3. Pack for Comfort

Even though campgrounds offer some comforts, it’s important to bring a few items that will make your stay more enjoyable:

• Camp Chairs: After a long day of outdoor activities, there’s nothing better than sitting back and relaxing in a comfortable camp chair or hammock.
• Bug Protection: Depending on the season and location, mosquitoes and other bugs can be a nuisance. Bring insect repellent, a bug net for sleeping, or a mesh-walled shelter to keep the swarms at bay.
• Clothing Layers: Weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers that you can easily add or remove as needed. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket if rain is expected.
  
  Pro camping tips: Always pack a pair of warm and cozy “Sacred Socks” that are used solely for your sleeping bag and tent time.

Read: What to Bring Camping

4. Respect the Campground Rules

Every campground has its own set of rules to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. These might include guidelines on noise levels, campfire restrictions, or where pets are allowed. Some camping tips for being a respectful camper include:

• Quiet Hours: Be mindful of other campers, especially during designated quiet hours. Keep noise to a minimum, especially when setting up camp or at night.
• Campfire Safety: Follow campground regulations for campfires. Keep fires small and contained, and always fully extinguish them when you’re done. Be mindful not to start fires during high winds.
• Leave No Trace: Brush up on those LNT Principles: Always clean up after yourself. Pack out all trash, and leave your campsite better than you found it.

5. Make Use of the Campground Facilities

Many campgrounds offer a variety of amenities that can enhance your camping experience. Take advantage of them:

• Showers and Restrooms: Use these facilities to stay fresh and comfortable throughout your trip. A shower after a long day of hiking can be just the refresh you need.
• Picnic Areas: If you don’t want to prepare meals at your campsite, check if there are picnic tables or grills available for public use.
  
  Pro camping tips: Wow your friends by cooking a sunset dinner at a scenic overlook with picnic tables. Sharing highlights from the trip over a camp-cooked meal can be a memorable experience!
• Hiking and Recreation: Many campgrounds are located near trails, lakes, or rivers. Explore the surrounding area, and take advantage of on-site activities like fishing, kayaking, or wildlife watching. Apps like Outbound and AllTrails can help you find memorable places to adventure.

6. Savor the Moment

Camping can be a relaxing way to disconnect from screens. When it comes to creating a fulfilling experience, it’s important to enjoy downtime. We are often living in the moment we used to look forward to.  Try out a few of these camping tips for enjoying your downtime:

• Books or Journals: Escape into a good book or spend some time writing in a journal. Sketching or writing postcards can be a fun way to share your adventures with family and friends.
• Board Games or Cards: If you’re camping with others, games are a great way to bring everyone together and build connections during the evening.
• Music and Instruments: If you play an instrument, bring it along for a campfire jam session. Just remember to keep it at a respectful volume so as not to disturb other campers.

7. Stay Safe and Be Prepared

Safety should always be your top priority when camping. Here are a few tips to ensure you stay safe:

• First-Aid Kit: Always have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand for minor injuries, blisters, or emergencies.
• Fire Safety: Always follow fire safety rules, and keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby when using a campfire.
• Wildlife Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the local wildlife in the area and the food storage regulations. Keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter and remember– this is their home!
• Emergency Plan: Know the nearest hospital or ranger station in case of an emergency. Have a map or GPS device on hand to navigate the area, and leave your itinerary with someone at home.
  
  Pro camping tips: Offline navigation apps like Maps.me and Gaia GPS can be extremely helpful in a pinch!

8. Make New Friends

One of the best parts of campground camping is the chance to meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t be afraid to say hello and share tips, stories, or even meals with your fellow campers. 

Pro camping tips: Many National Parks offer ranger programs, which are a great way to learn about the area while meeting other travelers!

9. Treat Yourself

The best camping hack for longevity is practicing self-care. Whether that’s packing in an eye mask and a comfy pillow, stretching during down time, or tuning into that go-to feel good playlist– having a “pocket reset” goes a long way in keeping morale high.

10. Go with a Guide 

Signing up for a commercially guided basecamp trip could save time and money in planning the next adventure. Wildland Trekking offers camping trips in National Parks across the US in ideal locations. Booking one of these trips saves money on gas and supplies, while also saving energy to execute adventure-filled itineraries. 

Pro Camping Tips: Wildland Trekking’s experienced guides not only pack all camping and cooking gear– they also cook tasty meals catered to your specific dietary needs. 

Shop guided basecamp tours

Closing Thoughts

Campground-based trips provide the perfect mix of nature and comfort. By following these camping tips, you can ensure that your experience is memorable, enjoyable, and stress-free. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire or hiking local trails, there’s nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors. 

So pack up your gear, grab your loved ones, and embark on your next campground adventure. We’ll see you out there!