Tips for camping in the great outdoors

Camping is a favorite American pastime. Not only is it the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with nature, but a camping trip can make for a great family vacation to create lifelong memories.

From national parks to a lake in the next town over, there’s truly a camping location to fit everyone’s interests and comfort level. Of course, vacationing in the great outdoors takes careful planning. Before packing up your tent, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Have a test run

Pitching a tent, starting a fire and getting your meals sorted out are some major skills you need to know before embarking on your camping trip. This is why it’s a good idea to have a test run in your backyard (or even your living room) before you go. Put your tent together, test your cooking supplies and flashlights to make sure you know how everything works.

2. Waterproof all of your supplies

Many of your main supplies are likely waterproof already, but it’s also important to protect your other camping accessories. First, make sure your tent, backpacks and other storage devices are all protected from the rain and sealed tight. You’ll then want to ensure your flashlights, clothing and other supplies are also as waterproof as possible. For things like electronic devices, you may want to invest in water-proof cases.

3. Reserve your campsite early

With social distancing and mask restrictions lessening on a daily basis, people are excited to get out and explore again. This means that campsites might sell out quicker than expected. Or, some campgrounds might continue to put a limit on reservations because of spacing restrictions on sites. Keep all of this in mind while planning your trip.

4. Read up on campground rules

Unless you’re staying in a highly secluded area, you’re likely vacationing at a designated campground. In this case, it’s important to read up on their rules before arriving. Many campgrounds have strict pet policies and waste management rules, and some may still have restrictions related to health guidelines. Additionally, you may want to check where you can and can’t pitch a tent as well as where to find restrooms on-site.

5. Pack mindfully

Finally, it’s important to pack mindfully. This means only taking essentials with you and not overpacking clothing or other heavy items that would be tiresome to lug around. Furthermore, you need to be conscious of the trash you’re bringing to the campsite. The goal is to create the least amount of trash as possible, so try to forgo the disposable dishware and multiple plastic bags and instead bring reusable or recyclable items.