Tent Camping 101: Tips for Beginners

Ever tried to sleep under the sky where stars are your better companions?

If not, you should try it out once. Tent camping is a truly wondrous and life-changing experience. It not only allows you to get away from the humdrum of modern life, but also allows you to get close to nature, which is full of mysterious, beautiful, and awe-inspiring things.

Whether it’s watching a bear in the woods or watching the sun rise over the mountains, tent camping allows you to experience the world in a way that most people never do. The peace and solitude of tent camping is truly incomparable.

But at the same time, a strange fear comes to mind as you may need to sleep on the ground with no heat and AC. Also, many of us are worried about choosing a camping tent, setting up the tent, and so on.

Especially when you are camping for the first time, it can be a little daunting. For beginners, camping is not less than a project. It requires some additional preparation and gear.

Besides, when you are diving into the wild world, you should do some research and thoughtful homework. With proper training, things may not be so complicated.

For newbies, we are here to break down some tent camping tips. Our helpful guide will make your journey easier. It doesn’t need to be too much complex once you know the essential camping tips. Before we go through our camping guide, let’s check out tent camping checklist.

Checklist for Tent Camping

Essential items are:

• Tent
• Sleeping Bag and Pads
• Camping Pillow
• Air Mattress or Thermarest
• Camp chair & table
• Camp Kitchen essentials
• Flashlight
• Clothes according to weather
• First aid kits
• Safety Gears
• Food
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Insect repellent

Optional items are:

• Sunshade, tarp or screen house
• Hammock
• Cots
• Sleeping bag liners
• Firewood
• Camp rug
• Tablecloth and clips
• Solar and portable power
• Binoculars
• Navigation tools
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Quick-dry towel
• Baby wipes
• Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
• Mirror
• Brush
• Portable camp shower
• Swimsuits
• Water sandals
• Cutting board
• Cooler
• Bottle opener
• Sharp knife
• Plates
• Mugs
• Multi-tool
• Hammer
• Duct tape
• Extra cord
• Tent-pole repair sleeve
• Pad/Mattress repair kit

Tent Camping Essentials

The essence of tent camping 101 is like making a short-term home in the outdoors. A successful packing of essential tent camping gear makes the journey way smoother. That’s why you should know what to bring and how to find out.

Tent

One of the most essential accessories for tent camping! When it comes to choosing a tent, you can either buy one or else you can rent one. Although renting a tent is a smart decision when you are absolutely new here. It’s an excellent option to try out a tent before investing. There are lots of outdoor retailers or outfitters; you can borrow one from them.

Conversely, if you are taking it as a long-term investment within budget, you can go for instant tents. Make sure to choose good quality instant tents for camping. These tents can be installed within a few times, which anyone can do. Either way, make sure to select the right size tent, right brand and it has to be waterproof as well.

Sleeping Bags and Pads

It is mandatory to bring good sleeping bags and pads when you are doing tent camping for the first time. Usually, sleeping bag comes in different styles like rectangular, semi-rectangular, or mummy bag. It uses several insulating materials like goose down and synthetic.

Among both, goose down is a bit expensive yet lightweight and synthetic is less costly but heavier. Mummy bags can hold heat perfectly, best for winter. Moreover, sleeping pads help to keep you warmer, and it provides a cushion on your back, shoulder, and hips on an uneven surface.

Tent Camping Mattress

If you are heading for tent camping, you must take a mattress along with you. The mattress selection depends on your comfort level. You should bring air mattresses or Thermarest for tent camping. We would suggest you take a thick king-sized air mattress for better sleep.

Portable Furniture’s

Who doesn’t like to sit around a campfire? No one! It is difficult to sit on the ground for longer, so better you take portable chairs or stools. Besides, you can bring a portable picnic table for keeping the necessary tools.

Camp Kitchen

One of the most pleasing parts of camping is roasting marshmallows. Apart from that, for cooking other things, a camp stove is a perfect choice. Besides, you’ll need bowls, pots, cups, cutlery, spatulas, and fuel for stoves. Here is a few meal recommendation;

For Breakfast

• Oatmeal with jam
• Egg, bacon, and potato in a skillet
• Pancakes

For Lunch

• Soup and sandwiches
• Pasta, macaroni with cheese
• Grilled chicken

For Snack

• Hard cheese, chips, bread, oranges, apples, and bananas.

For Dinner

• A mix of chicken, peppers, potatoes, and onion
• Roasted potatoes
• Sausage and cooked vegetables
• Steak with mashed potatoes

Safety Gears

Insects are unavoidable in the campsite, but not unmanageable. Make sure to bring a mosquito coil, medicated creams, and citronella candles. These things can make your campsite less hospitable to bugs and insects. Also, don’t forget to carry first aid kits alongside for emergencies.

Clothes and Other Hygiene

Usually, jeans, cargo shorts, T-shirts, and sweatshirts are perfect for camping. If you are planning for a hike in tent camping, it is better to choose clothes that feature synthetic fabric, vents, and UV protection.

However, the sneaker is ideal for camping yet you can bring hiking shoes for long treks. Since you are camping outside, it is better to bring towels, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and hand sanitizer.

Basic Safety Tips for Tent Camping

• Make sure to keep your campsite neat and clean of food items that may attract animals.
• It is better to hang food in a tree or store it in a car.
• Make sure to wash your hand correctly to avoid being sick.
• Keep perishable foods on ice.
• Keep safety gear like knives, sticks, and others within hand reach.

Some do’s

• Keep sufficient time to set up the camp.
• Test your gear before you go camping.
• Try to bring food that you enjoy, not necessarily to bring instant food. You can even properly enjoy fresh food.
• Try to take advantage of nearby resources.

Some Don’ts

• Don’t be so ambitious about the surroundings.
• Don’t overdo it with food. Try to bring what you can consume.
• Don’t plan to be in touch with the outside world, as in many places you may not find Wi-Fi access.

Wrapping Up

Indeed, without the magnificent touch of nature, you can never fully freshen yourself. Camping helps you to do so.

The first experience of tent camping 101 can indeed be daunting. You can turn your campsite into an oasis away from home with proper preparation. Although we’ve tried to provide as much information as we can, still you may need more stuff on your list. No matter where or how you camp, it will definitely be a majestic experience!