Plan your camping trip.
Get into the campground with Just the Basics
The basic rules for a camping trip are the same: knowing where to go, packing, and meals. If you are new to camping, many websites and books make finding information on camp style easy. The Let's Go Camping Guide is all about Just the Basics, from packing up to packing out.
Planning starts with location or where the reservation leads you. Believe it or not, there was a time when you could get in your car and drive to a favorite spot, pull in, and enjoy the space, but not anymore. Campgrounds are full, and even the prized open BLM land is getting crowded.
So start with reservations and do it early. Knowing the campground landscape helps secure a spot that will make you want to return. Homework is an essential part of camping, especially if you have an aversion to camping next to the trash cans or restrooms. Check out our sourcing page for websites and camping sources that may help locate a campground or open space that works for your adventure.
Research the destination. Look at maps, apps, and camp websites like RV Life, where you can plan the trip to the campground. There is nothing worse than not knowing where the next gas station is.
Make sure you know how everything works. Tents, stoves, hook-ups. Camping has many do's and don'ts depending on your camping style. If you use indoor plumbing, ensure you know how to hook it up and let it out!
Once the reservation and the road trip are planned, pull out the checklist for meals, camping gear, and personal supplies. Checklists are easy-camping without a checklist is like making a campfire without the flame. Create a list of everything, then review it again to ensure it's all there; use it, especially by checking off all the components. As campers, we have supplied many items, from ropes to firewood; the best bet is "Do you have a corkscrew?" our favorite.
Meals are essential to camping, even for survival while in the wild. Camping meals determine what is needed for cooking and cleaning: checklist stoves, propane, and BBQ equipment. Checklist paper or plates, glass or plastic, pots and pans, storage containers, and cleaning supplies. Before buying food, plan content for the kitchen and clean up.
Plan a few meals before heading out on the road trip. There are many opportunities to shop for fresh items once the camping adventure begins, but having meals for the first day makes camping stress-free; setting up a campsite is hard work, even in a mega RV.
Always bring extra water!
What happens if it rains-Page 47 of your Let’s Go Camping Guide
Get to know the camp host; the camp host knows everything about the campground, from restrooms to hiking trails. They also know what is out there, so ask questions about the wildlife. Raccoons and bears love to eat your treats, so keep them out of reach.
The camp space, no matter where it is, should be respected. If the campground is full, be aware of camp etiquette. If out in the wilderness, leave it like you found it.
Once you check in, walk around the campground before setting up; note trash containers, showers, restrooms, water sources, camp stores, or other integral parts of the campground so you don’t have to look for them in the dark on the first night.
Pets in the campground?
Please keep your pet on a leash when you enter the campground; they
will want to wander and mark their spot on everything. The first day is the day to
explore; by the second day, they tend to be more territorial about their site
and stay close to their new home.
Keep lots of water and treats at the ready.
Don’t forget their bedding, blankets, and favorite toys.
Some campsites are dirty, so have a dog bed inside and outside
Don’t forget the water bottle when you go on day trips.
Always pick up their poops! No exceptions.
Wildlife loves dog food, so feed your pets indoors and store food in a safe environment.
Do not leave your dog alone for any reason. If you can’t take your pet with you, don’t go!
Some campgrounds have restrooms and no showers; some may have both. Know what you are getting into when it comes to outside needs.
Most camp showers take quarters or tokens so have cash on hand.
If planning on coming back to a favorite camp spot take the time to walk around and make notes about spots to camp in and ones to avoid. The camp map you receive when checking in is a great way to mark the spots.
Make sure you know the rules regarding camp fires.
The key to making camping easy is to settle in, pull up a camp chair, and enjoy the moment; camping is about getting away-not bringing it with you.
Camp Notes
Camp Sourcing
RV Life
Camp Maps
Camp Checklist
Let’s Go Camping Guide
