Top tips for going on a camping trip

Camping trips can be immensely rewarding in a variety of different ways.

Most crucially, in an era of stressful commutes and a constant barrage of screens, camping reconnects you with nature. The importance of this can’t be overstated, because having fresh air, rigorous exercise and the simplicity of the camping lifestyle can do wonders for your health, both mentally and physically.

However, in order to make your camping trip an enjoyable one, you will need to know a few important pointers that can make your experience more pleasant and prevent any unforeseen issues from cropping up.

Here are a number of top tips for going on a camping trip:

Make sure your vehicle is in good order

The first thing you need to bear in mind is that you need to travel to the location where you want to camp.

Bringing a car might seem like the antithesis of what a camping trip is all about, but in reality, it can come in enormously handy. 

Firstly, you will be able to visit more potential camping locations, cutting out the need to hike or find a train station, and it offers you shelter and security in the event of an issue with your tent or dangerous weather conditions. 

However, you need to make sure your vehicle is in good order before you leave. Check it is insured, and if it isn’t, then you need to find some El Paso auto insurance. You should also make sure the vehicle is mechanically sound and that you bring a spare tire, tools and engine oil. 

Buy the right tent size for you

It might sound like a small detail, but the size and quality of your tent will define your whole camping experience.

For example, if your tent is too large or complicated then it will be heavy and cumbersome to carry long distances, as well as take too long to put up and down. This is fine if it is warm and sunny, but if the weather quickly turns then you don’t want to be spending half an hour trying to work out how to put up your tent. 

Of course, the size of your tent will depend on whether you are staying in your tent alone, or whether you have friends or a spouse to consider too. 

Secondly, be sure to assess the quality of your tent. If it can easily be destroyed by a gust of wind, is not fully waterproof, or is poorly insulated then you will not have a fun camping trip. Spend more on a better tent, and your experience will be transformed. 

Choose the location before buying equipment

Naturally, you will need to bring along certain camping items – such as a gas cooker, camping chairs, a mosquito net and even a canopy to sit under. 

The items you bring will depend entirely on where you are going to be camping, so pick your location before you pack. 

Check if you are allowed to camp

Lastly, always check that you have permission to camp in your desired location. It is illegal to wild camp in many countries, so check the guidelines before you leave.

If you are uncertain whether the land you are camping on is private or not, seek permission from the nearest landowner, or check who owns the land.