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Beginner’s Guide to Camping: How to Start Camping the Right Way
Camping should be enjoyable.
Unfortunately, many people have their first camping experience ruined because they were underprepared, bought the wrong equipment, picked a poor campsite, or simply did not know what to expect.
If you did not grow up camping, getting started can feel overwhelming. There are tents, sleeping bags, stoves, campgrounds, national parks, state parks, national forests, dispersed camping areas, and seemingly endless opinions about what equipment you need.
The good news is that camping does not have to be complicated.
The key is learning a few basic systems, understanding where you are allowed to camp, and choosing equipment based on the type of camping you actually intend to do.
This beginner's guide to camping will walk you through the fundamentals.
What Type of Camping Do You Want to Do?
Before buying a tent, sleeping bag, stove, or other camping equipment, answer a simple question:
What kind of camping do you actually want to do?
Different camping styles require very different equipment and levels of preparation.
Developed Campground Camping
Developed campgrounds are often the easiest place for beginners to start.
These campgrounds may offer:
- Designated campsites
- Vehicle access
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings
- Drinking water
- Flush toilets or vault toilets
- Showers
- Electrical hookups
- Trash collection
- Camp hosts
Not every developed campground has all these amenities, so always check before arriving.
Developed campgrounds are particularly good for families and new campers because you can learn how to use your equipment without being completely removed from roads and services.
Primitive Campground Camping
Primitive campgrounds typically have designated campsites but fewer conveniences.
You might have:
- A campsite
- Fire ring
- Picnic table
- Vault toilet
You may not have:
- Electricity
- Drinking water
- Showers
- Trash service
Primitive campground camping is a great next step for people who are comfortable in developed campgrounds but want to become more self-sufficient.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping generally means camping outside a developed campground on public land where camping is permitted.
National forests and Bureau of Land Management lands are two of the places where dispersed camping opportunities are commonly found. Before dispersed camping on national forest land, review the U.S. Forest Service dispersed camping guidance and then check the rules for the specific forest you plan to visit.
There may be:
- No designated campsite
- No toilets
- No water
- No electricity
- No trash service
- No camp host
That means you are responsible for nearly everything. One important point for new campers:
Public land does not automatically mean you can camp wherever you want.
Always check the regulations for the specific property before setting up camp.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping normally requires traveling away from developed roads and campgrounds.
You might reach your campsite by:
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Horseback
- Another form of backcountry travel
Backcountry camping may require permits, reservations, designated campsites, food-storage systems, or other special preparation. The biggest difference is simple:
If you forgot something, your vehicle may be miles away.
How to Find Places to Camp
One of the most common questions from beginning campers is:
Where can I actually go camping?
The answer depends heavily on who manages the land.
Camping in National Parks
National parks are managed by the National Park Service.
Many national parks offer developed campgrounds, while some also provide backcountry camping opportunities. Before visiting a national park, go to the individual park's official website and look for camping information.
Check:
- Available campgrounds
- Reservation requirements
- Campground opening dates
- Nightly camping fees
- Park entrance fees
- Water availability
- Restrooms and showers
- Generator restrictions
- RV size restrictions
- Food-storage requirements
- Fire restrictions
- Pet regulations
- Backcountry permit requirements
Do not assume that simply paying to enter a national park gives you permission to camp. Those are normally separate things. Here is a great campground finder for the National Park Service
Camping in National Forests
National forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The U.S. Forest Service camping guide is also a good starting point for understanding campground and camping options on national forest lands.Depending on the forest, camping opportunities may include:
- Developed campgrounds
- Primitive campgrounds
- Backcountry campsites
- Dispersed camping
National forests often provide more dispersed camping opportunities than national parks, but regulations still vary considerably. Check the specific national forest website before your trip.
Camping in State Parks
State parks can be an excellent choice for new campers.
Depending on the park, you may find:
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Primitive camping
- Backcountry campsites
- Cabins
- Showers
- Electricity
- Water
- Camp stores
Each state manages its own park system, so fees, reservations, passes, and regulations vary.
Other Public Lands
Camping opportunities may also exist on lands managed by:
- Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- State forests
- Wildlife management agencies
- County or municipal park systems
Always identify the land manager before assuming camping is allowed.
How Do Camping Reservations Work?
There is no single reservation system that covers every campground in the United States.
Many federally managed campgrounds can be found and reserved through Recreation.gov.
However, individual parks and forests may have different systems or requirements.
Campgrounds may be:
- Reservation only
- First come, first served
- Partially reservable
- Available several months in advance
- Released on a rolling reservation schedule
- Available through permit or lottery systems
Popular campgrounds can fill quickly.
Do Not Assume You Can Find a Campsite When You Arrive
This is particularly important when visiting popular destinations. Driving several hours to a national park and hoping to find an empty campsite can result in a very disappointing trip. Before leaving home, confirm exactly where you are sleeping.
Camping Fees, Park Entrance Fees, and Permits Explained
The different fees associated with public lands can be confusing. There may be several separate charges.
Park Entrance Fee
Some national parks and federal recreation areas charge an entrance fee. This allows you to enter the property. It does not necessarily pay for camping.
Campsite Fee
This is the nightly charge for your campsite. You may therefore pay an entrance fee to enter the park and a separate campground fee for each night you stay.
Permit Fee
Certain backcountry areas require additional permits. These permits may regulate:
- Backcountry camping
- Group size
- Specific camping areas
- Length of stay
- Wilderness access
Timed Entry or Vehicle Reservations
Some heavily visited parks use timed-entry or vehicle-reservation systems during certain seasons. A campground reservation does not necessarily satisfy every other entry requirement.
Four Questions to Ask Before Leaving Home
Before any public-land camping trip, determine:
-
Do I need an entrance pass?
-
Do I need a campground reservation?
-
Do I need a permit?
-
Do I need any additional vehicle or timed-entry reservation?
Answer those four questions before you start driving.
What Is the America the Beautiful Pass?
If you regularly visit national parks and other federal recreation lands, you may encounter the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The pass generally covers entrance fees and standard day-use fees at participating federal recreation sites.
The important part for campers is this:
An America the Beautiful Pass generally does not pay your campsite fee.
Think of it this way:
The pass helps with access.
Your campsite reservation gives you a place to camp.
Depending on eligibility, America the Beautiful passes are available for groups including:
- General visitors
- Seniors
- Active-duty military members
- Veterans
- Gold Star Families
- People with qualifying permanent disabilities
- Fourth-grade students
- Qualifying federal recreation volunteers
Check current federal requirements before purchasing or applying because eligibility and fees can change.
What Is Dispersed Camping?
Dispersed camping is one of the most misunderstood forms of camping.
It generally means camping away from a developed campground on public land where dispersed camping is permitted.
For some campers, it offers:
- More solitude
- Fewer neighboring campers
- More remote locations
- Lower camping costs
- A more primitive outdoor experience
But there is a tradeoff.
You usually lose the amenities found in established campgrounds.
Is Dispersed Camping Free?
Often it is, but not always. More importantly, free does not mean unregulated. Different public lands may establish rules involving:
- Length of stay
- Distance from roads
- Distance from waterways
- Distance from developed areas
- Vehicle access
- Campfires
- Human waste
- Group size
- Seasonal closures
Never assume that a rule you followed in one national forest applies in another.
How to Plan a Camping Trip
Good camping starts before you leave home.
Before packing, answer these questions:
- Where am I going?
- Who manages the land?
- How long am I staying?
- Who is going with me?
- What activities are planned?
- Can I drive directly to the campsite?
- How far will I be from my vehicle?
- What facilities are available?
- Is potable water available?
- Are toilets available?
- Are campfires permitted?
- What wildlife lives in the area?
- What are the food-storage requirements?
- Is cell service available?
- What will I do if someone becomes sick or injured?
Planning answers many gear questions automatically.
Check the Weather Before Camping
Do not check only the daytime high temperature.
Look at:
- Daytime high
- Overnight low
- Chance of precipitation
- Wind
- Humidity
- Thunderstorm potential
- Severe weather
- Recent rainfall
A forecast that says 75 degrees might sound wonderful.
But 75 degrees during the afternoon followed by rain, wind, and an overnight temperature in the low 40s requires a completely different camping system.
Beginner Camping Gear: Think in Systems
One of the easiest ways to organize camping gear is to stop thinking about individual products and start thinking about systems.
You need equipment that accomplishes specific jobs.
Shelter System
Your shelter might include:
- Tent
- Hammock
- Tarp
- Stakes
- Guylines
The shelter's job is primarily to protect you from weather.
Sleeping System
A sleeping system normally includes:
- Sleeping bag or quilt
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow if desired
- Dry sleep clothing
- "Sunday" clothes
Your sleeping bag is only one component.
Insulation underneath you can be just as important as insulation over you.
Clothing System
Think in layers.
A basic clothing system may include:
- Base layer
- Insulation layer
- Rain or wind layer
- Appropriate footwear
- Extra socks
- Hat and gloves when conditions require them
Water System
Consider:
- Water bottles
- Water containers
- Water filter
- Purification or treatment
- Backup treatment method
Your water needs include more than drinking.
You may also need water for:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Hygiene
- Pets
Cooking System
Depending on your camping style, this might include:
- Stove
- Fuel
- Pot
- Pan
- Utensils
- Cup
- Lighter
- Cleaning supplies
Keep beginner camping meals simple. Camping does not require becoming a wilderness chef on your first trip.
Lighting System
A headlamp is one of the most useful pieces of camping equipment you can own.
Bring:
- Headlamp
- Spare batteries or charging capability
- Additional lantern or flashlight if desired
Having both hands free at night makes nearly every camp task easier.
Medical System
At minimum, consider:
- Personal medications
- Basic first aid
- Blister treatment
- Minor wound care
The more remote your campsite becomes, the more important medical preparedness and emergency communication become.
How to Choose a Camping Tent
Tent selection should be based on how you intend to camp.
Consider:
- Number of campers
- Interior space
- Season rating
- Ventilation
- Weather protection
- Packed size
- Weight
- Ease of setup
- Vestibule space
- Cost
Tent Capacity Can Be Misleading
A four-person tent may technically accommodate four sleeping people. That does not necessarily mean four people and all their equipment will be comfortable inside. If you are car camping, carrying a slightly larger tent is often worth the additional comfort.
Set Up Your Tent Before Your Camping Trip
Do not make your campground the first place you ever open a new tent. Practice setting it up at home.
Learn:
- Where the poles go
- How the rainfly attaches
- How the stakes work
- How the guylines are tensioned
- How the tent ventilates
- You will be glad you practiced if your first actual setup happens in wind or rain.
How to Choose a Good Campsite
Even excellent equipment performs poorly in a bad location.
At Nature Reliance School, one simple campsite assessment is:
Look up. Look down. Look around.
Look Up
Check for:
- Dead limbs
- Dead trees
- Loose rock
- Anything that might fall
Look Down
Check for:
- Drainages
- Low areas
- Rocks
- Roots
- Ant nests
- Uncomfortable slopes
- Problematic plants
Look Around
Consider:
- Water flow
- Wind exposure
- Roads
- Trails
- Other campers
- Wildlife movement
- Fire hazards
A few minutes spent evaluating a campsite can prevent hours of discomfort.
Hammock Camping for Beginners
Hammocks can be comfortable and highly effective shelters, but they are a system just like tents.
A hammock setup may include:
- Hammock
- Suspension
- Tree straps
- Ridgeline
- Rain tarp
- Bug net
- Underquilt or sleeping pad
One common mistake is forgetting about insulation underneath the body. The hammock replaces the tent.
It does not replace your insulation.
Air moving underneath you can remove heat surprisingly quickly.
Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Sleeping Pads
Your sleep system determines a large part of how enjoyable camping will be.
Consider:
- Overnight temperature
- Sleeping bag temperature rating
- Sleeping pad insulation
- Shelter
- Clothing
- Individual tolerance to cold
Two people can sleep in identical weather and have completely different comfort levels. Some people naturally sleep warmer or colder than others. Experience helps you learn your own requirements.
What Clothing Should You Wear Camping?
Instead of one large heavy garment, use layers.
Base Layer
Helps manage moisture next to the skin.
Insulation Layer
Retains body heat.
Common choices include:
- Fleece
- Wool
- Synthetic insulation
- Down
Outer Layer
Protects from:
- Rain
- Wind
- Snow
Your clothing should be selected according to expected weather and activity level.
Always protect your dry sleep clothing.
What Shoes or Boots Are Best for Camping?
There is no universal best camping boot. This is a very personal choice.
Your footwear depends on:
- Terrain
- Distance
- Weather
- Pack weight
- Personal preference
- Your own feet
Choices include:
- Hiking boots
- Hiking shoes
- Trail runners
- Camp shoes
Whatever you choose, do not make a long camping trip the first time you wear new footwear.
What Should You Cook While Camping?
Start simple.
Good beginner camping meals include food you already know you like.
Options might include:
- Sandwiches
- One-pot meals
- Freeze-dried meals
- Simple breakfasts
- Snacks
- Hot drinks
More complex camp cooking can come later. A familiar meal after a long day outdoors can contribute significantly to comfort and morale.
Camp Stoves for Beginners
Common camping stove types include:
- Canister stoves
- Propane camp stoves
- Liquid-fuel stoves
- Alcohol stoves where permitted
- Wood-burning stoves where permitted
For most beginners, simplicity matters.
A large propane stove can be excellent for vehicle camping.
A lightweight canister stove makes much more sense for backpacking.
Choose equipment for the job rather than trying to make one piece of gear do everything.
Campfire Safety
Before building a campfire, ask two questions:
Is a fire permitted?
Do I actually need one?
Fire restrictions can change based on weather, drought, and local conditions.
The presence of a fire ring does not automatically mean fires are currently allowed.
The Fire Triangle
Fire requires:
- Heat
- Fuel
- Oxygen
Understanding those three elements makes fire building much easier.
Put the Fire Completely Out
When finished:
Add water. Stir. Add more water. Continue until the fire is completely extinguished. The goal is not simply to make the flames disappear.
Camping Water Safety
Never assume clear water is safe water. If drinking water is not provided at your campground, you need to know where your water will come from and how you will make it safe.
Water Filtration
Filtration physically removes contaminants based on the filter's capability.
Water Purification and Treatment
Additional treatment methods may include:
- Boiling
- Chemical treatment
- Ultraviolet treatment
Understand what your equipment actually does.
A filter and a purifier are not the same thing.
Food Storage and Wildlife
Food-storage requirements depend heavily on location.
Possible methods include:
- Bear-resistant food containers
- Food lockers
- Hard-sided vehicles
- Other approved storage systems
Rules may also apply to:
- Trash
- Toothpaste
- Pet food
- Cooking grease
- Snacks
- Other scented products
Do not wait until you arrive to learn the local requirements.
Camping Hygiene
Being outdoors does not eliminate the need for hygiene.
Pay attention to:
- Hand cleaning
- Dental hygiene
- Foot care
- Clean socks
- Food sanitation
- Dishwashing
- Toilet practices
- Trash
- Personal hygiene
Small hygiene problems can become significant medical problems during longer trips.
Bathroom Basics While Camping
Developed campgrounds may provide:
- Flush toilets
- Vault toilets
- Bathhouses
Backcountry and dispersed camping require additional planning.
Depending on local regulations, human waste may need to be managed using:
- Approved catholes
- Portable toilets
- Pack-out systems
- Waste bags
Always follow the rules for the specific area.
Camping in Hot Weather
Hot-weather camping requires more than simply bringing extra water.
Consider:
- Shade
- Hydration
- Sun protection
- Ventilation
- Insects
- Food storage
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Heat-related illness
Plan periods of activity around environmental conditions rather than fighting against them.
Camping in Cold Weather
Cold-weather comfort depends on a complete system.
Consider:
- Shelter
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Clothing
- Wind
- Calories
- Hydration
- Moisture
- Condensation
If someone is consistently cold while camping, simply purchasing a warmer sleeping bag may not solve the problem.
Look at the entire system.
How to Camp Comfortably in the Rain
Prepare before the rain begins.
Consider:
- Tent rainfly
- Tarps
- Campsite drainage
- Waterproof storage
- Dry sleep clothing
- Cooking protection
- Wet clothing management
Keeping your sleeping insulation dry should be a priority.
Once insulation becomes soaked, staying comfortable becomes much more difficult.
Camping With Pets
Before bringing a dog or other pet, determine:
- Are pets permitted?
- Are they allowed on nearby trails?
- Is a leash required?
- Is adequate water available?
- Are temperatures safe?
- What wildlife is present?
- How will waste be handled?
A campground allowing pets does not automatically mean every nearby trail or recreation area allows them.
Basic Camping Safety
Before heading outdoors, someone who is not traveling with you should know:
- Where you are going
- Who is with you
- Where you plan to camp
- Your general itinerary
- When you expect to return
Emergency Communication
Depending on your location, communication options might include:
- Cell phone
- Satellite communicator
- Personal locator beacon
- Radio where appropriate
The farther you travel from developed areas, the more important this planning becomes.
Leave No Trace When Camping
The Leave No Trace principles provide a useful framework for responsible outdoor recreation:
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Plan Ahead and Prepare
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Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
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Dispose of Waste Properly
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Leave What You Find
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Minimize Campfire Impacts
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Respect Wildlife
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Be Considerate of Others
You do not have to make responsible camping complicated. A good objective is simply:
Enjoy the place without diminishing it for the person who comes after you.
Common Camping Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Many uncomfortable camping experiences are preventable.
Buying Too Much Gear
You probably need less equipment than advertising would lead you to believe.
Learn what you need before spending heavily.
Buying Expensive Gear Before Understanding Your Needs
Expensive does not automatically mean appropriate.
A $600 ultralight shelter designed for backpacking may offer absolutely no advantage to a family camping twenty feet from their vehicle.
Never Testing Equipment
Practice before the trip.
Set up the tent.
Light the stove.
Inflate the sleeping pad.
Use the water filter.
Learn how everything works.
Arriving After Dark
Setting up camp is much easier during daylight.
This is particularly important for beginners.
Ignoring Overnight Temperatures
The daytime high tells only part of the story.
Not Bringing Enough Water
Never assume water will be available unless you have confirmed it.
Depending Completely on a Campfire
Rain, drought, or regulations may eliminate your campfire.
Have another way to cook.
Choosing a Poor Campsite
Good equipment cannot completely overcome bad site selection.
Making Food Too Complicated
Simple meals are usually better while learning.
Forgetting a Headlamp
You will eventually need both hands while doing something in the dark.
Bring one.
A Simple Progression for Beginning Campers
You do not need to begin your camping career ten miles into the wilderness.
Build skills progressively.
First Camping Trip: Developed Campground
Stay relatively close to home.
Learn:
- Tent setup
- Sleeping systems
- Cooking
- Camp organization
Second Camping Trip: Longer Developed Campground Stay
Add:
- More cooking
- Weather management
- Hiking
- Additional nights
Third Camping Trip: Primitive Campground
Reduce your dependence on campground amenities.
Fourth Camping Trip: Dispersed Camping
Where legal, begin taking responsibility for:
- Water
- Waste
- Site selection
- Food storage
- Greater self-sufficiency
Fifth Camping Trip: Backcountry Camping
Once you move into the backcountry, what you carry becomes much more important.
Everything you need may have to travel with you.
Beginner Camping Checklist
Before leaving for a camping trip, confirm:
I know who manages the land.
Camping is permitted.
I have the necessary campground reservation.
I have any required entrance pass.
I have any required permits.
I checked current fire restrictions.
I checked daytime and overnight temperatures.
I checked the severe weather forecast.
I know whether drinking water is available.
I know the local food-storage rules.
I understand the wildlife concerns.
I know whether toilets are available.
I know whether trash service is available.
I tested my important equipment.
Someone knows where I am going.
I have an appropriate emergency communication plan.
I have a backup plan if conditions change.
The Best Camping Gear Is the Gear That Fits the Way You Camp
Camping is not about owning the largest collection of outdoor equipment.
Your gear is simply a collection of tools.
A better approach is to ask four questions:
What Do I Need?
Identify the job that needs to be accomplished.
Why Do I Need It?
Do not carry equipment simply because someone on the internet told you that you need it.
Do I Know How to Use It?
Equipment you do not understand can create a false sense of preparedness.
What Happens If It Does Not Work?
Consider your alternatives before something fails.
That approach will save you money, reduce unnecessary equipment, and ultimately make you a better camper.
Start Simple and Get Outside
Your first camping trip does not need to be an expedition. Find a campground close to home. Bring equipment you understand. Keep your meals simple. Check the weather. Set up camp while there is still daylight. Spend the night. Then pay attention to what worked and what did not.
Camping is one of those skills that becomes easier very quickly once you actually start doing it. You do not need to know everything before your first trip. You simply need enough knowledge to start safely, learn from the experience, and continue building your skills.
Come join us where the best classroom has no walls.
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