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Test your gear before you go
There’s nothing quite as horrifying as arriving at your campsite just to begin setting up your tent and realizing that you’re missing a vital piece. In order to make sure that all of your gear is in working shape (and you can put it together in a reasonable amount of time), it’s a great idea to do a few practice runs in your backyard (or living room) before you embark. “Make sure you know how to set up your tent and that you have stakes to secure it to the ground,” says Magruder. “If you’re hiking, break in your hiking boots before you go by taking four-to-seven hikes with them (or wear them around your house).” You should be extremely comfortable in working everything from your stove to your bear spray (something both Magruder and Seth Heald, the senior director of the North American trip development & operations at MT Sobek, strongly recommend bringing).
Pack with intention
Not all camping gear is made the same, so packing a lightweight, space-saving backpacking tent is not going to do you much good when you’re car camping with a family of five. It’s important to pick the correct gear for the correct occasion. Keep an eye out for things like weather (we recommend bringing a tarp with you in case of surprise rainstorms), lightweight clothing that dries easily, and plenty of layers to bundle up in if it gets chilly at night.
Bring plenty of lighting
The all-consuming darkness of nighttime in the great outdoors feels like a blanket that will totally encompass you and your campsite. You’ll be shocked at how dark it can get without the light pollution we’re used to, even in smaller cities and suburbs. Bring plenty of lighting (and make sure you have batteries, too) in a variety of forms for the easiest experience. Headlamps are great for hands-free navigation while walking to and from the bathroom at night, and “help your hands remain free for stoking the fire or cooking,” says Lou LaGrange, a custom trip consultant at MT Stobek and Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist. Larger lanterns are perfect for illuminating the tent for card games or late-night chats, as well as “helping avoid unwanted falls or see what you’re eating in the middle of the campground,” says LaGrange. Classic flashlights will always do in a pinch and are easy to slip into your pocket to have on hand.
Budget more time than you think for set up and break down
Your main source of light when camping is the sun, and while you can buy every lantern and headlamp in the world, you’ll still have somewhat limited visibility. It’s best to arrive at your campsite early enough in the day to ensure that you’ll have plenty of time to set up the site in daylight and make organizing that much easier. In the same vein, you’ll want more than enough time to break camp before you head home. “Not only must the fire be put out completely, but it’s useful to take the time to shake everything out and let it dry before repacking,” says LaGrange. “There’s nothing worse than opening up a tent six months later only to find it was wet when you packed it up previously and has since become moldy and ruined.”
Maintain good hygiene
Sure, some campsites have bathrooms and even showers, but you’ll likely not want to be spending too much time in them even if they do. You can’t always bank on running water, so it’s important to keep up your hygiene in other ways. “Bring wet wipes, diaper wipes, or fancy body wipes,” says Heald. “If no showers are available, these are surprisingly refreshing to use all over.” It’s also a good idea to bring a bowl or container that you can use as a small basin for water when you want to wash your face or do a quick wipe-down if you’re muddy. It’s also best to bring your own toilet paper (you never know where you’ll have to go), hand soap, and even dry shampoo to help you feel clean.
Communication is key
Whether you’re keeping in touch with other people on your campsite, or making sure that your friends and family know where you’re going before you leave, it’s important to be able to communicate with others. To help give you peace of mind, Heald recommends bringing a satellite communicator. “They’re reasonably inexpensive and worth the investment in your safety and security—especially if you’re going off-grid.” If you want to keep it old school, grab a couple of two-way radios to keep in touch with the other people at your campsite when you’re hiking or foraging for kindling. “Always let people know where you’re going before departing on your adventure or taking off on a daytime hike away from camp,” says Mindy Teini, the custom Travel director at MT Sobek.
Pick comfortable furniture
Every piece of furniture at your campsite is something you’ll have to bring with you, so you might as well bring things that are comfortable. One thing you may overlook? Your pillow. “Everyone gets focused on sleeping bags, tents, and sleeping pads, but head rest might be the most important,” says Heald. Invest in a pillow that will help you maintain proper neck alignment so you can ensure a good night’s rest. Another thing to keep in mind? A great chair. “Having a comfy seat is a luxury you will not regret,” says North America programs & operations director Josh Kloepping, another MT Sobek staff member.
Think with your feet
Camping is one time when you’ll definitely want to go for function over fashion. It’s more important to have the right supportive footwear than the latest styles. It’s a good idea to have sturdy hiking boots if you’re planning on extensive hikes or walks during your trip (but be sure to break them in before you leave). However, if you’re just going to spend most of your time around the campsite, a pair of supportive sneakers (and sandals that you can quickly slip on) are more than sufficient. Aside from your shoe choice, your sock choice can be just as important. “Warm, dry feet are key,” says Teini. “Bring extra socks unless you enjoy the sensation of walking in a squishy swamp.” This will also help you avoid any unwanted blisters or discomfort.
The holy trinity: sunscreen, insect repellant, and hand sanitizer
Three things you’ll never have too much of when spending your days (and nights) in the great outdoors? Sunscreen, insect repellant, and hand sanitizer. You’ll want to invest in a great sunscreen (preferably one without a strong scent to attract bugs and animals) and reapply it as often as possible. Insect repellant in the form of a spray is the most versatile since you can take it on and off your campsite, but insect repellant bracelets can be great for kids who won’t stay still for application, and insect repellant lanterns are wonderful for campsites. Access to running water and a sink for handwashing is likely limited, so hand sanitizer makes it easy to stay clean before meals. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a first-aid kit on hand for any emergencies.
Stick to well-known, established locations—especially if you’re a beginner
Yes, the TikToks of people waking up on an unsanctioned stretch of beach or overlooking an incredible waterfall are beautiful, but there’s a reason why so many choose to stick to well-known campgrounds. Aside from wanting to avoid any dangerous people or animals when the only four walls keeping you safe are made of fabric, staying in well-known, established locations makes it easier to get help if you need and avoid getting lost. Especially once night falls, it’s extremely difficult (and dangerous) to navigate unfamiliar areas in complete darkness. Even when it comes to well-known campgrounds, it’s a great idea to walk around the area during the day to get a feel of the space so you know where everything is when you inevitably wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. You’ll also want to have a general idea of what’s nearby (hotels, restaurants, hospitals, or public spaces) just in case you need any of them.
