1. Go with the flow
At
least one thing will go wrong on your first camping trip — or
at best, not according to plan. You may forget a lighter, a critter might get
into your food, the weather may change unexpectedly (and honestly, probably
will!). Roll with the punches, take a moment to
laugh about the situation and figure out a solution.
2. Bring more than you think you’ll need — within reason
There’s
a saying, “It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have
it.” I suspect it doesn’t refer to camping specifically, but I can’t imagine a
more appropriate quote. Generally, it’s not a bad idea to overpack — a bit.
You’ll never regret having extra food, clothes, or a blanket, but be realistic
about what you bring extras of.
3. Mountain weather is unpredictable
Come
to think of it, so is desert weather. And weather along the coast and at the
lake... Basically, wherever you’re camping is probably out of town, which means
the elevation and overall climate are likely different from where you live. It
may get cold at night, even if daytime temperatures are hot. In the desert and
mountains especially, afternoon storms are very common. Prepare for
unpredictable weather.
4. There will be critters
Every
region has unique wildlife. It’s important to remember that we are
in their home — the animals were here long before us. Stay
alert, watch where you step, shake out bedding, clothes, and shoes before
putting them on, and try not to freak out when you inevitably come face-to-face
with a probably-not-so-cute critter.
5. There is such thing as being a good camper
You probably (hopefully) already
know about Leave
No Trace, which is important
— leave your campsite better than you found it. In addition, it’s
important to be respectful of other campers. If you’re camping in an area with
other people nearby, leave plenty of distance between their campsite and yours.
Keep conversation, music, and other noise to reasonable levels and if
you’re camping with children or pets, be sure they don’t wander into other
campsites.
To see how these tips can help you plan your next adventure, please see our fantastic Tourbook with 33 suggested itineraries
here. For more information and how to book, contact your tour operator or travel agent.
Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 29/08/2025