How would you describe yourself? Are you a nomad or a city slicker? Do you prefer bustling streets or quiet outdoors?
If you are the latter, then you should definitely consider camping. Camping is a great way to get out into nature and experience the outdoors. There are lots of benefits to camping, such as spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new places, and having fun.
Camping is becoming increasingly popular around the world. In fact, according to National Geographic, the number of Americans who camped at least once last year was over 40 million. And it seems like everyone wants to try their hand at camping.
Whether you want to go camping for a weekend or plan on going full-time, you’ll need some gear to survive. Here are some things you’ll need to pack for your next camping adventure.
Why Should You Camp?
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about camping is probably “roughing it.” But there’s more to camping than just sleeping in the woods. The best part of camping is getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you are feeling stressed at having to keep up with social media, then getting away from civilization will really help you too. It gives you an opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
You can also use camping to explore different parts of the country. If you’re planning on traveling by car, camping will give you the chance to stop and see the sights along the way. Plus, if you don’t have much money, camping is a cheap way to travel.
You can even use camping as a form of exercise. When you’re camping, you won’t be able to do any physical activity except hiking (you could bring dumbbells, but this will certainly add to the weight of your gear), so this makes it easier to burn off those extra calories.
Camping is also a lot more simple. All you have to think about are the basics: eating, sleeping, looking out over nature. It’s the simplicity of this existence that appeals to a lot of people.
National Parks
A good place to start camping is one of our national parks. These areas offer a wide variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
Some of these parks are very well known, while others are less visited. Regardless of which park you choose, make sure to check out all the activities available before deciding where to stay.
When selecting a campsite, make sure that you know what kind of facilities you will find there. Will you have access to showers? What kinds of food options are nearby?
If you’re not familiar with the area, you may want to choose a site near a town or city instead. This will allow you to take advantage of amenities like restaurants, grocery stores, and other services.
Is Camping Environmentally-friendly?
One of the biggest concerns for many people, when they decide to camp, is whether it is environmentally friendly. There are some camps (pardon the pun) that think that camping is detrimental to the environment.
This is because of things like littering, which some campers are prone to do. In the grander scheme of things though, camping is still relatively low on the carbon footprint scale. You might need to drive to your campsite, but once you are there, you’ll be producing zero emissions.
In fact, camping has been proven to be better for the environment than staying in a hotel. Hotels produce a lot of waste, and most hotels aren’t energy efficient either. On top of that, hotels often require guests to leave their trash behind after using the restroom.
In contrast, camping doesn’t produce much waste. If you really want to go full natural and are experienced in fishing and maybe even hunting, then you have everything you need to survive is already right there in the woods. No matter how long you plan on being gone, you won’t run out of supplies.
So, if you’re worried about the environment, then camping is definitely an option worth considering.
What Are The Cons Of Camping Full-Time?
Of course, there are drawbacks to living in a tent. First, you’ll probably have to deal with bugs. Mosquitoes, ants, spiders, and other insects love to hang around tents. They can cause some pretty nasty bites. But don’t worry; you can protect yourself from them by wearing bug repellent.
Another thing that you should consider is the weather. While camping isn’t always cold, it can get chilly at night. So, you’ll need to pack plenty of warm clothing. And if you live somewhere that gets snow, you’ll need to bring winter gear as well.
You’ll need to prepare for emergencies. Make sure that you have enough water, food, and first aid kits. Also, make sure that you have a way to contact someone who knows where you are.
Finally, you’ll need to be prepared for unexpected situations. Some people enjoy camping so much that they forget to eat properly. Others prefer to cook their own meals, but this takes time away from enjoying nature. So, make sure you have enough money to buy groceries and snacks.
There’s no doubt that camping is one of life’s great pleasures. However, if you want to fully experience the outdoors, you’ll need to make sacrifices. Hopefully, these tips will help you find the balance between enjoying nature and making the best use of your time.
23 Tops Tips For Camping Full Time
Now that we’ve looked at some potential pitfalls of camping, you’re going to need a few tips and tricks that will help make your full-time camping life a lot easier.
1. Find Out The Places You Can Camp
The first step towards having a good camping trip is knowing what places you can actually camp. This can take a little bit of research, but it’s important to know where you can legally camp before you head into the wilderness.
2. Pick A Campsite That Won’t Charge You
If you’re planning on spending several days or weeks camping, you may eventually end up paying for electricity. Fortunately, many campgrounds offer free electricity, but others charge fees for each hour of power usage.
3. Working On A Voluntary Camp Site
Some campsites will allow you to stay at their camp if you are willing to work there for free. Research which campsites offer this service, and then you can work the odd shift in exchange for a free camping experience.
If you fancy staying active and doing some harder manual labor at a campsite, then this might be the option for you.
4. Make Sure Your Campsite Has A Good Rating
When searching for a campsite, you’ll want to look for reviews online. If you see lots of positive feedback, then you can rest assured that you won’t encounter any problems while camping there.
5. Bring A Comfy Tent
Tents come in all shapes and sizes. It’s not uncommon for people to bring tents that are too small for them. If you plan on sleeping in a tent, then you’ll want to make sure that it fits comfortably. Canvas tents are usually the best for keeping in the heat and keeping out the rain.
Get a tent that is marketed to be durable during all the seasons. This way you can guarantee that you won’t get rained on.
6. Get A Carpet In Your Tent
A carpeted floor makes a huge difference when camping. Not only does it keep your feet warm, but it also keeps bugs off of your bedding. It will also be a dream to sleep on a carpeted floor.
7. Comfort Is The Key – And It Starts With Your Bed
You should always try to choose a comfortable mattress. If you don’t like foam mattresses, then you could opt for a memory foam mattress instead. These types of mattresses are known to be more supportive than other options.
You can also get an inflatable mattress. These mattresses are much cheaper than traditional ones, so they are perfect for those who want to save money.
8. Invest In Bunk Beds For Camping
Bunks beds are very useful when camping because they give you extra space. They also provide a lot of comfort as well. This is also a much more economical use of space.
9. Sanitation
Camping isn’t just about enjoying nature, it’s also about being hygienic. When you’re camping, you’ll have to clean yourself with whatever supplies you have available.
Make sure you research where you can find the bathrooms and showers. Also, make sure that you have access to water sources.
10. Keep Yourself Clean
Wash your hands often. Wash your face and brush your teeth. Use soap and running water to wash your body. Don’t forget to clean your clothes too!
11. You Can Shower At The Local Gym
Many gyms will let you shower for free. Just ask around before you decide to travel to your nearest campsite. Most of the time, there will be a gym quite close by that will let you use their facilities.
12. Get A Solar Powered Heater
Solar-powered heaters are great for camping. They’re inexpensive, easy to set up, and they can help you stay warm even when it gets cold outside.
You can also use battery power, although this will be a lot more limited. You can also get solar-powered generators, which will help you power your other amenities. However, this only really applies if you have a camper van.
13. You Can Use Rain As Drinking Water
If you’re camping somewhere without access to tap water, then you might consider using rainwater as drinking water. Of course, you’ll need to filter it first.
You can go about looking for a stream, as this will be a great source of natural and clean water.
14. Get A Tent Stove
Tent stoves are extremely helpful when camping. They allow you to cook food while staying at the camp. These gas stoves are also very easy to use.
All you need to make sure is that you have plenty of gas reserves for the duration of your stay.
15. Hunting
Hunting is another way to prepare meals in the wilderness. You can hunt game such as rabbits or squirrels. Make sure that you dispose of these animals properly, though.
This might also require some skills, and you’ll need to make sure that you cook the meat properly to avoid bacteria and food poisoning.
You’ll also need to make sure what berries you can eat. You can get some very poisonous varieties out there, and it will be essential that you can identify them by sight.
16. Get A Cooler
Coolers are one of the most important items that you should bring along on any trip. They keep things fresh and prevent you from getting sick. You can keep fish for a few days longer if you invest in a decent cooler.
17. Bring Supplies
Bring all the basic necessities like toilet paper, toothbrushes, etc. You don’t want to run out of anything during your trip. This might go without saying, but you’ll be surprised at what you might forget when you are in a rush to pack for your trip.
It is also worth making an itinerary of what you’ll be needing a few weeks before your trip. You can add things to the list as they occur to you, and you won’t be leaving it until the last minute.
18. Only Purchase Things You Can Eat Immediately
This goes hand in hand with number 17. If you buy something that you cannot eat immediately, then you’ll end up throwing it away. It’s better to purchase things that you know you can consume right away.
19. Bring A First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is essential when camping. You never know when you might get injured, so you’ll want to ensure that you have bandages, sewing needle and paracetamol in case anyone eats anything that they’ll
20. Get Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can ruin your entire trip if you do not take precautions against them. You can get mosquito repellents that work well and will not leave a chemical smell inside your tent.
You can also get natural insect repellents that will not leave you ill.
21. Keep Your Tent Cool With An Air Conditioner
An air conditioner is useful when camping because it keeps your tent cool. It will help you sleep more comfortably, and you’ll feel less stressed in the morning.
There’s nothing that can ruin a camping trip more than an uncomfortable night’s sleep.
22. Learn About Your Camping Area
Learn about the area where you plan to camp. You’ll want to know how long it takes to reach certain places and whether there are any dangerous animals around.
Wildlife will not only be very interesting to learn about, but you’ll want to know if there are any bears in the area.
23. Keeping Your Valuables Safe In Your Tent
If you’re going to be camping overnight, it’s best to keep your valuables safe in your tent. You can use a lockbox to store your money, passport and other valuable items. You can even put them under your sleeping bag.
There are just 23 easy tips that you can use to help your camping trip go a lot smoother. However, there are plenty of other things that you can do that will alleviate any stress and issues that might occur on your camping trip.
How You Can Stay Safe During A Camping Trip
Can You Lock A Tent?
You should always make sure that your tent has a locking mechanism. This way, no one can enter your tent while you are asleep.
Keep Food Away From Animals
Animals such as dogs and cats can easily become attracted to food. Make sure that you keep your food away from these animals.
Know The Rules Of The Park
Most parks have rules regarding camping. You need to know these rules so that you can follow them.
Take Your Valuables With You
Make sure that you bring all of your important documents with you when you go camping. Do not leave this information behind or in the car. This way if anyone breaks into your tent while you are away, then won’t be able to track you.
There will be some really important items that you’ll need to keep on your person. If your car keys are stolen, then you won’t be able to get back. You’ll also want to keep your passport and your money with you at all times.
Hiding Your Valuables
It’s possible for someone to break into your tent while you’re sleeping. If this happens, then you’ll want to hide your valuables somewhere else. You could hide them in a waterproof container or place them in another part of your tent.
Use A Lock Box
A lockbox is a great way to keep your valuables yourself. You can use a padlock to secure your lockbox. You should make sure that this lock box can’t be moved.
If you have a car or a camper van, then you’ll want to have a lockbox bolted to the inside.
Follow The Rules Of The Parks
Many parks have specific rules regarding camping. It’s best to know what they are before you go camping.
If you are going to disobey the rules like excessive littering and parking where you shouldn’t, then you could see yourselves being given a warning and then asked to leave the park altogether.
What Accessories Should You Take Camping?
This is a very important detail that you should not overlook when you go camping. However, there are plenty of accessories that you can pick up that will help make your camping not only safer but also more comfortable, even luxurious.
Waterproof Sleeping Bag
If you plan on spending a night out in the wilderness, then you’ll want something that will protect you from the elements. A good waterproof sleeping bag is an excellent option.
There’s nothing worse than being damp in your tent. You could also get damp if you are in your tent for a long time.
Campfire Starter Kit
When you’re camping, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need to start a campfire. You’ll want to include matches, kindling, and a lighter.
Tent Stove
You’ll want to make sure you have a stove to cook your meals. Furthermore, you’ll also want a pot and a frying pan. These things will allow you to cook your meals without having to carry around a lot of cooking apparatus.
Flashlight
You’ll want to make sure to pack a flashlight. This will allow you to find your way around in the dark. Bring some spare batteries just in case too.
Extra Blankets And Pillows
You’ll want to pack extra blankets and pillows. This will ensure that you don’t get cold and uncomfortable during the night. Again, this might get you ill if you are spending too much time in a cold environment.
Food Storage Containers
You’ll want to buy food storage containers. These containers are perfect for keeping your food safe and dry. If you get certain foods wet, then you won’t be able to use them afterward.
Cooking Utensils
You’ll want to bring along cooking utensils. They will allow you to prepare your meals quickly and easily.
Toilet Paper
You’ll want to take toilet paper with you. This will allow you to clean yourself after using the bathroom. You can also mop up spills that might occur in your tent.
What Is Boondocking, And How Does It Differ From Camping?
Boondocking is different from camping because it allows you to travel off-road. There are many advantages to boondocking. First, you’ll be able to drive wherever you want.
Second, you’ll be able to get away from people who may disturb you while you’re camping.
Third, you’ll be able to save money by driving instead of paying for campsites.
The Disadvantages Of Boondocking
There are some disadvantages to boondocking. One disadvantage is that you’ll have to pay for fuel. Another disadvantage is that you’ll be limited to roads that are designated as boondocking areas.
How Do I Find The Right Spot For My Tent?
There are two main ways that you can find the right spot for your tent. The first method is to look at the map. Look for places where you can park your car and set up your tent.
The second method is to ask other people where they think would be a good place to pitch your tent. You can do this by asking friends or family members.
Where Can I Get Help With Setting Up My Tents?
There are several resources available online that can help you set up your tents. You can search Google for “how to set up a tent” and you should be able to find what you’re looking for.
Hitchhiking And Camping
Hitchhiking and camping can go hand in hand and can often be a fun way of traveling from one campsite to another. There are a few advantages to camping when hitchhiking.
First, you’ll only spend about half as much money on gas than you would if you were renting a vehicle. Additionally, you’ll be able to see more sights than if you were staying in one location.
Disadvantages Of Hitchhiking
First, there are some disadvantages to hitchhiking. One disadvantage is that it’s not always possible to get rides. You’ll also need to be careful of whom you can get in a car with.
Hiking
If you are planning on doing any hiking, then you’ll need to make sure that you have enough water. Hikers usually carry between 3 and 5 liters of water per person.
If you plan on going into remote locations, then you’ll need a GPS device. This will allow you to navigate to your destination.
Campfires
When camping, you’ll want to keep your campfire small. Campfires can spread wildfires and cause damage to the environment.
How To Keep Warm While Sleeping Outdoors
It’s important to stay warm when sleeping outdoors. If you don’t, you could end up getting sick.
One way to keep warm is to use an air mattress. An air mattress will provide insulation and prevent you from becoming cold.
Another way to keep warm is by wearing layers. Layering clothing is the best way to stay warm.
You can also wear a hat. Hats will keep your head warm and protect you from the wind.
Another thing you can do is to use a space heater. Space heaters are great for keeping you warm during the winter months.
Camping In A Public Space
Camping in public spaces can be dangerous. It’s illegal to camp in many parks and forests.
In addition, you may run into problems with local residents. They might complain to authorities or even call them to report you.
You should always research the laws of the state before you go camping on public land.
However, by camping in these spaces, you can go off the beaten track and find cool sights and historical locations that you might not be able to find in the designated locations.
This might also appeal to people who really want to leave civilization behind. After all, isn’t camping all about getting away from other people?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Bring When Going Camping?
The first thing that you should bring when going camping is food. Food is essential for survival.
Next, you should bring a flashlight and extra batteries. These items will come in handy while you’re out exploring the wilderness. You should also bring a map. You can use this to figure out where you are and how to get back home.
Finally, you should bring a sleeping bag. This will keep you warm at night.
Can I Live In A Tent Full Time?
Yes, you can live in a tent full time. However, you’ll need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions. For example, you’ll need to know how to deal with rainstorms and snowstorms. You’ll also need a good shelter.
A tent is not a very durable structure. So if you plan on living in one for long periods of time, you’ll need to buy a more sturdy shelter.
Is It Possible To Make Money As A Camper?
Yes, it is possible to make money as a camper. There are several ways to earn money while camping.
First, you can sell crafts made from nature. For instance, you can craft beautiful jewelry using natural materials like wood and stones. Second, you can work as a guide. Guides can charge anywhere between $30-$50 per day.
Our Final Say
We hope that our guide to camping full time has helped you decide whether you want to embark upon this journey or not. Be aware that camping full-time is not easy and comes with plenty of challenges, but the rewards that you get from doing so can be amazing.
