When it comes to the most popular types of vacations that Americans take, camping sits high up on the list. According to statistics, it is an activity that is on the rise with nearly two-thirds of Americans camping in 2018. This rise can be attributed to the fact that it tends to be an affordable vacation to take. It also provides people with an ability to explore and discover their own state and country, and there’s no need for air travel, passports, and all the usual travel-related stress.
If you’re decided that 2020 will be the year that you embrace camping and you’re ready to plan your first trip, then you can let this blog act as your guide. Here we’ll take a look at the steps involved in preparing for your first camping trip.
Why Style of Camping Do You Have in Mind?
When you say the word “camping” it can actually entail a number of different styles of vacationing. Camping can mean you are out in the woods in a traditional tent, or you could be thinking about something more luxe like a camper trailer, RV, or even a rental cabin.
Ensure Your Vehicle Can Handle the Tow
If you plan on towing an RV/camper trailer, you’ll need to be sure that your vehicle has the hauling capability to handle the tow. Different makes and models will have their own hauling capability, which usually determines which RV you’ll want to invest in.
Pick a Location
Now that you’ve identified what style of camper you are, it’s time to pick the campground location. If you only plan on getting away for a few days, then chances are you’ll want to pick something fairly close by so you aren’t spending your whole holiday in transit. If you’ve got more time available, you can pick a location that is further away, or you may even want to make it a whole road trip, stopping at different sites each night.
Book a Reservation
While not every campground requires or even offers reservations, it’s always good to look into it. Whenever possible, go ahead and book a reservation so you don’t end up disappointed when you reach the site and find out there are no spots left.
Make Your Packing List
It’s time to make your packing list now, as this will help to keep you organized and ensure nothing important is left at home. Remember, with camping you will likely need to bring along cooking supplies, your food, utensils, cleaning supplies, and so forth. You are essentially packing a home away from home.
When packing your clothes and accessories be sure to look into the weather forecast and bring layers – including rain gear.
Research Meal Ideas
Speaking of cooking, if you’re new to camping, it can also be helpful to spend time researching meal ideas meant for camping. These tend to be easy and quick to prepare, require very little ingredients, and can be cooked in one pot/pan.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to seamlessly prepare for your camping trip.
