6 basics of planning a camping trip

how to start planning your camping trip

You've got to start somewhere!
Planning a perfect campout may seem overwhelming at first glace.
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Like any adventure, it starts with a solid plan!
Focus your camping needs by drawing yourself a road map.
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​Tackle the task by starting with the basics. 
Let us help you kick start your plan with these 6 steps!

6 basics of planning a campout

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Some quick brainstorming will outline your camping needs

1. Date
When do you want to go camping?
Pick a season and a date. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your trip. Keep in  mind some of the most popular outdoor destinations have a waiting list for reservations. 

2. Who
Who is going camping with you?
If you're going alone this part is no sweat. Otherwise, you'll need to know who's coming when making a reservation. It's common practice that campsite reservations are calculated by the number of campers. There's usually a maximum number of campers allowed per site, you got to know how many sites to book based on your group.

​You are in control of how much time everyone has to prepare.
​We recommend picking a date early and letting everyone know the date as soon as possible. This way everyone can make arrangements, sort out other obligations and can commit to the trip sooner rather than later.  

3. Gear
What kind of camping are you looking to do?
Think about the basic gear you absolutely can not go camping with out.
That's where you start. You need your shelter (tent), sleeping bags (mattress/pad/cot), basic gear like lanterns, clothing, your personal toiletries and a first aid kit (medications).

 From there, take what ever it is you need to feel comfortable for the amount of time you are camping. Try making a list of the items, aim to narrow down your selection.
The world is your oyster, if you can pack it you can take it, there are no rules.
Unless of coarse there are rule where you are staying.

4. Where
Select the location you want to camp in!
Take a road trip, visit somewhere grand, revisit a favorite site or stay close to home.
Start looking for your perfect destination. Now that you know when, who and what gear you need; you have all the information you need to nail down there where.
Now you have the information you need to make a reservation once you find it.

Make sure you know the basic information about where you are camping.
Read the rules, regulations, waivers and any other need-to-know information pertaining to where you will be camping. Make a note of the emergency services and protocols for that area and activities you plan on participating in. 


5. Food
Easy Peasy.
You've got to eat. The biggest chore, the most stuff.
Put some time into what you are going to eat now so you don't pay for it later with your time!
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Gather your cooking gear. Grab your best camp recipes.
How are you going to cook and what do you need/have to cook with.
Make a list of your cold foods and drinks that need to be in a cooler and a separate list of your dry foods. 
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We recommend keeping it simple, freezing anything you can and preparing as much as possible ahead of time. This saves a lot of head ache at the campsite and leaves you with way more time to enjoy yourself. 


6. Activities
What do you want to do during your trip?
What are you looking to get out of your camp out? Some people are in it for the adventure, others want to hike to all the places or there's those who just want to unwind by the campfire. 

Plan to bring any gear for recreational activities like fishing or kayaking. Dust off your board games, outdoor games and other sporting goods. Don't forget a good book, your journal or maybe your new camera.

Planning makes for an epic trip. Thinking about what the goal of your camping trip is will help you decide what you need to bring in this category. For some of us it's super simple, for others its all about complex sports. It doesn't matter how you do you! 
​Just make it an epic camping trip.
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Let it all come together

Before you know it you'll be camping.
There are still some other details to iron out but you just got the bulk of it done. As your trip gets closer, finetune and rework what you've got as needed. 
​You have a solid plan. 
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Plans do change, so be flexible.
​Part of the camping fun is when things go wrong. Looking back and laughing at those moments where camping goes a little south is what it's about. Even when you are totally prepared, you are probably under prepared but it's only for a few nights.
​ Don't over think it, just have fun.