The Ultimate Guide to Camping
We seem far from the time when people are going to enjoy a Disney vacation or stay at a resort, at least this summer. A fun and adventurous alternative is to pack the car, wrangle the kids and dogs, and camp out in nature.
For the people who haven’t tried sleeping under the stars, it doesn’t have to be as difficult or dirty as you might think. There are so many comforts to car camping these days at an affordable price. You’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing this your whole life!
The most important advice to having a good time camping is to be prepared. Follow the steps below, ask questions, do some research, and you’ll be ready for an adventure.
Types of Camping
There’s not one type of camping. In fact, there are endless variations, but they fall into basic buckets.
Glamping
Glamorous + Camping = Glamping
Forget your tent, cooler or stove. Glamping is the luxury hotel version of camping. The structure can be a large canvas tent, cottage, treehouse, or airstream trailer. Although they are eye-catching, the price tag is steep. In fact, it shouldn’t even be called camping at all since you just drive up and get taken care of, but it’s worth mentioning this option because we all like being taken care of every once in a while.
Premium Campgrounds
These sites are great for first-timers. They are similar to basic campgrounds but offer a lot more amenities like WiFi, showers, bathrooms, laundry, and maybe even a small convenience store.
The downside to these campgrounds are their popularity, which can mean they are harder to reserve and can get noisy.
Some locations offer private cabins or yurts for an additional fee. These are one step closer to a hostel in the woods, with a roof over your head, usually a bed and maybe even a kitchen and private bathroom, if you’re lucky.
Basic Campgrounds
Most of these campgrounds include a place to park your car/RV, spot to pitch a tent, a fire pit or barbecue, picnic table, and a bathroom. There may be other facilities nearby like boat ramps, amphitheaters, or sports fields.
Dispersed Campgrounds
If you know what you’re doing, then dispersed camping is the best way to enjoy the solitude of nature. They are typically free sites, usually scattered in National Forests (not National Parks), and sometimes require a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle to get down the dirt roads.
The magic of these spots is they are not labeled in any way. You can just drive into the forest and camp where you like.
Because they are remote, that means it’s harder for emergency services to access. You may not have cell service either, so download your maps and have a hard copy handy.
If you’re interested in dispersed camping, let me know in the comments and I’ll write up a guide.
How To Find a Campsite
One of the best and most convenient ways to find a cool place is to ask your friends. Otherwise, there’s a bunch of resources online that we’ve listed below. For the most part, try to start out within a few hours of home.
Recreation.gov is where we would start. This site covers most government campgrounds in the US, which amounts to over 100,000 locations. You can also get a permit for limited-access experiences like rafting the Grand Canyon, tickets to special events, and there’s even a handy trip planner feature.
Pro Tip: Many popular sites can get booked up months in advance. New sites are open six months in the future on a rolling basis, so mark your calendar and snatch that site you’ve been eyeing! For example, you want a particular site for July 4th weekend, set a reminder to book on January 4th.
There are some campgrounds in state parks in Oregon and California that use Reserve America for bookings. Other states like Arkansas have their own site.
The Outbound offers an intuitive way to search for adventures, lodging, campsites, and tours. They also list many private campgrounds like KOA.
Tentrr partners with land owners around the US to offer camping experiences ranging from glamping to an open space to pitch a tent.
Hipcamp is another broker for private landowners but they also put the public sites on there, which make it a convenient search. Granted it will show you public sites but when you want to reserve the site it links you to recreation.gov.
Airbnb is mostly for people renting out houses or apartments, but there are some campsites on there, so worth a look.
Related: Check out our article on How to Find Green Spaces Near You
What To Bring
Some people pack their cars with an unbelievable amount of stuff; others, keep it minimal. Finding the right balance for you comes with experience. Over time, you will develop a system where all of your gear is together in bins and all you have to do is grab it, throw it in the car and hit the road.
Rental Gear
You honestly don’t need to buy anything on your first trip. There are plenty of stores both in cities and in rural towns that will supply rental gear at good prices. Sports Basement and REI are the big ones, usually near cities. Look on google maps to find smaller outfitters near or on the way to your destination.
Second-Hand Gear
Second-hand gear can be great to get started and figure out what you like and dislike before investing in new gear. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or REI garage sale is where I would start to look for deals.
At Outdoor Goyo, we’re big supporters of RE-commerce and keeping good equipment in circulation. Most outdoor gear companies make sustainable products built to LAST. The outdoor industry probably has the most companies standing by lifetime warranties than any other retailers. Send it back, get it fixed, or sew your own button!
Packing List
The list below may seem overwhelming. All you have to keep in mind is that you’re signing up to live outdoors for a few days. Walk through your daily life and imagine everything happening outside.
The most important items are SHELTER, WATER, FOOD and CLOTHES.
You’ll find that many of the items on the list can be found readily at home and we tried to suggest substitutes when applicable, like subbing blankets for a sleeping bag. If you have any additional hacks or tips, please leave a comment below!
PSA: The items below are linked to recommended products, so click away. If you purchase anything from these links, we may get a small commission (at no cost to you).
Storage & Bags
First, let’s get organized. Let’s try to keep each category in this list together in some type of storage bin or bag. You’ll thank us later!
Large, clear plastic bins - One for the kitchen, one for gear, one more for gear ;)
Large water jugs - Freeze a few gallons before you leave and put them in the cooler. Always bring more water than you think. You have to cook, clean and drink and you can’t always rely on the campground to provide good water.
Cooler - If you’re out for a few days, make sure to only open when necessary. The longer you intended to keep things fresh, the more money you should spend on a cooler. Don’t buy a Yeti unless you’re spending 7+ days out. And even so, I’d buy the Igloo, which lasts 5 days.
Duffel Bag - These are great for blankets, pillows, and clothes. They can easily be stuffed in corners in the car. Gear can go in duffels as well. If you intend on doing other activities while camping like mountain biking, climbing or fishing, you may find it easy to have gear in a soft case.
Day/Hip Pack - Especially since you’ll want to enjoy nature and explore, make sure to bring a day pack. Something to carry at least a water bottle, first aid, snacks, headlamp, and knife - aka the essentials listed below.
Essentials
These are the goodies you shouldn’t leave home without. Duh on the wallet, but any reminder helps; there’s a lot going on trying to get everyone out the door! Besides the firewood and lantern, these items should always be with you. They can all live in your day pack, so if you go on a day hike, you can just grab and go.
Glasses/contacts - We haven’t spent more than $50 on a pair of glasses in over a decade. Buy online, save $$$.
Guide Book
Phone or GPS Device
Electronic Chargers/Car Chargers
Maps - Have printed maps in case your phone or GPS croaks. Happens more than you’d think.
Reservations & Itineraries - If you can print great, but at least screen shot everything b/c you might not have service at the campground.
Firewood - Try to avoid the firewood at the grocery or gas station costing $10 for 4 pieces of wood. Find a bulk place on your way to the woods by searching “firewood” in google maps.
Fire Permit - Search the park website to see if you’re required to have a fire permit. Usually only needed for dispersed camping.
Lantern
Knife/Multitool - You’ll be surprised how much you use these in the woods. Get a knife with a belt chip if you can.
Wallet
House Key - Unless you don’t want to go home, which can happen.
Emergency Blanket - This can be part of your first aid kit.
Lighter/Matches
Bear Spray - Black bears can be thrifty, but the real worry are grizzly bears. If you’re visiting their country, carry spray with you, especially when hiking. Don’t keep it stashed in your pack expecting you’ll be able to get to it when surprised by a 500lb bear.
Compass
Water bottle
Headlamp/Flashlight - Always put this item in a very accessible place like the top pocket of a bag or in the glovebox. It is so common to look for a light when it’s already dark outside.
Related: How to Build a Campfire
Shelter
You will definitely be excited when you arrive at your campsite, but the first thing you should do before venturing off is set up your shelter! All shelter gear should be kept in the same bin to keep organized and you can combine with the Accessories list below if you have space.
Tent (with footprint, rainfly & stakes) - Unlike backpacking, you can bring as big of a tent as you want. In fact, having a tent you can stand up in is ideal for car camping. Always pick a size tent that’s suited for at least one more person than you’re expecting. Ex: buy a 6 person tent for 4 people. You’ll be glad you did, especially if it rains. Speaking of rain, don’t set up your tent where rain will puddle- not fun to wake up to in the middle of the night.
Sleeping Bag - Bags are rated by your size and the temperature you’ll endure. Since you can always unzip your bag when it gets warm, buy one that is rated below the lowest possible temperature you’ll be sleeping in. Most people will be fine with three-season bags rated 15-30F. If you don’t have a sleeping bag, bring some sheets and blankets. Prepare for cold nights- you’d rather be safe than sorry.
Sleeping Bag Liner - If temps drop below your rated bag, you can buy a liner. It’s like a fitted blanket.
Mattress/Sleeping Pad - Investing in a sleeping pad or mattress can be just as important to your warmth and comfort as a sleeping bag.
A full size mattress os 53x75”; queen 60x80”; and king 76x80”
If you can fit a mattress in your tent, go for it (just remember to bring the pump).
Pillow - You don’t really have to buy a fancy camping pillow. Just bring one from home or roll up some clothes as a pillow.
Hammock - Some people sleep in them, some just swing and read. Either way, they’re awesome.
Sleep in Your Car: Check out our article and video How To Convert a 4Runner To Micro Camper.
Toiletries
Now for all the little pieces. Hopefully this isn’t your first trip and you have a small bag already assembled for trips. But if not, build one now. Find a small dopp kit or dump everything in a clear ziplock.
ChapStick
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Toilet Paper
Floss
Comb/Brush
Nail Clippers
Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap - Dr. Bronners is pure castile soap, so it’s eco-friendly and you can use for dishes, showers, and shampoo.
Mirror
Condoms
Sealable Plastic Bags
Moisturizer
Earplugs
Hand Sanitizer
Spare Glasses
Contacts
Contact Solution
Contact Case
Quick-dry Towel - Bring a clean towel for your face and hands. Keep the kitchen towel where it belongs.
Biodegradable Baby Wipes
Kitchen
Don’t underestimate what can be cooked outdoors. You have a captive and hungry audience, so make the kitchen a centerpiece of camping.
Food - It’s best to plan out your meals and have everyone pitch in. For the most part, cook like you do at home. The only thing to remember is food spoilage. If you cook raw meat while camping, you need a good cooler and to probably start frozen and cook the first night out. Otherwise, think cured meat like sausages.
Camp Table - If you’re lucky, you find a stump to set up your stove. Don’t leave it to chance, bring a foldout table!
Camp Chairs - Same here, a rock or log is nice, but people who don’t bring chairs envy those who do. Trust us!
Bottle Opener, can opener, corkscrew
Tablecloth & Clips
Cutting board - Forget the wood board, go plastic and thin.
Ice or ice substitutes - You can freeze gallon water jugs before leaving, then add to cooler. No more pooling water in the bottom of the cooler and the ice lasts longer too.
Camp sink (or wash bins)
Biodegradable soap - Dr. Bronners to the rescue again. Seriously, just buy in bulk :)
Camping Stove - Two burner is nice, especially cooking for groups
Camping Fuel
Cooking Pots & Pans - Take your dutch oven and cast iron to cook on open flames. Lids are nice to keep ash out.
Eating Utensils - sporks rule!
Cooking Utensils
Plates/Bowls - Paper plates are easy clean up, but reusable plates are eco-friendly.
Mugs/Cups - People love their camping mug more than they care to admit. Find one, treasure it.
Portable coffee/tea maker - You want happy campers, right?
Small food-storage conainers, bags
Aluminum Foil - Wrap food in foil and put straight on the coals, called a “silver turtle".
Trash and recycling bags - Be responsible and pack it out!
Dish towel
Pot scrubber/sponge(s)
Clothes & Footwear
This is a general list of items, so be sure to look up the weather before leaving home. Take wind into consideration and know that the mountains can be unpredictable. Plan for the worst, hope for the best. Always bring extra layers and rain gear just in case. If not for you, there will be someone else on the trip who needs it. These items are for three seasons, if camping in winter, bring more layers, gloves, and waterproof everything.
Belt - So many uses besides holding your pants up: tourniquet, sling, carry firewood, and sharpen your knife
Pants - Always wear pants when going into new terrain. Even if you think you’re taking a short trail to the beach, there could be poison oak/ivy, snakes or spiders.
Pajamas/ Sleepwear/ loungewear
Shorts
Shirt - Be careful with cotton, which can be cold when wet and take long to dry. Polyester is toxic and expresses odors. Go for wool mixtures if possible.
Underwear
Socks
Light Jacket
Rain Jacket
Rain Pants
Hat
Clothes Line - Fishing line, paracord
Towel
Work gloves - For collecting firewood
Swimsuit
Shoes, Casual - Or sandals are so nice to slip into when returning back to camp from a long hike.
Sandals - If you’re staying near water, it’s nice to have water shoes to explore.
Boots, Hiking
Related: How to Identify, Clean & Treat Poison Ivy, Oak + Sumac
Health
These items should be stored together, however you can combine them with your essentials bag. At minimum, always bring a small first aid kit in your day pack.
First Aid Kit
Pain/Fever Reliever
MoleSkin - For blisters
Cold Medicines
Diarrhea/Laxative Medicines
Personal Prescriptions
Vitamins
Sunscreen
Sunburn Relief
Throat Lozenges
Insect Repellent - Careful with deet. There are natural brands that repel insects just as well and aren’t toxic. If mosquitos are bad, wear long plants, sleeves and a hat, then spray your clothes.
Activated Charcoal Tablets - Used to treat wounds, hangovers, stomach problems and poisonings.
Related: Wanna learn how to throw a hatchet?
Accessories
Although not deemed necessary, these items can make the camping experience much more enjoyable.
Portable Speaker - Pump the jams, but be courteous to your neighbors and respect quiet hours.
Portable Camp Shower
Reading Materials
Journal & pen
Sewing Kit
Watch
Portable/solar charger
Ziplock bags
Batteries
Games
Camera
Frisbee
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Duct Tape
Zip Ties
Tent-pole repair sleeve
Pad/Mattress Repair Kit
Mallet or Hammer
Saw
Axe/Hatchet
String lights
Related: Fly a Stunt Kite for Cheap
Activity Specific Gear
We want you to be prepared, so don’t forget any gear specific for other activities. Instead of listing everything you need for every activity, we list all the outdoor activities you might want to get into.
Be prepared. Be inspired.
Mountaineering
Backpacking
Hiking
Camping
Running
Climbing
Yoga
Sightseeing
Star Gazing
Horseback Riding
Canoeing/Kayaking
Paddle-boarding (SUP)
Swimming
Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
Surfing
Windsurfing/Kitesurfing
Sailing
Paragliding
Boating
Wakeboarding/Water Skiing
Waterpark
Picnic
ATV/4WD/Overland
Motorcycle Touring
Motocross
Cycling/Mountain Biking
Hunting
Fishing
Skateboard
Photography
Golf
Beach
Disc Golf
Be Mindful & Protect Our Planet
Leave No Trace is a non-profit organization that solves some of the most pressing problems with our planet: educating people of our impact on nature. Most of our destruction is avoidable by just being mindful. And these practices are not just for the backcountry, they should be practiced even at home. Here are the 7 principles.
Plan Ahead & Prepare (you’re one step ahead!)
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Campground Etiquette Tips
Camp like your mother is watching!
Quiet Hours - Most campgrounds quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am, so turn off the generator, and start the party early. If you’re raging and pumping the jams late into the night, expect a grumpy neighbor or camp manager to shut you up.
Clean your site - Reminding you once again to Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (see above). This is such a simple concept to respect your planet and the others around you, but so many people leave trash behind. Shame on them!
Pet Rules -
Check beforehand if your pet is allowed at the campground. All National Parks do not allow dogs on the trails, only in some campgrounds, so keep that in mind.
Bring poop bags and clean it up!
Keep your dog on a leash.
Don’t leave food out - Even during the day, little critters can get into your food stash. During the night, put your food in the car. Raccoons and bears are smarter than you think and can open coolers.
Don’t leave a fire unattended - Smokey the Bear said so. Listen to him and make sure to smother the fire with water before leaving the campsite.
Drive slow - kids are everywhere and usually let loose to play in the campground without much supervision. Drive very slow, waive to neighbors and check out everyone’s unique camp setup.
Control the kids - Nature is meant to be explored, but let your kids know the boundaries of your campsite and how to respect the neighbors. Camping is a great opportunity to teach and engage kids.
Conclusion
Although this article is lengthy and detailed (it wouldn’t be the ultimate guide otherwise), we hope to have empowered you to get outside and camp! We hope you’ve realized that car camping is accessible and doesn’t cost much money. You don’t have to get wrapped into all the coolest gadgets (although they are fun), and most of these items can be found at home.
We’re your friendly guide to enjoying activities in nature. If you have any questions about camping, leave a comment below or send us an email. To stay in touch with more content like this, subscribe to our newsletter.
