Essential Camping Tips and Tricks

Essential Camping Tips and Tricks for all Campers

Camping is a great way to take a break from your everyday life and spend some time in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, having some tips and tricks can enhance your experience. This guide covers general campsite preparation, campfire starting tips, camping locations, bonfire recipes, and some advice on camping and hiking concepts. Let’s dive into these Camping Hacks!

Campsite Preparation: Tips and Tricks

• Choose a Location: Look for a clear, flat area away from potential dangers like falling branches or flooding. Always be aware of possible wildlife hazards in your area. It's generally advised to camp at least 200 feet from water sources to prevent garbage or other contaminants getting into the water. While many parks and campgrounds don't strictly enforce this, and some even offer campsites near water, it's worth mentioning. The best approach is to contact your local or state park to learn their specific rules and regulations. Whether you're visiting a campground or backpacking through the wilderness, consider following the "Leave No Trace Seven Principles" for a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

• Setup Camp: Arrive at your campsite before dark to familiarize yourself with the area, set up your tent and/or campfire safely. Gather enough fire wood for the evening to avoid running out late in the evening. If you are bringing kids with you, make sure to familiarize them with the campsite layout and ensure they do not get close to the fire. Planning ahead as much as possible is a good concept to follow when considering meals, your campfire and other planned camping activities. Check out our article about 5 Best Tents for more information on how to choose a good tent for your adventure.

  
  

• Organize Your Gear: Keep your campsite tidy by designating specific areas for cooking, sleeping, and relaxing. Use Camping Bins or Storage Bags to store items efficiently. Try to simplify as much as possible to avoid misplacing or fumbling around looking for items when it gets dark.

  

  
  

  Helpful Camping Tips

  • Lay down a tarp under your tent to minimize condensation build up.

  • Prepare meals at home or pick up some Freeze Dried Meals and pick up a JetBoil to cook with. This will minimize space while packing and limit your weight if it's a long hike that you're going on.

  • Pack a small container of salt and pepper as well as some kid of oil for cooking, this is a good one that usually gets overlooked. A bland meal is not ideal, nor is scraping burnt food off of your pan.

  • Pack Zip-Lock Bags, Trash Bags and Paper Towels, these items are always needed for clean up and storage.

  • Wet Wipes or Baby Wipes are always good to have at the ready.

  • Freeze water bottles and use them as ice packs, when the water melts you can drink it. This will cut down buying so much ice.

  • Pack a Large Cast Iron Skillet, rather than packing multiple pots and pans, this will handle most of your cooking needs and is very durable.

  • Use Compression Sacks to condense your camping gear, things like sleeping bags, sleeping pads, pillows, blankets etc. can be bulky and take up a lot of space.

  • Pickup a Water Jug or Gravity Bag with a spout situated on a picnic table or hanging from a tree, this will provide "running water" for hand washing, brushing your teeth and washing off dishes.

  • Crack a dozen eggs, whisk them and put into a sealable container like a large plastic water bottle or even a tight sealed Tupperware, When you are ready to cook breakfast, shake them up and pour out as much as you need in a pan and you have scrambled eggs.

  • Take a good pair of boots with you for the trip, check out or post about Hiking Boots for some good recommendations.

  • Take bug spray, you will need it!!! Also, layer up the sunscreen for UV protection.

  • Bring extra socks, its very likely that your feet will get wet, having a few backup pairs is crucial.

  • Make sure to have a good saw Saw and/or Hatchet for cutting firewood.

  
  

How to Start a Campfire: Essential Tips

• Get Your Materials: Collect tinder, dry leaves, kindling (small sticks), and larger logs. A good mix is essential for a successful fire. Make sure everything is very dry, when you bend it, it should snap or crack.

• Build a Structure: Use a teepee or log cabin structure. Place tinder in the center, surround it with kindling, and then stack larger logs around it.

  

  
  

• Start Safely: Use waterproof matches or a lighter. Light the tinder and gently blow on the flame until it takes off. This is where a fire starter can be used, a few options are Fire Starters which can be purchased or made at home with Vaseline and some cotton balls or some string. Another technique is to use a Ferro Rod which is essentially a hardened steel rod, when struck creates hot sparks causing the tinder to ignite.

• Maintain the Fire: Add larger logs gradually to keep the fire going. Always have water or sand nearby to extinguish the fire in the event of an emergency or when done.

Great Camping Locations to Explore Across the US

• Yosemite National Park, California: Known for its stunning granite cliffs El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite National Park sits on 747,956 acres. There are 13 campgrounds to pick from but most of the land is designated wilderness for more advanced campers.

• Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina: Offers beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.

• Banff National Park, Canada: Ideal for great views and outdoor activities.

• Joshua Tree National Park, California: Perfect for stargazing and unique desert landscapes.

• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: Choose from 500 miles of trails on 200,000 acres of property. Great views of forests and waterfalls, but make sure to reserve your site well in advance as it can be busy.

• Badlands National Park: Know for its stunning rock formations, the park has 2 campgrounds with just over 100 sites, some with running water and electricity. There's a good chance you will see a bison wandering around.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Delicious Bonfire Recipes to Try

• Campfire Nachos: Layer tortilla chips, cheese, and toppings in a cast-iron skillet. Cover with foil and heat over the fire until the cheese is melted.

• Banana Boats: Slice a banana lengthwise, stuff it with chocolate and marshmallows, wrap in foil, and place on the coals for a sweet treat.

• Baked Potato: Wrap russet potatoes in tin foil and toss them in the coals of the fire for 45 minutes, remove and cover with cheese, bacon bits and sour cream.

• Campfire Pizza: Use pre-made dough, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, and cook in a cast-iron skillet over the fire.

• Breakfast Burritos: Add eggs, peppers, onions and diced potatoes and cheese in a soft tortilla, roll it up and wrap with tin foil. These will keep for 2-3 days in a cooler, when ready, throw them in the bottom edge of the campfire or on the cast iron skillet for 10-15 minutes and enjoy (Bring your favorite hot sauce).

• Smores: Always consider the most popular campfire snack. Marshmallows, Graham Crackers and Chocolate. Try to substitute the chocolate bar with a Reese Peanut Butter Cup.

• Pickup a Campfire Sandwich Maker to create many different types of sandwiches and desserts. It's an great tool for preparing something quickly before heading out on a hike or adventure, and it is also a good activity for kids to have fun and be creative.

Camping and Hiking Clothing Tips

• Layer Up: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.

• Choose the Right Footwear: Invest in sturdy, comfortable hiking boots that provide good ankle support and traction.

• Accessories: Use hats, gloves, and scarves to protect against the elements. Don’t forget UV protection like sunglasses and sunscreen.

• Pack Extra Socks: Keeping your feet dry is crucial. Bring extra socks to change into if yours get wet.

• Rain Jacket: Have a rain jacket handy, you never know when a scattered shower will pop up.

Conclusion

With these Campsite Tips and Tricks, you’re well on your way to having a memorable camping experience. From preparing your campsite to cooking delicious meals over the fire and dressing appropriately for your adventures, these Camping Tips and Hiking Tips will ensure you’re ready for anything the great outdoors throws your way. Happy camping!