Have you ever considered the art of campsite setup? Like so many things in life, there is a “best way” to do it. Of course, it requires the right equipment and a little know-how to get it right every time.
Besides the right knowledge and gear, you’ll also want to develop good habits for camp setup. If you’re feeling stressed out just thinking about all of this, we’re here to assure you it’s easier than you think.
Here are six things you need to know to make the most of every camping adventure.
1. Vet Camp Gear ASAP
Many people purchase camp gear and then wait until they reach a campground to try it out for the first time. But there are many reasons we don’t recommend this approach. Instead, pull out and examine all gear right after buying it.
That way, you know you’ve got all of the pieces needed to assemble various parts of your campground. For example, always peek inside the tent stuff sack to make you’ve got all of the stakes required.
2. Check and Replenish Items
Also, eyeball your first-aid kit to see what needs restocking, and don’t forget to give your utensil assortment a once-over. If you’ve got kids, we recommend involving them in this prep work so that they feel more involved in the process.
Keep all of these items in one camping box. That way, you’ll cut down on prep work before future trips.
3. Pack Equipment Strategically
And if you want to get even more sophisticated? Consider making camp boxes for different parts of your camp, such as the kitchen, the bedroom, dry storage items, tents, etc.
Whichever way you choose to do it, pack strategically. What do we mean? Keep items such as flashlights and headlamps readily accessible so that when it gets dark, you’re ready. The same goes for cold-weather gear, rain gear, and stuff like sunscreen and insect repellant.
Don’t forget to pack hammocks for mid-day relaxation. And color code the duffel totes for each sleeping bag. That way, your family will know which bag to grab when setting up camp.
5. Assign a Key-Keeper
Designate somebody who’ll hold onto all of the family’s keys. That way, you ensure nothing gets lost. But if you’re traveling with more than one adult, you may want to bring an extra set of keys for easy access to the car.
6. Bear Proof EVERYTHING
You’ll also want to take extra care when it comes to food and garbage storage while getting back to nature. After all, no camper wants to attract wildlife (hello, bears!) to the campsite due to improper or irresponsible camp habits. Check out these food and garbage storage best practices from the National Park System.
Make Camping a Breeze
When you follow the six tips above, future camping experiences will prove a breeze. It all starts with acquiring the right gear and vetting it before you leave. When you incorporate this with good camp setup habits (e.g., bear-proofing your campsite), there’s no end to the fantastic outdoor adventures you’ll enjoy.
Are you ready for more camping hacks? We’ve got you covered. Browse our blog now for the tips and tricks you need to rock every experience in the Great Outdoors.
