6 Tips for Going Camping for the First Time

Want to go camping for the first time but aren't sure where to start? Learn these six tips for going camping for the first time and have an unforgettable experience in nature!

Going camping can be an excellent opportunity to discover a new way to disconnect. There are many advantages of camping, whether with family, friends or as a couple. So we are going to give you some tips to go camping for the first time and make your experience wonderful.

The best tips to go camping for the first time

Your experience can be amazing and unforgettable at a camp. Plus, ideally, this is the start of a healthy tradition that will be repeated often.

1. Choose the right place

If it’s your first time, our recommendation is to choose a place nearby. Not only for any eventuality, but to find out whether or not camping is your thing.

On the other hand, try to make it a place that offers some amenities. Do some research on what you can do once there, like hiking trails, for example.

2. Consider the equipment

Find out what the campsite offers so that you don’t bring extra items. For example, if it has barbecue grills, don’t bring your grill. The key is to carry only the essentials.

Here’s a basic list you might want to start with:

• Tent. It can be one for sleeping and another one for eating and spending the day. The latter is recommended when the group is large or you are traveling with children.
• Toiletries: towels, toilet paper and medicines.
• Gas stove, portable refrigerator, lighter, garbage bags, can opener.
• Lighting and their respective batteries or spare batteries.
• Knives and blades, ropes and multipurpose pliers.
• Shovel and hammer for the gutter.
• Sleeping bag and pillow.
• First aid kit.
• Compass and GPS.

3. Make a pilot test at home

Verify that you can assemble the tent without problems, that you are not missing components and that you have all the necessary tools to assemble it. Once it is ready, you can check if it is adequate for the number of people in the group.

4. Be familiar with your surroundings

You can’t just drink water from nature; that’s why you should always provide your own drinking water. To do this you should boil it for 10 to 20 minutes, or bring a purifier.

Be very careful when lighting a fire. Especially in times of high temperatures, when campfires are forbidden due to the danger of fire.

If you make a fire, keep it away from the tent.

5. Have a good predisposition

Keep a positive attitude towards this new experience. Avoid unnecessary complaints and try to have the best time you can.

Also, try to go with good company. You will spend a lot of time together and ideally you should be compatible for this type of activity.

6. Think about food

Canned foods, fruits, and raw vegetables are usually the best choices. It is also advisable to make good use of the grill, because it will get us out of trouble with grilled meat and hamburgers that we can accompany with salads.

Why go camping? Here are the benefits of camping

There are always plenty of reasons to connect with nature. The physical, mental, and social benefits of camping are relevant and here we share them with you.

Leaving stress at home

According to some scientifically rigorous publications, stress in cities is expressed with excessive fatigue in the face of possible threats to everyday life. When this reaction becomes a habit, it produces an overload for the organism that will bring health problems.

Going camping can give us a chance to take a break for a few days from the rhythm of life we lead. There are no schedules other than those set by nature.

The luxuries and services of a hotel do not matter when we open the way to new experiences, in whose simplicity lies the peace of mind that we need to find so much. The comfort will go through the sensory, the silence, and find yourself in a context that does not admit noise.

Connecting with nature

Being in nature is one of the healthiest connections you can make with the environment. A landscape can convey silence and peace. Without technological distractions and without pre-established schedules by hotels, the only thing we can do is enjoy what surrounds us: sea, river, mountains, starry skies and pure air.

Sharing with others

Going camping fosters a healthy bond with our companions. Without screens in between, the environment invites us to look at each other face to face, talk, play and, in short, get to know each other better. The bonds of affection are strengthened.

Saving on vacations

There is a big difference in rates between a hotel and a campsite. Although the cost is in accordance with the services offered by each type of accommodation, camping will always be more economical.

The experience is worth it, even if you are not used to camping. Nowadays , campsites are very well equipped and offer basic amenities.

Another option is to go into more remote places. You may need a little more experience. If it is your first time, we suggest you opt for sites that have some basic necessities.

Improve your health

The mere fact of being in the middle of nature, breathing fresh air, represents an important benefit for your health. If we add walking, yoga, swimming, jogging, and other outdoor sports, the combo is complete.

On the other hand, without intense activities, there will also be benefits for mental health. Enjoying a good read with the breeze caressing your face will bring a feeling of undeniable wellness.

Don’t be afraid of getting bored your first time camping

No boredom during camp! Here are our recreational suggestions for when you go to camp for the first time:

• Charades or say it with mimes: a classic for young and old. It consists of making gestures to define an object, movie name or character for the rest of the team to guess.
• Simon says: one person is Simon and gives orders to the rest of the group. “Simon says jump on one foot while whistling and clapping.” But if the order is given without the phrase “Simon says”, the pledge should not be made. Whoever does it, sins of absent-mindedness.
• Forbidden words: an interviewer is appointed and someone who will answer his questions, with the caveat that he cannot say “yes, no, white, black”.
• Treasure hunt: this is a game that requires planning. The day before a hike, one of the group members leaves clues in the form of riddles along the way.
• Board and card games: Decks of cards are everyone’s favorite and board games are also a great pastime.

Camping is a unique and non-transferable experience that everyone should experience sometime. If we keep these recommendations in mind, we can spend some great days that will be very beneficial for our physical and mental health.