Getting Started with Camping
Your no-jargon guide to gearing up and heading out for the first time.
Camping Isn't Complicated — It's Just Unfamiliar
Every experienced camper was once a beginner standing in an aisle wondering why there are seventeen types of tent stakes. The goal isn't to buy everything — it's to bring the right things for your trip.
Step 1: Choose Your Camping Style
How you camp determines what you need. Pick the closest match:
- Tent camping — Classic. Drive to a campground, pitch a tent, sleep under the stars. Most affordable entry point.
- Car camping — Sleep in or near your vehicle. Great for road trips and minimal setup.
- RV camping — Bring your home on wheels. More comfort, more systems to learn.
- Camper / van camping — Compact living. Popular for adventure travelers.
Step 2: Buy the Essentials First
Don't buy everything at once. Start with the Big Five:
- Shelter — A tent rated for your season and group size. See our tent guide.
- Sleep system — Sleeping bag + pad. The pad matters more than most beginners think. Sleeping bag guide.
- Light — A headlamp. Hands-free beats a flashlight every time. Headlamp guide.
- Cooking — A simple stove, one pot, a spork. Meals don't need to be fancy.
- Safety — First aid kit, water, sun protection, and a way to navigate offline.
Step 3: Borrow Before You Buy
Before spending hundreds on gear, borrow from friends or rent from services like REI Co-op. You'll learn what you actually use versus what just looks cool in a catalog.
Step 4: Practice at Home
Set up your tent in the backyard. Test your stove. Pack your bag. Finding out something doesn't work at 9 PM in the rain is a rite of passage — but one you can skip.
Step 5: Use a Checklist
Print a checklist and check items off as you pack. It eliminates the "we forgot the toilet paper" moment.
Build a Custom Checklist Browse All Checklists
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Overpacking — You don't need a different outfit for each day. Layers beat volume.
- Underestimating cold — Ground cold radiates up. A sleeping pad is non-negotiable.
- No rain plan — A $15 poncho saves a $200 trip.
- Arriving late — Set up camp in daylight. Everything is harder in the dark.
- Ignoring quiet hours — Campground neighbors will remember your 11 PM generator.
- Forgetting entertainment — Downtime happens. Pack fun extras especially with kids.
Bringing Kids or Pets?
They change the packing equation significantly. We have dedicated lists:
Ready to Find a Campsite?
Once you're packed, head to our campsite finder resources to book a spot at a national park, state forest, or private campground.