13 Camping Mistakes Most First-Timers Make
Updated: Jun. 05, 2023Wait! Before you embark on an adventure in the great outdoors, follow this expert advice to avoid the newbie camping blues.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Pro Tips You Need From the Start
Many Americans are looking to get outdoors this summer, with one-third of travelers interested in taking their first camping trip, according to Kampgrounds of America (KOA). Of course, we can see why camping is popular this pandemic summer: With trees as your neighbors and the wide open spaces of the great outdoors to explore, it’s perfect for a socially distanced vacation. Hack your camping trips with these clever ideas, tips, and tricks.
“It’s a ‘biological truism’ that outdoor environments are safer than those indoors,” says Dan Yates, founder and managing director of the camping-reservations site Pitchup. And the outdoors industry is going even further to meet requirements to keep people safe, he notes. For example, some campgrounds are adding precautions like contactless check-in and only allowing socially distanced sports, such as solo tennis. Many have also relaxed their cancellation policies to allow free changes. With capacity being reduced amid a surge in interest in camping, book ahead if you can.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up tips from industry experts for first-time campers on which all-too-common mistakes they need to avoid, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about when you hit the campground is whether you have enough marshmallows for s’mores! Before you set out on a camping adventure check out these 15 cool camping accessories you can buy on Amazon.
Using Your Gear for the First Time on Your First Night of Camping
Brush up on your outdoor skills before you head out. Acquaint yourself with your camping gear, and try setting up your new tent in your backyard. One time, recounts Yates, it took so long to get to his camping site that it was pitch black when he arrived. “Putting up a six-man tent straight out of the package in the light of the headlights, while all the other campers were getting angry watching, isn’t an experience I’d want to repeat,” he says. Check out this cool camping gear for your summer trip — or your backyard staycation.
Bringing Firewood From Home
Planning to stock up on kindling before you hit the road? Not so fast. Some campgrounds don’t allow out-of-state firewood because of fears of bug contamination, says Dawn Walker, assistant manager of the Kentucky Horse Park Campground in Lexington, Ky. If you’re traveling across state lines, buy local firewood at a hardware store or check if the campground sells firewood on site. And note that it’s never OK to harvest wood from standing trees.
Be prepared for anything on your camping trip. Check out these 11 camping safety tips.
Not Knowing How to Light a Campfire Safely
It’s not enough to have the right wood, says Yates. If you’re staying at a campground, set up your fire in properly designated areas. Watch out for plastics or bottle caps that will give off a bad smell or unpleasant smoke. And most importantly, make sure the fire is completely extinguished with the ashes disposed of ashes safely. Oh, and never leave it unattended.
Forgetting Essential Supplies
A tent and sleeping bags aren’t the only things you need for a comfortable night in the woods. One thing you might not realize you need? A sturdy tarp, says Walker. Tarps are a great multifunctional tool for your camping arsenal. They can be used to cover leaky tents in the rain, waterproof your firewood, or even create an awning for shade. Also make sure you have water bottles, cutlery, hand sanitizer, dish detergent, bug spray and sunscreen in your weekend bag. Plus, take an emergency cash supply if you’ll be in a remote spot. Go through this camping survival essentials list to make sure you’re covered for every emergency.
Here are 10 more camping gadgets we think you’ll like.
Heading Out Without a Plan
For first-time campers especially, the summer of 2020 is not the time to head out without knowing where you want to stay. Campgrounds and RV parks are experiencing record numbers of visitors while reducing capacity for social distancing.
Make a reservation for a campsite in advance using Pitchup or Campspot. And remember that camping doesn’t have to mean trekking cross-country to a remote area, says Caleb Hartung, CEO of Campspot. There are likely many wonderful campgrounds and RV parks within a short driving distance from where you live. When you’re getting started with camping, avoid remote areas. You might even consider a cabin with a working bathroom if you’re sketchy about more rustic adventures. Here are 13 camping survival products you should be sure to pack up and take with you.
Not Preparing to Unplug
Just because you’ve gone into the woods, don’t expect your whole crew to suddenly start singing around the (now expertly prepared) campfire. You need to pack some unplugged entertainment, too, says Walker. Bring a deck of cards for a game night, some headlamps for reading, or, yes, a guitar for songs if you’re so inclined. Plus, check out these 10 vintage camping hacks every camper should know.
Ignoring Food-Safety Rules
Whether you’re staying in a tent, RV or cabin, don’t leave trash or food scraps outside at night that can attract animals, says Hartung. Also avoid packaged foods that tend to melt, like granola bars covered in chocolate. And bring a cooler to keep your food cold and out of sight (and scent) from animals. Camp stores usually sell ice, he says; it’s the No. 1 sold item besides firewood. Overall, follow this rule: Don’t leave a trace; take out what you bring in.
Going Too Gourmet
Keep meals and meal preparation simple, says Walker. Nothing beats the flavor of food cooked over a fire, but don’t try to be an instant open-fire gourmet or you might be disappointed with the outcome. Opt for food like potatoes or corn that can be wrapped in foil and cooked in the coals. If you don’t eat them all, they can be used for hash at breakfast. Take camp food to the next level with these grilling tips to use while camping.
Pro tip: Leave the bulky condiment jars at home and clean out your condiment-packet drawer instead. If you’re out of prepackaged supplies, make your own at home and then put everything in plastic baggies.
Not Knowing Camping Etiquette
Good manners have always been important on the campground, and that’s truer than ever in this era of social distancing, says Yates. For many campers, it’ll be the first overnight stay after months of lockdown, so tread carefully. Follow on-site rules and respecting others’ space.
It’s not just about social distancing, though. What might seem perfectly acceptable and reasonable to you — midnight campfire songs, the dog “just being lively” with his adorable exuberant barking, your little darlings running about first thing in the morning — may have the person next to you muttering in righteous fury, he adds. So be respectful to your neighbors.
Not Having a Medical Kit
If you’re in the woods, you need to be self-sufficient, and that includes bringing a first aid kit. No need to buy one, though, says Walker — you can create a fully stocked medical kit for a weekend away. Fill a Ziploc bag with Band-Aids, tweezers, a needle for splinters (add a spool of thread for emergency sewing), some cortisone cream, alcohol wipes, antihistamine and ibuprofen. Add a travel-sized bottle of aloe vera to help soothe bites, scrapes and minor burns. Never hike alone; consider bringing flares, such as those in your car emergency kit, in case you become lost.
Being Unprepared for Inclement Weather
Bad weather doesn’t have to ruin your chance to explore, experience nature and have fun, says Walker. Bring extra clothes in case of extreme weather. Pack some food that doesn’t need to be cooked, and plastic bags to store items and keep them dry. And don’t forget extra dry socks, which will make you feel warm and secure even on the rainiest night.
Hogging the Showers
If you’re staying at a campground with shared facilities, be polite with timing, says Yates. No one wants a cold shower, so limit the amount of time you’re standing under the hot water, and clean up after yourself. Of course, in this age of COVID-19, you should also remember to bring sanitizing wipes to make sure things are germ-free for yourself as well. Here’s how to build the ultimate backyard camping experience.
Not Being Flexible
Experts say the biggest mistake you can make when camping is not being flexible. Weather, traffic and other issues can seemingly torpedo a camping trip, but they really don’t have to wreck your chance to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Trying new things and embracing all sorts of new experiences are among the highlights of spending time camping outdoors!
