How to Plan the Most Epic Camping Trip Ever

Everyone should consider going camping at least once in their lives, but be warned that you very well may get hooked after your first rural escape. We live in such a busy world that we barely have any time to disconnect, unwind, and relax. Camping is all about reconnecting with nature and living off of the bare minimum. Waking among the trees, sipping on hot coffee, and listening to the birds chirping can soothe your soul. It is the perfect environment in which to reconnect with yourself and contemplate life. Camping is also super fun when you share the experience with friends and family. These types of rural escapes are a great time to bond with others. If you have any issues between friends or family members, you best believe they can get resolved over a campfire. Camping is all about working together and enjoying the experience as a group. Furthermore, you are free from technological distractions and you can truly enjoy some quality time together in the wilderness. Camping often gets a bad reputation as you hear horror stories about people forgetting tents, getting ransacked by bears, or having the worst night's sleep ever. More often than not though, camping is a great way to get to know yourself and your loved ones on a deeper level. If you are excited to get out there and have the most epic camping trip ever, this is what you'll need to do.

Find a Spot

Before you even decide to go camping, you should find the perfect spot or campsite. Setting up a tent at a campsite will be much easier if you already have a few amenities on site. Most campsites have restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and level ground for your tent. Some even have Wi-Fi! However, for a more authentic experience, you can choose to free camp in the wilderness. Whatever option you choose, make sure to do your research before you set off. Look for nearby activities in which you may be interested, and search the online forums for reviews of the locations.

Bring the Essentials

If you want to have a great time while camping, you will need to pack all of the essentials. The best way to make sure that you haven't forgotten anything is to create a comprehensive checklist and check it twice. There's nothing worse than driving for hours only to reach your destination and realize you have forgotten your flashlight, toilet paper, or even worse, your tent. Everyone's list of crucial items will be different; however, most will include: a tent, sleeping bag, portable power supply, chairs, flashlights, toilet paper, rope, trash bags, air pump, sun block, first aid kit, blankets, pillows, a cooler, and food. A survival emergency kit is also always a good to have on hand.

Master the Balance

Although packing essential items is very important to the success of your caping trip, mastering the balance between efficiently packing and over-packing is key. You don't want to end up with hundreds of items packed away in your car or tent that you don't even end up using. It is so frustrating when you return from a trip and realize that a majority of the things you have packed weren't even used. For example, rather than bringing all of your outdoor clothing with you, plan your outfits for each day. Of course, you can bring an extra set of clothes in case of an emergency, just don't bring your whole wardrobe.

Comfort is Key

Some people don't enjoy camping because they have never been able to get a good night's sleep when doing so. That's not entirely surprising when all they bring is a thin mat, sleeping bag, and no pillow. However, if you bring the right set-up, you are more likely to sleep like a baby. One of the best inventions for this purpose is the inflatable mattress. If you bring an air mattress or hefty sleeping pad, you will tend to sleep much more comfortably. Similarly, you can bring a small foam pillow from your house and an appropriate sleeping bag. Make sure to pitch your tent under a tree to avoid being woken up by the sunlight.

Plan Some Fun

Another way to ensure you have an amazing time while camping is to organize some activities for yourself or the group. There are generally many activities to enjoy near camping sites including kayaking, hiking trails, mountain climbing, and even bird-watching. You can even have some good old-fashioned fun in the woods and play a game of hide and seek. The fun doesn't have to stop once the sun goes down. If you've brought a speaker, you can gather around the fire, enjoy a drink, and make some S'mores. One of the most enjoyable activities that you can do while camping is star gazing. Given the lack of light pollution, the stars should be much more visible and easier to identify.

Leave the Campsite How You Found It

Lastly, the best way to have an epic camping trip is to leave your surroundings exactly the way you found them. After an unforgettable experience, you should respond with an attitude of graciousness and responsibility. Despite the popularity of camping, many campers leave their area full of trash. Cleaning your space is not only a courtesy to the next family or group who will be visiting, but it is also a courtesy to the animals who live in the area.

Camping is an experience that everyone may want enjoy at least once in their lives; and in order to have the best time, you need thorough planning. You won't be able to have the best camping trip ever if you aren't prepared. Make sure you find a great spot to camp at, that you have all of your essentials, and that you plan some daily activities. Try to really disconnect from the 'real world' and turn your phone off since there will probably not be a need for people to be contacting you while you are camping. Enjoy the fresh air, take a deep breath, and relax in the wilderness.