As a Quora Contributor, I get a lot of questions about how to camp. My own camping experience started at 16 years old. For my birthday, I got a tent. It was a monstrosity made from canvas material. Heavy, difficult to set up and held moisure when wet, this tent was my ticket to the woods, and gave me a sense of freedom to travel anywhere and everywhere on a dime.
My progression was from humble backyard camping, to state parks and eventually around the South Island of New Zealand. I have built up experience trekking the world with my trusty tents. A single man tent for bike touring or backcountry camping, and an ultra lightweight, portable two-person that is easy to put up or take down just about anywhere are my homes away from home.
How to Prepare
Successful camping entails pre-planning and building competency through baby steps. My advice is to start in the backyard or at a local campground. Test your limits where you can correct a mistake or forgotten tool rather quickly. Nearby state campgrounds make a great second step.
To help with pre-planning, build your camp necessity list and keep it handy for the next camp trip. My camp ready packed bag contains a tent, tarp, footprint, sleeping bag, mat, lantern, headlamp, duct tape, camp knife, mallot, stakes, rope, lighter, firestarter, charged cell phone charger and spare batteries, towels, toilet paper, a couple changes of clothes, rain gear, all weather jacket, a couple of camp chairs, mini cooler, plate, utensils, papertowels, and a pot to heat water for coffee, or make dinner. I carry a backup pair of prescription glasses.
Most standard campground sites have a grill, but a teepee grill to place over the fire is great for cooking. A camping adventure for me comes down to book the date, secure the site, pack the food/drink, grab my gear bag and go. Camping for families is more involved and I recommend Yogi Bear or KOA campgrounds with a mini-store and kids programming. Some even have a pool and/or playground facilities.
Types of Camping
There are many types of tent camping, You can go to a campground and rent a spot with electrical (bring your outdoor extension cord), or you can hike in and set up in backcountry. The farther you are away from services, the more seasoned you need to be. Weather becomes a huge factor when you do not have access to a car or permanent safe shelter during a storm. I am not a winter camper. Multi-season camping requires additional gear to stay warm.
Know What’s in the Area
The best way to learn to camp is by doing it with others who have experience. Camping in groups is nice for comradery and to share tools and knowledge. Lock up food in your car at night, unless you are in bear country. If you are in bear country, do not store food in your car, you want to use a bear canister. Keep food away from your tent or shelter, and clear away garbage from your site. If there are park staff, ask what animals to expect to see and to watch out for. One year, skunk populations had become excessive and it was problematic with the family dog in tow.
Watch for Inclement Weather
The biggest danger during the summertime, other than wild animals looking for food, humans intent on harm, or a tree limb falling on you, is inclement weather. Be prepared. Know the location of the closest safe shelter. Watch the radar and prepare in advance when a stormfront is moving in. The smartest option may be to pack up and head home. Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with. Be smart and be safe.
