David Meyers There’s nothing like camping. The fresh smell of the outdoors, surrounded by stunning views, sleeping under the stars, and sitting in the campfire with your family and friends cooking marshmallows. It’s an experience that everyone should have at the very least once in their lives.
But, camping can transform from a dream that becomes real to a nightmare if you’re not prepared. A trip intended to be enjoyable and thrilling could quickly turn into a nightmare, wishing you never left the house!
In this article, I’ll give you some suggestions for making camping in tents comfortable and enjoyable for your next camping trip!
The Purpose Of Your Camping Travel
Are you planning a camping trip to be closer to nature? Enjoy a great time with your family and friends? Have fun with other activities such as water volleyball, canoeing, cycling, or running around in the wild?
I think this is where you begin to make your camping experience more enjoyable. If you know what you truly want, it will be simpler to plan for your camping adventure and much easier to forward plan to make your camping arrangements as comfortable as possible.
Where Can I Camp?
The answers to the above questions can help you decide the best location to camp. If you love the peace and tranquility of nature, for instance, the national or state park is the ideal choice for making your camping an enjoyable experience. Camping in the wild is also an option if you are a committed nature enthusiast or enjoy adventures.
If you’re looking for an exciting excursion, a campsite packed with activities for the whole family is precisely what you require. If you’d like to reconnect with nature while being able to enjoy yourself, a camping spot that is tucked away in the wilderness is ideal. A campground that is close to a national park or state park.
Keep in mind that the facilities will differ from one campsite from one to another. It’s your choice to decide if you’d like an upgraded camping experience with showers with running water and electricity or a more secluded and primitive tent camping with hardly any amenities.
Make sure you check the size of the campsite (they could be smaller as you’d like). Read all rules and guidelines. Make sure to learn all you possibly can regarding the location before making any reservations (if needed).
Please look at our guides on destinations for inspiration.
Finding The Perfect Area At The Campsite
Suppose you’re camping in the wild or at a well-established campground. Finding a suitable campsite is crucial to having a pleasant camp experience. A lousy spot could make the entire experience a disaster. Every camper will confirm this.
Here’s how you can locate the most suitable place to set up your tent:
Pick A Flat & Even Surface
The sandy and grassy areas are ideal as the surfaces aren’t rough or sharp. Depressions are also okay; however, cold air can settle in them, and it can cause a mess in the event of rain. Therefore, you should stay clear of this location, if at all possible. The compacted ground is not the ideal place to camp because your tent could be a puddle in the event of rain.
Finding a level surface isn’t always feasible, and you’ll need to pitch on an upward slope. In such a case, you must keep your head elevated to don’t wake up with an unpleasant headache. Remove all debris, twigs, and rocks on the ground before making a pitch to prevent an opening within your tent.
Be On The Lookout For Spots With Shade If Camping In Hot Weather
I prefer some sun in the morning to heat my body and provide shade throughout the day to keep cool. Make sure you don’t put up your tent on or next to dead branches or limbs that could fall upon you. Be extra careful If you’re camping during winter weather, as heavy snowfalls can cause branches to snap suddenly.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
If you’re looking to have a comfortable and safe camping experience in a tent, be sure to stay away from areas susceptible to landslides and avalanches. Do not set your camp near the base or the top of the rock.
If you are concerned about the possibility of thunderstorms, keep away from isolated tall trees. Find a low spot with dense, short trees to provide the most protection against lightning. If you experience severe winds, seek out natural windbreaks like high, low bushes and boulders for shelter. Try to keep the tent’s entrance in a position away from winds to provide more security.
Aim For Privacy
You don’t need a noisy campsite with noisy neighbors who make you sleepy late at night. Pick a spot that provides some privacy and is far from the trails of humans. While staying near water sources is recommended, you’ll be exposed to many pedestrian movements. It is recommended to refill your water tank and remain away from other campers.
If you’re in the wilderness, you should camp a minimum of 200 feet from the water source to avoid mosquitoes and contaminants. Also, stay away from areas with thick plants, high grasses, and marshes because they can attract ticks and other insects.
Make sure to leave it just as you found it for other people to delight in.
What To Bring With You?
What you take on the camping trip could significantly impact the level of comfort. It’s not something I’ll stress enough. Having the proper equipment can make a huge difference, even when camping for just a couple of nights. Here’s a list that includes essential items that will make your next camping trip as enjoyable as possible.
The Rest Tent
The tent you choose to use is your temporary residence away from your home. Make sure you pick the perfect one for your requirements. If you’re a novice, make sure you purchase a high-quality tent. I’ll say for the record; it’s well worthwhile. We’ve all learned this by doing it the hard way. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to purchase the most expensive tent. Follow the rules of thumb and get the top quality you can afford.
Make sure you get an appropriate tent that will fit all comfortably. A cramped, uncomfortable tent is an ideal recipe for discomfort. It’s recommended to try your tent set up in your backyard before setting it up.
If you haven’t utilized your tent in a long time, look at it for any tears, holes, and mold growth before heading out. Make any necessary repairs if it is possible to avoid a disastrous trip.
Ground Cloth
Also called footprint or groundsheet: A ground cloth protects the surface in your tent against rough and rough surfaces and keeps it clear. Because it’s made to fit inside the tent, it can prevent rainwater from entering your tent once the rain begins to pour.
Ground cloths can be costly. However, you can make one at home using Tyvek material. Make sure it is the dimensions of your camping tent. If you find it trouble, buy a tarp and make it fold to those dimensions.
Comfortable Tent Bed
A good tent sleeping bag can significantly impact your quality of sleep. A wrong choice will leave you regretting the decision to go camping.
Sleeping Bag
It plays an important function, especially in cold temperatures. It’s challenging to find an appropriate sleeping bag for every weather condition and activity. Choose one that best suits your needs and your outdoor surroundings. Learn more about picking the ideal sleeping bag for your money before making any choices.
Sleeping Pad
It’s often overlooked, but it’s as essential as your tent and sleeping bag. It’s not just for cushioning but also the capacity to keep you warm even when the temperature decreases.
Tent sleeping pads come in three varieties: air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam. I find that self-inflating pads are more comfortable than the other two choices. However, this depends on how you categorize your requirements.
To choose the right one for your needs, consider its purpose and the most critical features, such as size, weight, and padding.
Pillows
It’s not a secret that pillows aid us in sleeping better at night. There’s no need to compromise on its comfort because you’re in the wilderness. Bring a pillow from your house or purchase an excellent, comfortable camping pillow that functions just as well. Apart from that, camping pillows are compact and light instead of bulky home pillows.
Chair & Folding Camping Table
There aren’t many campgrounds with picnic tables. Cooking, preparing, and eating out on the ground can be super uncomfortable. Thus, having a portable camp table will make your camping trip more relaxing.
Additionally, it offers a place to keep all of your kitchen equipment. Searching through the kitchen for a lighter or spatula will not be necessary. It could also come in handy while playing board games.
A camping chair, on the other hand, lets you sit back and relax and take in the beauty that nature offers.
Other Gear To Consider
- A tiny LED lantern will illuminate your tent and make it more welcoming.
- Portable speakers for camping will bring good vibes and make your journey feel like home. Make sure to get the charger.
- Hammock to unwind and take in the beauty of the natural world.
- Earplugs for blocking out the sound of your friend’s noises or from animals that are rushing across the forest. Eye masks also come helpful when camping during summer.
- Books, games, and other books to make things more interesting. There’s nothing more enjoyable than reading a book under a lighting a campfire or on the river’s edge.
It is essential to try to adhere to your regular routine. It’s not required to follow the same sleep or morning routine schedule. However, it’s helpful to have a routine to follow. You’ll feel more relaxed. Take it with you if you start to end or finish your workday going through a textbook.
The more comfortable you feel and more relaxed, the more you’ll enjoy your journey. So now you’re aware of how to make camping in a tent pleasant, take your time enjoying the journey!
Written by David Myer, verified, and edited by Den Kyle.