9 First Timer Camping Tips for Students
Summer is almost over, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun! It’s still warm outside, so how about an amazing camping trip before school starts? Camping can be very exciting and rewarding, especially for busy students. You need to have a chance to disconnect from your busy life, clear your mind, and connect with nature and yourself.
Don’t be scared to go on a trip, even if this is your first time! It might be a little scary when you don’t know anything about camping. But this experience can be one of the best memories that you will ever make, alone or with some friends! And maybe you will find a new hobby. Wouldn’t it be amazing to explore all the national parks and beautiful places every summer break?
Of course, one of the most crucial aspects of camping trips is being prepared. A lot of things can go wrong, so you need to be ready for anything! And in case you can’t make it until the summer is over, just look for the coursework writing help online and plan your trip for later! Fall can be just as beautiful as summer as long as you come prepared for the cold.
So, are you interested in discovering the most amazing places by yourself? Here are 9 camping tips for students who are going for the first time!
Top practical camping tips for first-timers
First-timers usually don’t know what to take and what to leave behind. You will have to carry everything that you packed by yourself. So, it’s always great advice to pack as light as possible! At the same time, you don’t want to come unprepared and miss something. So, here are some tips for students who don’t know much about camping.
Practice setting up your tent
This tip couldn’t be more important. Imagine that you have spent all day hiking across mountains or in the woods. By the end of the day, you will be very tired, and your feet will hurt a lot. The last thing you want is some trouble with your tent when you get to a perfect spot!
So, as soon as you find the right spot, you start setting up your tent, and you just can’t do it! In reality, this can be pretty challenging without any experience. If you don’t want to go to sleep without a roof over your head, take some time to practice setting up and packing your tent at home.
You need to be sure of all the components, moving parts, and assembly instructions. Here are the basics of every tent that you will need:
- tent poles;
- stakes;
- rainfly;
- a bag for every piece of equipment.
Arrive as early as you can to your camping spot
Speaking about hiking all day and setting up a tent at night – it’s not the best idea! Most students already know that time management is very important. You need to make sure that you have enough time to settle in your camping spot while there is still daylight. It’s always better to unpack everything and go on a hike after that. This way, you won’t struggle in the dark!
Always respect nature
There is an unspoken etiquette when it comes to camping and any outdoor activity really. You should leave no trace of your presence. You also need to be respectful to the local flora and fauna. It’s best to always follow the Leave No Trace rules for travelers. Let’s take a look at what this means:
- dispose of your waste;
- use biodegradable soap for dishes or for yourself;
- avoid any wildlife disturbance.
It’s always a good idea to learn about the specific rules of the area you’re camping in and follow them during your stay. This way, you can be sure that you are a part of environmental preservation for future generations.
Stay hydrated and fed
It’s pretty easy to forget about food or water when you are out in nature. It’s a very common mistake for anyone who doesn’t usually do lots of physical activities. As you are hiking and carrying everything on your back, you are losing lots of fluids and energy. Dehydration can negatively impact your camping experience, causing fatigue and discomfort.
You can pack a water bottle or a hydration system and make it a habit to sip water throughout the day. As for your meals, you can plan your menu ahead of time and bring some healthy snacks or packs of dehydrated food. You can use the best dissertation writing services and start getting ready for your trip right now! Even your meal planning can take up a lot of your time.
Learn about campfire safety
This is another point that gets easily overlooked by first-time campers. You need to learn about essential safety guidelines about behaving with campfires. This way, you can prevent serious accidents that can harm you, other campers, or even the environment. Here are some ground rules for all campfires that can be allowed at a campsite:
- make fire only in a designated pit;
- clear away any materials that are easily flammable;
- keep your fire at a manageable size;
- always have some water or a fire extinguisher near you;
- put out the fire completely before leaving or going to bed.
These are pretty simple rules that can potentially save lives!
Always stay warm at night
You might be warm during the day, but nights are usually pretty cold outdoors. Even during warmer seasons, you will quickly see that it’s easy to get cold, especially when you are basically sleeping on the ground. There are some rules about clothing too! First of all, always dress in layers to trap warmth. Also, invest in a high-quality sleeping bag and a mat.
Learn basic first aid
You never know how your hiking trip will turn out. Being outdoors is pretty dangerous, and there might be zero people for miles. So, in case of an emergency, students need to know how to take care of themselves. Consider buying a compact first aid kit that includes essentials like adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and painkillers.
Try to connect with other campers
This is pretty standard advice for any first-timers, especially when you stay at a designated campsite. This connection is part of the amazing experience! You can share stories, learn about hidden hiking trails, and discover local culture together. At the same time, don’t forget that other people might want some privacy after a long day, so make sure that they are interested in you.
Pack the essentials
Students usually don’t like packing, especially when they don’t know where to start or what they might need during their trip. Try not to overload yourself! You will have to carry everything that you packed in panic on your back. Here are some essentials that every first-time camper needs:
- tent;
- sleeping bag and sleeping mat;
- cooking equipment;
- layers of clothing for any weather;
- food and extra water;
- navigation tools;
- headlamps or flashlights;
- batteries;
- trash bags.
Now that you know these basic tips for first-time travelers, let’s explore how you can choose the perfect camping spot for yourself.
How do you choose the ideal spot?
The location that you choose for your adventure plays a big part in your trip. First-time campers don’t have a lot of experience with the great outdoors. So, here are some tips for you about choosing a nice spot to spend a couple of nights. There are some things that you need to consider, like:
- Accessibility. Only a few students have access to cars and other vehicles. So, your spot needs to be easily accessible from public transport, for instance. You need to consider the walking distance to all trails and destinations if you plan on staying for more than one night.
- Distance to important amenities. It’s always a good idea to choose a location that is close to other comforts of your life, like restrooms, water sources, and even convenience stores. Remember that this is your first time outdoors. There is no shame in running to the store and grabbing something that you forgot at home!
- Views. You want to become one with nature, right? This is where you find the true beauty of camping. When you can unzip your tent in the morning and see the most beautiful views that you have ever witnessed in your life, you’ll get it!
- Campground rules and regulations. Most national parks don’t allow you to put up your tent anywhere you want. You need to find a designated campground, which all have their own rules. For example, some of them don’t allow fires, and others might have restrictions on noise levels. So, do some research and choose wisely!
- Weather conditions. The importance of weather forecasts cannot be overstated for first-time campers. While you can’t control the weather, being prepared for rain, wind, or cold temperatures might boost your experience even more. Some locations are not suitable for high winds: you might get in trouble with setting up your tent!
To Sum Up
So there you have it: 9 camping tips for students who are going for the first time! This can be an amazing and scary experience for you. You might only want to go camping again if something goes right. On the other hand, with these tips, you will have a great time and enjoy the rest of your summer!
