The Golden Rules of Camping

I’ve been camping, hiking, national park adventuring, and outdoor exploring since I was four months old—and after 29 years, it feels as much a part of who I am as the face I see in the mirror. Yes, I now live in Manhattan, which is the antithesis of the lifestyle I grew up in, but I haven’t left my roots too far behind. I could set up a tent on my own in the pouring rain by age 10 (something I had to do in a youth program when it turned out none of the adults had ever done it before). I was grandfathered into the camping lifestyle, so while many of my top tips were learned from family and friends, there was still so much to discover through trial and error over the years.

Camping is one type of travel that is truly incomparable—connecting with nature, escaping the hustle and bustle of the world, and stepping outside your comfort zone make it one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences there is. With that in mind, it also requires some of the most intense planning and, dare I say, studying of any form of travel. While it’s never too late to embark on your first camping trip, there’s so much to learn before you take that initial step.

Whether you’re embarking on a solo mission to spend a peaceful week surrounded by flora and fauna, or hope to take a family vacation like no other, a camping trip will surely provide memories that last a lifetime. From picking the right tent to staying in touch with the outside world, here are the golden rules of camping that outdoor experts and our editors swear by.

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Leave no trace

This is the number one rule for any form of outdoor activity, from hiking and biking to camping and backpacking. The beauty of nature is that it is unspoiled by human consumption, so it’s important to leave it as pristine as you found it. “Take out everything you pack in,” says Adventure Life senior trip planner. Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Kassandra Magruder says, “dispose of trash properly and leave the campsite cleaner than you found it.” This can be made easier by only bringing necessities with you, and by using reusable containers and as few single-use plastics as possible.

Do your research

Congratulations, reading this article means you’re already well on your way to completing this step. Before you embark on your trip, be sure to do your research, both on camping in general if you’ve never been, and on the specific location that you plan to go to. It’s best to take a look at the park or campground that you plan to visit and learn what to expect. Case in point: One of the few times my mom let my dad pick the campground, we arrived only to discover it was actually swampland (the mosquitoes were no joke). You’ll want to know if there are bathrooms and showers available, what type of supplies you might need, and how far you’ll be expected to walk from point A to point B.

All of this will determine whether you’re packing heavy-duty hiking boots, lighter trail shoes, or shower shoes. If you’re blessed with a campground equipped with an actual bathroom set up, my non-negotiables are a pair of lightweight shower shoes, a camping towel, and a hanging toiletry bag (trust me, you’re not going to want your products to touch any of the surfaces nearby).