How to Plan a Successful Camping Trip for the Books [2023]

Camping is a great way to get away from the bustle of the city and spend some time outdoors. It's the perfect time to unplug and break out from the bright screens, noise, and people. Camping is about letting nature's calmness, serenity, and sheer beauty seduce you. 

Going on a camping trip is exciting, but you know what makes the camping experience perfect? The planning! That's the secret ingredient to a successful camping trip.

If you're a seasoned camper, you already know the importance of dotting your i's and crossing your t's. But if you're new to camping, there's a lot of ground to cover, and I can't wait to show you around! 

How do you start? What do you bring to your camping journey? Where do you go? 

It might seem like a lot, but that's why you have me. I'll break it down into easy breezy steps. 

Ready? Let's go!

Who are you going with?

Is this a solo trip? Or are you planning a camping trip with friends and family? Will there be kids involved? Sorting out these answers will help guide your plans.

If they're going to be kids involved, the camping trip game is different. Most kids I know seem obsessed with backpacking and hiking adventures. So, you have to ensure you're on your A-game. Here's all you need to know about backpacking with kids.

Once you know who your camping companions are, it's easier to get into the nitty-gritty details of your camping trip plan, like the location.

Where are you going?

If you're wondering how to plan your trip, your first question should be: What type of camping trip will it be? There's car camping, RV camping, and backpacking. Backpacking is where you carry all you need on your back and hike to a destination of your choice.

Once you've decided that, the next thing on your list is the destination.

• What area do you want to camp in?
• What basic amenities are available?
• Are there any exciting individual or group activities nearby?
• Are there nearby grocery stores?

If you're stuck on ideas, consider using Hipcamp, the Airbnb of camping. This app is especially helpful for first-timers.

There may not be a reliable internet connection to make decisions on the go at your camping trip location. So, you want to ensure you have all the essential details about your destination to avoid snags in your plan.

Don't just assume that you can place your tents anywhere. More people are craving the peace of the outdoors, which means many more people are outdoors. So, you want to make sure that you make proper reservations to ensure a spot for you and yours.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to have the time of your life! You don't want things like not booking reservations on time or packing the wrong items to interfere with that, right?

What to bring to a camping trip

First, you should make a list of camping essentials and abide by that list. Let it be your constitution. Anything inconsistent with the contents of that list has to be screened out. Basically, what isn't necessary shouldn't be brought on your camping trip.

Still with me? Great!

First on the list should be your essentials like flashlights, tents, sleeping bags or camping mats, blankets, and all-inclusive first aid kits. Be sure to pack the right clothes for the weather. It gets chilly at night.

You can get this easy popup and weather-resistant tent if you don't have any or your old one needs a replacement.

Next on the list are miscellaneous things like your toothbrush and paste, paper towels, dishes, thermos, matchboxes, etc. This convenient toiletries container will keep all your toiletries in one place for easy reach.

These are some of the things you shouldn't bring on a camping trip;

• Cosmetics or perfumes with a potent smell
• Valuables
• Glass or fine china
• Fashion accessories
• Wrong food
  

What is the number one rule of camping?

The first rule of any camping trip is to leave no trace that you have been camping in a spot. No evidence means removing dousing fires appropriately and ensuring you leave the place as clean as you met the site or cleaner.

You wouldn't want someone visiting your home and trashing it, right?

Cooking on a camping trip

You'd think cooking in the rugged outdoors and away from the comfort of your kitchen would be difficult, but it really isn't. It can be the most enjoyable experience if you come prepared. 

The menu is vital when planning your camping trip, especially for multiple people! You want to make prepping meals your camping anthem. Why? Because prepping meals at home before your trip can save you a lot of time and energy. 

Chop your vegetables and fruits, slice your meat, prepare sauces and dips, and store them in jars to bring with you on your camping trip.

Some food items to bring on a camping trip include:

• Tinned food
• Beans
• Rice and pasta
• Eggs
• Cereal and powdered milk
• Crackers
• Soups

The general idea is to have a higher ratio of dry foods than wet foods on your camping trip.

Pack your favorite spices and any additional seasoning you love to spice your meal. Just because you're dining in the rugged outdoors doesn't mean you should eat bland meals. 

Remember, you might not have refrigerators when travel camping, but your meals must stay cold to last a while. Food coolers with ice or cooler bags can help preserve your meals longer. 

Also, if your camping destination has no ice-selling stores, ensure you eat your perishable meals first. 

Don't forget your cooking tools and utensils! What's the point of having food and not being able to cook?

Another perk of camping is learning how to cook over a campfire. If you're a first-time camper and don't know how to make a campfire, you can learn how to build one.

Still, you can only sometimes rely on a campfire, so consider bringing backup like a propane camping stove. When camping, especially when food is involved, it is no longer on your terms but on that of nature. 

What's your camping plan?

Camping is the perfect way to reduce stress, explore the great outdoors, and burn calories! It helps you sleep better and improves your mood considerably. That's why people put camping at the top of their "things to do" list! Not sure where to start? Pilot is here for you.