55 Best Camping Tips For All Campers

These are the 55 best camping tips that I have picked up over the years. I want you to have the most enjoyable camping experience.

This list is a great read for new campers as well as a good refresher for the experienced outdoor enthusiast. Camping is great fun, but it also includes a lot of work, especially in the preparation stage.

“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail” is the first and probably most important principle I learned way back in College; and it especially rings true when you are planning a fun camping adventure in the bush.

A good plan and some initial work preparing for the adventure goes a very long way to creating a fun and amazing camping experience.

This list is packed with many jewels to consider when you are getting ready for the outdoors. If you are new to camping, I hope these tips provide you with the tools to have a fun and safe adventure. Anything highlighted in blue will open more details.

To the experienced camping enthusiast, I hope this list can provide you with one or two new camping hacks.

1. Plan your trip early to get the best campsite. In North America, you can reserve your campsite from 4-6 months in advance depending on the the type of park you’re booking (State, Provincial, National). So get familiar with their reservation system and plan your trip early to get the most ideal campsite. Check out lonelyplanet.com to get some ideas.

2. Do your research of the park. Check to see what amenities they have to offer (i.e. electricity sites, showers, flush toilets, canoe rentals etc.). Plan your activities ahead of time.

3. Create a food plan or camp menu. Makes it easy to camp and cook if you know what you are eating and when. Typically, it is best to pack a little extra especially if you are traveling with kids.

4. Create a camping items checklist. Get your camping equipment together and create a list. A big help in the preparation process. Check out the Big Camping Checklist here.

5. Check your list and check it again. After getting organized run through your list and then do it again just to be safe.

6. Open and set up your tent at home before your trip. Get familiar with all the parts (tent body, rain fly, ground footprint, tent poles and stakes), set it up and inspect it to ensure nothing is damaged. See this tent buying guide.

7. Check the weather forecast in advance of your trip. Always best to know what kind of weather to expect when camping. It is always good to have a raincoat and umbrella in the car. Weather Network has always been pretty accurate.

8. Check your route to the park. If you live in a big city it’s best to leave just after the morning rush hour or before the afternoon rush. It’s always a pain when you are stuck in traffic to start your road trip.

9. Better to camp for more than one night. It takes a lot of preparation for only one night. (But if you can only go for one night then go anyway!) 2-3 nights always seems to be ideal as it allows you enough time to unwind, explore the area and have the best camping experience.

10. Best to arrive at the campground early in the day. It’s always good to have a lot of daylight to set up camp and it’s much easier to find your site during the day. Plus, many roads leading to a campground aren’t well lit.

11. Always bring a spare tarp. A key piece of camping equipment. Plan for rain. You will need a footprint or tarp to go under your tent, but my Dad’s first rule when setting up camp was to pitch a tarp because you never know when the rain will just show up. It’s always nice to be warm and dry under the tarp during a rain storm.

12. Find the high ground before pitching your tent. This was another of my Dad’s rules of camping when we were kids. Choose the high ground because rain flows downhill. You don’t want to wake one night in a pool of water.

13. Look around for any dead trees on your campsite and pitch your tent away from them. You don’t want to pitch your tent under a dead tree. They call dead trees on campsites ‘widow makers’ for obvious reasons.

14. Clear sticks and rocks before you lay your tent on a flat surface. After you have selected your flat area to pitch your tent, clear away anything that could rip it. Clearing the area of sharp objects will protect your tent footprint and floor, plus it also makes it more comfortable to sleep on.

15. Bring extra rope or paracord. The extra rope or paracord is used to hang the tarp and string up a line for wet towels and clothes.

16. Don’t forget to stake your tent in ground. Best to have the increased stability for when the wind blows. I have seen a tent fly away during a rain storm.

17. Always pack a headlamp or a flashlight. The evenings gets really dark in the great outdoors. Imagine having to go to the restroom at night without a light. A good headlamp frees up both of your hands.

18. Bring an LED lantern. You can use an LED lantern to light up the camp table for an evening meal or a game of cards, plus it can also assist in those late-night walks.

19. Pack a knife. A small knife always comes in handy to cut rope, gear or kindling. I personally use a Gerber knife. 

20. Bring a door mat or small tarp to lay outside the door of your tent. It’s easier to control the dirt or sand from getting inside your tent.

21. Bring a hand-held broom and dust pan. This is great for sweeping up the sand or dirt that sometimes gets tracked into your tent.

22. Pack a first aid kit. Cuts and scrapes always happen, especially with the kids. Headaches are common when people get too much sun as well.  A first aid kit is always a must on your camping equipment list.

23. Insect Repellent. It may not be buggy where you’re going, but better to be safe than sorry. Too many flies or mosquitoes can be a real pain when you are out there. Their bites are even worse.

24. Always get your firewood at the campground or local general store. Bringing firewood from home can spread invasive species (i.e. insects) in the park which can harm the local eco-system. I have witnessed sections of car camping campgrounds get completely wiped out by the Asian long-horned beetle. Click here for more information on why burning local firewood is the best practice.

25. Bring a lighter but always have waterproof matches at the ready. You can learn how to start a fire with a manual fire starter, but for new campers I would go with a simple and trusty lighter. Check out these waterproof matches.

26. Homemade fire starter! Empty toilet paper rolls with dryer lint stuffed inside are a great fire starter.

27. If you can, try cooking over the fire pit. It adds to the overall experience plus I think food tastes better cooked over a camp fire.

28. Camping stove. Sometimes there are fire bans in the park which won’t allow for you to cook over the fire pit. A portable one or two burner stove is essential to bring. We use a single burner backpacking stove when we need to travel light and this Coleman stove is what we have been using for car camping for several years now.

29. Bring spare fuel. If you’re using a gas or propane stove, it’s always best to have a spare cannister of fuel.

30. Freeze 1 or 2-liter bottles of water and use them as ice packs for the cooler. I usually go with the 2-litre. A block of ice lasts longer than cubes plus you can drink the water when it melts.

31. Bring a water filter. Most parks have potable water to drink, but some people are selective with their drinking water. You can bring in big jugs of water, but if you are limited for space then you can filter your water on site and fill your bottles at camp. This is the water filter we use and it is fantastic for filtering lake water. Plus, you will also have the frozen water bottles to drink once they melt.

32. Always bring toilet paper or biodegradable wet naps. Car camping campgrounds have toilet paper but they may run out.

33. Pack the sunscreen. You’re outside all day in the summer. Enough said.

34. Leave no trace. Whatever you bring to the campground please take with you. Always do a sweep of the camp and pick up all your trash. I had one experience where the previous campsite occupant just dumped an ashtray worth of cigarettes in the middle of the site plus they left granola bar wrappers everywhere. You can imagine what I thought upon arriving.

35. Pack trash bags. Bag your garbage and throw it in the appropriate bins.

36. Bring wet naps or baby wipes even if you don’t have children. They are always good for dirty hands or cleaning up quickly if showering isn’t available.

37. Don’t forget to pack a pillow and blanket or sleeping bag. Comfort is key for a new camper. The fresh air always provides for a great sleep. Take a look at this Nemo Sleeping Bag which is great for side sleepers.

38. Air mattress. Camping doesn’t mean having an uncomfortable night’s sleep. We are currently using this lightweight compact 2-person inflatable sleeping pad. But this more affordable Coleman air mattress lasted us several years before switching to the air pad.

39. Check your surroundings before going to bed. Always best to check your sleeping bag and sleeping area for any frogs, snakes or insects unless you enjoy sleeping with a guest or two.

40. Check your shoes or hiking boots for any unwanted guests before you slip them on in the morning. Tiny frogs always appear in the strangest places.

41. Camping Chairs. If you can bring some camping chairs please do. Most car camping sites have picnic tables to sit on as well. Sitting on a camping chair around the fire makes for a very enjoyable experience. This chair is a good example of your standard camping chair, but this style camping chair is really comfortable especially after a long day of being out and about in the park.

42. Bring slippers for the shower. Most parks are clean especially since Covid, but you just never know what fungus could be living on the shower floor.

43. Microfiber Towels. Microfiber towels are much more compact than your typical towel and dry much faster.

44. Always put out your fire when you are done. You never know what can happen. As Smokey the Bear says, only you can prevent forest fires. Even though it’s in a fire pit, play it safe and put it out.                                            

45. Don’t eat or keep food in your tent. Animals, especially bears, can smell food from great distances away. Keep your cooler of food in the car, locked away in a bear bin, or hang it up in a tree far from your campsite if you are backcountry camping.

46. Never leave food out on the table or chairs for a long period of time. Doing so is just an invitation for the critters to pay you a visit. 

47. Air tight food containers. If you’re traveling with children or anyone that enjoys snacking then try putting food in reusable clear containers to assist in your food organization. If animals are a big concern where you are going, then perhaps a large air tight container is better for you.

48. Organize your gear. When car camping, store your camping gear in a storage bin or tote box for better organization at the campsite and at home. Clear bins make it easy to see what’s inside.

49. Dress for the weather. Be prepared for the cold. Summer days are usually sunny and hot so don’t forget the hat and sunglasses. But the evening does get a little chillier. Doesn’t hurt to pack a sweater, long pants and extra socks. Check out Patagonia and MEC for the latest outdoor clothing.

50. Rent a canoe. If there is a lake where you are camping I suggest renting a canoe for a nice paddle. You will get another perspective of the park while you’re out there.

51. Take lots of pictures. Create memories and capture your camping experience. Those camping memories, especially with your children, are the ones you will want to remember. Plus, if you’re lucky you may see some wildlife too.

52. Disconnect from the city. This one might be challenging. Put down the phone, tablet or laptop and get connected with mother nature. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

54. Invite friends and family. The more the merrier in most occasions. Though some people just don’t like the the great outdoors.

55. Learn how to read a topographic map. It’s always good to have a basic understanding of how to use a map and compass. It’s easy to get lost on a hike or while paddling big water. Map reading is essential in the backcountry as it really helps you plan your trip and keep you on track of your journey.

56. Try Backcountry camping. I know the list says 55 tips so this is more of a suggestion. Maybe it’s time to consider a backcountry or backpacking site. If you enjoy car camping then I bet you will really enjoy backcountry camping. You can paddle in to a camp site or walk in. This is the chance to really unplug and get away from the city and people. Nothing better than sitting by your lakefront site, listening to the loons while enjoying your morning coffee or evening adult beverage.

Camping is meant to be fun and like I tell all first timers “all the work is worth it once you’re out there.”  The key to a great camping experience is all about the preparation.

A prepared camper is a relaxed one. My hope is that this list helps get you ready for the enjoyment of the great outdoors.

I have provided the Big Camping Checklist on another blog post to get you even better prepared so you don’t get out there and say “What am I missing?” Don’t forget to share this post with your fellow campers.

Have fun and leave no trace.