By Kirsten | Where She Goes
Some people grow up camping. It’s a tradition, a way of life. But what if you’re not one of those people? What if you’ve never pitched a tent or spent a night under the stars? What if you’re planning your first camping trip and want to make sure it’s a comfortable experience? How can you make sure your first camping adventure is a success?
I’m Kirsten, a travel blogger and photographer who runs the Where She Goes blog, which focuses on outdoor adventures, camping and exploring unique places to stay in nature. I’ve spent most of my life exploring the outdoor world, and while my dream is to work remotely in a converted RV (preferably electric!), the reality isn’t quite there yet. to work remotely, the reality is not quite there yet. For now, I’ll continue to be a Campspace columnist, sharing camping and luxury campground tips, travel stories and advice.
Camping is becoming more popular as the epidemic brings about changes and more and more people are choosing home vacations and domestic travel. If you’re considering camping for the first time this year, whether it’s in a tent, caravan, trailer tent or campervan, you won’t be alone. In this article, I’ve summarized 10 practical tips for beginners (and seasoned campers) to help you enjoy your first camping experience as much as possible and avoid hassle.
1. Choose the right tent, caravan or campervan for your needs
This may seem like an obvious piece of advice, but trust me – it’s crucial. How many times have I heard people complain that they never want to camp again because the tent is too small or the folding tent is too difficult to assemble? If you’ve never camped before, take a moment to consider what you really need. Do you want a comfortable bed to sleep in? Do you need plenty of room to stretch out, or a small kitchen? Or do you want a compact campervan to make traveling easier? Your decision should depend on your style of traveling. Do you plan to stay in one place for a few days, or do you change places often? Cozy camping, a back-to-nature experience, or both, anything is possible. For example, my husband Stefan and I use an inflatable tent that only takes ten minutes to set up. This makes it easy for us to enjoy weekend camping trips and gives us the flexibility to travel for weeks at a time without having to do lengthy setups every time we change campsites.
2. Invest in comfortable seats and sleeping pads
When it comes to camping comfort, don’t overlook the importance of a quality air mattress or sleeping pad. After years of experience with air mattresses, we have finally upgraded to a self-inflating sleeping pad (7cm thick). Simply open the valve and the sleeping pad inflates automatically – a game changer. If you prefer extra cushioning, there are thicker sleeping pads available.
Another essential is a good sleeping bag. There’s nothing worse than having to sleep through the night because of the cold. Different seasons require different types of sleeping bags, so it’s important to choose the right one for the situation. You can choose from sleeping bags, blankets, and sleeping bags made from a variety of materials, each designed to meet different comfort and temperature needs. Personally, we prefer to zipper two three-season sleeping bags together for extra warmth, and we always make sure to carry a sleeping bag that can handle the lowest temperatures we’re likely to encounter. For more advice on camping gear, check out our guide to the best camping mattresses for 2025.
Camping essentials: what you need for a comfortable trip
When you head out into the wilderness for a camping adventure, it’s vital to be well-prepared for maximum comfort and enjoyment. From cozy bedding to outdoor cooking, the following list outlines the essential items that will enhance your camping experience.
1. Bedding that suits you
A good night’s sleep is crucial, so consider bringing a sleeping bag liner or double-sided duvet cover. These lightweight, breathable layers can be a boon on warm nights. An eye mask will be useful if you’re staying in a poorly lit area, and don’t forget to bring earplugs for a restful night’s sleep!
2. Comfortable seating
When you’re going to be spending more than one night outdoors, a quality camping chair can make all the difference. Picnics on the grass are fun, but after a long day, there’s nothing like sitting in a comfortable camping chair. For longer camping trips, consider adding a folding table to your gear, perfect for dining and relaxing.
3. Pack warm clothing for cooler nights
Even on warm days, wilderness nights can be surprisingly cold. Be sure to pack warm clothing such as thick socks, a cozy sweater, and long pants for when the temperature plummets. No one wants to be caught off guard on a cold night!
4. Buy quality cookware
If you’re new to camping, borrowing cookware or using your home cookware may be fine. But if you’re a seasoned camper, it’s definitely worth it to buy your own cookware. A portable case filled with essentials such as plates, cutlery, cups, cutting boards, pots, pans, soap and towels makes it easy to cook and pack up. Don’t forget the essentials – salt, pepper and oil – so you can cook your favorite meal outdoors! For more outdoor cooking ideas, check out our Best Camping Cookware for 2025.
5. Mobile power and electricity
Planning to use electricity while camping? You’ll need a campsite with an electrical outlet, as well as a blue CEE plug and extension cord to connect to the power source. For longer trips, electricity can be used to power a mini fridge, charging device or cooler. If you want to experience the tranquility of being off the grid, consider a more primitive campsite without electricity. The key is to find the right balance for you.
6. Choosing the right campground
While impromptu camping without a reservation can be an exciting adventure, it’s wise to check out the options before you go. Campgrounds vary in size and amenities. If you love the tranquility of nature, a small campground or camping space off the beaten path is the way to go. If you want more entertainment and amenities, such as a swimming pool or bar, then a larger campground may be better for you. Personally, I like a cozy camping space in a natural setting, preferably with animals nearby and a fire in colder weather.
7. Finding the ideal site
Once you arrive at your campsite, choosing the right site is crucial. Keep in mind factors such as sunlight, shady spots and trees. Trees with berries and birds may cause some unwanted trouble for the tent, so it’s best to choose a spot with the least amount of disturbance. Ensure that you pitch your tent on a flat surface so that it doesn’t slide around during the night. The perfect site is the key to a peaceful sleep!
8. Choose breathable gear
A breathable tent or shelter will improve air circulation and keep you cool and comfortable while camping. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure you have a great time outdoors, especially when the weather is warm.
With these essentials from CoreVibe, you can enjoy a comfortable and memorable camping experience. Whether you’re a weekend away enthusiast or a seasoned camper, these tips will ensure that your next outdoor adventure is a memorable one!
8. Protect your tent with mats
When camping with a tent, it’s a good idea to remove sharp objects such as pine cones or small rocks. These sharp objects can damage the bottom of your tent. Breathable ground mats serve two main purposes: to protect the bottom of the tent and to prevent dust buildup when packing up the tent. Be aware, however, that some campgrounds do not allow waterproof ground mats because they can harm the grass by preventing it from absorbing oxygen. Fortunately, there are now durable and breathable products that fulfill both needs.
9. Embrace the outdoors and relax!
Camping is all about relaxing and getting away from your daily chores. After all, you are on vacation! Take a step back and enjoy the natural surroundings, spend quality time with friends and family, or just indulge in some time to yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, let nature work its magic and enjoy the moment.
10. Store your tent correctly
This is the key to maintaining the longevity of your tent. When packing your tent, make sure it is completely dry before storing it. Moisture left on the fabric can lead to mold and mildew, which can quickly damage your gear. If you can’t dry it at camp, try racking or hanging it when you get home. Trust us, our tents have spent many nights drying in the garden.
What can I expect from the tent?
Although we have enjoyed camping, we prefer the freedom of tent camping. So what should I prioritize when buying a tent? First and foremost, it must be equipped with a fixed ground pad to avoid standing water on rainy days. Ventilation is also key, in addition to a high-quality insect screen – especially in areas with nasty mosquitoes like Scotland.
I’m also a big fan of tents that are quick and easy to set up and don’t require too many pegs. While I prefer good weather, the tent must be able to withstand heavy rain and strong winds. In addition, comfort should not be overlooked. There should be enough space inside the tent, especially when the weather is bad. A spacious tent ensures that you can still enjoy camping even on rainy days.
Whether you are an experienced camper or a beginner, comfort should be a priority. We hope you have many great and memorable camping experiences! For a variety of tents, check out our review of the North Face Wawona 6 Tent.
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