Vapur Blog
How to Plan a Camping Trip
Whether it be telling stories around the fire, making s’mores, or hiking through the woods, a good camping trip cannot be beaten. It can help you to disconnect from the world for a bit, and provides a chance for you to connect with nature.
Although you will be leaving many of the comforts of home behind you, a camping trip can be a fantastic adventure of bonding and shared life experiences for everyone that is involved. However, even the greatest laid plans can be disrupted by disorganization or some type of unexpected disturbance. Therefore, it is best to think ahead and plan as much as possible for your next camping adventure.
Here are some things to think about to help you plan a camping trip that is sure to please the entire camping crew.
Contents
- Who is Coming?
- Whatcha Gonna Do?
- Trails and Guides
- When Does Our Adventure Begin?
- How Do You Plan on Camping Out?
- Where are You Going?
- Planners
- Reserve Your Campsite
- Campsite Apps
- Rules are Rules
- What’s for Dinner?
- Pack It in
Contents
- Who is Coming?
- Whatcha Gonna Do?
- Trails and Guides
- When Does Our Adventure Begin?
- How Do You Plan on Camping Out?
- Where are You Going?
- Planners
- Reserve Your Campsite
- Campsite Apps
- Rules are Rules
- What’s for Dinner?
- Pack It in
WHO'S JOINING?
First things first, what is your crew like? Before you do anything else for your camping trip, you need to decide who is the trip for. Are you bringing the wife and kids or going at it alone? Maybe you can have some friends join in the festivities?
All of the details of your trip will be dependent upon who will be joining you. So confirm ahead of time exactly who will be joining you so that the remaining tasks can be coordinated around and for the entire group.
WATCHA GONNA DO?
Great job! You have nailed the first step in planning your camping vacation. The next thing on the list is to plan out is what you are going to do while you are away.
The great thing about camping as your vacation is its versatility. You can just spend a couple days sitting around chatting and cooking on the fire. If that does not work for you, there are tons of activities that you can do while camping. The list includes going on a hike, kayaking on a local river or lake, swimming, taking a bike ride, or even enjoying some fishing.
Deciding on appropriate activities that will keep yourself and/or the troops entertained should a fun and exciting task.
TRAILS & GUIDES
If hiking or biking is on your list to do while camping, knowing about local trails can be a tremendous help in planning out your itinerary. Luckily, because we in the 21st century, there are apps that can be downloaded onto your phone or tablets. These apps will provide access to local trails and city guides providing an additional way for you to enhance your stay.
Oh Ranger
All Trails
MTB Project
The Outbound Collective
WHEN DOES OUR ADVENTURE BEGIN?
Now it is time to figure out when you would like to plan a camping trip. You will need to decide on a time of year you would like to camp as well as how long you plan to camp for.
HOW DO YOU PLAN ON CAMPING OUT?
Determine how you will be enjoying the camping experience. There are actually several ways that you can camp and proper research of all of the camping types should be conducted prior to deciding what is best for you or your group.
Tent Camping
Backpacking
RV Camping
Cabin Camping
Car Camping
WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
Next on the list, you will need to determine where your camping trip will take place. The destination that you intend to do your camping will have a tremendous effect on the overall outcome of your trip.
When done right, a camping trip can be an amazing time will be had by all. When done not so right, it will feel like the longest vacation you have ever taken.
Keep your plans on the right track by preparing where you can, and ensuring every detail that you can control has been thought of and taken into consideration.
PLANNERS
Creating the perfect camping trip takes an enormous amount of planning. But the planning aspect can be a bit overwhelming. It could be a good idea to use some type of planner to assist with your to-do list.
To help with all of the details for your trip, here are some apps that you can download on your phone or mobile device to help you along with the planning process.
Roadtrippers
Google Trips
Good Sam's Trip Planner
RV Trip Wizard
InRoute Route Planner
Roadside America
RESERVE YOUR CAMPSITE
Now it is time to reserve your campsite. Once you have confirm whether to go public or private, look into the specifics of each campsites. This includes any regulations for the campsite, special requirements to adhere to while camping, and how far in advance you will need to book the site you would like.
CAMPSITE APPS
When working on a plan for your ideal camping trip, knowing where to set up camp is a top priority. Luckily, there are a number of apps that can help with this step as well. Just like the apps that help you plan out the details of your trip, the apps that help you select your campsite will keep you informed of the benefits and pitfalls of each option. In addition, these apps will allow you to book your site and make any changes to your reservation as you go.
Reserve America
Recreation.gov
Allstays
Hipcamp
iOverlander
USFS and BML Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Campendium
RV Parky
RULES ARE RULES
Camping is a great way to let your hair down a little and escape the stress of everyday life. However, when camping, it is imperative for you and those that are joining you to stay mindful of any and all rules set forth by your hosting site. These rules are often regarding safety, fire, and sanitation as well as your pets and vehicles and should be adhered to at all times. Each site may have different regulations, so it is important to speak to the campground staff or park ranger even if you are an avid hiker or camper.
WHAT'S FOR DINNER
It is time to think about food. Determining what everyone wants to eat is as important as finding the perfect place to set up camp. Create a plan that includes what food and drink items you plan to eat throughout your trip. It may be a good idea to include a few extra portions and some snack ideas just in case there is a last minute change of plans while you are there. Be as prepared as possible and keep an eye out as to where local stores are in reference to your campsite, so that you can restock provisions or grab an item that you forgot to pack.
PACK IT IN
When making your preparations for your camping trip, be sure to make a list of the gear you will need throughout the duration of your stay. This includes any additional items you may need for specific activities that are planned.
Gear covers a wide array of items. Items such as clothes, food and toiletries are often a given. Other things including batteries, extra shoes and tarps or rain gear can sometimes escape one’s mind during the packing process. Go slow and pay attention to what you think you may need while you are out and about.
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