CAMPING FOR BEGINNERS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

For many people, there’s no substitute for heading off into the wilderness and getting off the grid. As travel trailer manufacturers, we talk to many newbie adventurers who want to go exploring but aren’t quite sure how to go about it. Here’s our guide to camping for beginners.

Why Go Camping

If it is your first time camping, you may be wondering if it’s even a good idea. The answer is yes! Camping is an excellent pastime. It provides an opportunity for you to get away from the hustle and bustle and explore the sights and sounds of nature. Camping is also a good idea for the entire family because:

• Almost anyone can do it and you can find camping spots that suit your specific needs
• It can be free or low cost
• Camping equipment is easy to find
• You don’t need lots of experience to do it safely

If you’re sold on the idea of taking a camping trip, our camping guide will help you to prepare.

Camping for Beginners: Safety First

Camping is fun, but there are risks involved, especially when it’s your first camping trip. However, if you take the right precautions, you’ll be much safer. 

Safe Practices for Traveling

Even before you hook up your trailer and take off on your trip, you should get a compass and topographic map and learn how to use them. You can even take a course in navigation to ensure you’re well prepared. Of course, you may get lost even if you try hard to stay oriented. 

Ordinarily, if you get into trouble, you’ll use your cellphone to call for help. If you go camping, you should assume that you will not always have cellphone coverage. You’ll, therefore, need to plan carefully so you can be found if you get lost. For your first time camping, you’ll also want to read up on what you should do if you get lost, injured, or otherwise find yourself in distress.

You may want to consider investing in a personal locator beacon which can be used to send a distress call or your exact location if necessary. Also, it is always a good idea to tell someone exactly where you’re going, what vehicle you’ll be driving, and when you plan to return. 

Packing, Preparing, and Tips for Planning Your First Outing

Preparation is key. Having a trailer allows you to take everything you need without having to lug it all around manually, and there are some essential items that you need to take with you. You’ll need to be careful not to overload the trailer, however, since a small space can only hold so much before it becomes cluttered. 

Some of the things you should include on your travel trailer camping checklist include:

Shelter

• Down or synthetic sleeping bag 
• 3-season tent
• Closed-cell or inflatable foam pad 

Clothing

• Synthetic hiking pants and shirts
• Long underwear
• Hoodie or fleece
• Light jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• High-quality hiking boots
• Beanie
• Light gloves
• One pair of socks for each day 

Camping Basics

• Pocket knife
• Duct tape
• First aid kit
• Headlamp
• Matches 
• Trowel
• Environmentally-friendly sunscreen and toiletries 

10 Accessories That Are RV Must-Haves for Newbies

In addition to the essentials, there are some pieces of equipment that will come in very handy. Your first-time travel trailer checklist should include:

• A coffee maker
• An instant pot 
• Solar panels 
• A dehumidifier
• Leveling blocks 
• Two-way radio
• Camping chair
• The Dyrt Pro 
• Surge protector
• RV GPS

Things That Every RV Beginner Should Know

Every little tip matters when it’s your first time camping. If you’re renting an RV for the first time, there are some things you need to know before you head off into the wilderness. This section of our camping guide will walk you through four important steps.

1. Choose the right RV for your needs. Some of the things you need to consider include the number of people you’ll be traveling with and whether you plan to drive around or set up camp in one spot. You should also think about how often you’ll be camping and whether you’ll be covering long distances. In addition, it’s important to know how much stuff you’ll need to store. When you’re clear on what you want, you’ll be better able to find an RV to meet your requirements.
2. Plan your trip. Do some research and decide where you want to go. Read as widely as possible so you can find a destination that’s suitable for newbies and appropriate for everyone in your group. You should also take some time to get familiar with the RV by driving around an empty parking lot. Driving with a trailer is a lot different from driving a car.
3. Choose your route. This is an important tip. Camping for beginners requires careful planning, not just for what you’ll do at the campsite but how you'll get there. You'll need to make sure you reach your destination safely. If you’re driving a larger RV, you’ll have to use routes that can handle the height and weight of your vehicle.
4. Pack appropriately. You should pack based on where you’re going and how long you’ll be staying. Resist the urge to take everything that will fit.
5. Drive safely and take it slow. You’ll be excited about making it to your campsite but you should never rush. Drive within the speed limit and take breaks if you get tired of driving.

Setting Up Your Travel Trailer at the Campsite

Setting up will get easier as time goes on. Park on level ground so the trailer feels comfortable and you don't damage the fridge in the RV. Next, detach the tow vehicle before you start to set up the trailer. Another tip is to put the stabilizers up so the trailer doesn’t bounce when people move around in it. If you’re in a park where you have power, connect using the right adapter.

Choose Boreas Campers for Your Next Trip

Having the right camper can make all the difference. Boreas Campers makes three types of campers, and one of them is sure to meet your needs. Contact one of our dealers to find out which is right for your first camping trip.