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But if youre new to it, camping for beginners can seem a little bit intimidating.
Photo by Morsa Images via Getty Images / Design by Stella Koh
I felt the same way when I embarked on my first camping trip after my first year of college.
It wasnt the most comfortable experience, and I definitely tossed and turned most nights.
You dont need to let inexperience hold you back from getting started.
Dont stress about doing it perfectly.
Basically, there is no singlerightway to camp.
The good news is that eating at camp doesnt have to be all that different from eating at home.
Youll just need to decide what to bring, how to transport it, and how to cook it.
Camp cooking can either be super simple or more complex.
If you want to go the simple route, you certainlycanroast some hot dogs over a campfire.
But if you want a few more meal options, thats where camp cooking gear comes in.
When looking for a stove, you want to consider size, durability, and key in of fuel.
(For more of our favorite options, see below!)
(Plus there are tons ofamazing grilling recipesto choose from.)
How you pack your food will depend on the weather conditions and wildlife where youre camping.
For most destinations, any ol gear will do.
That means your cooler will stay colder for longerand your food safer.
Bears are incredibly crafty, and can open most coolers or boxes.
(Check outcoolers and containers that meet this criteriahere.)
First, ensure youve read the instructions for your camp stove and know how to hook up the fuel.
Then embrace your inner camp chef.
But Likenss key tip is never forget the spices.
I think there is a stigma that you cant eat delicious and fresh food when camping, Taylor says.
But its relatively easy to blueprint what you make at home and make it a campsite.
If your campsite provides trash services, you’re free to dispose of it there.
and throw it away next time you have the chance.
Then put away all your food and cooking utensils into closed bins or coolers.
If youre car camping, store them in your car.
The one exception, which we mentioned above, is if youre in bear country.
In that case, store all food and scented items in bearproof boxes.
Unsure what camping stove to bring?
SELF spoke with outdoor experts on how to choose thebest camping stove.
Below are expert-recommended camping stoves for car camping and backpacking.
But we get itthats easier said than done.
SELF hasa complete guide to the tent-buying process, as well as someawesome tent picksto get you started.
This keeps bugs like mosquitos and other wildlife out of your tent.
But a few key tips can help you sleep through the night.
Before you snuggle up in your tent for the night, youll want to do two things.
First, confirm you didnt leave food out.
Secondly, schedule a pee trip.
Once youre warm and cozy in your sleeping bag you wont want to leave.
Then its time to consider your environment: Youll want to minimize distractions like lights and sounds.
If youre a light sleeper, bring earplugs, Likens says.
Packing theright camping gearcan help you sleep well in any season.
Heres more specifics about choosing thebest sleeping bagorsleeping padfor your next camping adventure.
(you could also find some of our favorite picks below!)
Its also smart to sleep with your extra clothing close by.
It is very ritualistic for me and I love the cozy home vibe that comes with tent camping.
SELF spoke to outdoor experts on the best tips for buying aninflatable camping pador ahigh-quality sleeping bag.
Its very normal to have some anxiety about going to the bathroom outside.
But its also not as bad or scary as you think.
It simply takes some practice and know-how.
So lets dig in (pun intended) to outdoor bathroom etiquette.
Pack a bathroom kit and bring it with you every time you camp.
Likens usually keeps a kit with a trowel, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
You simply hang it in the sun to dry after usethe UV rays help keep it clean.
You also want to be cautious not to pee on plants if possible, Likens explains.
Taylor suggests finding a spot that is hidden by rocks or trees for privacy.
Peeing outside isnt quite as complicated as pooping, but there are ways to make it more comfortable.
Some people will lean against a tree or rock for support, Taylor says.
If you use toilet paper, you oughta double-check you pack out what you used, Taylor says.
Then use that hand sanitizer from your bathroom kit and youre good to go.
Most people get nervous to poop outside; thats okay.
But once you know how to poop outside, its pretty simple.
First, theres the packing out issue.
(Its not as bad as it sounds, we promise.)
Each area has different requirements for packing out your waste.
Then theres the actual pooping process.
after you grab picked it up, put it in a Ziploc bag and seal it.
Sanitize your hands and call it a day!
You could also use aWAG bag, a double-layered bag with chemical powder inside.
These will make your poop-scooping process easier, cleaner, more hygienic, and less smelly.
Some visitor information centers, trailheads, and backcountry permit offices provide these for free.
A cat hole is simply a hole you dig in the ground where you will go to the bathroom.
you’re able to dig your cat hole with a trowel, a stick, or a rock.
Plants with large, soft leaves, like thimbleberry, will be your best bet.)
Non-natural options will always be more comfortable, but you have to pack them out.
Then, just seal it up and store it in your bigger Ziploc bag.
Now youre ready to enjoy the rest of your camping trip!
