Camping for Beginners – Tips and Advice
Camping for beginners may seem easy enough. All you have to do is bring some food and shelter, right? While you may technically survive, to have a good time, you may need a little more than that. Camping can be a lot of fun, but it can quickly turn sour if you are unprepared.
If you are new to camping, follow these tips to help you on your next trip. You will avoid embarrassment and make sure you have everything you need to enjoy camping. Camping is, by design, not supposed to be like staying in a hotel, but that doesn’t mean you need to be uncomfortable.
Get a Good Tent
Few things spoil a good camping trip as quickly as a no-good tent. Bad tents can be cramped, uncomfortable and a nightmare to assemble and take down. Your “camping for beginners” journey may begin at a campsite. Campsites will often have amenities available, and you won’t have to carry your gear too far. This means the weight of your tent won’t be a huge factor. If this is the case, you can opt for a larger, more durable tent. If you are planning on hiking into the woods for camping, you may consider a lightweight tent to make your journey easier. Since hiking is often more difficult, we recommended camping for beginners at a campsite.
Consider the number of people camping to determine the size you’ll need. It is generally best to have a tent that is slightly larger than you need. That way, you’ll have some extra room. This is especially true if you plan on using an air mattress. Most people don’t want to sleep nearly on top of each other. When it comes to weather, always plan for the worst. You’ll want a tent with a rain shield and good ventilation. Ventilation helps keep the tent cool, keeps bugs out, and makes it easier to breathe.
Overpacking
Camping for Beginners usually separates into two types of people. The first group doesn’t prepare enough, and the other group packs way too much stuff. Either way, you’re making a mistake. It may seem like being overprepared is a good idea, but you will lose some of the charm of camping. Camping is about minimalism. Plus, people who overpack typically do so with clothes and entertainment. Space is a precious commodity when camping. You want to make the most of the space you have available. You can’t do that if your campsite is filled with clutter. Not to mention, your entertainment should be the great outdoors, not your tablet or computer. You can do that stuff at home.
Bug and Critters
While there is plenty of wildlife to enjoy, other forms of wildlife might not be so pleasant. Bugs can become a real nuisance when camping, especially for beginners. Seasoned campers learn ways to keep the bugs at bay and protect their gear. If you don’t know the tricks, you may find yourself in an uncomfortable spot. Make sure you have bug spray and keep all your food sealed up. Fires are also helpful in keeping the bugs at bay.
Beyond bugs, there are big creatures to watch out for. Yogi isn’t the only bear who likes to take people’s food. Bears are notorious for breaking into coolers and food storage containers. It is important to not only keep your food sealed up from bugs but from bears and other creatures as well. Do some research or ask the campground what kind of wildlife you might encounter and how to prepare yourself.
Don’t Rely on the Fire
Camping, in most people’s minds, goes hand in hand with building a fire. Campfires are certainly one of the most appealing aspects of camping for many people. If you are new to camping, however, you may overestimate how useful or available the fire will be. You may be planning on doing your cooking over the fire. While any half-decent flame will melt some chocolate for smores, cooking food is another story. Many foods can take hours to cook in an open fire, if at all.
We always recommend bringing a cooking stove or developing some serious fire building skills first. A cooking fire must be carefully designed and hot enough to do its job. Having propane or charcoal for cooking is much easier. Even if you planned around the weather, you never know when it can change. If it starts raining, good luck building a fire.
Camping for Beginners at Natural Bridge Campground
If you are looking for a great place to camp near the Red River Gorge, you’ve come to the right place! The campground is the perfect home-base for all your adventures! Spend the day exploring and come back and sit around the campfire, fish at the stocked pond, play a game of basketball, or check out the games available! It’s a great place to relax and getaway!
We are pet friendly and our area has much to offer like Hiking, Zip Line and Rock Climbing. The campground is centrally located to Natural Bridge, the Cliffty Wilderness Area and the Red River Gorge. It is located one mile from Natural Bridge State Resort and 3-1/2 miles from the entrance to the Red River Gorge. The Kentucky Reptile Zoo is located next door.
Natural Bridge Campground is open seasonally from early April to late October/early November.
