Camping is one of the most popular ways to reconnect with nature and escape the stress of daily life.
For beginners, that can quickly deteriorate into a frustrating and uncomfortable trip if they don’t know what to expect.
First-time campers often underestimate the challenges of living outdoors, and their rookie mistakes can turn what should be a fun and memorable adventure into one filled with unpleasantness and even danger.
Below are five rookie mistakes to avoid on your first camping trip:
1. Overpacking
While it is completely natural to want to take everything but the kitchen sink with you, you will quickly come to regret doing that.
It’s understandable, you want to prepare for every eventuality by overpacking and simultaneously feel like you have all the home comforts you need, right?
The problem with that strategy is that it will only make your camping experience exhausting and stressful. Lugging around all of those unnecessary items will weigh you down and detract from the one thing that camping is meant to be: simple.
2. Location
Picking the right campsite location for your outdoor Vegas adventure might sound like a no-brainer, but it actually isn’t.
Where you set up camp will impact the safety, success, and enjoyment of your trip. A poor choice can lead to frustration, sleepless nights, and even injuries.
The first thing to consider is the ground beneath your feet. You are ideally looking for a flat, even surface to keep your tent stable and ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
Secondly, while camping right next to a lake sounds fun, it can come with potential downsides such as increased insect activity and possible flooding during heavy rains.
3. Camping Hygiene Essentials
Neglecting hygiene is a big mistake that can ruin your trip.
Dirt, germs, sweat, and bacteria build up quickly outdoors, and without the most basic of hygiene practices, campers risk discomfort and illness.
In normal life, hygiene is taken for granted. On a campsite, the convenience of hopping into the shower may not exist, or it could be limited. Camping hygiene essentials can help prevent unwanted animals from rummaging through your site, skin irritation, and stomach bugs.
Pack scentless wet wipes and hand sanitizer, and biodegradable soap – just not the perfumed kind.
4. Sunburn
Most rookie camping moves involve sunburn.
For many first-time campers, the excitement of being outdoors, surrounded by fresh air and open skies, can overshadow the need to protect their skin from sunburn.
Spending hours outside without sunblock, hats, and other precautionary measures can cause discomfort and limit your ability to enjoy the rest of your trip.
Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every few hours or more if you are swimming or sweating.
5. Wound Care Tips
Camping can be a risky activity.
Out in nature, insects are big, rocks are sharp, and plants can be aggressive. It is all part and parcel of the experience, but even minor scrapes and cuts can become serious if not treated properly.
Ignoring wound care is such a rookie mistake. Dirt, bacteria, and moisture increase the risk of infection, and a neglected wound can quickly become painful, limiting mobility.
Effective wound care isn’t complicated, but you must clean the wound immediately, stop the bleeding, and apply protection.
To End
Camping is about being present, respecting and appreciating nature, and finding joy in the simple things in life. Being prepared for your first camping trip isn’t about being perfect. Even experienced campers make mistakes or forget something, but they learn to handle those moments with grace and a sense of humor – and you will too.