The Golden Rules of Camping

I've been camping, hiking, national park adventuring, and outdoor exploring since I was four months old—and after 29 years, it feels as much a part of who I am as the face I see in the mirror. Yes, I now live in Manhattan, which is the antithesis of the lifestyle I grew up in, but I haven't left my roots too far behind. I could set up a tent on my own in the pouring rain by age 10 (something I had to do in a youth program when it turned out none of the adults had ever done it before). I was grandfathered into the camping lifestyle, so while many of my top tips were learned from family and friends, there was still so much to discover through trial and error over the years.Camping is one type of travel that is truly incomparable—connecting with nature, escaping the hustle and bustle of the world, and stepping outside your comfort zone make it one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences there is. With that in mind, it also requires some of the most intense planning and, dare I say, studying of any form of travel. While it's never too late to embark on your first camping trip, there's so much to learn before you take that initial step.Whether you're embarking on a solo mission to spend a peaceful week surrounded by flora and fauna, or hope to take a family vacation like no other, a camping trip will surely provide memories that last a lifetime. From picking the right tent to staying in touch with the outside world, here are the golden rules of camping that outdoor experts and our editors swear by.The golden rules of camping:Leave no traceDo your researchTake nothing but picturesRespect the wildlifeBe fire smartTest your gear before you goPack with intentionBring plenty of lightingBudget extra timeMaintain good hygieneCommunication is keyPick comfortable furnitureThink with your feetAlways pack the holy trinityStick to well-known locationsGettyLeave no traceThis is the number one rule for any form of outdoor activity, from hiking and biking to camping and backpacking. The beauty of nature is that it is unspoiled by human consumption, so it's important to leave it as pristine as you found it. “Take out everything you pack in,” says Adventure Life senior trip planner. Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Kassandra Magruder says, “dispose of trash properly and leave the campsite cleaner than you found it.” This can be made easier by only bringing necessities with you, and by using reusable containers and as few single-use plastics as possible.Do your researchCongratulations, reading this article means you're already well on your way to completing this step. Before you embark on your trip, be sure to do your research, both on camping in general if you've never been, and on the specific location that you plan to go to. It's best to take a look at the park or campground that you plan to visit and learn what to expect. Case in point: One of the few times my mom let my dad pick the campground, we arrived only to discover it was actually swampland (the mosquitoes were no joke). You'll want to know if there are bathrooms and showers available, what type of supplies you might need, and how far you'll be expected to walk from point A to point B.All of this will determine whether you're packing heavy-duty hiking boots, lighter trail shoes, or shower shoes. If you're blessed with a campground equipped with an actual bathroom set up, my non-negotiables are a pair of lightweight shower shoes, a camping towel, and a hanging toiletry bag (trust me, you're not going to want your products to touch any of the surfaces nearby).Don't forget to also do your research on what weather you can expect upon arrival, from seasonal changes to the unique climate of the area. Is the campground in the valley, meaning you're more likely to have rain accumulate? Are you in a very elevated space where you will have to drink extra water to keep up with your body's hydration needs? Sure, you may be in the hot desert, but come nightfall, you'll be thanking your lucky stars for that insulated sleeping bag.TetonCelsius sleeping bagBagsmartBlast 4.5L hanging toiletry bagTake nothing but picturesYes, I've felt the pull of wanting to squirrel away every pretty rock, unique shell, and handful of sand I've come across while surrounded by nature, but by doing this, you'll end up destroying the ecosystem and ridding the world of such a beautiful space. Sure, it seems like “just one rock” couldn't hurt, but if everyone took “just one rock,” the land would be left with nothing. If you really feel the pull to take something to remember the experience, bring your favorite camera and take pictures of the world around you. I like to print them out afterward and pop them in my travel journal as souvenirs.My favorite cameras to bring are my Ektar H35 film camera and my DJI Osmo Pocket 3. The Ektar is perfect for those old-school film-style pictures that will make you feel like you're in a bygone era before cell phones and social media, and my Pocket 3 takes crisp, steady video footage—and is small enough to slip easily into my backpack pocket when not in use. For outdoor content creators (or those like me who like to remember and marvel at the beauty of nature months after their trip), the HoverAir X1ProMax is my partner in crime. It takes very little skill to navigate it (you can even set it to follow you around, requiring no piloting on your part), has incredible picture quality, and is so lightweight and compact, I'm able to slip it right in my bag without bogging me down with heavy equipment. I only wish it was a bit quieter and the battery life was longer.KodakEktar H35 film cameraRespect the wildlifeOne of the best parts about camping is admiring nature and spotting wildlife. With that being said, it's important to treat every creature (and plant) that you see like you're a visitor in their home—not the other way around. “Observe animals from a safe distance and do not disturb their natural habitat,” says Magruder. And when it comes to food, the two main things to consider is how to store it safely and not to share. “Feeding animals can make them dependent on humans and can lead to safety issues,” Magruder says. To avoid any unplanned animal sightings (and feedings), “keep food and scented items in bear-resistant containers to prevent attracting wildlife,” she says. “Any time you leave your campsite or go to sleep, you need to put all food items in your RV, car, or locked storage containers.”Be fire smartThere's never been a time when wildfires have ripped through so many parts of the world, so doing your part to prevent any is of the utmost importance. There are three important rules to consider when working with fire, according to Magruder.You should only be lighting a fire in established fire rings or pits.All fires must be extinguished completely. If it's not cold to the touch, it's not fully out.Keep an eye out for any campfire bans or restrictions and make sure you're following all local regulations.Seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/GettyTest your gear before you goThere's nothing worse than setting up a tent at your campsite and realizing that you're missing a vital piece. In order to make sure that all of your gear is in working shape (and you can put it together in a reasonable amount of time), it's a great idea to do a few practice runs in your backyard (or living room) before you embark. “Make sure you know how to set up your tent and that you have stakes to secure it to the ground,” says Magruder. “If you're hiking, break in your hiking boots before you go by taking four-to-seven hikes with them (or wear them around your house).” You should be extremely comfortable in working everything from your stove to your bear spray (something both Magruder and Seth Heald, the senior director of the North American trip development & operations at MT Sobek, strongly recommend bringing).Pack with intentionNot all camping gear is made the same, so packing a lightweight, space-saving backpacking tent is not going to do you much good when you're car camping with a family of five. It's important to pick the correct gear for the correct occasion. Keep an eye out for things like weather (we recommend bringing a tarp with you in case of surprise rainstorms), lightweight clothing that dries easily, and plenty of layers to bundle up in if it gets chilly at night.This is one trip where you don't want to overpack—every single thing you bring should have a specific goal. Even when car camping, you'll want to prioritize smaller, lightweight items in all cases. Since so much of your gear is brought in with you (what other type of trip requires you to bring in your own shelter and stovetop?), you want as few additional odds and ends to keep track of (and pack up at the end of your stay) as possible. Prioritize things that fold in on themselves and are multi-functional. (My one “luxury” item I don't camp without is a deck of cards.)When it comes to clothes, less is more—just make sure they're well-made. I reach for natural fabrics (merino wool especially) for odor control and temperature regulation, pack in layers rather than single heavier items, and invest in my most important items: good socks, moisture-wicking base layers, and waterproof outer layers.Coleman Sundome tentREI Wonderland tentHoyleWaterproof playing cardsColemanBottletop propane camping stoveAlocsCamping cookware setDevicoCamping cutlery setCotopaxi Teca Half-Zip WindbreakerBring plenty of lightingThe all-consuming darkness of nighttime in the great outdoors feels like a blanket that will totally encompass you and your campsite. You'll be shocked at how dark it can get without the light pollution we're used to, even in smaller cities and suburbs. Bring plenty of lighting (and make sure you have batteries, too) in a variety of forms for the easiest experience. Headlamps are great for hands-free navigation while walking to and from the bathroom at night, and “help your hands remain free for stoking the fire or cooking,” says Lou LaGrange, a custom trip consultant at MT Stobek and Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist. Larger lanterns, like this rechargeable one by Duracell that I like to use, are perfect for illuminating the tent for card games or late-night chats, as well as “helping avoid unwanted falls or see what you're eating in the middle of the campground,” says LaGrange. Classic flashlights will always do in a pinch and are easy to slip into your pocket to have on hand.BioLite AlpenGlow 250 lanternEvereadyRechargeable LED headlampsOdolandPortable LED camping lantern with ceiling fanGearlightSet of two mini LED flashlightsBudget more time than you think for set up and break downYour main source of light when camping is the sun, and while you can buy every lantern and headlamp in the world, you'll still have somewhat limited visibility. It's best to arrive at your campsite early enough in the day to ensure that you'll have plenty of time to set up the site in daylight and make organizing that much easier. In the same vein, you'll want more than enough time to break camp before you head home. “Not only must the fire be put out completely, but it's useful to take the time to shake everything out and let it dry before repacking,” says LaGrange. “There's nothing worse than opening up a tent six months later only to find it was wet when you packed it up previously and has since become moldy and ruined.”Maintain good hygieneSure, some campsites have bathrooms and even showers, but you'll likely not want to be spending too much time in them even if they do. You can't always bank on running water, so it's important to keep up your hygiene in other ways. “Bring wet wipes, diaper wipes, or fancy body wipes,” says Heald. “If no showers are available, these are surprisingly refreshing to use all over.” It's also a good idea to bring a bowl or container that you can use as a small basin for water when you want to wash your face or do a quick wipe-down if you're muddy. It's also best to bring your own toilet paper (you never know where you'll have to go), hand soap, and even dry shampoo to help you feel clean.Wet Ones all-purpose wipesWaterWipes biodegradable original baby wipesDrybar Detox dry shampooLiving Proof Perfect Hair Day dry shampooCommunication is keyWhether you're keeping in touch with other people on your campsite, or making sure that your friends and family know where you're going before you leave, it's important to be able to communicate with others. To help give you peace of mind, Heald recommends bringing a satellite communicator. “They're reasonably inexpensive and worth the investment in your safety and security—especially if you're going off-grid.” If you want to keep it old school, grab a couple of two-way radios to keep in touch with the other people at your campsite when you're hiking or foraging for kindling. “Always let people know where you're going before departing on your adventure or taking off on a daytime hike away from camp,” says Mindy Teini, the custom Travel director at MT Sobek.Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite CommunicatorFospowerEmergency radio and power bankPick comfortable furnitureEvery piece of furniture at your campsite is something you'll have to bring with you, so you might as well bring things that are comfortable. One thing you may overlook? Your pillow. “Everyone gets focused on sleeping bags, tents, and sleeping pads, but a headrest might be the most important,” says Heald. Invest in a pillow that will help you maintain proper neck alignment so you can ensure a good night's rest. Another thing to keep in mind? A great chair. “Having a comfy seat is a luxury you will not regret,” says North America programs & operations director Josh Kloepping, another MT Sobek staff member.Timber Ridge lightweight camping chairYuzoncDouble self-inflating sleeping padVilleyPortable camping side tableHikenture camping pillowWeekenderMemory foam camping pillowThink with your feetCamping is one time when you'll definitely want to go for function over fashion. It's more important to have the right supportive footwear than the latest styles. It's a good idea to have sturdy hiking boots if you're planning on extensive hikes or walks during your trip (but be sure to break them in before you leave). However, if you're just going to spend most of your time around the campsite, a pair of supportive sneakers (and sandals that you can quickly slip on) are more than sufficient. Aside from your shoe choice, your sock choice can be just as important. “Warm, dry feet are key,” says Teini. “Bring extra socks unless you enjoy the sensation of walking in a squishy swamp.” This will also help you avoid any unwanted blisters or discomfort.My Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking shoes are what I tend to reach for. They're heavier duty than your typical sneaker, but lighter than a hiking boot if you aren't doing too serious of a scramble.Darn Tough Mountaineering micro crew hiking socksMerrellWomen's Moab Speed 2The holy trinity: sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizerThree things you'll never have too much of when spending your days (and nights) in the great outdoors? Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer. You'll want to invest in a great sunscreen (preferably one without a strong scent to attract bugs and animals), and reapply it as often as possible. Insect repellent in the form of a spray is the most versatile since you can take it on and off your campsite, but insect repellent bracelets can be great for kids who won't stay still for application, and insect repellent lanterns are wonderful for campsites. Access to running water and a sink for handwashing is likely limited, so hand sanitizer makes it easy to stay clean before meals. It also doesn't hurt to keep a first-aid kit on hand for any emergencies.Sun Bum Original sunscreen sprayRepel Lemon Eucalyptus Mosquito RepellentEltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46CliganicMosquito repellent braceletsKinfield Golden Hour wipesTouchlandPower Mist hydrating hand sanitizerStick to well-known, established locationsYes, the TikToks of people waking up on an unsanctioned stretch of beach or overlooking an incredible waterfall are beautiful, but there's a reason why so many choose to stick to well-known campgrounds. Aside from wanting to avoid any dangerous people or animals when the only four walls keeping you safe are made of fabric, staying in well-known, established locations makes it easier to get help if you need and to avoid getting lost. Especially once night falls, it's extremely difficult (and dangerous) to navigate unfamiliar areas in complete darkness. Even when it comes to well-known campgrounds, it's a great idea to walk around the area during the day to get a feel of the space so you know where everything is when you inevitably wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. You'll also want to have a general idea of what's nearby (hotels, restaurants, hospitals, or public spaces)—just in case you need any of them.This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.