The benefits of adventure are underrated. If your reservoir of fun is depleted or your mojo is ailing, camping under the stars is both an obvious—and awesome—cure. Unless, of course, you don't feel confident sleeping outside. If that's you, fear not: This intro "class" to camping is exactly what you need. We cover the basics, like what gear you need, where and how to pitch your tent, tips for cooking a delicious meal and how to make (and extinguish) a proper campfire. We've also linked other educational resources within the Expert Advice library—because we want you to feel confident the next time you fill up your adventure cup.
There are two ways to navigate this course: You can watch the full class video, or you can move through it chapter by chapter (each one covers a specific topic and offers additional resources for a deeper dive).
Browse by chapter:
- Chapter 1: How to Select a Campsite and Set Up Your Tent
- Chapter 2: How to Sleep Warm
- Chapter 3: How to Build a Campfire
- Chapter 4: How to Cook at Camp
- Chapter 5: How to Create Camp Magic
Intro to Camping: Full Class Video
Class Resources:
Chapter 1: How to Select a Campsite and Set Up Your Tent
In this chapter, you'll learn:
- What to bring to camp
- Tips for selecting a site
- How to set up your tent
- How to guy out your tent
Additional Reading:
- How to Set up a Tent
- How to Choose Tents for Camping
- How to Choose a Backcountry Campsite
- How to Set Up a Campsite
- Guide to Adaptive Camping
- How to Tie Climbing Knots, Hitches and Bends
Shopping Resources:
Downloadable PDF
Chapter 2: How to Sleep Warm
In this chapter, you'll learn:
- What a sleep system is
- How to fine tune your sleep system
- Tips and tricks for staying warm at night
Additional Reading:
Shopping Resources:
Chapter 3: How to Build a Campfire
In this chapter, you'll learn:
- Campfire best practices
- Where and how to assemble your fire
- How to extinguish your fire
Additional Reading:
Chapter 4: How to Cook at Camp
In this chapter, you'll learn:
- How to choose camp cookware
- Tips for shopping and meal prep
- Camp cooking techniques
- Tips for food storage and cleanup
Additional Reading:
- Camp Kitchen Checklist
- Food Storage and Handling for Campers
- How to Dehydrate Food
- How to Measure How Much Fuel is Left in a Canister
Shopping Resources:
Camp Kitchen
Downloadable PDF:
Chapter 5: How to Create Camp Magic
In this chapter, you'll learn about:
- Fun things to bring camping
- Camp activities
- S'mores
- Wildlife viewing
- Stargazing
Additional Reading:
Shopping Resources:
Downloadable PDF:
