How to Go Camping


Articles: 6


If you haven't been camping since childhood or have never camped out before, we can help. We keep things simple for your first trip, talk a little about tents and sleeping bags, and show you how to build a great campfire. All that, plus we give you a printable checklist full of stuff you might want for future trips.

  • Illustration of a view looking out of a tent: camp chair, campfire, rising sun and coffee.

    Skills

    Camping for Beginners

    1118 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars

    First time car camping? Learn what gear you’ll need to bring and read our helpful tips for making your outdoor overnight a success.

  • A tent is set up in a campsite near a river with misty trees in the background

    Buying Advice

    How to Choose Tents for Camping

    515 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

    Learn how to choose a car camping tent. This article with video covers capacity, seasonality, features and optional accessories.

  • A sleeping bag lies inside a tent

    Buying Advice

    How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Camping

    441 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

    Learn about temperature ratings, insulation types, bag shapes and more, so you can decide which is the best camping sleeping bag for you.

  • two campers connect tent poles to tent

    Skills

    How to Set Up a Tent

    200 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars

    Learn how to select a good campsite and get tips on setting up your footprint, poles, rainfly and guylines when you’re pitching your tent.

  • how to build a campfire

    Skills

    How to Build a Campfire

    490 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

    Learn how to build a campfire when you’re camping or backpacking, as well as fire etiquette tips.

  • Illustration of items in camping checklist

    Checklists

    Camping Checklist

    10820 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars

    Our camping checklist includes all the essentials, plus some handy extras to make your next camping trip as comfy and convenient as home.