Going on a camping trip with your friends is something everyone should do at least once in their life. In fact, getting away from the city and roughing it outdoors works wonders for strengthening friendships.
For one, going camping is a great way to spend quality time with your friends as everyone will be more or less unplugged. Secondly, you will be away from the comforts of your home so everyone will learn to rely on each other.
Last but not least, being out in the countryside and embracing nature is one of the best stress-relievers. Going camping allows you to cast aside your worries, live in the now and enjoy being in the presence of your friends.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of tips on planning your first camping trip with your friends. Even if none of you has gone camping before, or isn’t too keen on sleeping on the ground, don’t fret!
By the time you’re done with this article, you’ll be raring to experience the great outdoors, toast marshmallows around a campfire and sleep under the stars. Keep reading to find out more! Don’t forget to pack your two-person camping tents from expert camper!
1. Build a campfire
A camping trip isn’t complete without a campfire. In fact, the highlight of many camping trips comes when the sun goes down and everyone huddles around the fire singing or sharing stories.
Most campsites allow campfires. But just to be sure, remember to check that campsite fires at your campsite are permitted to avoid disappointment. You also want to bring along things needed for a campfire.
Again, some campsites might provide logs and food supplies but remember to check with your campsite before setting off.
2. Make dinner an event
Other than campfires, food is the next most important thing when you’re going on a camping trip. And trust us, even if you’re not a big eater, spending the whole day outdoors or hiking will surely work up your appetite.
Most friend groups have at least one or two people who are good at cooking. Well, going on a camping trip is a great way for them to put their skills to use. Throw a BBQ party or cook some stew.
Just because you’re outdoors and don’t have a kitchen doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice having good, hearty meals. And, even if none of you knows how to cook, that’s what processed food is for.
Head to the grocery store to get from hotdogs, buns, mac-and-cheese or ready-to-eat meals before heading to the campsite. Comfort foods like these will definitely taste much better when you’re eating them around a campfire with your friends after a tiring day.
3. Pick a memorable location
Many people enjoy camping because it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and embrace the relaxing, tranquil atmosphere. And, a lot of this has to do with where you choose to set up camp.
If you’re looking for a more scenic location, why not try camping in a national park. If you and your friends enjoy soaking up the sun, try heading to a campsite that’s near the beach.
If you want a quiet getaway, maybe give the more popular family-friendly campsites a miss. If you’ve never picked a campsite before, the choice may be overwhelming at first. But, thinking of activities that you and your friends enjoy doing will help narrow down your choices.
4. Pool your resources
Going camping with friends is great because you can divide what to bring amongst yourself. This is especially important if you’re planning to hike to your campsite. Packing a lot of things will weigh you down and you’ll definitely tire out faster lugging around all your belongings.
So, before setting for your camping trip, gather your friends and plan who’s responsible for bringing what. Not everyone has to bring a tent, camp stove or toiletries.
What’s more, if this is your first time camping, you may not have all the camping equipment you might need. If one of your friends has what you need, this will save you some money and a trip to the store.
5. Find activities with wide appeals
The more people on a camping trip, the harder it’ll be to decide on an activity that everyone likes. Some of you may want to relax around the campsite or take a relaxing swim in the lake. I
f you have more active and adventurous friends, maybe they’ll want to go on a hike or go mountain biking. So, when you’re choosing a campsite, it’s also important to pick one that offers a wide variety of activities so no one feels bored or left out.
6. Choose glamping
If sleeping on the ground doesn’t appeal to some in your friend group, then you should definitely try glamping. You’ll still be able to enjoy nature and other fun camping activities without having to sleep in tents.
Many campsites offer glamping options where guests can sleep in RVs, campervans, cabins and even cottages.
7. Make it easy
If you have a lot of first-time campers in the group, you don’t have to go all out for your first camping trip. Pick a campsite close to home or one that offers amenities like shower facilities.
You should also consider picking a campsite that’s accessible by car. Not everyone will be up for a long hike while lugging around the camping equipment if the campsite is in a more remote location.
8. Accept people’s limitations
Last but not least, respect everyone’s opinions! Not all your friends might want to go camping. That’s ok! Try floating the idea to get a gauge of everyone’s opinions.
You can even consider heading on a day trip if not everyone is comfortable with sleeping outdoors. This way, you can still enjoy some time outdoors and head back home once people start feeling tired.
Conclusion
Camping with your friends is definitely something you should experience at least once in your life. It’s a great way to bond with people you love while taking a break from your usual busy routine.
So, what are you waiting for? Nature beckons! It’s time to gather your friends, get out your sleeping bags and start planning your first camping trip! Trust us, it’ll definitely be a trip you won’t ever forget.
Leave a Reply