Tent camping is an escape from the busyness of our lives that takes us on adventures in the beautiful outdoors where we can disconnect from technology and reconnect with Mother Nature. The more you plan for a camping trip, the more you’ll enjoy the experience. To make sure you get to experience the summer camping of your dreams, here are 6 tips for tent camping.

1. PRACTICE SETTING UP THE TENT AT HOME

Sure, it may look easy to set up. “The box claims set-up only takes 5 minutes,” you say. Well, not everyone is a camping pro, and when you’re out in the woods with just a few minutes of sunlight left, you are not going to want to be testing out your camping skills. Instead, set up the tent in your living room or back yard a couple of times before heading out. Not only will that help you get the hang of what goes where, it will also help you speed up the process of setting up the tent so that you aren’t wasting your precious camping time fussing with tent poles.

2. PICK YOUR CAMPSITES AHEAD OF TIME

Few things feel more stressful than that panicky feeling you get as the sun is setting, and you have no idea where you’re going to park your tent for the night. Search the areas you’re interested in exploring and find the nearest campsite. It is always recommended that new campers camp close to home on their first couple trips. That way, if the trip goes south, it’s not a huge car ride back to reality. Baby steps are good when it comes to camping as a newbie.

3. There’s nothing wrong with being over-prepared

Sure, packing light is handy. However, you won’t know what you really need until you’ve been camping a few times. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you that you’ve packed too much. It’s fine to be prepared for all situations until you can put together your own, personalised list of essentials to pack.

4. Take a first aid kit

Fingers crossed you won’t need to use it but having the basics to clean and bandage a wound will be invaluable if you or someone you’re with does have an accident. If you’re camping with a dog, taking a separate first aid kit is a great idea.

5. MAKE CAMPFIRE-FRIENDLY MEALS AHEAD OF TIME

Just because you’re camping and don’t have access to a big kitchen doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have good food. If you’re not feeling excited about a can of baked beans and some hot dogs for dinner while camping, then plan ahead and make some meals that are easy to cook over the campfire. Make chicken kabobs ahead of time and pack in plastic bags. With this method, the kabobs will be all set to pull out, and you’ll be able to cook up a fabulous meal over the fire in just a few minutes.

6. Consider Leaving Pets at Home

We’re all about camping with dogs, but sometimes it’s best to just leave your pets at home. The fact is it’s hard to know how your dog will act in a camping environment if they’ve never gone camping before. There were cases of well-behaved dogs turn into anxious wrecks at campgrounds. Worse yet, is if your dog just won’t stop barking. Not to mention, you never want to risk your pet jumping out of your vehicle and running away. If you’re dead set on taking your dog camping, then include your dog in your home trial run. At the very least, make sure they’ll be comfortable sleeping in the tent with you at night.