Camping in the wild is becoming a popular activity with each passing day. The idea of spending a few nights in the wild without urban necessities is becoming a new trend. If you are an experienced camper, then you won’t find it difficult to plan a weekend in the wild. But people with no practical experience of camping get all confused on how to plan a perfect getaway in the lap of nature. So, we have brought the list of basic things to know for a beginner camper to have a great camping experience.

Pack Lightweight Stuff and Small Tent

Packing lightweight stuff in your backpack will help you in easy movement and won't weigh down on you while finding a camping spot. Low weight will also ensure that you leave less impact on the environment. Pack a small tent, a sleeping mat, water and food, a stove with fuel, a torchlight, map, and waterproof clothing. A small tent will help you blend in easily with the landscape and is easy to setup. You can also try hammock camping with a waterproof cover to keep you safe from the elements.

Know the Local Laws and Safety Rules

Before you head out for your first camping trip you must know the laws. Not all places are legal for camping and you should know the places where authorities allow the setup of a camp. Most of the national parks will let you camp for one or two nights, only if you stay away from local houses and roads. You must also leave no trace of your stay and follow all the safety regulations. You should inform your family or friends about your camping site and your duration of stay. You must carry a GPS device and a physical ordnance survey map of your camping location. Always keep a first aid safety kit and a torch with spare batteries for use in case of an emergency.

Practice at Home and Start Simple

You do not want to lose your precious time in learning how to use essential camping equipment at the campsite or wasting time setting up a tent. Practice using all the essential camping equipment at home and also learn how to set up a tent. You might have dreamt about having a multi-day hiking trip with your camping. But for a beginner, starting slow and simple is the ideal thing to do. Do not choose an area which is quite remote or has an unpredictable weather pattern

Pick the Right Spot and Leave No Trace

Pick a dry and flat ground with some shelter from blowing winds. You must avoid camping in farmland or places which seem like in use for some other activity as it may lead to a legal action against you. The best practice is to arrive later than twilight and leave early before the sunrise. This will ensure that you leave little to no trace of your presence in the environment. Avoid lighting campfires as it may damage the groud if the fire gets out of control. Do all the cooking on your stove and pack waste to take back from campsite.

Start with simple and easy to access places. Learn how to set up a tent and get a feel of spending the night in the wild. You should also avoid areas with tough terrains where picking the right way is tedious. Once you have some experience in camping, you can think about going on that dream multi-day camping trip. So this was everything to know about camping for beginners. Hope you have a wonderful experience in the wild.