Copper Beech Greenville
Camping is a great way to escape from the “hustle and grind” of our fast-paced world, to relax and reconnect with nature.
It’s also a fantastic way to spend some quiet, quality time with friends and loved ones.
As Theodore Roosevelt so eloquently stated:
“The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom.”
But whether your goal is to unplug, to reconnect, or just to have a great time, here’s the thing:
Camping trips require some planning.
There’s a big difference between a camping trip that’s ok and a camping trip that’s awesome.
So how do you plan a memorable camping trip that you’ll never forget?
Let’s dive in and talk about a game plan.
1. Decide How Far You’re Willing To Travel
If you already have a destination in mind, then you’re already ahead of the game.
But a lot of people struggle with this one.
Many people end up so overwhelmed at trying to choose a campground or specific location that they end up aborting the mission altogether. They opt for the same old hotel room option and settle for a getaway that isn’t truly a “getaway.”
So start by asking yourself this straightforward question:
How far are you willing to travel?
This may seem like a backward place to start, but there’s a reason for it.
2. Decide When You Want To Go
Now that you know how far you want to travel, it’s time to choose a date and duration for your trip.
Choose a date that’s far enough in the future that it gives you time to:
- Prepare for the journey
- Save up money
- Collect your gear
- Invite the people you want to be there
Remember that some people will need plenty of advance notice to ask off for work, clear their schedules, etc. So for best results, start planning the trip about six months in advance.
3. Choose Your Destination
In the first step, you decided how far you were willing to go.
Awesome.
Now, get a map and a ruler (or better yet, a compass), and measure out that distance.
Draw a circle to indicate the range, using your current location as the center.
This will give you the ability to see all the potential destinations within the distance you’re willing to travel.
Some Tips For Choosing An Actual Location Destination
Make sure to look for places of interest.
These could include:
- Conservation areas
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Popular tourist spots
- Iconic cities or landmarks
Remember that adventure will almost always involve an element of risk. Some of the best camping trips are those that take you out of your comfort zone.
You don’t want to push yourself too much, of course. Yet, you should plan for adventure instead of playing it too safe — especially if you’re an experienced camper and know your way around the outdoor lifestyle.
Once you’ve chosen your location, do a follow-up and make sure that they’ll have camping spots available.
Once you do the double-check, book the site (if required) and finalize the details.
What If Someone Can’t Make It?
In some cases, you may want to wait to finalize trip details until after you’ve heard if your camping buddies can commit to those days.
But in some cases, it’s just easier to book the dates and then send the invites.
Of course, every situation will be a little bit different. But as a general rule, it’s a lot easier to say:
“Hey, I’m planning a trip for these days. Can you make it?”
Rather than…
“Hey, when can everyone make it?”
Making this concrete decision may help you solidify the plans and ensure that the trip will happen.
4. Choose Your Company
Do you plan to go camping alone, or would you like to make it a group trip?
Perhaps you plan to bring your family or to travel with your friends.
In any case, this is the part of the process where you’ll want to decide exactly who you want to invite and then deliver the invitations.
Let them know where and when, and sign them up accordingly!
5. Make Travel Plans
Planning how you’re going to travel to and from the campsite is almost as important as planning the camping trip itself.
Will you need to drive? Fly? Ride a donkey?
Make sure that you solidify these plans. Leaving travel up to chance will increase the likelihood of a ruined excursion.
6. Figure Out What You’ll Need
Making an equipment list plenty of time in advance will help you remember all the essential things you’ll need.
The more prepared you are, the more time you can spend making your camping trip memorable. (Not to mention, less time you’ll spend stressed or frustrated because you forgot something essential.)
For best results, download a camping trip checklist (like this one), and use it to make sure that you’ve planned for everything you may need.
7. Research The Area You’re Visiting
Learning as much as possible about the area you plan to travel to is a must — especially if you plan to travel to a faraway place that you’ve never been before.
Research local towns, cities, conservation areas, rules, regulations, seasonal activities, etc.
Doing your due diligence will help you to get up-to-speed on what to expect when you arrive.
8. BONUS: Make Backup And Emergency Plans
What will you do if something goes wrong?
Making a plan for this will give you peace of mind and increase the odds of returning safely.
Make sure that someone has your vacation itinerary, just in case you don’t check in.
Also, make sure that you have some extra money and resources stashed away. You never know when you may need to get an unexpected room, pay for a tow, or buy some gear last-minute that you didn’t pack.
You don’t want to get left stranded in the middle of nowhere without a safety plan.
Conclusion
Use these eight tips to plan your next camping trip, and we feel confident in saying — you’ll never forget it!
Then, all that’s left is to put the plan in motion.
It’s time to get out there and start living the outdoor life of your dreams!
Author Bio
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Copper Beech at Greenville to help them with their online marketing.
