Camping is a great way to vacation inexpensively and explore the outdoors at the same time. But for first-time campers, planning an adventure in the outdoors can be a bit overwhelming. This section offers helpful tips for choosing campgrounds, planning trips, and packing for your vacation.

Choosing a Campground

Start by sitting down with your friends or family and creating an outline of campground requirements. For example, hardcore campers might feel comfortable without running water or a modern day sewage system, but you may not. Many campgrounds offer access to clean water, bathrooms and showers. Some even offer electrical outlets and cable television. If you aren’t ready to completely submerge yourself in the beauty of the outdoors by bathing in a nearby lake or digging your own toilet, perhaps you should consider a campground with some modern conveniences. Outlining your camping group’s personal preferences ahead of time will allow you to quickly eliminate some campgrounds and narrow your choices down to the best options for your first trip.

Planning Your Trip

After you decide what kind of campground you are looking for, do some research. Most campgrounds have a website, so start by searching the internet. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has a great website with a huge database of campgrounds located all over the United States. Most KOA locations have access to the conveniences mentioned above, but also have sites for more experienced campers who prefer a complete submersion into nature. Like most official campgrounds, there is a small fee to camp per night, but it’s usually quite reasonable.

Packing Tips

Once you have chosen a camping vacation, be sure to make a packing list before loading up the car. No matter where you plan to camp, you will need warm clothes, rain gear, bug repellant and at least a small supply of bottled water. Along with standard camping gear like tents and sleeping bags, be sure to bring cookware, plates, silverware, and trash bags to clean up after yourself. These are just the basics, but you can find a complete packing list for the prepared camper at the website for Oregon State Parks.

A Great Camping Ground for First Timers: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has a variety of campgrounds and activities for every kind of camper. You can camp in a tent within the wilderness or stay closer to civilization with electricity and clean water access. This park offers activities ranging from horseback riding to Indian powwows. You can also request a trip-planning guide and explore the possibilities of one of America’s most popular national parks.