8 Tips for Tent Camping Success

Tent camping can be an amazing experience for anyone. There’s nothing quite like pitching your own tent, starting a campfire, and spending a few days experiencing nature up close and personal.

Unfortunately, tents aren’t made of indestructible material. Over time, tents develop leaks as the fabric wears down. They can develop mildew, mold, or become unusable because of general wear and tear.

Over the years, we’ve discovered some important things about tent camping, and how to help keep your tent in the best shape it can be. Here are a few ways you can make sure your tent camping experience is a successful one:

1. Pick the right location to set up your tent. Avoid low-lying areas, because they tend to have poor air flow. In addition, low-lying areas are more likely to gather water, causing a flooding problem.
2. Protect your tent from the sun. Set your tent up in the shade, if at all possible. Try not to dry the tent under direct sunlight, either.
3. Don’t pull your tent material too tight during setup. If one side of the tent is creased, it is worth the extra time and care to adjust the frame. If the material stretches too much, you’re likely to develop a leak.
4. Keep your tent clean. Get rid of trash daily. Leave shoes and boots outside the tent, or use a mat inside. Bring a broom, if possible. Sweep the tent every morning.
5. Make sure your tent is well-ventilated. Allow the tent to get a bit of a cross breeze. If possible, face the tent toward the source of any wind to allow it to catch the airflow.
6. Keep your tent dry inside while you’re camping. This can be especially difficult when it’s raining, or if it is especially humid. You can even use anti-moisture sprays to stop condensation from building up inside the tent.
7. Keep your tent dry when it’s in storage, too. Don’t allow mold or mildew to develop.
8. Watch out for creases when storing your tent, too. Try to fold your tent along different lines each time.

Following these tips helps you preserve your tent and insures that your camping experience is a positive one.