What To Do On Your First Day Of Camping

If you’re preparing to camp for the very first time, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what exactly you need to do. Here are the primary things you’ll need to do in order to make that first day smooth and enjoyable:

Check in

When you get to the campground, you’ll need to stop into the office. If you have a reservation already, you will sign in, fill out a registration form, get your campsite number or choose your campsite, and pay for your stay. You will also be asked how many people will be camping, the license plate of the vehicle that will be parked at the campsite, and other information. You will probably be asked to provide identification, as well.

If possible, take a look around the campground to hand-pick your campsite. You want a campsite that isn’t completely out in the sun, that isn’t too close to the bathrooms, and that is on fairly high ground. If you’re camping with children and would like to be near the playground or beach, make sure you indicate that when you check in as well. Pick a campsite that has room to cook, and that is near a water source.

Setting Up

Once you’ve arrived at your actual campsite, it’s time to do some setting up. You’ll want to set up your tent, screen tent or other dwellings first. As you unload your vehicle, you’ll be unloading your camping equipment into these locations.

Choose a spot for your tent that is dry and elevated, but not on a slope. Keep the tent away from your campfire and from your cooking area, if possible. Often, a far corner of the campsite will work best for the tent.

If possible, try to have a sack lunch ready, rather than having to try to cook while you’re setting up camp. This gives you the afternoon to get things set up, before you need to worry about cooking.

Unpack

Once the tent is set up, you’ll unpack your camping gear. Place your sleeping gear in the tent, and your cooking equipment near where you’ll be cooking. Unload and set up your camping chairs, and stack your firewood somewhere near where your campfire will be.

Enjoy Yourself!

Really, that’s all there is to it. Once you’re set up and unpacked, you can start enjoying a nice campfire, a game of Frisbee, or whatever other activity you’re interested in.