Camp Like a Pro: 12 Essential Tips and Tricks for Optimal Outdoor Adventures

To this day, camping remains one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors. But what exactly can you do to ensure your trip runs smoothly? Below are 12 essential tips and tricks, as recommended by seasoned campers. There’s no reason why you too can’t camp like a pro!
1. Get a Good Headlamp

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This one may seem obvious, but it’s certainly not overrated. A good headlamp can go a long way in granting your adventure ease and comfort. Try to get one that’s rechargeable.
2. Paracord is Priceless

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For a chord that’s so compact, it sure is strong. Your paracord can come in handy for a whole range of bushcraft activities, one such example being a laundry line.
There’s a reason why both NASA and soldiers utilize this piece of gear. Trust in the power of the paracord.
3. Rain Fly and Dry Clothes

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According to many, setting up the rain fly when tent camping is important. Because, as soon as you don’t – it will rain!
One person suggests investing in giant Ziplock bags to keep clothes dry in case of rain. Staying dry is vital to a pleasant outdoor experience.
4. Packing Tips

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It is common for campers to bring more clothing than they need. One person advised packing clothes that can be easily layered and worn for a couple of days.
5. Avoid Putting Bug Spray Inside Camping Bag

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Don’t put bug spray inside your camping bag; it can easily spill and ruin everything.
One unhappy camper shared a personal experience of accidentally getting bug spray on a bag of candy, which ruined the candy.
6. Check the Weather Before Pitching the Tent

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It’s important to make an educated guess on the weather when pitching a tent, especially in areas with unstable weather.
Make sure you are on high ground and not in a drainage that could be subject to flooding.
7. Pocket Bellows for Easier Fire Starting

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Someone recommended bringing a pocket bellow – a hollow tube that can be used to direct air into a fire in a controlled way. This makes starting a fire easier. They suggested buying one of the ready-made collapsible ones or using a reusable metal straw.
A controlled, steady airflow into the middle of a tender bundle can help ignite a fire if the materials and wood are damp. It also keeps you from getting too close to the fire, making it safer to get that campfire to light. While not necessary, it can be a helpful tool.
8. Freezing Liquid Eggs for Ice (and Breakfast)

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Several seasoned campers recommended purchasing small 500ml cartons of liquid eggs and freezing them for ice blocks in coolers – with the added benefit of having eggs to make omelets or scrambled eggs. Someone also suggested freezing thick-cut bacon for a bonus.
Also, be sure to pack an easy camp kitchen.
9. Hammock Setup Tips

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Getting strong “webbing” rope for hammocks is a good idea. Also, bring extra in case the trees are further apart than anticipated. Tie it with long, taut ropes to prevent too much sagging and discomfort, and even add a side string to rock the hammock like a baby’s cradle to enjoy the starry view.
10. Emergency Campfire Pot

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Another happy camper suggested a handy tip: before going on your trip, take a bunch of dried twigs, leaves, pinecone bits, and grass in melted wax in a small pot. Let it dry and set. The wax concoction creates an emergency campfire that is handy if it rains while camping.
11. Keep Tent Dry and Weighed Down

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Many advised it’s important to remember that tents tend to retain water, so it’s recommended to lay a ground tarp (tent footprint) and hang a tarp cover (with walls if necessary).
Weigh down the inner corners with rocks even if the tent is staked down.
12. Put Your Tools Back

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Finally, a camper emphasized the importance of returning tools where they belong after each use to avoid accidents or mishaps during camping trips.
These tips and tricks can help campers have a safer and more enjoyable experience outdoors.
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5 Awesome Pet-Friendly KOAs To Book for Labor Day

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Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has many popular campgrounds catering to furry friends, with KampK9 dog parks providing a secure space for pets to frolic. Of all the pet-friendly KOAs, these five locations have some of the highest ratings – here’s what they offer for the perfect Labor Day getaway.
5 Awesome Pet-Friendly KOAs To Book for Labor Day
7 Epic KOAs Perfect to Base Your Next National Park Glamping Adventure

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According to a recent study, that’s a significant jump from the previous year, and an increasingly popular way to experience glamping is through Kampgrounds of America (KOAs). These campgrounds offer amenities beyond your typical camping adventure — from dedicated dog parks and cabins to hot tub facilities.
So instead of putting your travel budget into a hotel close to a national park, consider booking a spot at a KOA near these stunning destinations.
7 Epic KOAs Perfect to Base Your Next National Park Glamping Adventure
Pitch Perfect: Your Ultimate Guide to Tent Camping for Beginners

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Sleeping in a tent is low maintenance, making it a more freeing experience. Having a tent is way less maintenance than owning an RV, and it costs way less to have and use. Camping keeps things simple making it incredibly liberating. All you have to do is pack your gear, throw everything in the car, and go!
Keep reading to learn more about the basics of tent camping for beginners.
Pitch Perfect: Your Ultimate Guide to Tent Camping for Beginners
20 Most Scenic Places To Go Camping in the United States

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Do you camp? Does the idea of breathing in shared air with wildlife stir up joy? Do you jump at the thought of sleeping in the woods? Then here are 20 scenic camping spots across the United States.
20 Most Scenic Places To Go Camping in the United States
30 Items To Create a DIY Simple Camp Kitchen

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One of the best parts about camping is cooking under the open sky. So, we thought it necessary to speak to how to create a simple camp kitchen. But what if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on gear? You can create your own DIY camp kitchen with just 30 items! This guide will show you how to set everything up, so you can cook and eat well outdoors.
30 Items To Create a DIY Simple Camp Kitchen
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