How to Plan Your First Camping Trip (Even If You’ve Never Camped Before)
Planning your first camping trip can feel exciting… and a little overwhelming. But now is the time to start planning for that summer camping trip.
There are dates to choose, parks to explore, campsites to compare, and reservations to wrangle. Here’s the good news: once you understand the basics, planning becomes simple — and even fun.
This guide walks you through the essential steps so you can pick the right place, book the right site, and head into your first camping adventure with confidence.
1. Start by Choosing Your Dates
Your dates will determine everything else — availability, weather, even how busy campgrounds will be.
A few tips for picking the right weekend:
Check your own schedule first. Choose a weekend you won’t be rushed leaving town or returning home.
Consider the season. Spring and fall offer cooler temps, while summer has the most daylight.
Pay attention to holidays. Holiday weekends fill fast and can be noisy. For your first trip, a non-holiday weekend is usually calmer.
Look up expected weather. Temperature swings can be dramatic. Be sure you're comfortable with the conditions.
Choose your dates first, even if they’re flexible. It makes searching for campsites much easier.
2. Pick a Park That Matches Your Comfort Level
Not all campgrounds are the same, and that’s a good thing. But beginners often do best in parks with amenities and easy access.
Look for parks that offer:
Drive-in campsites (no long hike required)
Clean bathrooms and drinking water
Ranger stations or hosts on-site
Simple trails and nearby activities
Easy parking and well-marked roads
State parks and national recreation areas are great for first-timers because they’re well maintained and beginner-friendly.
If you want to try something more adventurous later — like backpacking or dispersed camping — you’ll have the confidence to level up after a few trips.
3. Choose the Right Campsite
Once you pick a park, it’s time to decide where inside the park you want to stay. Not all campsites are created equal, so it helps to know what to look for.
For your first trip, look for sites that offer:
Proximity to bathrooms (but not too close — 200-300 feet is ideal)
Flat, level ground for pitching your tent
Shade, especially in warm months
Distance from busy roads or trailheads
A picnic table and fire ring
Most reservation websites include photos, maps, and even reviews from previous campers. Take advantage of them — knowing what your site looks like before you arrive makes everything easier.
4. Make Your Reservation Early
Campgrounds (especially popular ones) can fill up months in advance. When you know your dates and preferred park, book as soon as you can.
Where to make reservations:
Recreation.gov for national parks and federal lands
ReserveAmerica.com for many state parks
State park websites for locally managed options
When booking, pay attention to:
Check-in and check-out times
Vehicle limits
Quiet hours
Fire restrictions
Whether the campsite has electricity (not required, but helpful for some)
If your first choice is full, try mid-week dates or look for parks within a 1–2 hour drive — they’re often less crowded.
5. Create a Simple Plan (But Leave Room for Flexibility)
First trips don’t need rigid schedules. A loose plan helps you feel prepared without overpacking your day.
Your plan might include:
When you’ll leave home
When you expect to arrive (before dark is ideal! Setting up a tent in the dark is an adventure in itself.)
One or two activities (short hike, scenic overlook, campfire dinner)
When you’ll pack up and head home
The beauty of camping is the slow pace. Plan just enough to feel ready — and let the rest unfold naturally.
Final Thoughts
Planning your first camping trip doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right dates, the right park, the right campsite, and a reservation in hand, you’ll already be ahead of the game.
You don’t have to know everything. You just have to start.
The outdoors is waiting — and your first adventure is closer than you think.
Happy camping,
JP