I've been camping my whole life. Here are 16 tips I'd recommend to first-timers.

Elisa ParhadNov 3, 2021, 23:28 IST

I grew up camping and during COVID, it became my family's go-to getaway.Elisa Parhad

I've gone camping for years, but like many others, camping became my family's refuge during COVID.
This year, we scrapped non-camping plans and opted only to pitch tents.

Camping might not be a top pick for all but it's a delight that everyone should try at least once.

I grew up pitching a tent and it's a huge part of who I am as an adult because it allowed me to travel on a budget. Now that I have kids, it's become our family's no-brainer activity that gets us all out of the house into nature.

And amid the pandemic, that became more important than ever. In fact, while we've always camped, this summer we scrapped all non-camping plans and opted only to pitch tents.

If you have yet to try camping or think it's not for you, here are the best secrets I've learned for how to take the "rough" out of "roughing it."

Consider camping on weekdays and shoulder seasons.

Fewer crowds means enjoying pretty sunrises like this one all to yourself. Elisa Parhad

You don't need fancy gear to go camping.

Camping is simple and your gear should reflect that. Elisa Parhard

Rent gear before you buy it.

Renting gear is a cheaper option than buying everything new while you decide if camping is for you. Elisa Parhad

Make a camping bin to keep everything you need at the ready.

A few essential items from my camping bin. Elisa Parhad

Test out your gear before leaving on any trip.

Testing your gear before leaving will prevent problems at the campsite later. Elisa Parhad

Make a checklist and check it twice.

Here is my actual camping checklist. Elisa Parhad

Book at least two nights.

Booking at least two nights ensures ample time to appreciate the scenery of your destination. Elisa Parhad

Extra bed padding is your friend.

Morning wakeup in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California. Elisa Parhad

Skip the poles and choose an instant tent.

Our popup instant tent at the campground at Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park, off the coast of Southern California. Elisa Parhad

Buy a tent for more people than you have.

A larger tent will allow for a more comfortable stay. Elisa Parhad

RV your way into the camping life.

Washing the dishes in a camper van like this one was a cinch. Elisa Parhad

Dinner hacks will help you chill more and cook less.

Cookin’ up a storm at Skypark Camp + RV Resort just outside the amazing Skypark at Santa’s Village outdoor adventure park in Skyforest, California. Elisa Parhad

Prepare for downtime.

Here I am chilling out in the woods in a Coalatree Grandview hammock. Elisa Parhad

Say yes to a two-person sleeping bag.

Here we are cozying up in a two-person sleeping bag atop an airbed. Elisa Parhad

Check campground reviews before booking and save the best ones.

Vet your campsite with reviews like you would a hotel or any other lodging. Elisa Parhad

Choose camping for international trips, too.

Camping is available worldwide. Here we are in Australia. Elisa Parhad

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