Going camping this summer? Here's how to avoid the crowds – and rookie mistakes
Chances are pretty good you'll get roped into camping this summer. But along with a sleeping bag, tent and bug repellent, you might want to pack a few pro tips for your trip.
New research suggests the pandemic has pushed camping into the mainstream. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) says 48.2 million households camped at least once in 2020, including 10.1 million households that camped for the first time.
"On the ground, it feels like we are in for a very busy summer season," says Tiffany Soukup, a Vermont park ranger.
If you're camping in 2021, there's a lot at stake. But with a little planning and common sense, you can navigate the crowds and avoid rookie mistakes. Take it from this former Boy Scout.
Taking a summer camping trip? Here's what's new
Besides ridiculously high demand, there are two new camping trends this summer, experts say.
First, many national and state parks are starting to offer camper cabins. They're rustic wooden shelters with essentials such as a table, benches, and wooden bunk beds with mattresses but no indoor plumbing. Camper cabins allow you to experience the outdoors comfortably, even during cool or rainy weather. And second, the increased demand has led to many private landowners opening their property to campers.
"That can be a great option because you have more space and privacy," says Paul Johnson, founder of North Outdoors, a camping site.
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The second: New apps and sites have fueled the camping revolution of 2021. Hipcamp and Tentrr can help you find a campsite, or you can make a reservation on the KOA site.
Arvie also launched a new site a few weeks ago, promising "one click" booking of live campsite inventory. Dyrt shows reviews of popular campsites. If roughing it isn't your thing, you can always check into Glamping Hub, which lists everything from luxury treehouses to tricked-out Airstreams.
Avoid the crowds
Here's a tip for your summer camping trip: Avoid the crowds. Most first-time campers head to the most popular destinations on their summer camping trips. That means making a beeline for crowded-to-capacity national park.
But wait. You're trying to get away from the crowds, aren't you?
"If you want to avoid the crowds while camping this summer, avoid the national parks," says Jessica Averett, publisher of the site Kids Camping Tips. "While they are absolutely amazing, they are the first places that out-of-town tourists add to their itineraries and can become packed."
For more solitude, look into state and regional parks, which often have great amenities and attractions but without the throngs of campers. Or try a private campground.
Test your gear before you hit the road
If you've never pitched your new tent, try it before you arrive at the campsite. Otherwise, you might not have a place to sleep. Same thing goes for your other gear.
"It's amazing to me how many campers buy a tent or a stove and just show up at a campsite having never opened the package," says Alison Watta, who writes about her camping adventures on her site, Exploration Solo. "Struggling with gear when you're already tired and your family is sitting there staring at you is a good way to start your vacation off on a bad note."
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Hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Did I mention that I spent almost every summer growing up in a tent somewhere in Europe? I did. And I still like camping.
My favorite recent experience was glamping in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve before the pandemic. That was an adventure with every creature comfort you could imagine. It's a great way to be outdoors without being too outdoorsy, if you know what I mean.
But if I had to camp out of a car in the States, this would be my summer camping tip: Hope for the best but plan for the worst. By "best," I mean genuinely connecting with nature and your family. Hiking, swimming, fishing. Sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories, of course.
And by "worst," I mean, bugs, rain and more bugs. Don't forget your bug repellent and rain gear, please.
So if you're thinking of joining the camping craze, remember to plan ahead, and heed these pro camping tips. You'll have a much better vacation if you do. See you out there, fellow campers.
Avoid these summer camping trip mistakes
Failing to check the campground amenities. "Note what you'll have access to," says Catherine Ryan Gregory, author of the book "Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids." "That includes potable water, toilets, and showers." That will determine what you need to pack to have a comfortable camping trip. You may need to bring water, or remove your garbage, or even bring a trowel to dig a cat hole when nature calls.
A tent that's too small. "Don't believe what tent manufacturers say about how many people will fit in a tent," says Chris Emery, editor of the outdoor site Ordealist.com. "Especially if you are camping with your family." He says tentmakers' ratings are for backpackers who will have to carry the tent on their backs for long distances. Most people who are car camping for the first time will find a three-person tent pretty uncomfortable for three people.
Not following campground rules. Every campground has them. Quiet times are some of the most important, says Diane Vukovic, an outdoor writer with Mom Goes Camping. "You also need to make sure you don't leave trash around your campsite, and definitely don't try to burn trash," she says. Some campground rules are unwritten. For example, you should avoid taking shortcuts through other people's sites when walking around the campground. And don't approach someone else's campfire unless you're invited.