How to Camp in the Woods

Heading out to woods for a weekend can be a fun diversion from a routine weekend. A successful trip involves planning out the goods and clothing you need to carry. Carry fewer supplies if you don’t have access to a vehicle or plan on walking a lot. When you get to the woods, choose your camping spot carefully. Secure your tent and other supplies so you can have a relaxing time in nature.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Choosing a Pack and Shelter

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    Pack a tent that will stand up to the weather. A sturdy camping tent is the quintessential element of most camping trips. For woodland camping, you need something waterproof. Look for a tent with an attached rainfly and vents you can open to facilitate air circulation.[1]
    • Most tents designed for camping in the woods are 3-season tents, which means they can be used in all seasons except for winter.
    • If you do plan on camping in the winter, get a 4-season or winter shelter. These tents are heavier and more durable to compensate for tougher conditions.
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    Get a lighter tent if you plan on walking a lot. Keeping your tent lightweight is important if you need to carry it around for long distances. Smaller tents are lighter but typically house only 1 or 2 campers. Look for tents with lightweight aluminum poles. Tents with few zippers or storage spaces also save on weight.[2]
    • You can also lighten your load a little by leaving your tent stakes behind and securing the tent to natural features such as rocks, roots, or trees.
    • If you plan on car camping, which means driving to a campsite, bringing a heavy luxury tent isn’t a problem.
    • You may be able to go without a tent, such as if you are camping in an RV or plan on sleeping outdoors in the open air.
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    Get a waterproof tarp to keep your tent dry. Rain is a possibility when you’re in the woods, and a good tarp can provide some protection from it. You can often string up a tarp between the trees to drive water away from your campsite. Another option is to place a tarp underneath your tent in order to prevent moisture from leaking inside. Whatever you do, bring at least 1 tarp if you plan on camping outdoors.[3]
    • You can order tarps online or find them at most home improvement stores. Be sure to get rope or stakes if you plan on hanging a tarp.
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    Choose an insulated sleeping bag to keep yourself warm. Similar to tents, a variety of sleeping bags exist to cater to different camping experiences. A 3-season sleeping bag is suitable for most trips. Many sleeping bags are made out of synthetic materials, which makes them warm and durable. However, synthetic bags take up more space, which may be an issue as you pack.[4]
    • Bags filled with down feathers are warmer and can be a better option during cold nights. You can get a bag with water-resistant down, which is cheaper and not as insulating as traditional goose down.
    • If you camp a lot in the summer or winter, look for bags specifically for those seasons. Summer bags are lighter and more ventilated, while winter bags are heavier and more insulated.
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    Pick a lightweight backpack to carry your camping gear. Your choice of backpack determines how much gear you can carry. Backpacks themselves can feel quite weighty, so select yours carefully. Consider how long you plan on camping, what you need to bring, and how much you can carry.[5]
    • Like tents, bags have different weights. Packs with few pouches, zippers, and fabrics will be the lightest. You should test packs by wearing them to make sure they feel comfortable to you.
    • An overnight pack is good for a 1 or 2-day trip. Weekend packs are useful for trips 2 to 3 days long. Multiday and extended-trip packs can hold supplies for longer trips.
    • If you are able to make use of a vehicle, getting a great backpack is less important. Consider how far you plan on walking and what you need to carry after you park.
    • If you’re camping with other people, you can split up the gear between multiple bags.
    EXPERT TIP
    Britt Edelen

    Britt Edelen

    Outdoor Educator
    Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.
    Britt Edelen
    Britt Edelen
    Outdoor Educator

    Be thoughtful about what you pack. The two biggest mistakes that people make are either packing too much or not packing enough. You want to have plenty on hand just in case anything unexpected happens, so pack things like snacks, extra water, and a flashlight, even for short hikes. However, you probably don't need to take things like extra shoes and socks, because carrying all of that stuff can quickly get tiring.

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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Selecting Clothing

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    Bring at least 1 change of clothing. Spare clothing is very useful when you get caught out in the rain. It also helps when you’re sweating through warm weather. When 1 set of clothing gets wet, you can switch to your backup set while your original outfit begins to dry. Arrange your outfits before you leave and make room for them in your pack.[6]
    • Many people make the mistake of packing too much clothing. At a minimum, you need 2 outfits. Bring more if you would like, but make sure you can carry it.
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    Wear clothing made from a quick-drying fabric. Nothing is worse than wearing a cotton T-shirt and denim jeans drenched in rain and sweat. The best fabrics for camping are synthetics, such as nylon and polyester, and some natural materials, such as fleece and merino wool. These fabrics all wick away water and dry more quickly than cotton clothing. Try to choose clothing that fits you well but leaves a little space for air to circulate.[7]
    • Regular clothing, including jeans, shorts, and cotton shirts, are okay to bring if you have room, can keep dry, and don’t plan on walking much.
    • Nylon and polyester are synthetic fabrics and are a little cheaper than merino wool.
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    Bring a warm fleece or wool jacket for cold weather. Factor in cold weather and dipping temperatures at night. Jackets with fleece or wool linings are light, so they are easy to carry. Select a jacket that fits snugly on your body but doesn’t restrict your ability to move and breathe.[8]
    • Regular jackets are bulky and often dry poorly when soaked. Specialty jackets are important for camping, especially if you plan on walking a lot.
    • Be sure to check the weather before you leave. You may be able to risk leaving the jacket at home.
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    Include a rain jacket to stay dry in bad weather. Look for jackets that are both waterproof and breathable. These jackets feel lighter and less oppressive than regular rain jackets. Water-resistant gear is available, but it is only meant to shield you from light rains over a short amount of time.[9]
    • Some items, including ponchos, are okay to use in a stationary camp. These options are cheaper but can easily break.
    • Consider investing in waterproof clothing if you plan on being around water a lot, such as while on a boat.
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    Wear a bandana, wide hat, or other sun protection. Take into account how long you will be exposed to the sun so you don’t get any nasty burns. Cover your head with a bandana or wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the top of your head. You will likely want sunglasses as well to shield your eyes.[10]
    • You definitely need these items while you are out in the daytime. They are important even when the skies are overcast.
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    Select a pair of hiking boots that support your ankles. Hiking boots may not seem important for camping in the woods, but a good pair of shoes can protect you from ankle injuries. Hiking shoes, which look similar to regular tennis shoes, are great options for day trips. Choose a pair that feel snug but give your toes a little room to move around.[11]
    • Hiking shoes or boots are a must if you plan on walking around, especially if you’re around rocks or slippery areas. They hold up better to the moisture and give more traction on difficult walking surfaces than regular shoes.
    • Day hiking boots are a sturdier footwear option that’s useful for short hikes and carrying light loads. Backpacking boots give you extra support when you are on long trips and carrying heavier loads.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Packing Supplies

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    Bring a portable stove to cook your food. You can purchase a portable burner to cook up food on the go. Some stoves run on propane, but others use wood or charcoal, so bring some fuel as well. Take matches as well in case you need them to activate the stove.[12]
    • You can also cook over a campfire. Try bringing along a cooking grate and lay it over your fire pit.
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    Bring a pot, knife, and other utensils. If you pack lightly, you don’t need to take a lot of these supplies. Most portable ovens are small, so you end up cooking everything in a single pot. You will need a sharp knife in order to cut food, open cans, and perform other handy tasks around camp. Bring a few forks and spoons to help you cook and eat.[13]
    • Plastic utensils and paper plates are acceptable if you’re not isolated in the woods. For backpacking trips, these items are an issue since they aren’t reusable and you may not find a place to throw them away.
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    Choose prepared foods you can eat on the go. Peanut butter, granola bars, nuts, jerky, and dried fruits all require little to no preparation. When you don’t have time to cook or are unable to because of a storm, you will have these snacks to tide you over. These foods don’t take up much space and won’t expire during your trip.[14]
    • If you have access to a vehicle, you can still bring a cooler with meat, beverages, and other goodies.
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    Bring along canteens filled with water. Take reusable canteens that you can keep filled at all times. Plastic water bottles are fine, but keep in mind that they can be heavy and you may not be able to dispose of used bottles right away. If you’re on the go, a gravity filter will allow you to purify water wherever you camp.[15]
    • If you’re going to an established campground, find out where the water taps are so you can access them at all times.
    • If you think you may not have access to clean water, bring water purification tablets so you can sterilize water from a natural source.[16]
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    Keep a first-aid kit ready in case of emergencies. Pack your first-aid kit with a list of emergency phone numbers and any medications you need. Bandages, a needle, scissors, and antiseptic wipes are a few useful supplies to include in the kit. You may wish to include duct tape, which can be used in a multitude of ways around camp.[17]
    • For instance, you can set a broken bone by making a splint out of clothing, branches, and duct tape.
    • Also, consider bringing a satellite phone so you can always call for help during an emergency.
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    Bring along some entertainment to keep you busy. Keeping yourself entertained is up to you, but a pack of cards can go a long way. Electronics usually aren’t an option out in the woods, so use your time to relax. Read books, tell stories, or observe wildlife.[18]
    • Consider what your needs are. If you plan on walking a lot, you might not be able to bring along a lot of games or activities.
    • If fishing is legal near your campground, you might bring along fishing supplies, for example.
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    Use insect repellent and sunscreen to protect yourself. Bugs and bright sunlight are common in the woods, so don’t let them ruin your trip. Make use of these products at least once a day to protect your skin. Increase their effectiveness by wearing covering clothing and taking shelter in your tent.[19]
    • Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Try to reapply the sunscreen at least every 2 hours, or more often if you’re getting wet or sweaty.[20]
    • Spray an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on your clothing and exposed skin to protect you from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting pests.[21]
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Setting up and Maintaining Camp

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    Choose a spot away from hills. When camping, the best spots are ones where you won’t wake up in a puddle of rainwater. Look for flat pieces of ground that are above nearby slopes. If you camp near a slope, water may run down it and gather underneath your tent. If possible, look for marked spots or clearings where other people have camped before.[22]
    • While you can dig out the soil to guide water away from you, this is frowned upon in many camping areas. Avoid the trouble by choosing your spot carefully.
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    Pitch your tent on level ground. Whether you camp in a tent or an RV, the ground needs to be as flat as possible. Most commercial sites are situated on ideal spots, but if you’re out in the wilderness on your own, search around for a decent spot. Level ground feels more comfortable to lie on and you can rest easy knowing water won’t rush towards your tent.[23]
    • Stake your tent carefully. Plant the stakes firmly in the ground and tether your tent to them with strong rope.
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    Position a waterproof tarp underneath your tent. Your tent should rest completely on the tarp in order to seal out water. Fold the tarp so that it doesn’t protrude out from under the tent. If it sticks out at all, water can get on top of it and leak into your tent.[24]
    • Another way to lay down a tarp is to put it inside the tent. Tuck the edges up over the tent’s frame so water can’t get on top of the tarp.
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    Build a fire pit to start a fire. Clear the wood and other debris from an area about 10 ft (3.0 m) away from your tent. Dig a hole in the ground about the size of the fire you desire, then surround it with rocks. Stack smaller branches over bigger ones in the hole, then light the bigger branches to start your fire![25]
    • To put out the fire, smother it with dirt or water. You can push the tinder around with a large stick to make sure it is out. You shouldn’t feel any heat coming off the tinder when you move your hands towards it.
    • A good campfire is useful for cold nights or cooking out in the open, but it isn’t always necessary. If you have a portable stove in the middle of summer, you may wish to skip building a separate fire pit.
    • Be cautious when starting fires. Always keep an eye on the fire and put it out before you return to your tent or leave the area.
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    Drink plenty of water while you camp. Many woodland campgrounds have taps you can access to keep yourself hydrated. If a tap isn’t available, pop open bottles of water or purify your own water by setting up a gravity filter. Dehydration is a risk, especially during hikes, so keep your canteens filled.[26]
    • Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. If you are dehydrated, drink water as soon as possible and consider going to a doctor immediately.
    • Boiling water does help, but it may not purify it enough to make it completely safe to drink. For the best results, bring a portable filter.
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    Move food waste away from your campground. Hungry animals may show up when you least expect them. Always clean your campground after you eat, disposing of or storing your waste. Keep all of your cooking supplies at the edge of your area, far from your tent. Lock food away in a bear-proof cooler to discourage theft.[27]
    • Avoid cooking fragrant foods like bacon or fish, if possible, since these are most likely to attract wild animals.
    • One way to protect your food is to suspend a bear-proof cooler from a dark rope tied to a tree branch. Animals may give up quickly if they can’t reach the food. This is also a great way to avoid a bear attack since it discourages bears from loitering around your campground.
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    Scare away bears and other wild animals if they find your camp. Wild animals can be a problem in the woods, especially bears and wolves. Encountering these creatures may be a scary thought, but they are mostly harmless. If you see them, do not approach them. Stay back and make loud noises, such as by talking, yelling, and banging items together, to scare the animal off.
    • Bear attacks are relatively rare, but you should still know how to deal with them. If a bear growls or looks defensive, stand still. If it charges, lie down and play dead.
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    Clean up your camping area before you leave. Leave your campsite as you found it! Make sure your campfire is out first. Then, collect all of your gear and waste. Avoid leaving trash like food tins or plastic bottles lying around. Keep the land pristine so the next camper can enjoy it too.[28]
    • Sometimes you may have to bite the bullet and carry trash with you until you find a place to throw it away.
    • Clear out your fire pit if you dug one and fill it with dirt again. Avoid burying trash in it.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Where do I urinate while camping?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If there is a restroom near the campsite, you can use that, but if not, just walk a little ways away from where you've set up camp and urinate behind a tree.
  • Question
    Am I legally allowed to camp in any woods?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, only certain public lands and national forests. Please check local regulations before camping.
  • Question
    Do you need to bring a bucket to urinate in the woods if there are no toilets?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Not really. Just find a spot of loamy soil, if possible, because it is the most absorbent. But the best is to dig a hole with your hands, go, and then just fill the hole with dirt. Urine is a lot like water, so it actually can help plants grow as well.
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Warnings

  • Fire is dangerous! Never leave a fire burning unattended and keep smoke out of your tent.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Wild animals are an unavoidable part of camping. Prepare for this and seal away food to discourage animals from entering your camp.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Backpack
  • A change of clothing
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunglasses
  • Camp stove
  • Pot
  • Utensils
  • Fuel
  • Water bottles
  • Food
  • First aid kit
  • Rope

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References

  1. ↑ https://gearjunkie.com/how-to-choose-a-tent
  2. ↑ https://gearjunkie.com/how-to-choose-a-tent
  3. ↑ https://www.montgomeryparks.org/uploads/docs/Essentialcampinggearchecklist_000.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.colorado.com/articles/camping-colorado-basics
  5. ↑ https://greatist.com/fitness/know-you-go-camping
  6. ↑ https://darlingmagazine.org/how-to-dress-for-a-camping-trip/
  7. ↑ https://www.wilderness.org/articles/article/45-tips-foolproof-fall-camping
  8. ↑ https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/16-camping-dos-and-donts
  9. ↑ https://backpackers.com/outdoor-guides/rain-jacket-guide/
  1. ↑ https://www.montgomeryparks.org/uploads/docs/Essentialcampinggearchecklist_000.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.backpacker.com/gear/gear-choosing-the-right-pair-of-hiking-boots
  3. ↑ https://www.colorado.com/articles/camping-colorado-basics
  4. ↑ https://greatist.com/fitness/know-you-go-camping
  5. ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/10-best-foods-to-bring-camping
  6. ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/what-to-bring-camping-gear-tips
  7. ↑ https://www.wilderness.org/articles/article/45-tips-foolproof-fall-camping
  8. ↑ https://www.colorado.com/articles/camping-colorado-basics
  9. ↑ https://www.montgomeryparks.org/uploads/docs/Essentialcampinggearchecklist_000.pdf
  10. ↑ https://www.montgomeryparks.org/uploads/docs/Essentialcampinggearchecklist_000.pdf
  11. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/choose-the-right-sunscreen.html
  12. ↑ https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/the-pre-travel-consultation/protection-against-mosquitoes-ticks-other-arthropods
  13. ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/7-rules-for-building-best-backcountry-camp#page-2
  14. ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/7-rules-for-building-best-backcountry-camp#page-2
  15. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjqqxoP8KQI
  16. ↑ https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html
  17. ↑ https://greatist.com/fitness/know-you-go-camping
  18. ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/7-rules-for-building-best-backcountry-camp#page-7
  19. ↑ https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/16-camping-dos-and-donts

About This Article

Britt Edelen
Co-authored by:
Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
This article was co-authored by Britt Edelen. Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others. This article has been viewed 33,117 times.
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Co-authors: 15
Updated: March 19, 2023
Views: 33,117
Categories: Featured Articles | Camping
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