Camping trips have become wildly popular this summer as travelers began looking for new ways to get away while being conscious of the ongoing pandemic. According to Kampgrounds of America, Inc., one-third of travelers have shown interest in going on their first camping trip.
As with most trips, planning a camping trip can become stressful, especially if you’ve never been on one before.
Here are 7 mistakes you should avoid making on your first camping trip.
Yes, Black people can get sun damage and yes, Black people need to wear sunscreen! Leaving sunscreen at home is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when going on a camping trip. You should look for a sunscreen with 30 SPF or above and apply it every two hours when you’re exposed to the sun.
You’ll also want to bring along bug spray because nothing is more annoying than those pesky mosquito bites!
If you’re an amateur camper, you don’t need to invest in expensive gear. Sometimes sticking to the basics is all you need for an enjoyable trip. If you’re confused about what type of tent to purchase, Coleman items are durable and great quality.
You don’t need to travel across the country for an unforgettable camping experience. In fact, you can start off in your city or state. Choosing a private campground is safer than camping in a national park because there will be more staff on call. Start off at sites near your home and then venture further out when you’re more comfortable with camping.
Sure unplugging is great, but when it comes to your first time camping, neglecting technology isn’t a great idea. Resources like Campspot will make your experience easier by providing access to information bout your campsite such as if it has a lake, cabins with air conditioning…etc.
Don’t let the misconception about Black people camping stop you from experiencing something new. Danielle Williams of DiversifyOutdoors.com and Melanin Base Camp is determined to change the narrative of Black people camping.
Williams tells Travel + Leisure, “It’s not accidental. It’s not culture. We were intentionally kept out of that space [camping].”
She goes on to say, “the reason for starting Melanin Base Camp was to create a community to find other people that looked like me that enjoyed the outdoors, no matter what their outdoor activity was.”
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you should leave your layers at home. Temperatures usually change drastically and packing layers is the best way to ensure you’ll stay as warm or as cool as possible.
Making sure you’re properly hydrated and fed while camping is super important. It’s always better to pack more snacks and water than to run out while on a campsite.