Campers in transition - a large multi-room tent we camped in and the pop-up trailer that replaced it as we transitioned from tent to trailer.

We talk a lot about travel trailers, because that’s how we camp now. But it hasn’t always been so. Previously, we camped in a box trailer (really just a hard-sided tent!), a pop-up tent trailer, a tent, the back of the truck, in the SUV… we just love to camp!

There are a lot of reasons for tent camping. Maybe you are a hiker, like our friend Mark who takes several-day hikes and has to carry everything he needs on his back. Maybe you are touring the US on a motorcycle. Maybe you don’t want to spend the money on an RV. Maybe you just happen to like tents. Whatever the reason, tent camping certainly has its advantages.

If you want to tent camp and haven’t gotten started yet, there are some things you should know to be prepared for the great outdoors experience. Here are some tent-camping tips.

Which tent to choose?

There are so many options here! From a one-person screen tent to keep the mosquitos off, to a multi-room “Taj Ma-tent,” there is a tent out there to match every style. I’ve even seen a canvas prairie-style tent set up with twinkle lights and a brass bed frame assembled inside! Talk about style! Like most things, each level has a variety of features and quality so spend some time looking for the right tent for you. One thing is sure, tents are significantly easier to set up than they were in the past.

Locations

As with any camping style, there are a variety of locations in which tent camping is appropriate. From the middle of nowhere on BLM land to a five-star RV resort, there is a place for everyone. No matter your camp style it’s a good idea, if you plan to stay in a campground, to research the rules and amenities so you are prepared for whatever the situation will be. For example, those big fancy resorts may not allow tent camping.

Camping as a child meant we did it all, from tent to pickup camper, van, motorhome and van conversion.

What to pack

Twinkle lighst and a brass bed make tent camping glamorous.

With a travel trailer, we have most of our camping needs permanently packed, so gathering supplies is easy. When planning a tent outing, it pays to make lists of every aspect of the trip that you’ll need to outfit. After all, checklists make for StressLess Camping!

For example:

A tent This should go without saying, but without it my list would seem incomplete. As mentioned above, this can be anything from a single-person to a three-room nylon condo. Sure, I mentioned canvas before and there was a time that all tents were canvas. Now, they have been mainly replaced by lightweight nylon.
A bed It was hard to decide whether, if I listed items in order of importance, I should start with a bed or food. I find them equally necessary. So, I guess I chose alphabetical. Again, there are many levels of bedding for you to choose. For minimum carrying space, the half-inch foam pad under a sleeping bag is probably most common with a one-person tent. There are also thin pads that also hold a bit of air. I find that my old bones need a bit more cushion and height. For this, consider an air bed; these are typically 16 to 20 inches tall, which make it easier to exit the bed and are quite comfortable. Note that these typically have an internal pump and will require electricity. My favorite tent bed now is my Rio twin cot with an air mattress. The cot by itself is pretty good, but that one seam always seems to find my hip so the air mattress makes the bed cushy and comfy. I have found that I can easily fold a queen or king flat sheet in half and sleep within the fold, and bring whatever blankets are necessary for comfort.
Food Actually there are a few aspects to this:
- You may want a cooler to keep food fresh for a few days. Get a good one. As Tony says; “buy the best and cry only once.” That applies here. Generally speaking, you probably want one that holds ice for a few days at least. Of course, if you are going really bare-bones you will probably carry all dry goods and not need refrigeration.
- For cooking, there is a wide range of options. Hikers and other minimalists may want to check out the single-burner that attaches to a propane bottle, or this compact kit that has everything you’ll need to enjoy a meal. If space is not a consideration and you’re camping with several people, you might consider a two- or three-burner propane camp stove, a fire pit, or a propane griddle or electric griddle (assuming, of course, that your campsite has electricity!) If cooking on a fire, you’ll want good pans like cast iron that can take the heat.
- Don’t forget dishes and flatware! Again, there is a range of options from a disposable plate and spork to hikers kits that double as cooking and eating tools, as available in the kit linked above, to a full set of plates, bowls, utensils and drinking vessels. Again, there are many options depending on your style.
- I think coffee is as important as food. Our favorite coffee comes from the Aeropress.
- Water also belongs in this category. Most (but not all) campgrounds have a water source. If you are unsure, it’s best to bring it.
The “facilities” I am of an age when I wake up a time or two every night and need to use the facilities. One reason we love camping in the travel trailer is we don’t have to go outside to take care of that. For those of you planning to travel light, you’ll likely find a toilet of some sort at MOST campgrounds. Sometimes it’s just a hut with a pit. Sometimes it’s full toilet, sink, and shower facilities. If you are in a location without that, there are a few choices. From “bury it in a hole” to a bucket or folding chair setup, to a cartridge toilet (those can range from $100 to $1,000 so do some research!); the level of effort and comfort are up to you. For privacy, consider a “shower tent” which are not big around but are tall, to accommodate a toilet and/or shower, or just a taller area for changing clothes if you have a small tent. Note: if you plan to use this for a shower, know the rules about allowing water to escape or have a way to contain it!

This Taj Ma-tent was large enough to accommodate everything we needed, including a potty corner for the cartridge toilet.

A few other items that might be helpful, but not necessarily necessary include a camp chair (maybe your toilet can double as a chair!) and table. If your campground provides a picnic table you may skip these. Also, again depending on space, you might consider several of the tools in the Ryobi line-up: lights, inflator (for the air mattress as well as your tires), fans, drill (doubles as a blender!)

Our cargo trailer decked out with wall coverings in Greek style for a girls’ camping adventure where even Peggy got in the spirit.

Tony particularly dislikes tent stakes and has discovered that lag bolts and a Ryobi drill are great ways to stake a tent or keep the outdoor carpet in front of our trailer from being carried off by the breeze.

The best part of tent camping is that you can do it with a smaller vehicle which can translate into being able to cover more ground, and you can also camp where there is nobody around which is another big plus.

Whether it’s an RV, tent or a sleeping bag under the stars whatever way you choose to go there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy StressLess Camping!