Trip Planning

First trips, checklists, budgets, destinations and camping with kids or dogs. If you are new to camping, start here: the guides cover what to bring, where to go, how campgrounds work and how to plan a trip that fits your group.

Buyer's guides

Best Camping Gear for Dogs Trip Planning

Best Camping Gear for Dogs

Camping with your dog? Here are 15 useful pieces of dog camping gear, from a pop-up tent to paw boots, a life jacket, a…

Read guide →

How-to guides

Best Camping Spots Near Yosemite Trip Planning

Best Camping Spots Near Yosemite

Real campgrounds in and near Yosemite, from the Pines on the Valley floor to Tuolumne Meadows and forest sites outside e…

Read guide →
Best Places to Go Camping in Texas Trip Planning

Best Places to Go Camping in Texas

From Big Bend's desert peaks to the Frio River at Garner, here are 10 of the best places to camp in Texas, with sites, s…

Read guide →
Camping Checklist for Beginners: Free Printable Packing List Trip Planning

Camping Checklist for Beginners: Free Printable Packing List

A printable camping checklist for beginners with a free PDF: shelter, sleep, kitchen, food, clothing, first aid and add-…

Read guide →
Camping Essentials For Women: 10 Things Every Woman Should Have While Camping Trip Planning

Camping Essentials for Women: 10 Things Every Woman Should Have while Camping

Women face a few camping challenges men don't. Here are 10 camping essentials for women, from urination devices to camp…

Read guide →
Camping With Dogs: The Ultimate Guide Trip Planning

Camping with Dogs: The Ultimate Guide

Camping with dogs the right way: campground rules, gear upgrades, paw care, wildlife safety, a first-aid kit, and 15 pra…

Read guide →
Camping With Kids: The Definitive Guide Trip Planning

Camping with Kids: The Definitive Guide

A practical guide to camping with kids: the gear that matters, how to prep your children, activities they will love, saf…

Read guide →
Glamping vs Camping: Which Outdoor Trip Fits the Way You Want to Sleep, Cook and Pack? Trip Planning

Glamping vs Camping: Which Outdoor Trip Fits the Way You Want to Sleep, Cook and Pack?

Compare sleep setups, cooking, gear load, bathroom access and power to decide between tents, car camping, cabins or full…

Read guide →
How To Camp in The Summer Properly: 12 Helpful Tips Trip Planning

How to Camp in the Summer Properly: 12 Helpful Tips

Twelve practical tips for summer camping: stay hydrated, pick a breathable tent, beat the heat, keep bugs away, and pack…

Read guide →
How to Go Camping for the First Time Trip Planning

How to Go Camping for the First Time

A beginner's guide to your first camping trip: picking gear, building a checklist, packing food, staying safe, and choos…

Read guide →
How to Start Camping: A Beginner’s Guide Trip Planning

How to Start Camping: A Beginner’s Guide

New to camping and not sure where to begin? This beginner's guide walks you through gear, picking a campsite, packing, a…

Read guide →
What is ADA Camping? Trip Planning

What Is ADA Camping?

ADA camping makes the outdoors accessible for people with disabilities. Here is what ADA camping means, who it covers, a…

Read guide →
What is Walk Up Camping? Trip Planning

What Is Walk Up Camping?

Walk up camping needs no reservation, just smart timing. Learn how walk-up sites work, how they differ from walk-in, and…

Read guide →
Why is Camping Fun? (Here's Your Answer!) Trip Planning

Why Is Camping Fun? (Here's Your Answer!)

Wondering why camping is so much fun? Here are 10 honest reasons to pack your bags and head outdoors, from relaxing and…

Read guide →