For 50 years, Trust for Public Land’s been conserving forests, creating new state parks, and expanding national parks for one reason: because people need nature. Our mission is to create opportunities for all Americans not just to go outdoors, but to deeply connect.
These days, we all can use a reboot. You know the best way to do that, right? Unplug overnight. It’s easier than you think.
Tip 1
You read that right. It’s not about the distance you travel. “One of my earliest outdoor memories is setting up our tent in the backyard and learning the ropes from my dad,” says Johnson, who recommends going somewhere familiar to start. Locate your closest state park with a campground or explore local camping blogs for recommendations. Johnson says her go-to resource for campsites on public land nationwide is Recreation.gov.
Tip 2
Yeah, yeah, it’s colloquially referred to as sleeping on the ground, but you needn’t take that so literally. Allow yourself the relative indulgence of a camping mattress. For young, limber backs, a foam pad might do the trick and be cost-effective. But there’s no shame in a blow-up sleeping pad, which packs much smaller and can offer more insulation and comfort. For the best of both worlds, Johnson suggests stacking one of each. And don’t forget a lawn or camping chair too.
Tip 3
Lots of home items can be repurposed in your camping kit. An old toolbox might become a first aid kit or a caddy for cooking utensils. A doormat you’re about to retire can do wonders at keeping dirt outside your tent—and is a good reminder to leave your boots outside. Johnson likes to bring shower caps for packing shoes in at the end of a trip, especially if it’s muddy where you’re headed.
Tip 4
If you’re easing into things at a campground with more facilities, such as showers, come equipped with a hanging toiletry organizer and shower shoes. For sites with pit toilets, always bring extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Tip 5
This isn’t an episode of Alone. You needn’t rely only on ground twigs. Along with your handy Zippo, be sure to bring easy-to-prep kindling? Johnson’s hack: dryer lint. “It catches really fast and is super easy to pack,” says Johnson. Another great DIY fire-starter is wine corks soaked in rubbing alcohol. Of course, always ensure there isn’t a burn ban in your area, and use local firewood to reduce the spread of invasive insects.
Tip 6
Avoid frozen tootsies with Johnson’s favorite cold weather go-to: “I’ll heat up some water on the campfire while I’m getting ready to turn in,” she says. Fill your water bottle, stick it in your sleeping bag, and voilà, instant foot warmer. Slip a sock or neck gaiter around the bottle so you don’t get burned.
Tip 7
Johnson’s in the habit of wrapping multiple layers of duct tape around her water bottle, where it’s always at hand when you might need it. “Use it for a quick tent tear or pole repair, hang a strip at your site as a fly trap, even use it as a last resort for a pesky splinter when you forgot your tweezers.”
Tip 8
Just for kicks, Google “pool noodle” hacks. (You’re welcome.) Among the bounty, you’ll discover plenty of brilliant campground enhancements. “Pool noodles are a great way to eliminate the tripping hazard of your tent lines,” says Johnson. Just slice one open along the long side and slide it over the line. Another visibility hack: hang glow sticks from your tent zippers to save precious time—and face—in the middle of the night when nature calls.
Tip 9
“I really like nature journaling,” says Johnson, “and all you need is a piece of paper and a pencil or pen.” Journaling can take many forms: doodles, free association wordplay, poetry, song lyrics, or a realistic record of your experience. “You can do whatever you want as long as you’re taking the time to observe and reflect on the natural world.”
Encourage children to explore the ground around them—carefully, of course, with an eye out for bugs or other critters that might bite or sting. Assemble leaves or pebbles by categories such as color and size, make a lattice from similarly sized sticks, or try balancing stones into cairns. Artistic crafts, such as making pictures from natural materials, are another way to play.
Challenge campers to sit quietly and listen to the woods or landscape around them. As a fun offshoot, they can try to mimic birdsongs or other sounds they hear, such as babbling water or rustling tree canopies.
Imagine your campsite as a fort. Would it have an overall theme? Who would you invite to visit? How would it be decorated? Invite children to write answers to these prompts or draw their ideas in a journal.
Once it turns dark, set your eyes on the stars. Kids can learn about existing constellations or make up their own. Use a field guide to help with the former. Cloudy night? No worries, turn skygazing into a game of identifying animal or other shapes in passing clouds.
Give kids a task they can handle to help set up or maintain camp. From collecting trash and organizing gear to washing dishes and rolling out bedding, everyday “chores” take on elements of teamwork and play in an outdoor setting.
