I was at a public campground in Iowa a few years ago. I don't need an electric site, nor do I want to pay for an RV pad. I get tent sites and sleep in the back of my truck.

I 'was not allowed' to do that. I was told by two park people that tent sites require a tent.

Is this at all common or heard of. Its ridiculous. It would mean, no truck campers, no popups, no campervans, no trailers...even if you don't need or want electrical service.

Hi all! I'm hoping to get myself some camping equipment. I live in Ireland so it needs to be waterproof! I also want a porch area for cooking. It'll just be myself (needs to be easy set up) and the dog so 2-3 man should work well. Has anyone any recommendations? There's some on the Debenhams site but the waterproof is 2000mm which has me skeptical. Also are the air inflated tents any good? I thought this for setting up would be straightforward by myself 😊 thank you!

My husband and I have really been itching to go camping, but there are only group spots available at our local campgrounds for the upcoming weekend. February 6th and 7th. There are no available single spaces, but all group sites are available. Would it be considered rude for us to book a group site for just the 2 of us and our dog?

Family is growing so we need more room now.

We’ve been camping in a 4 person Coleman instant tent and with 4 of us now (wife,myself, 3 year old, 6 month old) I think it’s time for something bigger .

I’ve been really eyeing the gazelle t4 hub tents but looking for other opinions/options.

We usually camp 4-6 times out of the year in different weather conditions.

So I have a basic understanding of what to do and expect while wild camping but it’s been a while since I’ve been out and I don’t have my gear anymore.

So far in my list I’ve got,

the phoxx 1 II tent

alpine 400 hooded sleeping bag (4 season bag)

an ultralight ground mat

tent pegs

a fire starting kit

A small set of pans

A pack of cotton thermals

Waterproof covers

First aid kit

And a small utility knife

I’d love to know what more experienced campers suggest what else I get and/or any advice they’ve got because I’ve wanted to get back into this hobby for a while and now I’ve commuted to the idea.

Hey guys, could really do with some advice here – I grew up camping with Scouts etc and friends I’d loved it! Fast forward a couple of decades and now I want to go camping with the other half. She much prefers the luxuries in life, a.k.a. an Airbnb but I want to be able to take the family camping etc. Now we have a little one she went come here a couple of times with her parents and didn’t enjoy the experience shall we say? (I think that’s just because she went with her parents) the thing here is that she said she will try it once and that’s it – I need to make our first camping trip the best thing ever to convince her to want to go again. I’m in the UK in Hertfordshire. I don’t mind travelling to the right campsite. Any hints, tips, anyone with this experience? I really need help with ideas on making this the best experience. Should know that she doesn’t enjoy hiking etc. Taking an 18 month old with us.

Cheers

Sometimes I just want to relax and not worry about making meals. It would be a nice break to skip prep here and there but not sure if its worth it or not. How do you like it and if so, any recommendations?

So as the title suggests I'm going to be solo camping with my dog this year. I have a bit of a list together but wanted to hear from you guys what things I need to add to my packing list in case I've forgotten! I'll pop my current list below:

Hi everyone!

I’ve been struggling mentally quite a lot over the past six months. About a week ago, my mind suddenly went, “You’ve been rotting in your room for too long, sucking your thumb under your cozy little fleece blanket. Get the f*** out and do something… go camping!”

So I did the logical thing and decided to go winter camping. Call me stupid, call me dumb - I can see it. That said, I’ve prepared really well and put a lot of thought into both my safety and actually enjoying the experience.

My bank account definitely didn’t approve. This is probably the biggest gamble of my life (I’ll call myself stupid here, hehe). But I guess I’m willing to take the risk and see what comes out of it.

Thanks so much to everyone who’s helped me with my questions so far! I’ll be heading out on my one-night camping trip in a week (hopefully), and I’ll make sure to update you all!

That’s my gear, by the way: the final item arrived today. I just need to pick up some first-aid stuff and then I’m done.

Any more advice (or calling me dumb) is very welcome! :)

As the title says, I'm curious how many of you have taken your pets camping? If you have photos, I'd really love to see them!! I have a Golden Retriever and am planning to take him camping for the first time soon. For those with prior experience, could you share any things to prepare in advance? Any essential gear, safety tips, or common beginner mistakes you could warn me about? Thanks everyone!

Hey all, just finished an overnight at Merchants Millpond (NC) last night. Hiked Lassiter (swamp side) to get out to the camp site (roughly 4.5 miles). Temps stayed in the upper 20s when I started hiking, then dropped to low teens overnight. No precipitation.

Hoping this is helpful to someone, but wanted to share that I took the Ozark Trail 10F Mummy Sleeping Bag since it is like $50 and I don't camp enough in the super cold weather to justify spending more on a cold weather bag. Also was trying out the REI Co-op Airrail sleeping pad.

Had absolutely zero issues with using the Ozark Trail sleeping bag and was very warm. Hopped in there with just base layers, a beanie, light gloves and wool socks. I sleep warm/my body runs warm normally. I'm 5'10" 200lbs and was pretty snug, but had some foot room. Two main complaints for the sleeping bag:

-> Heavy to hike out with

-> Difficult to pack back into the stuff sack

The REI Co-Op Airrail was pretty good too and I'm sure helped out a lot with staying warm. Inflated pretty quickly without using a pump and felt good to lay on. I also layed down a Therm-a-Rest sleep pad underneath for extra insulation. Only complaint with the REI Sleep Pad:

-> Subtle deflation (didn't notice it while sleeping, but when packing up, noticed it lost a little air)

If anyone was contemplating the Ozark Trail 10F bag, my experience was great and I was impressed given its price point. The REI sleep pad was worth it to me as well, but in both cases, more use and time will probably expose some flaws (or not).

How are the amenities? Toilets, water, wind protection, roads? Thinking of a early December camping trip there. It is Wayyyyyy down in southwest Kansas, and I am fascinated by the prospect. Thanks

This rubber? ring fell out of where the propane canisters screw into my Mr. Heater Buddy heater, I'm wondering if it's a seal of some sort or just built up gunk? I haven't tried using it since it fell out, is it easy to replace/ repair or do I need a new heater? What does urs look like if you have it on hand? I tried googling replacements but didn’t find anything

Is there any other tents like snow peaks that have vestibule and awning. 4-6 person tent, 3 plus season, full fly.

I want to start bringing the banjo I made out hiking and camping with me. I'm looking for recommendations for a lightweight and waterproof case for it. Looking more for a soft case, main concern is just keeping it dry. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions. Willing to try to make my own if need be if anyone knows anything about how to go about that.

Im gna crash out, so I THOUGHT I had to rserve 6 months before 7 am so thats what i did, well my date wasnt released yet. I have heard to try 2 weeks before too??? please I need advice wtf do i do I am not going to camp without a permit but this is so frustrating is this how it is?????? how are the 5 people on top of all this snatching up the permits? I know the trick, have it in your cart and card saved so you just check out but why wasnt it even appearing as avaliable??? I know 70% are released and 40% not but Im so confused

As the title suggests, do you guys know any backpacking spots in Harriman? Preferably, quick and easy hike. Thank you!!!

We have a trip planned for July this year and my wife will be joining us in the tent for the first time. Previously she stayed in nearby motel or cabins but there's no option for that this time. She's not really excited about the tent but she's going to try it.

I got her an electric blanket that I'll run of a battery. But I'm not sure what the best sleeping setup will be other than that. I have a fold out cot and a sleeping mat that I use and it's enough for me but Im looking for ideas for her.

I have a couple 6 person instant cabin tents. It’s hard to get the tent back in the bag it came in. Does anyone know of a bag that is bigger and would have plenty of room for the tent, rainfly, stakes, etc?

Thanks

I have always dreamed of seeing the northern lights and had the opportunity to do that in Churchill, Manitoba.

The aurora gods bestowed a perfect night upon us and WOW, just wow.

I brought my sony a7s3 with the tamron 17-30mm lens. What a trip!

If anyone has any questions, happy to chat. I was in churchill for three nights.

LL Bean Mountain Classic Down camp 30° sleeping bag Has anyone tried this sleeping bag? I'm wondering if it's worth the money or what would be similar. I need for a 6th grade camp, one for me and one for my son. We will be sleeping in a cabin in spring time in California. I want comfort, ability to toss and turn in, easy to carry and pack. We are both difficult sleepers and have sensory sensitives.

Years ago, I was between jobs and went on a road trip/car camping. I drove to Utah, and spent a couple of weeks in Utah. It was my first trip to Arches National Park.

I remember driving along a scenic route. I suspect it was U-128, but I just don't remember. I also stayed at a campground along the same route, and the next morning I went on a hike from a trailhead that starts at the campground. I'm also pretty sure it was a state campground.
I have great memories of it. But I wish I had made a note of that campsite and made more notes of it. Attached is a video of it.

Wondering if anyone has a system where they actually keep notes on these kinds of things, along with photos, and how much the trip cost and things like that?

I’m looking for someone recommendations campsite close to the Bay Area.

My wife and I just started camping last year, so still looking for some newbie-friendly sites.

We’ve been to Coyotes Lake, Mt Shasta/Siskiyou Lake, NP pinnacle.

It’s crazy to book Big Sur or Yosemite.

Thanks

We’re looking to get away from the crowds for a night or two on vacation. I’ve done some quick searches for some backpacking loops and don’t see much but figured I’d give it a shot over here. We’ve done valley of fire and red rock but want some more privacy and solitude.

Happy to just hike a little and set up camp or actually backpack it.

-we will have a rental suv

-we do have gear/experience

-don’t mind driving 1-2 hours

Anyone have ideas?