Different campgrounds and tent camping sites will have different amenities and options available to you. Not every camper is looking for the same conditions.  Here are some camping tips that will help you sift your way through all of the options available to you.

Research Possible Campgrounds

 

This is an important first step in finding a good campground.  You need to find out how much a spot is going to cost you and what kind of facilities it has. If you are new to camping you aren’t going to want to completely rough it.  So find out what sort of bathroom and water facilities they have and how close it will be to your tent site.  Are you going to be able to take a hot shower?  See if they have electric, and sewer hook ups if you will be needing these amenities for any reason.  You probably aren’t going to want to stay at a primitive campsite if you are brand new to camping.  Also, if you want to camp with your pet check to see if pets are allowed.

If you camp at a full service site with electricity be prepared to be around trailers and RV’s and be prepared for a little bit more noise than you might want due to noisy generators and engines.
 
Firepits and campground fires.  Many sites will offer a firepit where you can have your campfire.  However, often times places will be under fire restrictions if conditions are ripe for fires and you might not be able to have one.  This can be a bit disappointing  You want to check this out when selecting a place to camp.  Make sure you don’t place your tent to close to where you are going to have your campfire.

Should I camp at a private or public campground?  

 

This is going to totally be a matter of preference and different campgrounds are going to have different facilities and amenities included.  Campgrounds are going to fall into one of these two categories.  An example of a private campground is an RV park which should come equipped with all of the amenities.  These are privately owned by individuals and companies.
On the other hand, a public one is going to be ran by the government and are funded by the government.  Don’t expect luxurious conditions at government ran ones but at most places you will have plenty of photo worthy scenery. 

What is a Primitive Campsite?

 

A Primitive Campsite is a site that doesn’t include any amenities (water or electricity) and should be done and enjoyed more by people who are more experienced in camping.  You will have to be prepared to hike in to your site and backpack all of your gear in.  You will want to make sure you have a lightweight tent and be ready to clear a spot for it.  One advantage of these is you have less noise from things like RV’s so you should get the solitude you are hoping for.  Also, you can look around and tell where other people have set up their tents prior to you.  Just look for an area that looks like its been cleared of debris.

What is a tent pad and should I camp somewhere that has one?

This is an area that is a little elevated, cleared of debris or large rocks and tree branches and it is protected from any water that might run off making your tent soggy.  These sometimes can be smaller than the size of your tent, especially if you have a big cabin tent.  Sometimes you can allow your tent to overhang over the area by bringing a tarp or some sort of groundcovering.  These aren’t necessary to enjoy a camping experience but it can be helpful.  Primitive campsites won’t have these.

Reserving your spot:

 Reserve your spot in advance! After you figure out where you want to stay call ahead and make reservations or even reserve them online at a site like recreation.gov which allows you to view available campgrounds, sites and what kind of amenities are available.   You want to make sure there are actually spaces available before you get there and many places actually require a reservation a certain number of days in advance, which usually varies.  Sometimes you can actually look online and see maps where all of the sites are and if they are available.
Popular campgrounds can be booked for weeks in advance, especially around holidays or summer weekends.  Get a confirmation number, confirm rates and see if you can make arrangements if you will be arriving later than the usual times they check in.