Tent camping is a great way to experience nature and tailor a vacation or getaway to your experience level. With a variety of gear to choose from, such as tents and sleeping bags, you can make your camping trip as comfortable and fun as you want. There are just a few things to keep in mind before you try this beginner-friendly activity.

Choose a Good Location for Your Tent

The main benefit of tents is that they are affordable and portable. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be used in all types of weather—provided it has the right types of weather protection and insulation. You can set them up almost anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you should.

What Do You Need Out of Your Tent?

How many people will be camping with you? If it’s just you and a partner, a smaller tent is perfectly acceptable. However, if you have a larger group, are camping with children, or decided to bring along a pet or two, you’re going to need a bigger tent. Bigger tents require more space, which can limit your campsite options.

What’s the Weather Going to Be Like?

Though there are tents for every season, it’s important to remember that they don’t have heating or air conditioning. If you’re camping in the summer, try to find a shady spot to pitch your tent in. If you’re going camping in the winter, a sunny spot is ideal. You’ll also want to be sure that your tent is rated for any wind and temperature conditions you might encounter.

What Is Your Experience Level?

Before you head out into the wilderness, practice putting your tent together. While smaller tents tend to have simpler setup instructions, large tents sometimes require multiple people for proper construction. Either way, it’s good to know what to expect when setting up your tent, especially if time is a factor.

Our Tips for Successfully Pitching a Tent

Like we said above, tent assembly is something you should make yourself familiar with before you’re ready to use it for the first time. If you’re a beginner, be sure to read these tips:

Know Your Tent

Common tent types include:

  • Dome
  • A-Frame
  • Popup
  • Ridge

Knowing which type of tent you own can help you prepare for a successful assembly.

Find Level Ground

Ideally, you’ll be able to find enough level ground upon which to comfortably pitch your tent. Try to choose a location that won’t flood if it rains, is free of mud, rocks, and tree roots, and is a safe distance away from any fire pits.

Watch Your Stakes

Always make sure to bring extra tent stakes with you. You won’t need them unless you don’t have them. Make sure to practice caution when walking near them—they’re common tripping hazards.

Invest in Creature Comforts

Tent camping is a great way to experience nature, but that doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable. We recommend investing in some of these extras to elevate your tent camping experience:

  • A tent with a window for natural light and airflow
  • A water-resistant tent
  • A tarp in case of rain
  • Battery-operated fans
  • Tent-safe heaters
  • A cot, inflatable mattress, or sleeping pad for your sleeping bag

Your Basic Supplies

When you go tent camping, you’ll need the basics: a tent and a sleeping bag. But, since you’ll be living rough for a few days, you’ll need to pack a few more items to stay safe and comfortable. We’ll go over everything you need to pack (and the things you shouldn’t) in our next post, but for now, start thinking about how you might plan for meals, lighting, weather, and more.

Los Suenos de Santa Fe RV Park and Campground is a great place to pitch your tent. You’ll get to experience all the joys of camping while still having access to amenities and being within walking distance of shops and attractions. Give us a call to reserve your spot today!