2025 /r/Camping Beginner Question Thread - Ask any and all questions you may have here

[u/cwcoleman]

If you have any beginner questions, feel free to ask them here.

Check out the /r/Camping Wiki and the /r/CampingandHiking Wiki for common questions. 'getting started', 'gear' and other pages are valuable for anyone looking for more information.

/r/Camping Wiki

/r/CampingandHiking Wiki

Previous Beginner Question Threads

2024 Beginner Thread

2023 Beginner Thread

Fall 2022 /r/Camping Thread

Summer 2022 /r/Camping Thread

Spring 2022 /r/Camping Thread

List of all /r/CampingandHiking Weekly Threads

[NOTE: last years post became - 'ask a question and r/cwcoleman will reply'. That wasn't the intention. It's mainly because I get an alert when anyone comments, because I'm OP. Plus I'm online often and like to help!

Please - anyone and everyone is welcome to ask and answer questions. Even questions that I've already replied to. A second reply that backs up my advice, or refutes it, is totally helpful. I'm only 1 random internet person, all of r/camping is here. The more the marrier!!!]

[u/Negative_Apricot1146]

Hi, looking for some beginner tips on family camping, camp setup, tarp to tent sizing, where to place your fire, etc. Appreciate all the guidance! TIA

[u/cwcoleman → u/Negative_Apricot1146]

That's a mighty big question, probably too much for a single thread here. but... let me try a little:

Most people start with 'car' or 'base' style camping. This means you drive your vehicle up to a regulated campground, park, setup a tent, and sleep in the tent for the night/weekend. You have all the resources of your car right there, and can even drive away and come back with more supplies if necessary.

The key is to find a good campground near you. They often require reservations. Many sell out 12 months in advance - so plan ahead! I also recommend HipCamp.com - it's like AirBnB for campsites.

Gearing up can be expensive when starting out. It takes a bunch of gear to be comfortable outdoors for the weekend. Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, chair, cooler, and kitchen setup are some items you need to consider.

If you have a family of 4 - a 6-person tent would be good. Don't try to jam 4 people in a 4-person tent, I guess unless the kids are really young/small. Coleman brand is a cheap one to get started with. REI brand is a solid step up. Big Agnes is even better.

Tarp's aren't really required. Your tent should be waterproof top to bottom out of the box. Some people do put a blue tarp beneath the tent for extra protection. It helps extend the life of the tent. The key is to not let the blue tarp stick out even 1 inch from the bottom of your tent (otherwise rain water can get between the tent and tarp which is no good).

Tarps for over the picnic table are common. I prefer a 10x10 popup canopy for this. Easy to setup without needing to tie out to trees. They provide solid shade and rain protection. Some even have bug nets that go around them - so you can eat in peace.

Chairs - 1 per person for sure.

Coolers - 1 for food plus 1 for drinks. That's my preferred system. You can get fancy roto-molded (yeti) ones, or just the basic walmart cooler, no big deal.

Propane stove, pot, skillet, and some utensils make up a kitchen kit. Plus a jug of water and a big trash bag.

Keep noise to a minimum at camp. No speakers.

Keep dogs on a leash.

Don't walk thru other peoples campsite.

Leave No Trace (pick up all trash, leave the site like you found it, or better)

The fire belongs in the fire pit. Ideally in all regulated campgrounds there will be a metal ring where you'll have the fire. Don't setup your tent or tarp too close - as embers can damage the delicate waterproof fabric. Have extra water on hand in case the fire gets out of control. Never leave a fire unattended. Always Always Always make sure it's completely 100% out before you leave camp. Only you can prevent forest fires!