How to Plan the Best Camping Trip Ever

What type of camping experience is perfect for you depends heavily on where you decide to go camping.

If you’re really looking to get away from the busyness of life and get off the grid, then you’ll want a more secluded location. However, if you want to get out of town, but want to still be around some action, then you’ll opt for a location that offers more fun.

A lot of times, the location you choose for your camping will also determine the style of camping you’ll be doing — meaning RV camping vs. tent camping vs. cabin camping.

For those who want a highly-secluded getaway, chances are good your options will be tent camping. RVs can be difficult to navigate in deep-in-the-country type places, and we are going to bet that there won’t be any camping cabins anywhere nearby.

For those who want to be in a more convenient location, your style of camping options are not limited at all — you can cabin camp, RV camp, or tent camp.

Keep in mind what won’t be available when you are camping off the grid: things such as drinkable water, a toilet, and other services. This is when your planning skills will really need to shine.

Now that you know where you’ll be camping, and the style of camping you’ll be doing, it is time for you to start packing the goods.

Packing is a crucial piece of a successful camping trip, so you want to really ensure you plan this part out. When you’re on vacation at a hotel or resort, there are amenities aplenty, and a grocery store is always going to be nearby.

While KOA locations offer convenient onsite stores, and they all have fabulous amenities, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. This is especially the case if you are going off the grid to do some backcountry camping.

In addition, the amount of stuff you have to bring for a camping trip far exceeds the amount for a regular vacation (well, I suppose that depends on how efficient of a packer you are when flying somewhere). Generally speaking, there is a great deal more gear required for a trip out in the country than for a stay at a hotel.

Thus, you’ll need to pick carefully what you bring, and ensure that whatever you pack is something you’ll actually need, not just something you think you’ll want. Space is limited, so every item counts.

Though your packing list will vary greatly depending on the type of trip you’re embarking on, what time of the year you’re camping, and where you will be pitching your tent or RV, there are some general items that are across-the-board essentials.

As seasoned campers know, when you go camping, there is far more fun to be had than simply camping. Depending on where you go, you’ve got options for hiking, swimming, biking, boating, fishing and so much more.

Thus, it is a wise idea for you to spend some time digging into the area you’ll be camping in, and see what activities are available nearby. See what great fun the place offers, and then consult with your fellow campers to see what everyone is interested in doing.

Another reason you’ll want to plan your activities ahead of time is because you may find yourself without cell service, or with limited service while camping, and you may not be able to do much searching in your camp.

With the help of the KOA Camping App, you’ll be able to track down a wide variety of activities to participate in while you’re camping.

While you want to have a rough itinerary and ideas of things to do, you do not want to be too strict about sticking to the plan. You may find yourself really enjoying a hike that you don’t want to cut short simply to ensure you’re back to camp in time to catch the sunset with a glass of wine in hand by the fire. A spontaneous sunset while on your hike has the potential to be even more amazing than the other sunset plan you had.

Also, when traveling with others it is important to be flexible with your activities. Other people may have different interests, and you want to give everyone a chance to partake in their favorite fun time.

By planning ahead of time you’ll have some great ways to save on your camping trip, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket for future camping excursions!

One of the top ways to save money is to sign up for KOA Value Kard Rewards. For just $30, you’ll be able to take advantage of some truly fabulous benefits that will last you throughout the entire year.

Here are some of the benefit highlights:

• 10% off your registration rate every day
• Rewards points that you can redeem for cash off of future camping trips
• Free night of camping during KOA’s Value Kard Rewards Appreciation weekend (at select KOA locations)
• Special offers from KOA partners

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