First-Time Camper? Here Are Some Tips to Help Get You Started

Mother and Daughter setting up a tent outdoors to go camping.

In our vast country of picturesque mountains, forests, lakes and beaches, there is no shortage of places to connect with nature. This opportunity is on full display in Ontario, home to close to 1,000 campgrounds.

They offer a wide variety of experiences and services, says Alexandra Anderson, executive director of Camping In Ontario, a member-based association of campground owners. The Grey-Bruce County area and Prince Edward County are very popular destination spots for campers, she adds.

Anderson says more younger people are flocking to camping, pointing to a recent KOA North American Outdoor Hospitality Report showing the average age of the Canadian camper is now younger. There’s been an increase in Millennials camping in 2022 compared to 2021 (31 per cent to 46 per cent). There was also an increase among Gen Z campers (eight per cent to 18 per cent).

Also, according to the KOA (Kampgrounds of America) 2022 annual North American Camping Report, camping accounted for 40 percent of all leisure trips in 2021, with more than half of travellers (53 percent) including camping in some or all of their travel.

So if you’re interested in camping – and it’s your first time – then let this article be your helpful guide.

Do I Need a Camping Permit?

What Type of Camping Do You Prefer?

Where to Camp in Canada?

What to Bring Camping?

Safety Tips for Camping

Camping Tips for the First-Time Camper

Do I Need a Camping Permit?

Each province has their own set of rules for camping. Generally, camping is allowed only at designated campgrounds.  According to Parks Canada, camping (including sleeping in a vehicle) is not allowed in roadside pullouts, trailheads, and day-use areas.

What About Camping on Crown Land?

Crown Land is defined as “public land”, or land that includes rivers or lakes owned by a level of government. Similar to camping permits, each province has rules about camping on Crown Land.

For example, camping is allowed for free on most Crown Lands in Ontario, including those near water. Anyone camping for private, non-commercial purposes can stay in a camping unit for up to 21 days on any one site in a calendar year. After 21 days, campers are required to move at least 100 metres from their location.

What Type of Camping Experience do You Prefer?

When you think of camping, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? You may think of pitching a tent or placing a sleeping bag and sleeping under the stars; however, there are many different types of camping – each with their own benefits.

Frontcountry Camping

This type of camping takes place at a designated campsite monitored by staff and typically offers amenities such as washrooms with showers, kitchen shelters, sewer and water hookups, and Wi-Fi access zones.

This option is typically chosen by beginners as it allows first-timers to get acclimated to camping outdoors.

Backcountry Camping

This is the more stereotypical way of camping, and typically for more experienced campers. Backcountry camping may still take place at a campsite, however there aren’t nearly as many amenities. You may find that these campsites have a space for a tent, picnic tables, outhouses, firewood, and a fire pit. Some may have even less.

These areas aren’t always easily assessable by car and could require a bit of a hike or trip by canoe before you reach your destination.

Comfort Camping

Also known as “glamping.” This style of camping is for those who may not like to rough-it outdoors. This option allows you to either set up an RV and camp from there or stay in a lodge or cabin. The good thing about this option is that there isn’t much (if any) assembly required.

Where to Camp in Canada?

Canada is home to over 450 000 km2 of open land to explore. By going on the Parks Canada website, you can plan your trip based off the region you plan to visit. However, be mindful of camping etiquette when visiting these areas, including maintaining the cleanliness of the space you’re occupying, keeping the noise levels at a minimum, and monitoring the actions of your guests to ensure they are respecting the land.

What to Bring Camping?

In addition to the obvious – a tent, sleeping bags, and food – it’s helpful to a have a few other camping gear on hand, including:

  • A cooler, portable cook stove, ice, water container and reusable plates, cups, and cutlery.
  • When it comes to clothes, a good rule of thumb is to pack two of everything. Two pairs of shoes, including a pair that can get wet and a pair that are good for walking long distances; a light weight, waterproof rain jacket; a sweater and pair of long pants for nighttime when the temperatures tend to drop; shorts; t-shirts; bathing suits; and a hat to protect you from the sun.
  • Always bring extra toiletries. There’s a good chance someone will forget their toothbrush, or drop it on the ground. Other items to remember are toothpaste, soap, sunscreen, band aids, bug spray, and aloe. Toilet paper may also be a necessity depending on the type of camping you intend on doing!
  • Don’t forget to pack flashlights, extra batteries, matches, tarps, rope, and garbage bags. You never know what might come up and it’s always best to be prepared.
  • Lastly, don’t forget to bring outdoor activities for you and your family to do together, as well as alone, like board games, books, a soccer ball, Frisbee, or deck of cards.

Safety Tips for Camping

Keeping your family safe and protected is always priority number one and camping shouldn’t be any different. Things to keep in mind:

  • Leave all flammable objects outside your tent. Never cook, store fuel, or refuel lamps, heaters or stoves inside your tent. Even if your tent is fire-resistant, it is not fire-proof.
  • Keep campfires safe. Avoid building your campfire too close to your tent or any trees. Remember to keep sand or water nearby to put out the fire quickly if necessary.
  • Keep wildlife away. Lock food in your cooler and inside your car, or tie it up in tree and keep it well away from your tent.
  • Always make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand, in addition to allergy medicine, insect repellent for bug bites, and aloe for sunburns. Bonus tip: If your family members are susceptible to bug bites, add some sage to your campfire to help keep those pesky mosquitos away.
  • Make sure to educate yourself and your children on what poisonous plants (such as poison ivy, sumac and oak) look like. We have a guide that may help.
  • Dress appropriately when heading out on hikes, with long socks, closed toed shoes and a repellent with DEET. Ticks can often be found hiding in long grass and wooded areas.
  • When you get back to your camp site, always make sure to check one another for ticks, they can usually be found hiding under the arms, back of the knees, in and around the hair, and around ears.

10 Camping Tips for the First-Time Camper

It’s always best to be well-prepared for any trip, especially if you’re new to camping. Parks Canada, which welcomes millions of Canadians every year to national parks and marine conservation areas, has a Learn to Camp resource that offers helpful information as well as additional tips to consider.

  1. Choose the right campsite and book early. As mentioned earlier, as a beginner, especially if you have pets or kids, it’s a good idea to choose a site with facilities, such as washrooms and hookups for water and power, as well as amenities close by.
  2. Practice makes perfect. Setting up a tent may not be as easy as it looks. Before you head out, practice setting-up the tent in the backyard and store it properly to keep it dry.
  3. Practice campfire safety. Most Parks Canada sites have designated fire pits or metal fireboxes. If you’re on a campsite that doesn’t, keep fires small and controlled, avoiding gas or accelerants to prevent uncontrollable flames and toxic emissions. Never leave the campfire unattended and supervise children and pets. Clear debris around the camp stove and have water nearby to extinguish it. Purchase firewood in advance and follow local fire regulations.
  4. Practice safety, period. Inexperienced campers should avoid solo or nighttime hikes. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for stability, warmth, and insect protection. Even if it’s warm, wear long pants and sleeves and tuck socks into shoes to prevent ticks and other insects. Carry flares for emergencies and learn about poisonous plants, like poison oak. Pack camping essentials like medications and allergy medicine.
  5. Be prepared for changes in weather conditions. Look at the weather forecast before heading out for a hike, or a day trip. Lightning is very dangerous, so in the event of a storm, stay away from tall objects like trees and poles. Your tent is not a safe place to shelter from a thunderstorm – it’s better to ride it out in a nearby building, your car or take shelter in a low-lying area.
  6. Clean up the site after you’re done. Bag up any trash, bottles, or cans, and dispose of them in the appropriate areas.
  7. Keep dogs leashed at all times. Your pet can easily stray and either get lost or hurt or have an unfortunate encounter with a skunk. Respect any rules against dogs on campgrounds and nearby beaches.
  8. Respect wildlife. Stay at least 30 metres away from large animals like deer and moose, and at least 100 metres away from animals like wolves and bears. Bring a can of bear spray, just in case you’re in an area in which a bear encounter is possible, and make sure you understand how to use it. Drones are prohibited in all Parks Canada places because they disrupt wildlife and risk injury to them – keep drones at home or in the vehicle.
  9. Be prepared if there’s no cell service. Since we rely on our cellphones so much now, many sites offer access to high-speed Wi-Fi. But many remote areas won’t have a cellular network you can count on – one good tip is to use Google Maps to make a custom map of the area you’ll be in so you can navigate where you might need to go.
  10. Don’t bypass the visitor centre. Many of these places have interesting exhibits or information detailing the best places to see during your stay, along with helpful staff.

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