Tent camping helps you feel like you're braving the outdoors while still sheltering you from nature's elements. Whether you're camping by yourself or with a large group, making sure you're prepared for any possible scenario in regards to your tent can help you have an enjoyable time and help create lasting memories.
Get the Right Size Tent
Most tents are rated to sleep a certain number of people, but your safest bet is to get one slightly larger than the number of people in your party, in order to stash your gear, extra clothing, shoes and other accessories. When in doubt, go the next size up.
Use a Tarp
Putting down a tarp underneath your tent will help insulate it from any standing water that might come from rainfall as well as reduce the wear and tear on the bottom of your tent.
Don't Forget the Accessories
Tents come with the poles and stakes you'll need to put it up, but if you lose any of them, you'll be up a creek in no time. Buy and bring along extra poles, stakes, tarps and even a sewing kit in case you manage to somehow rip a hole in the side or top of your tent. Bring along a rubber hammer to help nail down your tent stakes, especially if the ground is unusually hard. Bring along a battery-operated light for getting undressed or finding your way out of the tent in the middle of the night. That's easier than trying to fire up the lantern or hang a flashlight from the ceiling.
Throw Down a Throw Rug
Dirt and dust can accumulate quickly on the inside of the tent, so bring an old throw rug from home and put it inside the entrance of your tent.
Practice Setting Up Your Tent
The last thing you want to be doing is racing against the sunset to get your tent put up so do a practice run at home before you head out for your camping trip. You'll have more time to relax after putting up your tent and you won't risk having to put it up in the dark if you get to your campsite a little late.
Put on the Rain Flap
Even if you've checked the weather forecast a hundred times, put on the rain flap just in case. You never know when a random shower will move through the area, and no one wants to have to get up in the middle of the night and put on a rain flap in the dark, then retreat to a cold, wet sleeping bag.
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