Bearfoot Theory / Car Camping / Car Camping Tips

11 Tips for Taking Someone Camping for the First Time

ByKristen Bor

If you want to take your lover, best friend or someone else camping for the first-time, this post has all the tips you need to make it a success.

Tips and advice on how to successfully introduce your partner to camping for the first time.

Taking friends or family camping for the first time gives you the opportunity to shape their experience. When done right, you can help them fall in love with camping. When done wrong, they may hate it and never want to go camping with you again – which is especially a big bummer if it’s your romantic partner.

I have taken several friends and family camping for the first time, so I know it can be intimidating or sound uncomfortable to those who don’t have much – or any! – experience with it. So how do you introduce someone to camping in a way that shows them how fun it can be?

Comfort is the key ingredient to a successful first camping trip. Sleeping well in a tent can be the deciding factor on whether someone goes camping again. But in addition to choosing a comfy sleep set-up, there are other ways to introduce your friends and family to the wonderful world of camping.

In this post, I’ve rounded up my best tips for taking someone camping for the first time, so they have an enjoyable experience and want to go again.

This post may contain affiliate links.

1. Start with a simple 1-2 night car camping trip

It might be tempting to plan an epic backpacking trip to your favorite backcountry destination but trust me, it’s best to start small and simple if your partner or friend has never camped before. Keep things simple and make it as stress-free as possible so that you can both enjoy your time outside together.

Start with a one or two-night car camping trip. That way, if there’s no shower at the campground it (hopefully) won’t be a big deal. Plus, if you forget something important, it happens to be super buggy, or they simply aren’t feeling it, you can pack up and go home.

A quick 1-2 night trip will also allow your camping partner to learn from the experience so they can be even better prepared next time.

Save this post!

Enter your email & I'll send this post to your inbox! You'll also receive my weekly newsletter full of helpful advice for planning your adventures.

Save Post

2. Stay in a Paid Campground

Taking your wife camping for the first time and expecting her to dig a hole to poop in might be a little much. Or if your friend is the type of person that has to take a shower every single day, they may not want to go three days without sudsing up.

While I love dispersed camping and the privacy it offers, having access to amenities like toilets, showers, potable water, a picnic table, and trash cans makes things more convenient for first-time campers who aren’t used to roughing it.

Having a reservation at a paid campground also guarantees that you won’t have to drive endlessly down a dirt road only to find that all of the nice campsites are taken on a Friday afternoon.

Staying in a paid campground eases first-time campers into camping, and once they are hooked, you can start going to more remote places.

campground in Kauai
Start with a simple car camping trip at an established campground

3. Pack for Comfort

If someone has never been camping before, they’ll likely need your help knowing what to pack for their first camping trip. Take the lead on this and make a list so neither of you forget anything. You can also download my car camping packing list for easy reference.

And don’t skimp! Car camping gives you the flexibility to bring those extra creature comforts. Don’t be afraid to throw in real pillows, an air mattress or a double sleeping pad, a cozy blanket, camp slippers, etc…

Some ‘luxury’ items I like to bring when car camping are:

Tent set up with an air mattress
Afraid you won’t sleep well when camping? Try an air mattress!

4. Help them prepare

When I’m trying a new activity, I like to educate myself beforehand so I know what to expect. The easiest way you can help someone feel more confident and ready for their first-camping trip is to send them some helpful camping resources, like my Camping 101 article. That way they can pack and prepare anything specific they think they might need and there will be fewer surprises.

5. Pick a scenic spot

If you’re trying to convince someone that camping is awesome, you want to show them why. For your first camping trip, choose a place that has great views so you can wow them with nature’s beauty. If you’re going to a popular campground, just be sure to reserve your spot in advance so you can get a nice site.

Whether it’s epic views of a mountain range, a campsite right on the beach, or a peaceful spot near a lake, let the outdoors do the convincing for you. You can even buy a guidebook or a map and research places together beforehand to make your trip more collaborative.

Campfire under a starry sky in the Utah desert

6. Go when the weather is nice

A scenic spot is even better when the when the weather is nice. Don’t plan on taking someone camping for the first time when the bugs are at their worst, the weather forecast is rain, or when it drops below 40 degrees at night.

Instead, plan your camping trip when the weather and conditions are more likely to cooperate. For instance, late summer isn’t as hot or crowded as mid-summer and most of the bugs have died off by then. Fall is also a great time to go camping for the first time and you might even see some nice autumn colors.

Tip: Check the weather before heading out so you are prepared. Also, don’t be afraid to postpone your trip if the weather looks bad – it’s better to wait for more favorable weather than risk a miserable first camping experience!

Sprinter van camped in the desert with camping gear set up outside
Camping is more pleasant when the weather is nice, so keep your eye on the forecast

7. Cook Yummy Food

Having a first-time camper go hungry at camp is a surefire way to make them not want to go camping again.

Bringing enough food and cooking delicious camp meals are an easy way to add to the enjoyment of someone’s first camping trip. Go out of your way to plan meals you know they will love – whether that’s tacos, spaghetti (my personal fav), burgers, or curry.

The key to easy camp cooking is to prepare as much as possible at home first. Chop the veggies, pre-measure the spices, and marinate your protein, so everything is ready to throw in a pan.

If you are going to eat soup or chili, you can cook the entire meal at home and then just reheat it at camp. Whatever you can do at home before your trip will reduce the stress at mealtime and will also make your clean-up easier.

Also, if your camping partner enjoys cooking, feel free to involve them in the process. You can teach them your best camp cooking tips, and next time they may even want to take the lead.

Don’t forget the coffee and some evening beverages too!

Man cooking on a cap stove

8. Rally a group of friends

While it’s nice to have some solo time with your significant other or family, camping with a group of friends can also be a blast, especially for first-time campers. Not only will a group setting take some of the pressure off of you, but hanging out with friends around the campsite will hopefully show first-time campers what a good time camping can be.

While you’re at it, ask your friends for suggestions and ideas on how to make camping fun. They might come up with games or camp recipes you haven’t thought of!

9. Plan fun activities

Relaxing around the campsite can be a great way to unwind and enjoy nature, but I also recommend planning a few outdoor activities to make the most of your trip.

Some ideas could be:

  • A nearby hike with great views or a waterfall (check out our list of hiking apps to find the best hiking trails in the area).
  • A lake or beach where you can spend the day out on the water.
  • Sign up for lessons for rock climbing, surfing, mountain biking, or other outdoor activities.
  • Visit local attractions like caves, historical sites, or swimming holes.

Taking someone camping for the first time can also be a great way to introduce them to more outdoor activities, so keep it light and enjoyable.

Two people in a canoe on a lake
Getting out on the water is one of Ryan and I’s favorite activities when camping

10. Listen to their fears

It’s easy to brush aside a first-time camper’s fears about the outdoors, but that’s the worst thing you can do if you want to convince them that camping is fun.

Instead, listen to their concerns and try to understand where they’re coming from. Together, you can then face those fears and help them see that camping is safe and that any risks can be mitigated by planning ahead.

11. Make it about quality time together

Spending quality time together outdoors can be a great way to connect and deepen your relationship, and maybe even add a bit of romance (if you’re camping with your romantic partner).

Here are a few ways you can add quality time to your significant other’s first camping trip:

  • Get a comfortable two-person sleeping bag so you can snuggle.
  • Pick up a double sleeping pad (like the NEMO Roamer) that you can both fit on. Or better yet, pack an air mattress if you think it would make your partner more comfortable.
  • Bring their favorite drink (alcoholic or not) or snack as a surprise treat.
  • Cook a delicious camp dinner, al fresco! It’s easy to go all out when you’re car camping, so string up some solar lights, and eat dinner together under the stars.
  • Bring warm blankets, camp chairs, and comfy footwear for hanging around the campsite at night.
  • Turn your phones off so you can spend quality time together, distraction-free.
two people sitting in camp chairs eating a meal next to a truck camper
Camping is one of my favorite ways to spend time with my partner Ryan

More Camping Tips

Save this post to Pinterest
Two people in a canoe on a lake. Woman in front is taking a selfie. Text says "8 Tips to Introduce Your Partner to Camping"
Two people sitting in chairs under RV awning on the beach. Text says "Hot to get started camping with your partner"
Two people sitting in chairs outside of tent. Text says "8 tips for first-time camping with a partner"
Split image: top image of four people sitting next to each other at campsite bundled up in warm clothes and sleeping bags. Bottom image of Sprinter van parked in disperesed campsite overlooking canyonland views. Text says "How to introduce your partner to camping"

Have you ever taken a friend or partner camping for the first time? What was your experience and what recommendations would you add? Leave a comment below.

Portrait of woman at sunset on the Trans-Catalina Trail

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

5 Comments

    1. Bruce, our advice would be to find a paid campground that has hot showers onsite? Maybe that’s the solve! Thanks so much for reading.

      Reply

    2. Hi Bruce, one thing it worked for me as an entry point for my wife, was to go to a hotel or rented cabin close to camping locations. Then, we “try out” the camping for just one night, or day. That way I “reassured” her of the “comforts” of our own bathroom and bed. That was a good insurance that I got, and what made possible for her to start experiencing and liking the outdoors. If you can afford that extra bucks a few times, it might be worth to try it. Hope it helps!

      Reply

  2. Hello Kristen,
    Awesome post, and great tips. I love outdoors and do a lot of camping and paddling in the Patagonian Lakes area (South America). I can confirm most of your tips here, as my wife is… let’s just say, not as a fan as me to outdoors activities, LOL! What worked like a charm for me was, as you mentioned, starting small and piking scenic locations. She really loves Patagonia and its views! Another thing that worked well when starting small was continue doing more of what she liked. I introduced her to paddling, she liked it, and bit by bit we started going out on longer and longer kayaking sessions…
    On the paddling topic… if you wouldn’t mind, I wrote an article about canoes and kayaks, for beginners, as an intro to the activity and help them through that last step and start paddling: https://www.gearpriest.com/canoe-vs-kayak/ . I think it might be a good fit for your readers, those who are thinking on including a bit of paddling to their outdoor time.
    Thanks a lot, and keep it up! Great website!

    Reply

  3. I recently took my friend camping for the first time and am taking her at least two more times this year. She had a really great time and looks forward to going again. Another thing that you can do is the classic camp activities ie. smores, glow sticks, sparklers, star tipping. Anything that you got to do as a kid that they never got the chance to do makes the trip super special and magical.

    Reply