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You're not going to see me out camping, unless it's in one of those incredible RVs. So don't take camping advice from me. But Reddit asked what people should know and there were some great answers!
"If you are planning on having a fire going to keep warm all night, gather wood. Once you think you have gathered enough, gather 5 times more."
"ALWAYS be prepared for rain."
"Bring tarps. They are so important for rainy camping. They are light, cheap and can protect anything from rain. Cover your tent, your gear, or turn them into a roof over your place to sit/eat."
"Always pack emergency blankets. They're so tiny and inconsequential to pack, yet they reflect a ton of heat for their weight. They also work great as tent liners when it's cold and they can keep you dry, too."
"Tortillas stay fresh significantly longer than bread, they're easier to pack, and are far more versatile. In a pinch, a tortilla with peanut butter and honey is a great meal."
"Go to a proper outdoor supply store, and buy the absolute best bug spray you can find."
"Don't get fancy when it comes to cooking if you don't have a lot of experience. Stick to something that's easy like hot dogs or sandwiches."
"Make sure you tell someone back home where you are camping and a time-frame of when you should be returning. You never know what might happen."
"Seal everything in watertight bags, even if your backpack is waterproof. Get separate dry bags for clothes that can be fully sealed."
"Don't go too far off the beaten path. If you don't camp very often, you'll probably forget something you need. You won't want to hike or drive for hours to get to the nearest town."
"Bring lots and lots and lots of socks. They're going to get dirty and wet, and you don't want the discomfort or risk of blisters."
"Bring your own wood. Many parks don't allow you to gather wood."
"If you're camped on any kind of slope, sleep with your head uphill. Otherwise you can get a nasty headache."
"If your tent is new, practice putting it up beforehand. Make sure you know how to do it quickly in case it's pouring rain."
"Whatever you bring in, you bring out. If you're camping, expect to carry all garbage home with you. The first rule of camping is leave only footprints and take only pictures."
"Go camping with people who DO have experience."
"Having the right attitude makes all the difference. Resign yourself to feeling a little damp, a little soggy, a little cold, uncomfortable, and tired. Once you do that, you'll be able to relax and go with the flow."
"Set up camp before you do anything else, especially before you start drinking."
(BuzzFeed)