Camping in the wilderness with a group of friends or family can be an unforgettable experience. You’ll do things ranging from sharing meals under the stars to learning how to build a campfire. However, you should know that having a successful trip requires careful planning and preparation. With our tips for planning a group wilderness camping trip, you can keep things safe and comfortable.
Plan Everything Using a Central Hub
First things first, your group needs to decide how to plan and track who is going, who is bringing what items, and details like activities and location. A lot of groups like to use Google Sheets, Excel spreadsheets, Pinterest, or even WhatsApp to make lists and track who’s responsible for what.
Understand Your Group’s Skill Levels
Another aspect to keep in mind is the age and skill level of everyone going. For example, you should consider how far away the group should camp from vehicles for quick transport if necessary.
This thought process also goes for activities; be realistic about everyone’s abilities. Don’t decide on all-day hikes up mountains for kids and aging adults with knee or hip issues. Now, this doesn’t mean that adventure seekers can’t do anything risky, just that only those with the physical ability should attempt those endeavors. Overall, try to plan activities that cater to skills at all levels so that everyone gets to participate.
Organize Supplies
One of the most important parts of the planning process is gathering supplies. Supplies include camping gear, kitchenware, tools, health and hygiene items, and the right clothing and footwear. Included in these general categories are these items that campers often forget:
- dish soap
- trash bags
- headlamps
- wash tub
- medications
- navigation tools
Don’t forget the number-one forgotten item: wood. Just to give you a heads-up, some camping areas don’t allow wood collecting. Check with your destination’s website to be sure.
Prioritize Safety and Communication
Create a safety plan for your camping area and note water sources, potential wildlife, and emergency routes. This also means preparing for unexpected weather, like snow or heavy rain.
Communication among each other will be extremely important for everyone’s safety. While most people have cell phones nowadays, that doesn’t mean where you are camping has cell phone service. Look for alternative communication devices. For example, consider two-way radios and learn about their range to select one that fits your needs.
Respect Nature While Creating Memories
While creating memories and connecting is what camping is all about, we have to remind you to stick to the pack-it-in, pack-it-out rule. This simply means that when you leave, you take with you whatever you brought with you. Have a great time, but leave no trace of trash or damage to the beautiful outdoor space around you.
Be Flexible and Have Fun
As one last bit of advice, build an itinerary that has flexibility. These tips for planning a group wilderness camping trip shouldn’t be just about logistics—you want everyone to enjoy their adventure! So balance the structure that’s necessary to keep everyone safe with low-pressure spontaneity.
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