Top 5 Must Do's When You Go Camping

Camping Regenerates Your Soul

Over the years, I’ve learned that less is often more when it comes to camping. The more gear you bring, the more time you spend packing, unpacking, setting up, and tearing down and the less time you spend actually relaxing. Smart packing takes practice, and everyone’s needs are different, but the right camping mindset makes all the difference.

Here are the Camping Must Haves that make every one of my camping trips more enjoyable:

• A comfortable pillow

• A quality sleeping bag

• A tent that suits the weather

• A sturdy camp chair

• A cast iron pan

• A grate for cooking over the fire

• Food and lots of water (always the essentials!)

But beyond gear, there areTop 5 Must Do's When You Are Camping that make camping truly magical.

One of my campsites with an amazing view. 

Top 5 “Must Do” Moments When Camping

1. Watch the Sunset

Bring your camp chair, settle in, and let the world slow down as the sun sinks behind mountains, trees, or desert mesas. This is the moment where busy thoughts fade and nature takes over.

2. Stargaze

Once the fire burns low and the night sky opens up, look up. Away from city lights, you’ll see more stars than you ever knew existed. The Milky Way, satellites, shooting stars—stargazing while camping is life-changing.

3. Cook a Campfire Breakfast

There’s nothing like waking up to crisp morning air and cooking bacon and eggs over a fire. It’s simple, comforting, and one of the most rewarding parts of any camping trip.

4. Make a Campfire

A campfire is the heart of the campsite. Sit in your chair and watch the flames dance. It’s grounding, calming, and part of the classic camping experience. (Always follow fire restrictions and safety rules.)

5. Enjoy a Slow Morning

Before your breakfast, take a moment in your sleeping bag. Look out from your tent at the landscape around you. Breathe deeply. Let the quiet sink in. These peaceful minutes set the tone for your whole day.

Why Camping Is Good for Your Mind & Body 

Camping reduces stress, enhances clarity, and reconnects you to nature. I’ve learned through countless trips—solo, with friends, and on Jeep overlanding adventures—that the simplest moments outdoors often become the most meaningful.

You will forget things. You will make mistakes. You will refine your setup over time. That’s part of the journey, and each trip teaches you more about what you truly need (and what you don’t).

Camping isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

FAQ: Camping Tips & Must-Do Activities

What are the top things you should always do when camping?
Watch the sunset, stargaze, cook a campfire breakfast, enjoy a campfire (where permitted), and take a slow morning to appreciate the scenery.

What essential camping gear should beginners bring?
Start with a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, camp chair, cast iron pan, cooking grate, food, water, flashlight or headlamp, and a basic first aid kit. Pack light and build your gear list over time.

Why is a minimalist approach better for camping?
Bringing less gear means less setup, cleanup, and stress. You’ll have more time to enjoy nature and relax. Too much gear can make camping feel like a chore.

Is campfire cooking necessary for camping?
Not required, but highly recommended. Simple meals like bacon and eggs or foil packet dinners taste incredible when cooked over a fire.

How can camping help reduce stress?
Camping removes distractions, gets you outside, and encourages slow, mindful moments. Fresh air, quiet surroundings, and time away from screens help reset your mental state.

How do I learn what camping setup works for me?
Through experience. Try camping, note what you used and what you didn’t, and adjust your gear list. Over time, you'll refine your perfect setup.

What if I forget something important while camping?
It happens to everyone! Use it as a learning experience and add it to your checklist for next time. Most forgotten items can be improvised or worked around.

Is it okay to camp without a lot of gear?
Absolutely. Many seasoned campers prefer a minimalist style because it emphasizes simplicity and enjoyment over equipment.

Camping regenerates the soul. It clears the mental clutter, calms the nerves, and reconnects you with what really matters. Whether you’re car camping, tent camping, or Jeep overlanding, these five simple moments will turn your trip into a meaningful escape.

Each adventure helps you learn, grow, and simplify and that’s the true magic of camping.

Over time I have learned less is better when you go camping, as long as you are smart about what you pack. Everyone has different needs and wants, so it takes practice to figure out what works and what doesn’t for you.