5 Camping Tips for Spring and Early Summer
Spring and early summer are great times to get out for some wilderness adventures no matter if you’re hiking a local trail, camping in a campground, or heading deep into the woods to practice your bushcraft skills. However, it’s also a time of year when weather, wildlife, and more need a bit more consideration. Before you head out, be sure you’re ready for wild temperature swings, precipitation, bugs, wildlife, and more with our 5 Tips for Camping in the Spring and Early Summer.
1. Pack for changing weather
Spring weather can swing from warm afternoons to cold nights, rain, wind, and muddy conditions. We’ve had more than one weekend trip that started out mild, and ended with overnight rains and 20-degree temperature swings. You should bring layers, a waterproof outer shell, extra socks, and a warm sleep system rated for lower temperatures than expected. And keep your extra layers/emergency layers protected from the moisture, but we’ll have more on that later.
2. Choose the right campsite
While most of the southeast is in a bit of a drought at the moment, we shouldn’t totally write off those early summer downpours. When choosing a campsite, look for higher, well-drained ground instead of low spots where water can collect. While we’re discussing things to consider when setting up camp, be on the lookout for widowmakers, think about the amount of morning sun the site gets, and avoid areas with lots of undergrowth that may harbor ticks or hide poison ivy and other harmful plants.
3. Prepare for mud and moisture
Spring camping often means wet ground, morning dew, and muddy trails. Bring a ground tarp or footprint, waterproof boots, camp shoes, a small mat for outside the tent, and dry bags or bins to keep gear organized and protected. Keeping your extra layers packed away and dry until you need them is a good way to avoid disappointment. You don’t want to realize that puffy or fleece was left out overnight when you really need it during the cool morning hours.
4. Plan simple, warm meals
Cool spring evenings are a great time for easy, hearty meals. As sunset gets later each day, be aware of how much daylight you’ll have to cook. One-pot meals and prepping as much as possible at home are a great way to minimize prep time in camp. Of course, if you’re happy tending the fire for a few hours, you can still break out that Dutch oven or whatever else you prefer for whipping up that delicious backcountry dinner.
5. Be ready for bugs and wildlife
As temperatures rise, insects and wildlife become more active. Pack bug spray, check for ticks, store food securely, and keep a clean camp. Circling back to picking a campsite, avoid areas near standing water that may provide an excellent environment for mosquitoes, and even grassy spots that rarely dry can cause massive swarms of gnats. Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect spot, but try to eliminate as many factors as possible. Spring is also a sensitive season for wildlife, and many species are now beginning to forage heavily as food becomes plentiful once again. Take the necessary precautions with food and trash to minimize issues.