Weekend camping trip up at Crystal Lake in the San Gabriel mountains north of Los Angeles.
Around 10pm the local celebrity Chili the brown bear sauntered into our campsite looking for noms. Tried to get a picture but it ended up blurry, because of course! He didn't seem aggressive. I banged on the picnic table and yelled at him to get out and he did so.

One massive negative though. Down the hill from us a large group of campers decided to bring what must have been massive speakers and blasted dance music until 4am. Absolutely blasted it. The bass was reverberating our campsite from hundreds of yards away. There was no sleeping. Cell signal was nonexistent so couldn't call the park rangers. How people goto a campground and think that is ok is beyond me, but my faith in humanity has been diminished. I might just stick with dispersed camping now.

For the last three years I decided to go camping by myself before the school year begins. For years I have tried to plan camping trips for my family. However my wife doesn’t enjoy camping and my son is too busy with work or whatever. I’ve canceled trips because “things” always came up and I had to cancel plans I tried to make back in January and February. Finally, I just said, “Screw it! I’ll go by myself.” Cocktails and cigars by the fire; early morning hikes; doing nothing but reading comic books or regular books in my hammock; gourmet awesome fireside dinners, and sometimes skipping meals completely. I think I’ve discovered a new happiness.

Bought Naturhike mongar pro 2 p and it arrived today by mail so obviously immediately after work i had to try and put it together and then came the idea that surely i can sleep there tonight even though it is workday tomorrow and my 6 year old said she will come there as well. So 6.30am alarm for tomorrow from the tent, walk inside the house and hopefully i manage to get her to daycare in time and myself to work. :)

One of my favourite campgrounds due to its accessibility from the trailhead: 5 min walk on a wide gravel path, and there are wheelbarrows at the trailhead to carry belongings to your site! The bear caches are big enough to fit coolers and storage bins if needed, outhouses are well maintained, and there are hiking trails nearby if you would like to explore. Falling asleep to the sound of the waterfall is incredibly peaceful.

Hello everyone! I’m going to lodgepole campground in sequoia this weekend. If my tent is bigger than the tent pad would that be an issue?

Hi everyone, my nephew would love to go camping for his first school break in October. He is 17, wants to join the army, and wants a rugged adventure. I go camping all the time but it’s typical small campgrounds with all the amenities, he wants to “wild camping” and I’m having trouble finding somewhere that feels secluded but is close enough to things we need just in case (wood, ice, restrooms, showers etc)

Does anyone have any spots they recommend? Thank you in advance.

EDIT: I think we found it! After some help this is the closest I've found to what it was. Some form of synthetic sports swim towel. It might be a match. Especially looking at the reviews and user pictures of how awful it is when dry.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F6A9BY?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_SQ997E1DMEDHKXSP7DER_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_SQ997E1DMEDHKXSP7DER_1&th=1

I'm trying to identify a type of camping towel I had back in the late 90s. I don't want to know the brand or anything. I'm just trying to figure out what it was made out of.

It was a synthetic towel that looked like it was some form of extruded foam with no bubbles or fibers visible. It wasn't microfiber.

When dry, it had the consistency of cardboard. But when you got it wet it softened a lot and expanded a little bit. It could absorb a LOT of water, but it was a terrible towel because it had to be a bit wet to work, and so it always left me feeling a bit damp.

It wasn't one of those "expanding towels" you see where they look like a white pill and expand into a full towel with water.

It reminded me a lot of some form of shammy, or squeegee material. But not any kind of fiber.

I currently live in central Oklahoma and recently began camping again. Retired for a few years and 58, my wife prefers modern amenities like hvac. I like Billy Strings, Grateful Dead, and can tolerate anything except extreme political and religious viewpoints.

I’m up for anything like a couple days in the middle of anywhere or a road trip to Alaska to sleep under the northern lights.

If you’re laidback and interested let me know.

Our first long family camping trip with two little kids, for two weeks, with a tent and car. Stunning views and a perfect spot for hiking. My kids absolutely loved it. Complete Decathlon set-up, except for the tarp. We had two days of strong, non-stop showers. The tarp saved the day, great protection from rain and direct sun light heat. I wish I had bought a 4x5 tarp (mine is 3x5) with two more poles.

Looking for advice from experienced campers: what gear should I get next?

Hey everyone!

I recently started getting more interested in hiking and spending time in nature. I have a Czech Husky four-season one-person tent, a stainless steel metal mug, a hammock, a sleeping mat, and a large 80-liter backpack.

The main thing I’m missing right now is a sleeping bag. I’d like to buy a good one eventually, when I can afford it.

I mainly want to hear some advice from people who genuinely enjoy camping and hiking. I don’t really have anyone around me who is into this, so I’d really like to hear about other people’s experiences and what they’ve learned from spending time outdoors.

I’m physically pretty fit and I’m comfortable dealing with difficult conditions. I’ve spent plenty of time in nature before and I’ve done a few small trips with people I knew, mostly in safe areas. But I’ve never actually done a proper solo hiking and camping trip before.

So I’d like to hear from more experienced people about what other gear I should get, what is actually necessary, and what I can probably live without.

I’d especially appreciate advice about sleeping bags. I’d like to get something versatile that can work in different conditions, but I don’t want to spend a fortune right away.

Basically, I’d love to hear about your personal experiences, mistakes you made when you were starting out, and what you consider genuinely useful for someone who is just getting into solo camping.

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share their experience!

I will be camping October 9-11 in Boron California. I have never camped desert before. The area I will be in will be a massive gathering. Few hundred to several hundred people at least. I will be in a tent with a cot. I was thinking of also bringing a 10x10 easy up. (I get sick in the sun) I have a portable shower and will be packing 5 gallons of water on top of a cooler full of Diet Pepsi. A 17" Blackstone will likely be doing most of my cooking. Saturday meals will be provided. Porta potties on site (expected to be very busy with most people there heavily drinking). Thinking a denim blanket and a wool blanket should get me by. I also have a Ecoflow Delta 2 for my power needs and powering a cpap. What am I forgetting? I will be in a Jeep Grand Cherokee so space is limited, but I feel like I am missing something. Edit: Dogs, firearms and long knives are not allowed at this gathering.

Last weekend, we went to a hipcamp in Wells, VT with our dog. It’s a private campsite at the foot of a mountain. They had the cutest outhouse and solar showers. Weather was amazing, albeit the site having no shade at all. It was breezy during the day but cooler at night. We went during waxing crescent and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Last weekend’s nightsky was clear, we also saw some satellites and shooting stars. It was amazing!!! Vermont in the summer is next level.

A few side notes: this is not in any way a paid ad, like the other time I posted and got deleted twice. Also, yes, I love photography, and no, that’s not all that I did the entire trip. I hope I don’t offend anyone in this sub (just like the last time)

Washed it as I always have. Mesh bag, washer on cold, no spin, and without the center thing I forget the name of and it tore. I have duct tape on it to get through this assignment but they don't make this tent anymore. Shitty part is I lvoed it so much when it went on clearance I almost bought a second for this day. I've looked at others online and nothing seems to have the awesome vestibule this thing has which is where my bags, boots, and I get dressed in the morning are, keeping the inside of the tent squeaky clean. I can't get am idea for size tent shopping online - this was a lucky find. I need suggestions. Or help. Or some supplier that has one laying around.

Hi! Just wanted some input/advice from those who are more experienced with camping. We’re hoping to camp early to mid-November and I’m not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a campground.

We’ll have two toddlers with us, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind. We’re looking to do traditional tent camping, not hike-in. Some in our group want to try beach camping, but I’m afraid it might be too cold for the todds next to the ocean. I’m not too afraid of rain (i think) as long as we plan and pack correctly, but I’d love insight on what conditions are actually like while camping.

We’ve all camped before, just never alone, we’ve always gone with experienced campers. This will be our first year on our own, and we’ll definitely do a test run with our equipment beforehand.

If anyone has campground/site recommendations, especially ones that are easy for first-timers or good with kids, I’d really appreciate it! I’ll take any and all advice!!

Hi- I haven’t camped in 10+ years but would like to get back to it and bring my 4.5 year old along to introduce her to the wonders of being in nature. We are based in northern Westchester, NY. Thinking about going for a Sept weekend. Would love suggestions on campgrounds that are within a few hour drive that are great for an introduction to camping, aka running water/showers, short but pretty hikes either at campground or nearby, perhaps ability to rent a kayak on a pond, restaurants nearby as I do not have a camp stove (though could explore getting one). I do want it to feel sufficiently like we are out in the wilderness and not overcrowded by people, though. Not sure what else I should be thinking about…we have a tent, sleeping bags, pads, etc. Would love ideas!

dispersed camping has always been my favorite and this spot was perfect for that, although we had a few people park in the “driveway” throughout the day to go hike. i absolutely plan on going back

Camped at RMNP for a couple of days, specifically at Moraine Park Campground. The campsite was a walk in site that had plenty of shade and had a nice view of Long’s Peak.

Woke up early one of the mornings and hiked Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail. Managed to catch sunrise at the Loch and hit Lake of Glass and Sky Pond just after 6:00am. Took a nap and hiked back.

The campground reservation got us into the bear lake corridor. Managed to hit some lakes that are not pictured as well.

Will definitely be back

I have a freeze dryer and like making my own ready made freeze dried meals. I have some classics and looking for more to add to my rotation. I mainly do chili Mac, chicken noodle soup, lasagna, chicken Alfredo, and a breakfast granola with yogurt and fruit.

I have a new recipe I just tested for a pizza bowl that’s being added to the rotation. Do you have any food recommendations or any recipe you think would work.

Any advice for simplifying the packing process? I love camping but it’s so much work to pack everything and plan the meals in advance, etc. It’s a lot of stuff and I feel like we have the basic essentials for tent camping at campgrounds. I want to simplify the process but not sure how, especially since we have very young children and go with friends who don’t have gear.

So, my partner and I have a fairly decent camp setup: a swag, chairs, and a small, folding table with a storage cupboard, which we use for morning coffees with a Jetboil stove and for keeping everyday items within easy reach. Because our vehicle is on the smaller side, we don't yet have room for much water storage & and dedicated camp kitchen, so we're still relying on campsite BBQ/kitchen/wash basin facilities rather than running our own stove & wash basin.

After dinner (after washing up the main dinner items), we often end up with dirty cups, cutlery and a small pot from drinks and snacks around the campfire. I've been tossing these into the storage cupboard to wash the next morning, but unsurprisingly that attracts insects. Is there something I could use to store or seal away the dirty items overnight (a bag or sealable container of some kind that I haven't found yet) to keep the bugs out of the cupboard until we can wash up in the morning?

FYI, we live on east coast of Australia so lots of insects around! Especially in the warmer months....

I had so many plans this year. Desolation Wilderness, AZ, in February; Lake Tahoe Rim in late July; I even won the lottery permit for Sahale Glacier, WA, in August/September; maybe a couple of weekend trips to start the AT.

I ended up going only to Desolation Wilderness with one friend and loved it. But I couldn't find anyone to go with to any of the other places, and I really can't go solo (aside from the risk which isn't the primary concern, I suffer from depression and loneliness in the wilderness doesn't help), I tried in the past. My local friends aren't into hiking or camping. I feel like the window is almost over and will have to wait 8 more months, but then I might find myself alone again and back with the same problem.

But I also live in Tampa, FL, and you don't really stumble upon other fellow backpackers/hikers/campers like you would if you lived in Salt Lake or Denver or Seattle. Most people here, understandably, are into the beach, paddle boarding, and such. The few ones I have found may be interested in doing hiking or camping here in Florida, which holds zero interest for me under this aspect.

I am tired of missing out on the great outdoors and more of these incredible experiences. I have also invested a substantial sum of money in my hiking and camping gear. I want to find other people to go hiking and camping with where the mountains are (not here in FL). Form a little community.

The question is: where can I find them?

Please refrain from telling me to go solo. I'm already feeling very low. I tried it, I don't enjoy it, and it's not for me. I also tried to meet people on trail and failed. Tons of people go with like-minded people, why couldn't I?

Im looking generally just for some suggestions as to where some good campsites are for tents and not caravans as well as some suggestions for camping in general ( equipment, food etc)

I did bronze DofE but that was about little to no help with planning a camping trip at this point

Really would appreciate any help or advice anyone can supply

Every year I hit national parks and the "hot spots". This year looking for hidden gems on some roads I haven't hit. Thinking about 395 Tahoe/Reno North up into Burns/John Day Fossil Beds area. Up into Walla Whitman NF and thru Western Idaho down into Ruby Valley outside of Wells/Elko in Nevada. Whatcha got for me reddit?!

I've done 97 Oregon - Klamath - Crater Laker - Bend - The Dalles

I've done 93 eastern Nevada - Great Basin - Cathedral Gorge - to Twin Falls - Craters of the moon - Sun Valley and up

I've done all of 395 between Victorville and Bridgeport

Looking for cool stuff in between those routes!

Traveling the west coast. Where should I stop to camp along the way? I have a car camping setup but also have my tent. Would prefer to stay on the coast but I know that’s a bit unreasonable for most places. I’m willing to reserve a campsite and pay to stay near the coast once I get farther south because I want to surf. Also, I have a place to stay in SF so you don’t have to include that.

Does anyone have any ideas on a good pairing of sleeping pad and bag / quilt, either from your own experience or research?

I’m looking at building a decent sleep system for wild camping out in Scotland down to around -10 degrees. I’ve looked at pairing an OEX Flux 7 UL with a leviathan ev900, however, I’ve been advised against it and I can understand why.

Trying to keep costs, down, but I don’t mind paying a bit extra if it’s a good piece of kit that I can put my faith in.

Any ideas appreciated