Where Do You Want to Go?
Let’s start with the big question—where do you want to go?
This isn’t just picking a dot on the map. It’s choosing a vibe, a landscape, a story you want to live for a few days.
We’ll use a little example to keep things grounded.
Say you’re on the East Coast. But you’re dreaming of wide open skies, red rocks, and sunsets that melt your brain.
So, you’re thinking… a road trip out west.
Now it’s time to zoom in.
You need to narrow it down. Big ideas are fun, but they don’t book campsites.
Let’s say you land on Utah.
Canyons. Arches. Colors you didn’t even know existed in nature.
So yeah, maybe Utah’s the one. That’s your camping trip. That’s the plan starting to take shape.
Finding Campsites
The next thing to start doing is looking at maps and blog posts and getting a sense of what there is to see and do.
Write out a list of all the cool things you might want to experience.
For example, Utah has five national parks, dozens of state parks, and recreation areas.
Getting a sense of what’s available—and picking out some highlights—will help you narrow down where you want to camp.
Many times, where I decide to camp is actually chosen by the activities I want to do.
In our example, you’ve decided you want to come to Utah.
You’ve looked at all the beautiful photos of the national parks and decided to do a camping trip to Arches National Park.
At this point, you’re going to start looking into camping options in that area.
There’s a campground in Arches National Park, and also tons of other camping options around the park.
You can find this info by just searching online—things like “camping around [town/city/national park]”—to get a lay of the land.
Then decide whether you want to do a campground or dispersed camping.
Campground vs. Dispersed Camping
Campgrounds? You get toilets. Maybe a picnic table. Maybe even a fire ring. But you’ll probably need a reservation—and you won’t be alone.
Dispersed camping? That’s the wild stuff. Public land. No bathrooms. No fees. No neighbors—if you’re lucky. Also no guarantees.
So ask yourself—how much structure do you want?
And how much are you willing to wing it?
Once you’ve got that answer, you’ll know if you’re booking a site or scoping out dirt roads.
Campground Reservations
Let’s say you’ve got your heart set on camping inside Arches. Cool. Now you’ve got to play the reservation game.
Hop online. Look up that specific campground. See what the deal is.
Some places let you book. Others don’t. And a few are a weird mix of both.
If you’ve got firm dates, don’t wait around. Book it.
These sites open months ahead and vanish fast—especially in the big-name parks.
But hey, if you’re more go-with-the-flow, you’ve got options.
Dispersed camping. First-come, first-served spots. Less structure, more freedom.
Just don’t roll in blind.
Do your homework. Make a list. Know what’s nearby.
And always—always—have a Plan B.
Other Activities Nearby
So, you’ve got your campsite locked in. Nice. Now what are you actually doing out there?
Hiking? Fishing? Climbing a sandstone arch at sunrise?
Some stuff you can just show up and do.
Other things need paperwork. Or a guide. Or a spot on someone’s calendar.
Most day hikes? No permits. But don’t assume—some trails surprise you.
And if you’re booking a guide or tour, do it early. The good ones fill fast.
You don’t need a full itinerary.
Just know what you’re aiming for—and what it takes to pull it off.
How Far in Advance Should You Plan?
Short answer? Depends.
Me—I wing it a lot. I’ve got flexible dates. I like dispersed camping. I don’t need much notice.
But camping with my dad? Whole different deal.
He works full-time. He’s got a narrow window.
One year we planned a Grand Canyon trip.
He gave me his summer dates. I jumped online and locked down a site at the North Rim months ahead.
So here’s the deal—if your schedule’s tight or your destination’s popular, start early.
If you’ve got wiggle room, you can leave more up in the air.
Weather and Special Events
As your trip approaches, check the weather and look for any road closures or local events.
Checking the forecast helps you pack appropriately.
Look at average highs and lows for that time of year so you know what to expect.
Gear Prep
Next, think about your gear.
Make sure you have everything you need—not just in time to buy it, but also to practice with it.
Don’t just toss a new tent in your car and try to figure it out at camp.
Set it up at home—your backyard, living room, anywhere.
Figure out how your gear works before you’re out in the wild.
Set it up. Break it down. Pack it up.
Don’t wait for a windy night to learn where the tent poles go.
Even if you’ve camped a dozen times—still worth checking.
Pull your stuff out of the garage.
Unzip. Unroll. Inspect.
Anything busted? Fix it now.
Future-you will thank you.
Meal Planning
Meal planning is one of my favorite topics.
At home, I write down what I’ll eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple plan helps.
For example:
- 3 dinners
- 2 breakfasts
Once it’s on paper, it’s easier to make sure you have enough food.
And if you want to try fun camp cooking, you’ll know what ingredients to bring.
There’s a free Camp Cooking Starter Kit in the description below.
It includes:
- A meal planner
- A packing checklist
- Recipes for no-cook meals, no-cooler meals, easy dinners, and breakfasts
Camping Safety Prep
Now let’s talk safety.
Do you know where the closest emergency center is to your campsite?
How about the nearest gas station or grocery store?
Do you have a med kit in your car?
Research this stuff at home before you leave.
It’s often overlooked, but it’s essential.
Know how far help is.
Be ready to deal with minor first aid issues on your own.
And finally—tell someone your plans.
Leave the who, what, when, and where with family or friends.
Let them know:
- Where you’re going
- What you’re doing
- Who you’ll be with
- How long you’ll be gone
Leave as many details as you can.
Wrap-Up
The more prepared you are—knowing where you’re going, what you want to do, what’s in the area, and safety precautions—the better your trip will be.
It helps you stay flexible, adapt if things don’t go to plan, and most of all—have fun.