Spring Camping Prep: Get Your Gear Ready Before Adventure Calls

The birds are warming up their vocal cords, the sun is sticking around a little longer each evening, and the air has that whisper of warmth that says, Hey, remember camping? Before you dive headfirst into your first spring trip, take a little time to prep now. Trust us—future you, standing in a dewy campsite with everything dialed in, will be very grateful.

1. Shake Off the Dust (Literally)

Your gear has been hibernating. It’s time to wake it up. Pull out your tent, sleeping bag, and other essentials for a check-up. Unroll that tent and give it a once-over for mold, mildew, or any ambitious mice that may have taken up residence. Seam-seal if needed, and while you're at it, make sure all poles and stakes are accounted for. A missing tent pole in the middle of the woods? Not a fun plot twist.

2. Freshen Up Your Sleep System

Sleeping bags lose their loft over time, especially if they’ve been stuffed in a sack for months. Give yours a good shake and, if necessary, a proper wash following the manufacturer’s instructions. (Pro tip: If you’re using a front-loading washer, add some clean tennis balls to the dryer to help restore fluff.) While you’re at it, test your sleeping pad for leaks and consider upgrading your pillow game. A good night’s sleep can make or break a camping trip.

3. Restock and Reassess Your Camp Kitchen

Check your camp stove—leftover fuel can gum up the works, so test it before you hit the road. Inspect cookware for damage and make sure you still have all your utensils (sporks have a mysterious habit of vanishing). Now is also a great time to upgrade to reusable dishware and ditch single-use plastics for good.

4. Pre-Plan Your Meals Like a Pro

Spring camping means cooler nights and unpredictable weather. Think warm, hearty meals that are easy to prep at camp. Dehydrated soups, foil packet meals, and pre-made burritos that just need a quick heat-up can make for stress-free camp cooking. Bonus points if you plan meals with locally sourced ingredients—supporting small farms and reducing your carbon footprint in one go.

5. Do a Gear Audit (and Actually Organize It This Year)

Gather everything you use for camping—headlamps, knives, first-aid kits, water filters—and make sure it’s all in good working order. Replace dead batteries, sharpen that camp knife, and make sure your water filter isn’t clogged from last season. Then, organize it like you mean it. Clear bins, labeled bags, and a dedicated gear shelf make it way easier to grab and go when adventure calls.

6. Layer Up and Check Your Clothing Situation

Spring weather is unpredictable—one minute it’s sunny, the next you’re getting hit with an arctic breeze. Make sure you have a solid layering system: moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a good waterproof shell. If your rain gear isn’t beading water anymore, it’s time for a refresh with a waterproofing product.

7. Plan Ahead for Permits and Public Land Access

Spring is a prime time for exploring public lands before the summer rush, but don’t assume you can just show up and grab a campsite. Check recreation.gov, state park websites, and national forest sites for reservation requirements, trail conditions, and any lingering winter closures. Consider volunteering for a public land clean-up day while you’re at it—many trails and campgrounds could use a little love after winter.

8. Dial in Your Navigation and Safety Plan

Even if you know an area well, spring conditions can bring surprises. Update your maps (paper and digital), download offline GPS routes, and always tell someone your itinerary before heading out. And while we’re at it—does your first-aid kit still have everything you need? Bandages, antiseptic, ibuprofen, and an emergency blanket should all be in there.

9. Embrace the Early Season Vibes

Spring camping is about crisp mornings, fewer crowds, and watching nature wake up from its winter nap. It’s also about embracing a little unpredictability—muddy trails, cool nights, and that first campfire of the season. Take the time now to prep, and when the perfect weekend rolls around, you’ll be ready to throw your gear in the car and just go.

Final Thought: Respect the Land, Leave No Trace

As always, tread lightly. Stay on designated trails, pack out everything (yes, everything), and keep noise levels respectful. The more we take care of our public lands, the longer we get to enjoy them.

So, shake out that sleeping bag, check your gear, and get ready. Spring camping season is almost here, and you don’t want to miss a second of it.