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campfire questions for her first solo adventure
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There are many ways to camp, but for your first solo trip, the two most relevant options are Front country and Backcountry. Each requires different levels of preparation, skill, and comfort with risk. You must have the specific skills for the terrain you choose.
Chapter 01 - Types of camping
comfort
Choose your
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First-Aid Training
is Important.
Basic first aid and CPR training is a great place to start and covers most situations. Organizations like the American Red Cross offer widely available courses.
Link to American red cross
Backcountry
Pros
Access to beautiful, quiet places most people never see
More solitude and distance from others
Extremely rewarding to learn self-sufficiency
Considerations
Far from services in case of an emergency
Carrying all the gear can be physically challenging
Takes time to master skills
Fire restrictions are common
Backcountry camping involves hiking to designated campsites in remote areas or camping where dispersed camping is allowed. These sites are spread out and lack amenities such as running water, toilets, or trash collection.
It requires more skill and experience, including navigation, water purification, wilderness first aid, and carrying everything you need in your pack. The most common type is backpacking. You carry all your gear in a backpack and hike to a campsite, often with a permit.
Front Country
Front country camping means driving to an established campground and parking at your campsite, and is normally best for beginners or first-timers.
They typically offer amenities such as toilets, running water, trash cans, picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes, camp stores, and sometimes showers or laundry. Sites are closer together, and many require reservations and fees.
The most common type is car camping. You load your car with gear, drive to a campsite, and pitch a tent or sleep in your car.
Pros
Having lots of people around can help you feel safe
Amenities are helpful if you aren’t interested in roughing it
Easier access to services in case of an emergency
Fire pits and designated tent areas. Fire pits mean s'mores. Lots of s'mores.
Considerations
Less solitude and more noise
Crowded campgrounds can take away from experience
Lower barrier to entry
Drive-up access
More amenities
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