Camping, in theory, sounds like a peaceful escape—birds chirping, a crackling campfire, and star-filled skies. But, trust me, if you’re not prepared, it can turn into something that feels more like an episode of Survivor (minus the immunity challenges and million-dollar prize). I’ve been there, done that, and came home with enough stories to fill a journal. So, instead of watching you stumble through some rookie mistakes, let me save you a few headaches with these five hard-earned lessons from my own adventures in the wild.

1. Always Pack More Water Than You Think You Need

Here’s the thing about water: you can’t have too much of it when you’re out in nature. And no, that one Nalgene bottle won’t cut it! My overconfidence had me thinking that a gallon of water per person would get us through a weekend. Spoiler alert: by day two, I was looking at that nearby stream like it was a Starbucks. Turns out, you need water for everything—cooking, cleaning, hydration, and if you’re like me, occasionally dousing a campfire that gets a little out of hand.

Pro Tip: Get yourself a portable water filter. It’s a game-changer, and it turns any stream into a refill station. Plus, it feels like a cool wilderness survival hack—like Bear Grylls would approve.

2. Prepare for the Night – Layer Up!

If you think summer nights in the woods are all balmy breezes and fireflies, oh boy, are you in for a shock. I made the rookie mistake of thinking my paper-thin sleeping bag (because I got it on sale) would be enough. Cut to me, shivering like a leaf, clutching my knees, and begging the sun to rise. Apparently, when the sun sets, so does any warmth you took for granted during the day.

What You’ll Need: Layers—lots of ‘em. Thick thermal socks for men, comfy pajama pants, and a sleeping bag that makes you feel like a human burrito. Your day clothes? Forget it. Those won’t cut it unless you’re into nocturnal hypothermia. Think of it this way: it’s like dressing for a polar expedition, even if it’s 80 degrees at noon.

3. Know Your Surroundings Before You Pitch Your Tent

I once found what I thought was the perfect spot for my tent. Flat, nice view, no rocks—everything seemed idyllic. Fast forward to 3 a.m., and I wake up in what feels like the middle of a kiddie pool. Apparently, I had camped right in nature’s drainpipe. Lesson learned: always scope out your campsite, especially if there’s even the slightest chance of rain.

Key Tip: Stick to high ground and steer clear of any spot that looks like it could double as a water slide during a storm. Also, a ground tarp is your best friend—it’s like the insurance policy you didn’t know you needed.

4. Have a Backup Plan for Meals

You know those Instagram posts where people are cooking gourmet meals over a campfire, like a perfectly seared steak and grilled veggies? Yeah, that’s not me. I’m more of a “let’s hope this can of beans heats up” kind of camper. On one particularly soggy trip, we ran out of gas for the stove, and the rain turned our fire pit into a swamp. We ended up gnawing on energy bars like a couple of chipmunks.

Takeaway: Always have some no-cook meal options up your sleeve—sandwiches, jerky, or even those MREs that look like astronaut food but taste surprisingly decent. If you want to get fancy, try a portable solar oven or a fireless cooker. You’ll thank me when you’re not eating granola for the fourth meal in a row.

5. Keep Your Gear Organized (Especially Your First Aid Kit)

There’s nothing like cutting your hand on a sharp rock and then spending 10 minutes playing hide-and-seek with your first aid kit. Let me tell you, when you’re bleeding, it’s not fun to dig through a chaotic backpack that looks like it exploded. It’s a situation that could’ve easily been avoided if I had just taken five minutes to organize.

Pro Tip: Use small, clear bags to group similar items—think kitchen stuff in one, first aid in another, and so on. That way, when you need a band-aid or some antiseptic, you’re not frantically pawing through your gear like a raccoon in a trash can. Your future self will appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Wrapping It Up

Camping isn’t just about nature; it’s about being ready for nature to throw some curveballs your way. Whether it’s a surprise storm, an empty water bottle, or the temperature plummeting out of nowhere, being prepared turns a potentially miserable trip into an unforgettable adventure. With these five tips (which I learned the hard way), you’ll be better equipped to laugh at nature’s little surprises, instead of cursing them.