It’s summertime and people all around the country are finding ways to get outside. One of the most popular activities that people enjoy is camping. In fact, the revenue of campgrounds and RV parks each year is over five billion dollars. Whether you are the type of camper who likes to sleep in an RV or just to simply pitch a tent on a mountain somewhere, there are a few things to know before you head out. Below are three of those things:

1. Planning Ahead – Camping is incredibly relaxing, but it does take a lot of planning ahead of time. The good news is that once you get your gear in one place and you know what you need, the planning gets easier. One way to do this is to find a sturdy plastic tote that fits in your vehicle and efficiently pack as much of your camping gear inside of it as possible. This is especially helpful when it comes to smaller items like headlamps, cooking utensils, and tent stakes.

2. Handy Items To Have – There is no perfect list of camping essentials, because the experience will be different for everyone. For instance, for those 16% of U.S. campers who have RVs, they will need to make sure and have rv jack pads, plastic cribbing blocks and hookups, whereas tent campers focus more on things like ground mats or tent footprints, plastic or metal tent stakes, and other items. It’s a good idea to make a packing list before you go, because the last thing you want is to be out in the wilderness only to realize you’ve forgotten something.

3. Truly Enjoying The Outdoors – As stated above, camping is a great way to relax, and people do this in different ways. Some campers love to go on long hikes during the day and relax by the fire at night, while others enjoy the coziness of their campsite with a book and cup of coffee. Most tent campers usually spend at least two nights in the outdoors on every trip, and RV campers average around five to seven nights. No matter how long you stay, it’s important to find ways that help you find relaxation.

If you are someone who already loves camping then you know that it doesn’t matter if you are eating on a plastic plate around a fire or at a table inside of an RV: the experience is all that matters. Find the type of camping that works for you, remember to plan ahead, make a list of your handy items, and keep finding ways to enjoy the great outdoors.