A camping trip is one of the best ways to reset, relax, connect with nature, and meditate. And the best part is that it doesn’t need to be a long one, you can just stay for 2 nights if you want. A weekend camping trip is just best for those who are too busy in the city or beginner campers who want to just get an idea of what camping is like.
This way, you get to only experience the best part of nature, the sunsets, the hiking, the exploring, and the amazing views. And by the time you go back home, you end up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. But you’ll need a bit of planning to achieve this. So come on, continue reading to find out all you need to know to plan a 2-night camping trip.
Step-by-Step Plan for A 2-Night Camping Trip
1. Choose Your Campground
Before you start thinking about what to bring on a 2-night camping trip, you must first choose a campground. The perfect campground can be a state park, a national park, or a private campground. It should also have a lot of facilities and amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, hot showers, and a camp store, but it still depends on your camping style.
When you’ve chosen your campground, you’ll then need to book early. And in most campgrounds, you’ll need to book early, at least one month ahead, especially during the holiday period. You might also want to know what permits or passes you’ll need, the campground’s rules, and safety warnings, just in case.
Once you’ve chosen your campground, you can now pick an actual campsite that will be best for your 2-night camping trip. You can choose one that is close to the bathrooms and water source or a site that is tucked far away from other campers. At the end of the day, you’ll need to do proper and thorough research to be able to plan a 2-night camping trip.
2. Create a Simple Itinerary
When you want to plan a 2-night camping trip, you also need to plan what you’ll be doing all throughout the trip. The first day you arrive at your campground, probably in the evening, you’ll need time to settle in, pitch your tent, unpack your gear, and rest. If you didn’t come with already cooked food or you came with cold food, you can set up your campfire, cook, and enjoy the view of the night sky.
On the second day, you can explore the beauty of nature and the environment. With so many fun activities to do, depending on where you choose, you can go hiking, swimming, biking, boating, kayaking, scuba diving, horse riding, and diving. You can also plan a small picnic where you read, play games, and just relax.
On the third and last day of your 2-night camping trip, you can make a simple breakfast, pack up your camping gear, and just stroll around one last time. The main thing about planning your itinerary is that it also has to be flexible. So you can have time to relax, connect with nature, connect with yourself, and even explore other nearby attractions.
3. What To Pack For A 2-Night Camping Trip
When planning what to bring on a 2-night packing trip, you have to make sure you pack smart and only the essentials. So you can be well prepared and comfortable without overpacking. Your camping gear for a 2-night camping trip is not going to be so much if you’re backpacking, but if you’re car camping, then the extra weight shouldn’t be an issue. The essential gear you’ll need for a 2-night camping trip is:
Shelter & Sleeping
Camping Accessories
Cooking Gear
Clothing & Personal Items
Miscellaneous & Extras
4. Plan Your Food and Meals
When planning what to pack on a 2-night camping trip, you’ll also have to remember to pack what you’re going to eat. Not just pack clothes since you’re not going to be camping for a long time, you also have the opportunity to plan what you’ll eat during these days. So, the food you should bring along should be light, easy to make, and very delicious.
On the first day of getting to the camp, you can eat something pre-made or an easy foil packet dinner, or pasta. This will save you stress and time, so you can eat and relax by the fire. On your second day, you can go all out, starting with an egg or oatmeal breakfast, a sandwich or wraps lunch, then a burger or kebabs dinner.
While on your last day, you can stick to a light breakfast like granola bars and coffee before packing up your camp. You should also bring something light that you can snack on while hiking, like trail mix, fresh fruits, and even chips. And if you’re going to be camping with a cooler, don’t forget to bring water, drinks, and your favorite juice.
5. Check the Weather & Pack for It
You might be planning to spend only 2 nights on this camping trip, but if you’re not prepared for unexpected weather, your trip can seem even longer. So it’s important to check the weather forecast of your camping spot before you plan a 2-night camping trip.
Knowing if it’s going to be rainy, hot, or cold will help you know what to bring for a 2-night camping trip. If the weather forecast says there’s going to be colder nights, then you’ll need more insulating gear and extra clothes layers for sleeping. If it’s going to be raining, then you’ll need to bring an extra rainfly, tarp, and a footprint to stay dry.
Even if the weather is going to be sunny but not scorching, you’ll still need sun protection. So you’ll need to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun cap to keep you safe. You’ll also need to pick a tent with enough ventilation so the heat won’t be too much while staying inside.
3 Tips for a 2-Night Camping Trip
There’s not much difference between planning a long camping trip and planning a 2-night camping trip, but this one is much more spontaneous. Here are some tips that will make sure your 2-night trip is less stressful and more fun.
- Be Safety Conscious
Before you even start thinking of what to pack for a 2-night camping trip, make sure someone knows of your plan. This includes where you’re headed and when you’ll be coming back. Always be safety conscious, and you can carry a small first aid kit, a flashlight, A GPS, an offline map, a compass, and a power bank just in case of emergencies.
- Leave No Trace Behind
On the third day of your 2-night camping trip, remember to pack everything and leave no trace behind. This way, nature is being kept clean and beautiful for you to come and visit on your next camping trip. Know the wildlife safety guidelines and the campfire regulations of your campground and stick to them. Don’t explore off the marked trails so you don’t end up destroying an animal’s habitat or worse, getting hurt.
- Plan Well
Leave your home early so you can get to your campground and still have enough daylight to set up camp before relaxing. Instead, you’ll be forced to work with the nightlight and maybe your flashlight. Before you leave your house, also make sure all the camping gear you plan to bring for this 2-night camping trip is in good condition.
Conclusion
A 2-week camping trip is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors, especially since you’re so close to the city. Spending a quiet time with nature hiking, swimming, and exploring will give you the quiet escape you desperately need.
It’s time for you to slow down, breathe, relax, and reconnect with nature. Plus, you get to enjoy amazing views from nature, campfire warmth, stargazing, and nature meditation. So why not give it a try? Pack all you’ll need for a 2-week camping trip and start your journey with the tips listed in this guide.