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If you’ve been inside all winter, a spring camping trip may be just what you need. However, it’s a different experience than heading out in any other season.
You can’t show up expecting it to feel like a typical weekend outing. You’re going to have to make some adjustments and lower your expectations.
Today, we’re sharing some of our best spring camping tips to help you have a perfect trip.
Let’s get going!
When Is Spring?
For roughly 90% of people on Earth, spring begins around March 20 or 21 and lasts until June 20 or 21. However, the remaining 10% of the population in the Southern Hemisphere experiences spring from September 20 or 21 to December 20 or 21. However, winter weather often doesn’t care about the calendar. Some locations continue to experience snow well into spring.
No matter where you are on our gorgeous planet, spring is the transition out of winter. Temperatures start to increase, plants bloom, and wildlife become more active. It can be an exciting time of year, especially if the region experiences harsh winter conditions.
Is Spring Good for Camping?
While spring may not be the peak camping season, it can still be a good time for camping. Unfortunately, your ability to head out and camp significantly depends on your location. Many northern states continue to experience harsh winter weather conditions during the season.
Because of the weather, some campgrounds may not fully open until the end of the season. However, those that are open often experience less demand for sites. They may offer discounts to lure customers in or to entice them to stay longer. Who doesn’t love saving a few bucks?
However, it’s important to remember that spring in southern states is generally mild to warmer weather. For many of these campgrounds, this is prime camping season. Northern snowbirds migrate south for the winter and stay until mid to late spring. This can jack up prices and make it very challenging to snag a spot in some areas.
Where Are the Best Places to Go Camping in Spring?
Spring can be a great season to go camping and an excellent time to experience national parks. Some of the best places to go camping in spring include national parks like Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Olympic.
South Dakota’s Custer State Park and Utah’s Dead Horse Point State Park are excellent for those who prefer state parks. However, be mindful that some parks may not be fully operational until later in the season.
Spring Camping Tips for a Perfect Trip
If you’re going to head out for a spring camping trip, you want to make the most of it. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you have the perfect spring camping trip. Let’s take a look!
Plan Ahead
No matter when you’re camping, you must plan ahead. In states like Florida, spring is the peak camping season. Securing a spot requires planning months in advance. Campsites at some of the most popular state parks will sell out within minutes of release.
Additionally, for much of the country, weather in spring can be very unpredictable. Planning allows you to have backup options when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. You may have to cancel an epic hike or other adventure because of unfavorable conditions. Having a game or other activity you can quickly pivot to can help keep everyone’s spirits up.
Layer Clothing
While the temperatures usually increase in spring, it can still be chilly. Dressing in layers can make staying comfortable easier as you can add or remove layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then add a warm, insulated mid-layer. You can complete your outfit with an outer layer to protect you from the wind, rain, and whatever the elements throw at you.
Pack Rain Gear
Rain can ruin any hope of having a perfect trip. If you don’t compare prepared, you could spend the entire trip soaking wet. In addition to your outer layer being waterproof or resistant, having some other rain gear, such as umbrellas, boots, and even pants, is essential. If you’ve ever had to pack up camp in the pouring rain, you know how nice these can be.
Unfortunately, things can go downhill quickly once your clothes and gear get wet. Consider yourself lucky if you’ve never experienced a camping trip where you spent most of your time wet. It only takes once before you’ll be stocking up on rain gear before your next trip.
Keep in Mind: Can you leave your RV awning out in the rain? Let’s take a look!
Choose the Right Campsite
Another critical thing to consider for your spring camping trip is your campsite. If rain is an issue, you don’t want to be at the bottom of a hill. If you are, you may have a flooded tent or camper by the end of your trip. While flooding can be a significant concern with rain, it’s certainly not the only one.
Consider the ground surface of the campsite. Gravel and cement are the two most common surfaces you’ll find. These can be excellent and make it easy for campers to get in and out without causing damage to their rig or the land. Unfortunately, some facilities have nothing more than dirt, which can get muddy and develop ruts.
Bring Bug Spray
One of the most complex parts of camping is battling bugs. Bugs can make it nearly impossible to spend time in nature. Some areas are worse than others when it comes to these pesky creatures. You may be stuck inside your tent or camper if you don’t bring bug spray and other repellants.
Keep in Mind: Bug spray isn’t the only way to keep pesky bugs away. Many campers swear by these bug repellent string lights!
Prepare for Mud
Not only do April showers bring May flowers, but they also can bring mud. In these conditions, you’re likely to experience muddy trails and campsites. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have to rain during your trip for this to be an issue. After a severe downpour, it can take several days of sunlight to dry up the landscape.
One way to prepare for mud is to bring old shoes and clothes you are okay with getting dirty. No matter how hard you try, they could get pretty messy during your trip. You may want to pack plastic bags to store clothes and other items covered in dirt, grime, and mud from the outdoors.
Protect Your Electronics
With the spring weather being incredibly unpredictable, you want to make sure you protect any electronics you bring with you. Leaving laptops, cell phones, and tablets out can leave them vulnerable to pop-up showers.
Investing in waterproof cases for phones and tablets can be a great way to protect your electronics. However, it’s best to get in the habit of putting things away when you finish using them. This not only protects them from the weather but also from someone stealing them.
- BEACH ESSENTIALS-SUPERIOR WATERPROOF PROTECTION: Certified IPX8 waterproof with Hiearcool's triple layer lock-down...
- CASE FRIENDLY: With a size of 8.3 inches, the waterproof phone pouch can fit most cell phones with or without a case,...
Plan Your Perfect Spring Camping Trip
If you follow these tips and put forth a little effort, spring can be a great time to take a camping trip. You can make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. In addition, campgrounds look different before the vegetation has grown for the year. If you’re looking for a change of pace, a spring camping trip is one option worth considering.
Do you have any other tips for camping during spring?
Last update on 2024-12-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
