How long should a camping trip be?

So you’re planning a camping trip…

But for how long?

Shorter trips are great for weekend getaways, but what if you’re not sure about taking extra time off for another day or two…or three, or four?

It’s a hard decision to make, we know.

A short trip can be just enough, or it can feel like too much work and effort.

A long trip takes more planning, and there’s no guarantee you’ll love it.

What’s a camper to do?

Factors to consider when deciding on the length of a trip

There’s no right answer for how long a trip should be, but you can get some hints from what you already know.

Why do you want to go camping? Are you looking for a peaceful weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life?

Or do you want an extended adventure with your family and friends? Once you have determined your goals, it will

How skilled are you at camping? If you’re new to camping, you may want to start with a shorter trip to get used to the experience.

If you’re an experienced camper, you may be able to handle longer trips with more challenging terrain.

Who else are you going with? Your fellow campers should also have a say in how long your trip is.

If they’re new campers, they may not be comfortable with a week-long trip but could handle three days just fine.

On the other hand, if you’re going with a knowledgeable group of adventurers, you can increase the length of your trip without any worry.

What level of adventure and challenge are you looking for? If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, you may want to plan a longer trip that gives you time to handle more difficult terrain—plus a rest day or two.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, a shorter trip with easier terrain may be more appropriate.

How much do you want to relax? If you’re looking for a more relaxing and rejuvenating experience, a shorter camping trip may be more appropriate.

This will give you time to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

On the other hand, if you want a good mix of adventure and relaxation, you may need a longer trip to dedicate time for both.

How long do you want to disconnect from modern life? If you’re looking to disconnect from technology and your daily routine, a longer camping trip may be more appropriate.

Going for just a night or two may not give you enough time to truly feel like you’ve left the world behind.

Challenges to consider when deciding how long to go camping

Some things will be out of your control, which can vastly impact the length of your trip.

These include:

Unpredictable weather

One of the biggest challenges when camping is dealing with unpredictable weather.

It’s important to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.

You may need to plan a shorter trip if the weather doesn’t look so great.

Bring rain gear, warm clothing, and extra blankets in case the temperature drops at night.

Limited availability of campsites

Depending on where you plan to camp, campsites may fill up quickly—especially during peak season.

If you want to book your favourite campsite, but do it too late, you may have sacrifice the length of your trip because it’s already booked up for most of the season.

Consider making reservations ahead of time to ensure you have a spot.

Lack of proper gear or equipment

Having the right gear and equipment is essential for a successful camping trip.

Make a checklist of everything you need and double-check before you leave.

If you don’t have something, consider borrowing from a friend or renting from a camping supply store.

Food limits

There’s a big difference between bringing enough food for a weekend trip, and bringing enough for a week-long trip.

The longer your trip, the more food you’ll need to bring.

Fresh food also spoils quickly, so your options are more limited later on in a longer trip.

Physical limitations or health issues

Camping can be physically demanding—especially if you plan to hike or participate in other outdoor activities.

It’s important to listen to your body and avoid planning anything too strenuous to avoid getting injured.

If you have concerns, consult with your doctor before leaving.

Budget constraints

Camping can be an affordable way to travel, but costs can add up quickly.

Consider all expenses, including gear, food, and transportation.

Look for ways to save money, such as camping during the off-season or cooking your own meals instead of eating out.

Work or other obligations

It can be challenging to find time for a camping trip when you have work, school, and other responsibilities in your personal life.

Consider planning your trip during a long weekend or taking time off work.

Make sure to communicate with your employer, family members, friends, and other important people ahead of time.

Unexpected emergencies or family obligations

Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected emergencies or family obligations may arise.

Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses or having a backup plan in case you need to cancel or cut your trip short.

Tips for overcoming camping trip challenges

Things will happen, and the best you can do is be prepared.

Here’s what we recommend when it comes to addressing the following challenges, which can make or break the length of your trip:

Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly

Always check the forecast before you go camping for the most up-to-date forecast.

Pack appropriate clothing and gear for the weather conditions you may encounter.

For example, if there’s a chance of rain, bring rain gear and consider waterproofing your tent for extra protection with a product like Nikwax.

If it’s going to be hot, bring lightweight and breathable clothing.

Book campsites in advance or visit during off-peak seasons

To avoid disappointment, book your campsite as far in advance as possible.

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when campsites are less crowded and more affordable.

Rent or borrow gear, or invest in quality equipment

If you’re new to camping or don’t have your own gear, consider renting or borrowing equipment.

This can be a cost-effective way to try camping without investing in expensive gear.

Alternatively, if you plan to camp frequently, investing in quality equipment can save you money in the long run.

Choose activities that you know you can handle

When planning your camping trip, choose activities that are appropriate for your fitness level and abilities.

If you have any health concerns, consult with your doctor before embarking on your trip. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Create a camp-friendly meal plan

We recommend dehydrating your own food, bringing canned food, and having lots of healthy snacks on hand.

If you plan to cook over a campfire, bring easy-to-make meals that require minimal cooking such as chili or foil dinners.

Try our campfire pizza recipe, for starters!

Plan and communicate with your employer in advance

If you work full-time, plan your camping trip in advance and communicate with your employer or coworkers.

Make sure you have the necessary time off and that your work responsibilities are covered while you’re away.

Have a backup plan in case of emergencies

Even with the best planning, emergencies can happen.

A backup plan could include a shortened trip, a flexible route, or easier activities.

You should also have a first aid kit, emergency contacts, and a plan for evacuating the campsite if necessary.

The pros and cons of short, medium, and long camping trips

Each length of trip has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

It’s up to you to decide what’s most important to you, and which drawbacks you’re willing to face if necessary.

Pros of a short camping trip (1-2 nights)

If you’re new to camping or have limited time, a short camping trip can be a great way to get started.

Short trips are also ideal if you want to test out new gear or camping locations.

Here are some benefits of a short camping trip:

• Less planning and preparation required
• Less time away from work and other commitments
• Less expensive
• Great for a quick getaway or weekend trip

Cons of a short camping trip (1-2 nights)

While short camping trips have their benefits, they also have some drawbacks:

• You may not have enough time to fully relax and enjoy the experience
• You may feel rushed and not be able to do everything you had planned
• You may not have enough time to explore the area

Pros of a medium-length camping trip (3-5 nights)

A medium-length camping trip can be a great balance between a short and long trip. Here are some benefits of a medium-length camping trip:

• You’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the experience
• You’ll have more time to explore the area and try new activities
• You’ll have time to disconnect from technology and enjoy nature

Cons Pros of a medium-length camping trip (3-5 nights)

While a medium-length camping trip has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks:

• More planning and preparation required
• More time away from work and other commitments
• More expensive than a short camping trip

Pros of a long camping trip (6-9 nights)

If you have more time and want a more immersive camping experience, a long camping trip may be right for you. Here are some benefits of a long camping trip:

• You’ll have plenty of time to relax and fully immerse yourself in nature
• You’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and try new activities
• You’ll have time to truly disconnect from technology and enjoy the peace and quiet

Cons of a long camping trip (6-9 nights)

While a long camping trip can be a great experience, there are also some drawbacks:

• More planning and preparation required
• More time away from work and other commitments
• More expensive than a short or medium-length camping trip
• You may start to feel homesick or miss the comforts of home

Pros of an extra long camping trip (10+ nights)

If you’re a seasoned camper and want a truly immersive experience, an extra-long camping trip may be right for you.

Here are some benefits of an extra-long camping trip:

• You’ll have plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in nature and truly disconnect from technology
• You’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and try new activities
• You’ll have time to truly relax and recharge

Cons of an extra long camping trip (10+ nights)

While an extra-long camping trip can be an amazing experience, there are also some drawbacks:

• Requires a significant amount of planning and preparation
• Requires a significant amount of time away from work and other commitments
• Can be expensive
• You may start to feel homesick or miss the comforts of home

How to decide what length of trip is best for you

Ultimately, the length of your camping trip will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances.

The above tips should give you a good idea of what you need to consider, and what’s most important to you.

Remember that if you’re camping with other people, you should ask them about what they want to get out of the trip, and what limitations they might be dealing with.

Also, keep in mind that longer isn’t necessarily better.

A short trip can be just as memorable and meaningful as a longer trip.

Next up: The best time of year to go camping