Summer is ideal for loading up the truck and heading out on a camping adventure, surrounded by nature’s beauty and basking in the warm sunshine. However, to have a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s important to be well-prepared and equipped with the right knowledge and equipment.
In this article, I share a few essential campsite tips for the ultimate summer camping trip. From investing in the right gear to packing enough food to choosing the perfect campsite, I’ll cover all the key aspects that will help make your summer camping adventures fun and successful for the whole family.
Whether you’re a seasoned camping vet or new to the outdoor scene, these tips are designed to allow you to make the most of your upcoming summer camping trips. With that in mind, keep reading to find out how to make this summer one to remember!
Table of Contents
- Campsite Tips: Choose a Good Campground (And Know its Rules)
- Campsite Tips: Bring Reliable Power
- Campsite Tips: Invest in a Trailer
- Campsite Tips: Bring Extra Food and Drinks
- Campsite Tips: Pack Cozy Camping Clothes
- Campsite Tips: Embrace the Great Outdoors
- More Beginner Camping Tips
Campsite Tips: Choose a Good Campground (And Know its Rules)
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One of the most important campsite tips is to find a campground that suits your needs and style – be that a dispersed site in the wilderness or an established campground. For example, some campgrounds are tent sites only, some are primitive sites with no amenities, and others you may have to hike in and out of. So, make sure you do your research well before booking anything.
Speaking of booking a site, summer is by far the busiest season for camping. So, you should always make a reservation to secure a spot. National Parks are particularly popular and tend to be fully booked months in advance, so plan accordingly.
Also, every campground has different rules. There are pet-free places, quiet hours, and locations where fires are strictly prohibited. So, once again, read up on the rules of your specific campsite before leaving the house.
Campsite Tips: Bring Reliable Power
When it comes to creating an unforgettable campsite experience this summer, one thing often gets overlooked: reliable power. Whether you’re setting up string lights, charging your camera gear, or running a portable fridge, having a dependable power source can make all the difference. That’s where something like the Inergy FLEX 1500 Tactical steps in—and trust me, this thing is a game-changer.
With 1,500 watts of pure sine wave power and 1,058 watt-hours of lithium-ion battery capacity, the FLEX Tactical packs a serious punch in a compact (14” x 8” x 8.9”) and rugged package. It’s not featherlight at 41 pounds, but it’s still portable enough to haul around camp with ease. And thanks to a suite of power ports—including six AC outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, DC outputs, and even cigarette lighter ports—you can run everything from lights and laptops to fans and fridges without breaking a sweat.
The FLEX Tactical isn’t just about power—it’s about reliability. With a reinforced steel body, composite skid plate, and resistance to dust, sand, hail, and rain, it’s built for real-world adventures. It’s even been tested by the U.S. military, so it’s no slouch in the durability department.
One top feature? The built-in battery heater that lets the unit operate in temps as low as -22°F. Add the option to charge via AC, DC, or solar—simultaneously, no less—and you’ve got a powerhouse that’s always ready to go. And while the fan noise is noticeable and charging could be faster, the benefits far outweigh the minor drawbacks.
So whether you’re enjoying late-night s’mores under twinkling lights or staying connected with your devices, the FLEX 1500 Tactical gives you the freedom to camp your way—off-grid, fully powered, and stress-free. Bottom line: if you want to elevate your campsite this summer, reliable power like this is an absolute must! Check the FLEX 1500 Tactical out in more detail in my review video above.
Campsite Tips: Invest in a Trailer
The Denali Campers XTR-10 is a no-compromise off-road trailer that blends rugged performance with practical comfort—so you can focus less on setting up your summer campsite and more on the adventure ahead. Like all Denali Campers, the XTR-10 is built on a galvanized steel chassis backed by a lifetime warranty. Paired with a Cruisemaster DO35 articulating hitch and Cruisemaster independent suspension, it’s ready to handle the roughest trails without shaking you or your gear apart.
At just 2,375 lbs dry with a tongue weight of 260 lbs, the XTR-10 keeps things nimble, yet offers a serious list of features for summer camping. The fully insulated cabin is constructed with structural composite panels (no studs), delivering R9 insulation across the walls, floor, and roof—keeping you warm on chilly early summer nights and cool when it gets hot. Inside, you get a roomy 7’2” head-to-toe sleeping area with a 60” x 78” tri-fold memory foam mattress, a Truma VarioHeat propane heater, MaxxFan Deluxe roof vent, and plenty of USB, 12V, and 120V outlets powered by a robust Redarc electrical system.
Storage is abundant, with large PVC cabinets and built-in LED lighting to keep things organized and visible. The kitchen is just as refined: a 12V 75L dual-zone upright fridge, 22” Partner Steel pull-out cooktop, stainless steel sink with on-demand hot water, and a 30-gallon water tank with gauge and pump make meal prep easy. Plus, you’ll find deep drawers, solid surface counters, and even a folding aluminum prep table built into the galley door.
Powering your trip is a 300Ah Epoch lithium battery, a 2000W inverter, a 30A MPPT solar controller, and both a 100W roof-mounted solar panel and pre-wired ports for additional charging options. There’s even a 30A charger that charges the battery while towing, plus LED flood lights, underbody red rock lighting, and dual Redarc monitors to manage your setup with ease.
The exterior is just as thoughtfully designed: dual entry doors with steel mesh screens for ventilation, MOLLE gear racks, aluminum walk-on fenders, a 2” receiver hitch, pivoting spare tire rack, and dedicated storage for propane tanks, recovery gear, and a 23ZERO shower awning over the outdoor hot shower.
Whether you’re disappearing into the desert, crawling over alpine trails, or just setting up for a weekend off-grid this summer, the Denali Campers XTR-10 brings the rugged reliability and modern comforts you need to do it right.
Campsite Tips: Bring Extra Food and Drinks
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Chances are you’ll spend your days exploring and being active, and therefore, will be hungrier and thirstier than usual. And the last thing you want at the end of a long day is to run out of food or drinks. Having said that, one of our top campsite tips is always bringing more food and drinks than you think you’ll need.
Food that won’t spoil, like nuts and dried fruit, are our go-to outdoor snacks. I also highly recommend bringing a cooler and ice to store meat, dairy products, and beverages. As far as water is concerned, most sites will have a water source, but I always bring a water filter, too, just in case.
Campsite Tips: Pack Cozy Camping Clothes
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People like to think camping is uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you are sleeping in a tent, RV, camper van, or cabin, having a cozy pair of clothes to wear around the campsite is one of the easiest ways to add comfort to your experience.
Even during the peak of summer, it can be cold in the evenings, depending on where you are camping. So, pack some warm pajamas, socks, and a beanie. Comfy campsite shoes like hiking sandals or Crocs are also game-changers.
Campsite Tips: Embrace the Great Outdoors
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In today’s busy, technology-heavy world, I know it can be difficult to completely disconnect from everyday life, but there’s no better place to do it than when camping. So, turn off your devices and connect with nature by hiking through the forest, taking a dip in a river, or simply listening to the sound of the wind.
When you take off on adventures away from camp, be sure you take the essentials – food, water, bug spray, first aid, and so forth. Carry these and other necessities in a comfortable bag to make the trip that much better!
More Beginner Camping Tips
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Now that you know how to help create the ultimate summer camping trip, it’s time to reserve a site at a campground, gather your camping gear, pack your bags, and embrace the beautiful outdoors! For more summer campsite tips and tricks, check out the list below:
- Always test new gear at home before camping.
- Bring the essentials but try to avoid overpacking.
- Clean up your campsite and never bring food into your tent.
- Find ways to stay cool (swimming, shade, fan, portable A/C, cold drinks, etc.).
- Have fun!
Learn More:
- 4 Reasons an Off-Grid Trailer is a Must for Your Outdoor Adventures
- 4 Camping Road Trip Essentials for the Perfect Trip
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