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January 9th, 2023
pigeon river campground

Smoky Mountain Camping Tips

February 27, 2013 January 9th, 2023

There are countless ways to camp and everyone has their own tricks to make the experience as seamless as possible. Whether you’re taking your first trip to the Smoky Mountains or are traveling for an annual visit, here are a few suggestions that could make your next camping experience more enjoyable and stress-free. To Stay Warm: The weather can be a little unpredictable in the Smokies as temperatures will vary depending on the elevation and time of year. Here are a few simple ways to stay warm and cozy:

  1. Heat/Boil water to pour into your nalgene and snuggle with it during the night.
  2. Put the bottom half of your sleeping bag in a trash bag to hold the heat in.
  3. Empty your bladder before going to sleep so you don’t have to make the cold trip outside in the night.

To Eat Well: Cooking on a camping trip can be a wonderful experience as you get to try a unique way of boiling and roasting food with a real fire. These tips should help make campfire food as delicious as possible:

  1. Foil is your best friend. You can wrap anything up in foil, just throw it in the fire and end up with a savory meal.
  2. If you don’t want to carry heavy pots and pans around consider using aluminum pie pans, they’re great for eggs, chili, and soups.
  3. Pay attention to the weather. You aren’t going to want to store a lot of foods that need to stay cold when it’s the middle of summer (i.e. chocolate).
  4. Bring some lint along from your dryer, it makes a great fire starter.
  5. Don’t get eaten by bears. Follow the campgrounds rules and try to separate your food from the campsite as much as possible!

Aside from camping, always remember to bring things like a flashlight, pocket knife, and extra snacks to be absolutely prepared for popular outdoor activities like hiking, bicycling, and rafting.