Camping is all about taking a break from your routine and just relaxing and recharging in the great outdoors. Many campers right now want to try backcountry camping, where there is no electricity and just you and the outdoors.
It might seem overwhelming in the beginning, but when you know what to do and how to handle different situations, you will find that camping without electricity is even more rewarding.
The key to achieving any successful trip is to come prepared. This is even more important if you're planning to camp traditionally.
Make sure you do your homework at the campground of your choice. You know there's no electricity, but is there a source of water? In the event of an emergency, where can you go to get help? Also, make sure you pack right to cover everything you are going to need for sleeping, cooking, eating, bathing, and entertainment. It would be helpful if you made a checklist and used it while packing.
Plan your meals ahead and keep everything simple. Consider the lack of power, so you will be cooking over a campfire, a grill, or an electric stove, depending on what you prefer. Plan your meals for each day of your trip and choose recipes that are simple to prepare. If possible, do most of the preparation at home. Pack your cooler correctly, and make sure to cook perishables first.
In the backcountry, when there is no electricity, there is usually no source of drinking water either. It's important to check if your chosen site has a water source. If there is, it is usually fine for bathing and washing dishes, but not for drinking. Bring clean drinking water that will last throughout your entire trip. You can bring water in gallons or in smaller individual bottles.
You'll need a source of light to move around the campsite, especially at night. You can light a campfire, but you can't move it around or bring it inside your tent. Be sure to bring a flashlight, a lantern, some candles, and some extra batteries.
No matter what season you will be camping, it's important to prepare for cold nights. Bring a wool sweater, wool socks, thick blankets, extra bedding, sleeping pads, and a thermal sleeping bag.