First Time Camping

[JuliaVT]

I have been invited (with 2 other girls) to go wilderness camping with a gf and her family this summer. Two of us including me have never been before. I think it will be fun but am also freaked by some of the basics.....like bathing, bathrooms (or lack of) and bears! I'm getting teased a lot and now it's starting to sound kinda gross to me. Any advice from those more experienced?

[Katie2003]

Since the people you will be going with have experience, they will certainly educate you along the way about personal safety issues, what not to do, and so on.

Unless there is a stream or lake to bathe in, you probably won't be bathing much in the way you are used to at home. There are portable showers that can be set up, however getting enough water to take a shower without carrying it along requires some nearby natural source like a spring, lake, or stream. Generally, those showers are out in the open, some have a minimal thing (basically a sheet of plastic that's not transparent) that hangs from a tree to partially cover you from shoulders down to mid leg depending on how tall you are. Another option is packaged freshening wipes, which you can use on the areas of your body most likely to need cleaning. There's nothing wrong with going days without showering, as long as you keep your hands clean and change underwear.

You need to get past modesty quickly when wilderness camping. You will be seeing your friends naked or seriously exposed, and they will be seeing you. Not much you can do about it, there's little privacy inside a tent and absolutely none when going to the bathroom. Everyone who camps has similar experiences.

You will be peeing, making your BM's and so on out in the open in the woods. It's really no biggie, at the most it's inconvenient to have to sit on a log over a little hole you dig yourself then fill in afterward. They sell packs of toilet paper for campers or you can bring a roll from home. One thing you need to do before leaving, is study up on what the various poison plants look like, so you can avoid them. You don't want to sit on that log with your bare butt in poison ivy and spoil the rest of your trip.

It's totally a different experience than living at home. Lots of fun, lots of hard walking carrying heavy backpacks too. All the equipment and stuff you need, you have to carry with you.

Go for it and enjoy yourself!!!!!! Feel free to PM me if you want to.

[JuliaVT]

Thanks for the information and suggestions. Yeah, this is going to be very different from home but that's what will make it fun, too. So a few questions (sorry I can't PM)......

We will be near a lake, but I've been told it's COLD!!! That will be for swimming (ha-ha) and bathing. So I'll bring soap, but will I bathe naked or wear a swimsuit and maneuver around it?

Yeah I checked so I need to ask..... what do I do with tampons, and where?

Is there going to be a designated bathroom spot? Is this a place where everyone might see? I've done that in front of my sister before, but never friends obviously.

Do I need some kind of bug spray or Off?

Thanks again!

[Katie2003]

Yes, you will need something like Deep Woods Off, a high strength version. Follow directions, don't forget to reapply as required, especially after taking a bath.

Usually campers have a designated bathroom spot once they set up camp, it may be 100 feet from the tents or a bit further, but usually not so far that it's going to be totally out of sight. If you need to pee, you can do that just about anywhere that's not in the area of the tents and cooking. Just pull your pants down far enough that you don't accidentally get them wet, for me that's like down to my knees or further, then squat and pee right on the ground. For everything else, you should go to the bathroom area they have defined. You can bury your used pads or tampons in a hole you dig, it doesn't have to be deep, just like you would do with making a BM and disposing of toilet paper. The important thing is to cover the hole with several inches of dirt to completely cover whatever you leave behind.

It's likely that others will be able to see what you are doing, but they generally aren't going to look other than a quick check out of concern for your safety. They def aren't going to stare at you, even if you ask one of the other girls to go with you which is OK if you are afraid of going away from the tent alone. It's all simply natural bodily functions and those are nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, the parents who are hosting have obviously done this before and will help you understand what they have been comfortable with in the past. When in doubt, ask, or just do what you see your girl friend and her parents doing.

You will probably bathe naked, with the other girls. Most everyone does, wearing a swimsuit for a bath in the lake might be seen by your friends as trying to be too modest and it kinda keeps you from washing the most important areas that you would normally be cleaning. If you think you still need some slight level of coverage you could go in the water in just your panties instead, slip them off in the water to wash down there, then change them afterward. Why not ask your friend whose family you are going with what their preferred procedure is? It's not a good idea to ever go in alone, since you are in an area not familiar to you. My entire family just goes in at once, but we are naturists/nudists anyway and are used to and comfortable with seeing each other naked. When we camp in remote areas we are often naked out in the open to change clothes, swim or bathe quite a bit of the time. It's way easier to change outside the tent unless the one they have is really big, and you are able to stand up inside. Changing inside of a smaller tent while laying on the ground or kneeling down isn't easy, or any fun. When I have brought a girl friend along, she just does what we do with changing clothes, bathing and swimming.

For actual swimming, most people camping deep in the woods like that aren't going to wear swimsuits, nearly everyone is casual and skinny dips. That's always been the standard practice when I went camping with other girl's families. But if you think you really need a swimsuit, ask your friend's mom if you need to bring one along. You probably wouldn't want to be the only girl wearing one! One thing you have to be aware of is how heavy your backpack gets when walking several miles, since someone in the group also has to carry all your food, fresh water, a tent or two, and other supplies. Whatever you carry into the woods you also have to carry back out. Lightweight packing is essential, don't bring things you aren't 100% certain that you will need, and try to coordinate with others in the group.

Travel sizes of toothpaste, soap, and supplies are perfect when camping.

[CuteGuy889]

Whenever we went camping we did exactly as katie2003 said...We all bathed in our undies.

[JuliaVT]

Thanks again. I think it will be a little awkward at first but a fun adventure. I'm not so freaked about being naked etc as I am about being naive so this helps a lot.

[Harrier]

Thanks again. I think it will be a little awkward at first but a fun adventure. I'm not so freaked about being naked etc as I am about being naive so this helps a lot.

I finally saw this thread Julia. Wish I would've seen it earlier so I wouldn't have asked all the questions. You will be fine. But tbh if it was me I would ask your friend(s) all the questions you have. They are great questions. You should tell them that you are inexperienced so they can tell you what to bring (like a full lust) or tell you that they will bring everything. Like yes you should have bug spray! But hopefully they will have enough (but you shouldn't assume, cuz if you all run out and there are lots of buge you will HATE life!!!). You guys need enough fladhlights and matches and knives and stuff. As for bathing I have never bathed in a lake. I either camped at state parks where there are rustic showers or camped friday thru sunday and didnt even bother about showering (just brought deoderant/anti perspirant).

[JuliaVT]

Thank you! I found out that my gf's family has checklist of everything we'll need and how things will be carried. I'll get my list and then we're going to meet a few days before we leave. I know some topics or protocols won't be covered so this info is useful.

[Nicky47]

Im actually kind of jealous. I love to camp. I think your going to have a great time, just do yourself a favor and turn your phone and all other technology off and really go to enjoy what the earth has to offer

[JuliaVT]

My friend told me to relax, that her parents are very experienced campers and prepare for just about anything including rain and wildlife. There will be a designated bathroom area but depending on lines of sight we may use a buddy system which freaks me out a bit. But otherwise I'm very excited!

[Katie2003]

My friend told me to relax, that her parents are very experienced campers and prepare for just about anything including rain and wildlife. There will be a designated bathroom area but depending on lines of sight we may use a buddy system which freaks me out a bit. But otherwise I'm very excited!

Actually the buddy system is a good thing, and not anything to freak out about. It assures your safety if there's someone looking out for your back, and they aren't really interested in watching what you do although that's perfectly OK as well.

It sounds like your friend's parents are on top of things based on past experience, so you have nothing at all to be afraid of or worry about. Hope you have lots of fun! When are you guys going? I'm wondering if it's a state park or something, or a place I've been camping with my family?

[JuliaVT]

We're going to what they've referred to as the Northwoods of Wisconsin. It'll be a long drive before we even get started. The family has some sort of connection to that area. Have you ever camped there?

Yeah, I realize the buddy system is a good thing, but it's also gonna be awkward for some of us since watching/chatting is probably inevitable.

[JustHaveFun]

Few items you might want to bring, depending on your situation

Make sure you bring mosquito repellent! You will regret it if you don't.

Candles

Extra Batteries

Extra cell phone battery for emergencies

first aid

fire extinguisher

Extra gasoline (in case your vehicle runs out!)

[Just JT]

You’ll be fine....as others have said and given good advice, I agree with them
As far as bathing goes, I’d use castle soap, it’s biodegradable and can use it in the lake. I’m used to a river myself

If doing true backwoods wilderness camping, don’t be so modest, you’ll get naked for some th8ngs anyways, you may find some of those th8ngs enjoyable (sunbathing and skinny dipping).

They’ll teach you about the how to where and all those personal things you need to know I’m sure, they’ve all been there

But as far as bug spray and all that....some bugs are attracted by the sweet smell of deodorant and deoderants in typical soaps. So using natural soaps, not using deoderant etc, as well as maintaining) a smile Smokey smell from the fire, or near the fire will help

Getting a good solid sweet on and swimming in the local water you’ll be at will remove all smells you bring Into area and smell more like the area. I’ve found I’ve been attacked much less by bugs if I follow those things and need very little bug spray....

Enjoy, relax, and just enjoy that opportunity to be outside fresh air, with friends and complete freedom (I hope)

Let us know how the trip went!!!

[Katie2003]

We're going to what they've referred to as the Northwoods of Wisconsin. It'll be a long drive before we even get started. The family has some sort of connection to that area. Have you ever camped there?

Yeah, I realize the buddy system is a good thing, but it's also gonna be awkward for some of us since watching/chatting is probably inevitable.


Yes, we went there and met some of my aunties and cousins when I was 12, all of us camped together for two weeks not far from the shore of one of the lakes. There were like 16 of us altogether. We had to hike what seemed like a long way to get to the spot. It's a beautiful area but you are right, it's far from home and takes all day to get there. I'm sure you will love it. That's really far north, I think almost to Canada.

You don't have to worry about your phone working, I didn't have one when I was 12 but no one's phones worked up there. Depending on exactly where in the woods they decide to set up camp, you might not even see very many other people while you are there unless you go hiking or boating. You def don't need to be concerned about strangers outside your group seeing you naked while swimming or bathing.

[JuliaVT]

Great tips. Thanks to everyone. I think I'm getting pretty chill about it, though my friends still have a ways to go!

[JuliaVT]

Just thought I'd update everyone who helped. Camping turned out to be great. Not without some bumps and awkward moments, but still fun. Glad there were experienced adults there. Weather was perfect tho a bit hot and very buggy. Learned a lot about nature, and even more about the friends I was with (too much perhaps?). But we all learned to appreciate the creature comforts of home a lot more, too! Thanks for all the advice!

[Katie2003]

Just thought I'd update everyone who helped. Camping turned out to be great. Not without some bumps and awkward moments, but still fun. Glad there were experienced adults there. Weather was perfect tho a bit hot and very buggy. Learned a lot about nature, and even more about the friends I was with (too much perhaps?). But we all learned to appreciate the creature comforts of home a lot more, too! Thanks for all the advice!

That's great to hear! I think spending that much time with friends def reveals things about them we didn't already know.

How was the swimming, changing clothes, and going to the bathroom? Did everything work out so you were comfortable? Did others see you naked, or did you see them naked?

[JuliaVT]

It was amazing how things changed between the first day and the last. It's like survival overtakes modesty. Being naked was eventually no big deal and that's how we swam and bathed. Going to the bathroom using the buddy system was really awkward at first. But by the end of the trip going with or in front of someone was just normal and sometimes funny. As I said, I learned a lot about my friends in those moments!

[Katie2003]

It was amazing how things changed between the first day and the last. It's like survival overtakes modesty. Being naked was eventually no big deal and that's how we swam and bathed. Going to the bathroom using the buddy system was really awkward at first. But by the end of the trip going with or in front of someone was just normal and sometimes funny. As I said, I learned a lot about my friends in those moments!

I like the way you understand the whole adventure of camping. Modesty quickly becomes unimportant and people realize they are going to be seen naked, and that being naked does not equal being sexual. It's awesome that it worked out so well for you and that you had a wonderful experience.

It's been the same way when my family has invited others to go camping with us for the first time, or when I've gone with my friends and their parents. Swimming and bathing is usually a lot easier (and more fun) than going to the bathroom, but it's all part of camping deep in the woods. I agree that the first time you have to make a BM with someone standing there watching and talking to you, or sitting on the log next to you making one themselves, is totally awkward and makes you think I can't possibly be doing this. But you realize they are there for your own safety, and that it's a natural bodily function everyone has to do and nothing more than that, so you quickly accept that fact and get used to having others present.

[Connordude]

That’s awesome, I’m glad you had a great time and learned so much
We camp a lot, if water isn’t available for swimming / bathing - baby wipes are the best thing to take and aren’t difficult to store and take back with you or burn if need be.

Did you try hiking nude out there or just swimming/bathing?

[Caitigrrl]

I grew up camping, hope you keep enjoying

[theblue]

I have a very simple, but vital suggestion: Take a toilet roll with you.

[Natacha]

Nice idea to go camping with the girls. That would be next summer. It has to be warm nights with no rain