Camping is all about leaving behind the stresses and worries of everyday life but, if you want to ensure a safe and fun time, it does require a bit of planning before heading out.

Don’t worry, planning for a camping trip is easy once you break it down into its main steps. Here is a simple and straightforward guide to help your camping prep go as smoothly as possible.

Set the itinerary

Before packing up and driving off to go camping, you need to know where exactly you are going, how to get there, how long you are going to stay there, who you are going with, and where you are meeting everyone. These details will help inform how much and what you need to bring with you.

Prepare your sleeping bag and tent

Before you go, you’ll want to inspect both your sleeping bag and tent for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Make sure that all zippers work properly and try to give your sleeping bag a good wash if you have time as well. You’ll also want to take a look at your sleeping pad and check that it still holds air. Outdoor stores often sell patch kits and special soaps for cleaning and repairing camping gear.

Pack a well-equipped first aid kit

You never know when someone in your group on a camping trip might get cut, burned, scraped, or stung, which is why it is essential to bring along a fully stocked first aid kit. It should include, at the very least, band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, gauze, and adhesive tape. If you or anyone in your group suffers from allergies, then allergy medications are a must as well.

Plan your meals and snacks

When you’re out camping, you have to bring your own meals and snacks with you. It’s best to sit down with everyone and decide how you’d like to manage this. Perhaps everyone wants to bring their own food, or each person will be responsible for different meals during the trip. Make sure that at least three meals plus extra snacks are covered for each day.

Create a packing checklist

Once you’ve got all of the most important details hashed out, you can finally create a packing list and pack accordingly. Try to bring only what you need so that you’re not left carrying too heavy of a load. All of your personal items should fit into one backpack.

Prepare for wildlife

Finally, it is crucial that you are prepared for the possibility of running into local wildlife. If you are going camping in bear or cougar country, then make sure you carry bear spray and that you are familiar with how to use it. Campgrounds often provide food lockers that you can use so as to not attract wildlife, or you can use a rope to hang your food up and out of the way.

Properly planning for your outdoor adventure will help ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. With just a bit of forethought, you’ll really be able to leave all of your worries at home.