Are you headed out camping and not sure what to wear?

In this post, I’ll answer all your outfit questions!

While I’m not a survivalist, I do have many years of experience camping.

I grew up camping with my family. We went camping almost all year round with the exception of the coldest winter months.

Sometimes, we camped in the mountains and at other times we would head to the beach.

We always stayed in campgrounds in state parks, national parks, or privately owned.

Also, when we camped we stayed in a camper or in tents.

While we were camping, we spent our days exploring, hiking, crabbing, boating, canoeing, biking, and swimming.

Note: We never did backcountry camping that required hiking to get to the destination, so if you are doing that type of camping, I recommend consulting a specialist to help you choose the right backpack, boots, gear, etc.

If you’ve never been camping before (or it’s been a while), you may be wondering what to wear.

In this blog post, I put together my top tips as well as outfit ideas.

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What to Wear Camping: 9 Helpful Tips

#1. Dress for comfort

Leave high heels and cute skirts at home. There’s nothing cute about trying to go for a walk in the forest with high heels getting stuck in the mud or being covered with mosquito bites because you wore a skirt.

When you’re camping, you’ll be active outdoors so comfort is the number one priority. The key is loose-fitting clothes, light layers, and breathable fabrics.

#2. Dress for the weather

Be sure to check the weather forecast when packing for your trip.

Keep in mind, you’ll be spending the majority of your time outside in the elements so the best way to have fun on your trip is to plan for inclement weather.

If there’s a chance of rain pack a raincoat, boots, and umbrella. If cold weather is in the forecast pack extra socks, coat, hat, mittens, and even long underwear.

#3. Wear layers

It may be cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon, and cool again in the evening. Or if you are out hiking, you may be out in the sun at times and under a canopy of trees at other times.

That said, layers are essential key for staying comfortable all day.

Your bottom layer is a tank or t-shirt. The next layer can be a shirt, sweater, or sweatshirt. The final layer is a jacket, windbreaker, raincoat, vest, or coat. Don’t forget to pack a hat, visor, mittens, or gloves as needed.

#4. Wear comfortable shoes

You’ll be walking a lot so the right shoes do make a difference. For most days, choose closed-toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking shoes. If it’s raining or snowing wear rain boots or snow boots.

If you are camping at a lake or ocean, bring flip-flops or water shoes so you can go out in the water or walk on the beach. Leave high heels and open shoes at home.

#5. Dress for protection

Not only will you be exposed to the elements, but it’s also important to dress to protect yourself from other elements in nature. Long sleeves, long pants, and socks will protect you from poison ivy or oak, thorns, mosquitos, ticks, snakes and anything else lurking out there.

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, bug repellent, and a first aid kit.

#6. Consider your activities

If you are swimming, boating, kayaking, or tubing be sure to bring a bathing suit or rash guard. For a day that includes hiking or exploring, wear layers including long sleeves, long pants, or long shorts.

#7. Wear cozy pajamas

It tends to be cooler at night as well as you may have to get up during the night when nature calls so wear warm pajamas, socks, and slip-on shoes.

#8. Prepare for the unexpected

I always pack one outfit for each day plus I pack an extra outfit, socks, and underwear just in case. Your clothes may get wet or dirty so having a few extras is good insurance if there’s a clothing emergency.

#9. Own the look

I’ve received lots of questions regarding how to look cute while camping. Camping outfits might not be what you wear every day, but dressing for the occasion and having fun is the best way to look cute while out in the wilderness.

Trust me, there’s nothing cute about spending too much time primping, trying to walk in high heels on a hike or biking, and being cold because you want to look sexy.

Everyone else you run across while camping will also be dressed for comfort and the outdoors.