An Intro To Dry Camping For Black Campers With Melanated Campout – Episode 135

If you’re considering your first camping trip, learn practical tips for making dry camping more affordable and the benefits of exploring the outdoors. Camping offers an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily life. With no distractions, focus on enjoying the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors. Whether hiking, fishing, or simply sitting by the campfire, camping offers a chance to slow down and appreciate the natural world.

According to Dryt’s 2023 Camping Report, camping demand is at an all-time high across America. There were 7.2 million first-time campers in 2022 and 15.5 million first-time campers within the last two years. Studies also show increased camping demand among BIPOC campers, with tent, rooftop tents, cabins, and overlanding listed as primary camping types.

Today, I’m joined by Jocelyn McCants, one of the co-founders of Melanated Campout, an organization dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor spaces. Designed to introduce camping to adults, Melanated Campout hosts an annual camping weekend event encouraging People of Color to fall in love with camping. Over the last five years, Melanated Campout has welcomed over 1,300 campers to their events.

This episode will help you take the next step to try camping by exploring the benefits of camping as an affordable and accessible travel option. Jocelyn addresses common misconceptions People of Color may have about camping, such as it too uncomfortable or dangerous. She explains dry camping, the type of camping without access to electricity or water. We also discuss the flexibility that camping offers in terms of equipment and setup, as well as the resources you likely already have at home, which can simplify the camping experience and make it more affordable.

Started in 2019 and back for its fifth event, Melanated Campout is taking place September 29th to October 1st, 2023, in Georgia, USA. Use the promo code “campwithdanielle” for a discount.

Listen to the podcast episode below, or continue reading the blog post.

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In this episode, we cover:

• [1:17] Camping demand among BIPOC.
• [4:34] Fear of camping and the outdoors.
• [8:25] What is camping?
• [13:15] Restroom facilities at campgrounds.
• [15:43] Dry camping meaning.
• [19:01] Camping water recommendations.
• [22:34] Benefits of camping.
• [26:20] Affordable camping gear.
• [29:42 Best places for camping for newbies.
• [38:29] What to expect at Melanated Campout in 2023.

Overcoming Hesitations About Camping

Camping has long been associated with the great outdoors, adventure, and exploration. However, for many People of Color, camping has not always been a part of their outdoor experience. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to make camping more inclusive and accessible to people of all backgrounds.

One of the reasons why People of Color have been hesitant to go camping is because of the negative associations that have been attached to being outdoors. For many people, the outdoors has been a place of harm and danger. This has led to a fear of being outside and a reluctance to explore the natural world. However, Melanated Campout is working to change this narrative by creating a safe and welcoming environment for Black people to enjoy the outdoors.

Jocelyn McCants: We have a long tradition as a culture with being outside; some good stuff happens outside, but then throughout our culture in America, lots of bad stuff has also happened. And it’s just not been the place of peace.

It’s been the place where you work. It’s been the place where harm comes to you. It’s the place that you don’t go outside by yourself at night or something bad could happen. All of those things throughout history have led us to a place where we elect not to go outside. Something inside of us throws up the caution flag.

That’s one of the things I love about hosting this event is that we get to help change that narrative, right?

Being outdoors is a safe place, and you can do it. And yes, it sounds scary. It sounds like it’s not for you, but it is. And it can be relaxation and peace and fun and family bonding time.

What is camping?

Jocelyn McCants: I have evolved my thinking, and now I know that camping is whatever is comfortable for you. I say whatever it takes to get you outside and enjoy the outdoors is exactly what you should bring.

So we have people that hammock camp, which means they set up a hammock, and they’re good to go. That’s all they need.

You have people who prefer primitive camping or dry camping. And that is when it’s just you and your tent, and you bring in your own electricity and your own water needs.

Then you have tent camping, which is when you bring your car. You park your car, take ten steps and put up your tent. Since you don’t have to hike in, you can bring more stuff.

There are different levels to this, but the goal is to consider what it will take for you to be comfortable outside, and whatever that is, you should do it and not let something get in your way of doing that.

What to know about dry camping

First, what is dry campaigning?

Primitive dry camping is when you bring your own electricity and water with you.

Jocelyn McCants: You need a solar power source or solar power bank for dry camping. Go on Amazon and search for solar power banks, but most of us already have a power bank that we use to charge our phones and small electronics like an iPad.

If you want to go more powerful, you can get one that’s the size of a car battery to charge your fan, for example.

It just really depends on your power needs and what you need power for.

For your water needs, Jocelyn recommends bringing a five-gallon container of water, but how much water you need depends on where you’re going and the facilities available to you.

Jocelyn McCants: Some facilities where you will dry camp have restroom facilities. So you won’t need to bring water to shower with. You’ll just need water to hydrate, cook food and wash dishes.

Depending on how long you’re going for, plan for five gallons of water each day.

I would also bring a little bucket for washing dishes.

If you are in a spot that doesn’t have a restroom facility, you would need more water to shower. And even with the showers, you can purchase pop-up shower tents now.

It just depends on how much water you need, but plan for five-ish gallons a day.

Common camping misconceptions

Jocelyn McCants: Lodging is probably the biggest misconception. When I go camping, I bring a nice tent. It’s an instant tent. So it takes about five minutes, maybe seven, to put up.

The other thing I hear is, no, I can’t sleep on the ground. Well, you’re in luck. You don’t have to. You can sleep on an air mattress. I have the raised air mattress. So I’m very far off the ground. Some people like to do a cot and maybe an air mattress over that. So that’s an option too.

Another misconception is using the restrooms. If you go to a campground, like a state park or public campground, they always have facilities for you to use the restroom. There are usually dorm-style restrooms like when you go to the gym. There’ll be showers and toilets. Some are super nice, while others are usable.

Beginner Dry Camping Essentials and Dry Camping Tips

Firstly, it’s important to have the right gear.

The essential items for a camping trip include a tent, sleeping bag or air mattress, chair, and table. These items can be easily found at outdoor stores or even general stores during the summertime.

Having the most expensive gear is unnecessary, but having the basics will make your camping experience more comfortable.

Secondly, it is important to consider what type of camping experience you want. Do you want to hike to a remote location and camp in a backpack tent, or do you want to drive to a campsite and set up camp?

Depending on your preference, the type of gear needed may differ. For newbies, camp at a campsite or state park with facilities and amenities.

Lastly, it is important to consider your comfort level. Camping can be intimidating, but it is important to remember that it does not have to be perfect. It is about getting out there and enjoying nature. Bugs and wildlife may be a concern, but as long as precautions are taken, and you stay at popular campgrounds, the risk of an encounter is low.

In summary, start small and avoid investing a lot of money in equipment for the first camping trip, which can lower expectations and make the experience more enjoyable.

Dry camping must-haves

• Tent
• Air mattress and bedding
• Tent light
• Flashlight
• Batteries (AA and AAA)
• Power bank
• 5-gallon water jug
• Small bucket for dishes
• Shower shoes
• Towels
• Chairs and a table
• Fan (optional)
• Pop-up shower tents (optional)

Jocelyn McCants: I encourage people to get a tent. There are very affordable tent brands. You can always upgrade later. Bring an air mattress, which you probably have at home, or a cot. Your bedding; you already have that at home.

Get a tent light. You can also look around your house and grab any battery-powered light. Or grab your best flashlight and hit the road.

Your chair: the same chair you would take to watch your kids play soccer, grab that chair. Bring it with you so you have a place to sit down, either in your tent or outside your tent. And then a table. I bring a little folding table for under $20. It’s just so you have something to sit stuff on.

You can always find more stuff to make you more comfortable. Your first camping experience may not be perfect, but be open to adjusting and making changes for next time. Don’t put too much pressure on the first experience. Instead enjoy the moment and make the most of the experience.

Memorable Quotes

• [4:28] “Black people do camp.”
• [6:26] “Being outdoors is a safe place, and you can do it.”
• [10:55] “Being outdoorsy is expansive.”
• [29:04] “It does not have to be perfect. You just have to go and enjoy.”

Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify.

Resources Mentioned

Simplify your camping experience with the Get Outdoors 101 course by Olivia Christine. This self-guided online course provides hiking and safety training, trip planning demos, downloadable packing lists and checklists, and cheat sheets.

About Melanated Campout

Melanated Campout is an organization that is dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor spaces. Founded by three co-founders, Jocelyn McCants, Kayla Stewart, and Tia Robinson, the organization introduces camping to adults and encourages People of Color to fall in love with camping. Melanated Campout hosts an annual camping weekend event that is open to people of all backgrounds, especially Black campers.

By bringing people together for a weekend of camping, Black campers have a space where they can connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other. This sense of community is important in making camping more inclusive and accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Melanated Campout is taking place September 29th to October 1st in Georgia, USA. Use the promo code “campwithdanielle” for a discount.

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy

Soft Adventure Ideas and Wellness Getaways with Olivia Christine – Episode 134

Enjoy the Outdoors All Year Round With Lauren Gay – Episode 125

The Hottest Travel Trends – Episode 117

Danielle Desir Corbett

Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

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