Spending a night outdoors in a tent is one of the easiest ways to give yourself more time outside. We pack our backpacks, look for a spot we like and pitch the tent. In Norway we’re lucky to have plenty of places where we’re allowed to camp, which means the door is open for year-round adventures, no matter what sort of trip you have in mind.

Here are some of the most common ways to go camping, along with useful packing lists for each type of trip.

Camping in the forest

This is the classic outing that suits most people. You find a sheltered spot between the trees, preferably near a lake or stream, and set yourself up comfortably. These are usually the trips where we slow down, make a fire, enjoy a cup of coffee and tuck into good camping food.

For this type of trip, have a look at our general camping checklist, which gives you a tidy overview of what you often need for a successful forest overnight.

Camping in the mountains

Heading higher means more weather and more planning. Up in the mountains, it’s worth thinking about wind, temperature and the longer distances between good places to pitch a tent.

It helps to prepare with a dedicated mountain camping packing list so you don’t end up short on extra clothing, fuel or food when the weather turns or the day becomes longer than expected.

Camping in the summer

Summer makes it easy to throw on a backpack with something tasty inside and head straight into nature. We often imagine a smooth, warm trip – until the mosquitoes arrive, the sun gets strong and we realize we need more water. Many prefer a lighter tent, thin layers and routes close to running water so refilling bottles is quick and simple.

You can check out our summer camping checklist, tailored to the little surprises that can appear even during warm weather.

Camping with children

Bringing little ones changes everything. The pace is slower, and the focus shifts to comfort, play and small discoveries rather than distance. Plan short stretches, good breaks and cozy moments along the way.

For this kind of trip, take a look at our tips for camping with children. They offer clear advice to make the experience safe, calm and fun for both us and the kids.

What kind of camping suits you?

Sometimes we just want to be outside without walking far. Other times we want to disappear for a bit, try something new or enjoy more basic living. No matter the trip, food is always part of the experience. Simple options like REAL Turmat make both the planning and the trip itself easier, especially when we walk longer stretches and want to save time.

If you want to make the prep even smoother, use the relevant packing lists mentioned above. They give you a solid overview so you don’t end up wondering what you’ve forgotten.