Blake Osborn is the outdoor pursuits coordinator at Middle Tennessee State University, where he runs equipment rentals, a climbing wall, a challenge course and dozens of annual outdoor recreation trips, including camping, backpacking, caving, kayaking and more. His office, which mostly caters to students and opens Aug. 21, also offers equipment rentals to the general public.
Given the restrictions that come along with COVID-19, we asked Osborn for tips for people who are newly interested in camping as an alternative, appropriately socially distanced form of travel.
What are some of the most common mistakes made by people new to camping?
There are a lot of common mistakes people make, but I would say the ones I see the most are bringing the wrong kind of clothes, not waterproofing your tent correctly and relying on a fire for cooking. This can make for a rough time camping, and even dangerous if temperatures are low and you end up wet. Take the time to research the weather, and if there is any chance of rain, pack a rain jacket and warm layers, learn how to set up your tent before you go and always take a ground tarp. Tents come with the rainfly for the top of the tent, but rarely come with the bottom piece. It’s great to stay dry from the rain, but if you don’t protect the bottom, you may end up sleeping in a lake of water. When it comes to cooking, over-the-fire cooking is fine, but you always need a backup plan if it rains and you aren’t able to build a fire. Bring a camp cook set.
What is essential gear for a beginner, and do you have any suggestions for where people should look for it?
Camping can be expensive if you try to go buy everything at once. I always recommend renting gear first to see what you like, and then try to find quality used gear either on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Essential gear would be: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and cooking equipment. You can find some of the gear at big-box stores, but for things like a sleeping bag and tent, I recommend paying a little more for quality gear. REI is great, and you can usually find deals at backcountry.com. I have had my tent and sleeping bag for over 16 years because it’s quality and I have taken care of it.
What are some parks or camping areas within a few hours’ drive of Nashville that you recommend?
There are so many amazing state parks within two hours of Murfreesboro or Nashville. I personally love Foster Falls State Park, Rock Island State Park, Fall Creek Falls State Park and South Cumberland State Park.
Why do you think camping is a good alternative form of travel during the pandemic?
Camping is a great alternative, because it gets you outside, and the benefits of nature are scientifically proven to help with anxiety, depression, other mental health issues, and of course you get the physical benefits of being active while you hike or kayak while you are outside. It’s also safe with COVID to be outside, as the chances of spreading it are significantly lower outside, according to many studies. And it’s cheaper than paying for a hotel!
