How to Camp – An Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
By Lori Denil
Now I know what you are telling yourself…..I would really like to camp, it looks fun but I have no idea how to camp, what to bring or what to expect. There are a few things that you really have to determine before you can figure out what you need to do to get ready for your camping trip. Answering the following basic questions will guide you to finding your footing.
1. What type of camping have you decided to do? Did you want to rv camp? Camper/Trailer camp? Tent camp? Backpack/Hike Camp? Canoe/kayak camp?
Determining the type of camping you want to do can aid you in what sort of equipment and expertise is needed. For example, you would need a vastly different sort of equipment for rv camping versus hiking camping.
Camping descriptions:
RV Camping (or recreational vehicle camping) is most like living at home because you bring a furnished vehicle that you basically live in with you. You can make your RV just as comfy as you like. Everything that you need from home can most likely be brought with you in your RV. All you really need to think about are what foods and personal items you would like to stock it with. This type of camping is generally for the people who do not like to “rough it” but also might like to be social since many times RV are parked fairly near each other or in similar sections. Though there are some normal maintenance items with RVs, you basically park them and live in them.
Camper or Trailer camping is just a step more rugged than RV camping. Many times campers or trailers do not have showers or toilets, unlike most RVs. Depending on the camper or trailer, a refrigerator may not be included either. Generally, camper or trailer camping is more for people who do not like to sleep on the ground or worry about severe weather but still want to get out there.
Tent Camping is generally more for people who would like to “rough it.” Tent camping requires you to think about all of your basic needs ahead of time (food, hygiene, restroom requirements, shelter, seeing at night, warmth). There are actually varying levels of tent camping as well. Some people like to bring a tent and shop for all of their needs while others like to camp in more remote areas away from people. Packing for a tent camping trip can be time consuming because you have to think of everything you might need.
Backpacking or Hiking Camping is a bit more for the experienced campers. Think about it…everything you think you are going to need you have to be able to strap to your back and carry it for quite a distance. You have to be able to pack well and pack light!
Canoe/kayak camping is much like hiking camping in regards to packing but you have to add another element. You have to make sure that everything is waterproof. Canoe/kayak camping would be for the more experienced camper and of course, for people who know how to canoe and/or kayak.
Recommendations for camping situations:
RV Camping – Shop around and do research before you decide on an RV for purchase. Talk to people who already own them and ask them what they like and don’t like about their particular model. Go to rv dealerships and walk through a bunch of them. Maybe, go as far as renting an RV on a small trip to see what you do or don’t like about RV camping.
Camper/Trailer Camping – Because there might not be amenities like a refrigerator, more setup and forethought is required. You most likely will have to purchase a cooler or two to keep your food and beverages chilled. Also, you may have to think about generators if you would like to run electrical items. Though you might have beds in the camper you may have to put bedding in.
Tent Camping – Think about the type of tent camping you’d like to do. Does my tent have to be lightweight? Waterproof? Wind sturdy? What size tent do I need (Family Size or just for me)? What terrain will I be camping on? A good Camping Tent can make all the difference on your trip.
Backpacking/Hiking Camping – Look for lightweight supplies, as you have to carry them all. Equipment research into lighter weight sturdy hiking backpacks is a good idea. Always check ahead of time if the area you wish to hike and camp allows people to do so. Pay attention to “no trespassing” signs and heed them. Check your weather! You need to know what equipment to pack for the weather. It is also recommended that you camp with a buddy. In case something should happen, there should be someone who can go get help.
Canoe/kayak Camping – It might be advisable to take some canoe or kayak lessons (and swimming lessons) before attempting a camping trip in this way. Perhaps you may wish to rent a canoe or kayak to make sure you like the activity before diving in.
2. Where have you decided to go camping? Are you going to be camping in the Desert? Beach? Forest/woods?
This is a very important question to answer in order to figure out your main needs. You’d prepare very differently for desert camping than you would for camping in the forest.
In Desert camping temperatures can have extreme ranges from the heat of the day to the cold of the night. The biggest threats (most of the year) in the desert are the sun and dehydration. It is very important to protect yourself with sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Due to the dry air you are not aware of how much you are perspiring because it evaporates so quickly off your skin.
beach camping is very nice but you should prepare for it. Due to the nature of sand it is difficult to weigh things down with normal Tent Stakes. There are tent stakes that are much longer for this specific purpose. You also must be prepared for the possibility that sand could get into everything. Depending on how deep in the sand you’d like to go you should think about the vehicle you are using to get there. Again, with the nature of sand it may be difficult to dig yourself back out. You may wish to bring a shovel or random piece of wood.
Forest/woods are usually great for shelter from rainstorms and sun. They are also great for hammocks but you have to be aware of biting insects and certain itchy plants. Bug spray would be a huge recommendation for camping in the woods.
3. When or what time of the year are you going camping?
Figuring out what type of weather you are going to have to deal with while camping is key. Personally, I think this is the most important information required to plan a proper camping trip. Of course if you have an RV, this information probably doesn’t help you because you aren’t exposed to the elements.
Colder weather camping obviously requires warmer clothes but you may wish to consider a warmer camping Sleeping Bag regardless of what method of shelter you are using.
Wetter weather camping means that your terrain may be more difficult to deal with. If you are tent camping, it would be recommended to lay a tarp under your tent, look for slightly higher ground to pitch your tent and always use your rain flys.
In hotter weather always make sure to keep yourself hydrated. If you bring your water with you, bring lots. If you are hiking camping, you may wish to consider a water treatment or a camping Water Filter.
Congratulations on taking your first step toward camping by answering these preliminary questions. You are now on your way to planning for a camping trip tailored more to your specific needs and desires.
Below is a list of general items to take camping. Please take from it what works best for you and your situation. Note: Personal items should be included at your discretion.
Things to take camping:
- Prescribed medications
- Snake Bite kit
- Calamine lotion
- Insect Repellent
- Distilled water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls or cotton swabs
- Bandages
- Moleskin (for sore feet)
- Tweezers
- Needles
- Feminine products
- Scissors
- Thermometer
- Individually wrapped gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic
- Clean old towel or part of bed sheet folded up
- Steristrips (to hold cuts together)
- Aspirin
- Motion sickness medicine
- Pepto Bismol
- Aromatic ammonia
- Glucose packs (for diabetics)
- Water purifying tablets or filtration kit
- Razor blades
- Waterproof matches & container
- Whistle
- Solid knife
- Hydrogen peroxide
BASICS
- Tent (tarp, stakes, rain fly)
- Sleeping bag (Sleeping Pad for under or Air Mattress)
- Pillow
- Small hatchet
- Flash lights (& good extra batteries)
- Camping lanterns (with fuel or good extra batteries)
- Disposable butane lighter
- Compass
- Maps
- Hammock
- Cooler (& ice)
- Water (and/or water filter or Water Purification tablets)
- Clothing (weather appropriate)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Good walking shoes
- Personal toiletries
- Pocket Knife
- Canteen (or Hydration Pack)
- Firewood (bring or buy at campsite)
- Backpack (and/or Day Pack)
- Camping
- Games (cards, frisbee, small portable games)
- Camera (& good batteries)
- S’mores fixings (large marshmallows, graham crackers & Hershey’s® chocolate)
COOKING?
- Obviously food (canned & packaged usually do well)
- Stove (& fuel or charcoal) or a grill or Dutch Oven
- Pot & pan (and Cooking Utensils if planning to cook)
- Cups & plates & eating utensils
- Re-sealable plastic bags
- Plastic containers
- Paper towel or napkins
- Note: If there are bear boxes where you camp…..use them!
THINGS OFTEN FORGOTTEN
- Can Opener
- Wine bottle opener
- Utensils
- Towels
- Soap (dish soap & bar soap)
IN CASE…
- Flares
- Folding Shovel
- Tea bags
- Broth cubes
- Poncho
- Candles
- Rope or cord (12′ to 24′)
- Signal Mirror
- MREs (military term for “meals ready to eat”)
- Suturing kit (for extreme cases)
- Fish kit (& 15′ of 10 lbs. line & sinkers & 35mm film container & fish hooks)
- Water filter or water Purification Tablets
- Lifejackets (camping near water)
- Baking soda (for toothpaste, insect bites, antacid, odors, etc.)
Lori Denil
Serious Sporting Goods Camping
http://www.SeriousSportingGoodsCamping.com
Your Camping & Hiking Equipment Source!
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Tips For the First Family Camping Trip
Most people have been camping once or twice. Maybe the camping experience has been with a Boy Scout or Girl Scout group, or maybe it was a family outing. In most areas of the United States there are plentiful areas to take advantage of this exciting adventure, and, it can be most rewarding for a family outing.
Perhaps the family camping experience is one of the most pleasurable. It is great to teach little Johnny the techniques of a great hike on a trail. Or, to teach Mary the proper way to caste her fishing pole. Starting with the basics, the family needs to put up their tent. Deciding on the proper placement is important in regards to possible drainage in the area, the sun, and other elements. For inexperienced campers, it is important to take the “directions” along the first time as some tents can be a little confusing to install.
Once the tent is looking like it will hold the entire family it is time to move in. Inside there is now a floor-load of backpacks, a lantern, air mattresses, pillows, and a sleeping bag at a minimum. It is important to place each item in an appropriate place in order to allow for ease of moving around as well as entering and exiting the tent. It might be wise, once the contents have been opened, to take the backpacks from inside the tent and return them to the vehicle – the extra space will be enjoyed.
Next, it is time to set up for cooking. Most likely there will be a Propane Stove along with cooking utensils. A little tub of some sort will provide a place to wash the dishes. Many campsites provide little crates that are great for cupboards. After unpacking everything it is important to place all the groceries in secure containers – if there are bears around they will certainly try to get inside. Some people store their food in their vehicle. This can be an inconvenience but it can also save the food source.
The family has had a great experience preparing the campsite. Now comes the fun part – the first excursion. It is important to become acquainted with the environment. Lucky campers will find “outhouses” (if not, provisions will need to be made). Some of the outhouses are being built with much more sophistication – many of them are now offering showers. The next item on the agenda is a walk to the river, or ocean if one is nearby. Check for poisonous plants. Spend whatever time is needed to find what is needed as well as to identify any areas that may cause danger.
The first family camping experience will be one to remember – probably for a lifetime.
Author is a freelance writer. For more information on skyland trail please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyland_Trail.
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5 Tips to Stay Green While Camping
5 Tips to Stay Green While Camping
All of us that camp obviously love the environment and all it has to offer. Therefore it is important to help keep it the way we find it. By picking up after yourself and using renewable energies like solar, you can decrease your impact. Here are some easy to follow steps to ensure that you leave little or no footprint on all your natural surroundings.
- The most important step is not to litter. This may seem obvious but there are people that have a habit of leaving trash behind. While camping, not only should we pick up after ourselves but also after those before us. Ignoring something that someone else left does not help the situation. You will feel much better picking it up than just walking over it. Bring extra trash bags on all camping trips. Don’t let not being prepared be your excuse for leaving trash behind.
- Another obvious step is to recycle. Bring extra bags to separate recycling and encourage those around you to recycle as well. Using only recyclable products will help ensure you are completely green while camping.
- Pack food in Tupperware. This will enable you to get rid of any unwanted trash at home. The less trash you have while camping the less likely you will be to leave something behind.
- Use solar energy to power electronics. There are many solar devices available that can charge your Cell Phone, iPod, or other electronics using energy from the sun. This is a much better option then running the car or using disposable batteries. Use rechargeable batteries when batteries are needed.
- Cook over an open fire. When possible cook over a fire-pit compared to using a Gas Stove. This will lessen your impact greatly. However, be sure to use proper campfire safety precautions and check with your campground’s fire policy. Most importantly be sure to put out all fires before going to sleep or leaving the area. If using a gas stove is necessary make sure to turn off the gas line when not in use and store canisters in safe place.
These are just a few tips to help ensure you remain green while camping. Nature gives us some amazing sites and we want to ensure that they are here long after we are gone. Being prepared and making just a little extra effort will guarantee this happens.
I invite you to stay green with cool solar chargers at http://www.campingdoneright.com.
Happy Camping
Jacob Vanderwalker
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Join the american hiking society
By Monica Marty
Have you taken up hiking as a new form of family recreation?
Are you a serious hiker that spends hours on challenging trails?
Do you want to find a way to become more involved in hiking
across the nation? Hikers of any background will want to check
out the “American Hiking Society”. This society is an alliance
of local hiking clubs and provides a wealth of resources and
activities for hikers of any background.
They have a bounty of events to choose from including National
Trails Day and Winter Trails Day. Thousands of trail events are
held across the nation in June and January encouraging hikers to
get involved in conservation and other hiking activities. For
example, during the Winter Trails Day hikers can learn how to
snowshoe, cross country ski, and many other winter activities
along the hiking trails. It is a great way to meet up with
fellow hikers and experience the richness and fun of hiking.
Hikers can also participate in volunteer vacations, jobs, and
internships. During 2005 they planned 1-2 week volunteer trips
where hikers can lend a hand in building footpaths, cabins, and
shelters. Hikers will not only be able to bond with their
fellow hikers, but add value to the beauty of the hiking
experience for others. It is a learning experience that is
priceless.
Do you hike because you are trying to increase your fitness?
The American Hiking Association has found the hiking trails just
for you. They have identified the top ten “fitness” trails all
across the country. These trails are sure to give you a great
workout. Plus, you can skip the confines and boredom of your
regular gym workout. The majority of the trails are situated on
the East and West coasts. A trail overview including length and
terrain are provided. This will help you to get started on your
fitness hike.
Want to find other hikers in your area? Looking for a local
hiking club to join? Not sure where to look? You’re in luck
because the American Hiking Association offers a national trails
directory from which you can find a hiking group near you.
Contact information for local hiking clubs is available on their
website.
Need new hiking gear for your next trip? Searching for a book
on trail information? The American Hiking Association has a
hiking store with gear, maps, guides, and trail tools. Best of
all, if you become a member, you will receive a discount on your
purchase. A portion of you purchase will be set aside for trail
conservation. Skip searching around piece meal for hiking gear
and head to their online hiking store that will have everything
you need.
The American Hiking Association is a one stop shop for all your
hiking needs. Become a member today and boost your hiking
experience. Connect with local hikers, volunteer, and become
involved in the hiking community. For more information and how
to join, check out their website at http://www.americanhiking.org/
Monica Marty is a hiking fan and the webmaster of http://hikingtrailfinder.com/ where you will find a directory and information on Hiking
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