Beginner Camping Tips
Camping Tips, Information And Advice To Help Beginners Get Started And Prepared With Their Camping Trip.
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Before setting out on your first tent camping trip, you need to know how to build a camping tent. By preparing yourself with the needed knowledge for building a camping tent before you leave for the campgrounds, you will be ready to enjoy your camping vacation and be able to avoid any time consuming mishaps. Learning how to build a camping tent also known as pitching a tent, involves only a few simple steps. Following are some camping tips that will help you successfully learn how to build a camping tent. Keeping these simple pointers in mind will have you well on your way to learning how to build a camping tent.
As your home away from home, it’s important to choose the tent for camping that will serve the needs of you and your family so that you remain safe, comfortable, and can enjoy your camping vacation. One of the most important things to consider when looking at a tent for camping is where you plan to use it.
• Find flat and high ground to build your camping tent on. High ground will help your tent and sleeping bags stay dry in case of rain, and level ground will make building your tent easier and allow you to get more comfortable rest during the night.
• Use a tarp or ground cloth. This piece of supplementary gear for your camping tent is cheap to purchase, as low as ten dollars, and will help keep your tent dry during wet weather. A tarp or ground cloth under your tent will also protect it from rocks and other ground materials that may tear or damage your camping tent.
• Your tent will most likely come with stacks, and it is a good idea to stack your tent to the ground. Simply hammer in the stacks with a heavy rock or hammer on each side to secure your tent. This will prevent the tent from being blown if you experience winds and will also keep it from moving while you are inside of the tent.
If you plan to do winter camping or even cold altitude camping in warmer climates, then you would want to look for a four season tent. If you are alone, then obviously you won’t need as much space as if you need to fit a family of six into your tent for camping. Or, if you prefer, you can still have some privacy for the people in your group while camping under one ‘roof’ by purchasing a tent that has flaps which act as dividers inside the tent in order to create 2 or more interior ‘rooms.
You should also invest in a good ground sheet to reinforce the tent for camping and protect it from rips, tears and wear, as well as to keep the groundwater away from you
Keeping these simple pointers in mind will have you well on your way to learning how to build a camping tent. Also, remember never to build your camping tent within twenty feet of your grill or campfire.
by Philippe De Tiege
Camping is one activity the whole family can truly enjoy. That is, when it is prepared for properly. Otherwise, parents will have to listen to the perennial “are we there yets,” and “can we go home nows.”
When camping with kids, certain considerations must be made. This is to ensure a safe trip going to, and while at camp. Certain considerations are also needed to make sure that everyone gets his or her share of a good time.
Consult Kids
When planning for a camping trip, consulting kids and teenagers on activities they would want during camping will truly boost their morale. Asking them for activities they want to do will psychologically tell them that they are personally considered in the trip and it matters to you that they enjoy it. Also, involving your kids in the planning of activities is also one way of telling them non-verbally that they are responsible enough to be consulted in the planning and therefore, they also must act responsibly and accordingly during the whole trip.
Try to accommodate your kids’ suggestions on activities they want during the whole camping trip. Make sure each midget gets his or her share at being boss of an activity. If they enjoy their first few camp outs with you, parents, there is no reason why they would avoid or give you a hard time the next time you go camping.
Safety
Safety measures are one of the most important things to consider especially when camping out with kids. It is inevitable that when camping out, certain mishaps are likely to occur especially in the wild outdoors.
For families who have had a great time with their first few camp outs and are planning to make it a yearly activity, it never hurts to enroll in a first-aid seminar. A few sessions on first-aid will definitely go a long way. Not only will you learn about what to do when an accident or a mishap occur, you will also learn about how to prevent these accidents and mishaps.
Educate your kids on the basics of first-aids. Your kids are never too young to learn how to save lives. Point out to them the possible hazards of the camping trip, how to avoid these, or what to do when these hazards occur. Study your campsite. Point out to your children which routes to take when lost. Educate them on reading the signs and directions provided by the wild outdoors.
Pack medicines for kids with special health needs such as those with asthma, allergies or diabetes. Make sure you have extra doses worth three more days. Include medicine for rashes, fever, diarrhea and some aspirin. A parent can never be too careful when it comes to your kids and the wild outdoors where you can be at the mercy of unpredictable weather conditions, among others.
Food
Pack enough food that can last for three more days’ extension of your planned camping trip. An allowance is food supply is a boon, rather than a bane. As mentioned, when camping, you will be subject to nature’s whims. You never know when you need a few extra canned goods.
When packing food for a camp out with kids, make sure that you do not bring along any food which your children are allergic to, even if you have brought along an anti-allergy medicine for them. Prevention is always better than cure. It would be too tragic to waste a well-planned camp out simply because you have allowed an allergen into your camping circle!
Camping can become an exciting annual tradition for you and your family especially with the kids. But unless you plan it carefully so that everyone gets his or her share of both safety and good time, your camping will be nothing more than a tragic solo barbeque in your backyard!
Many people are turning to camping as aninexpensive vacation this year. But to ensure you have a fun and enjoyable time, remember these do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
1) Have Fun – Enjoy being with your family and friends spent quality time together. Remember the important things in life and make memories with those you love.
2) Plan your Meals and Snacks Ahead of Time – Planning what you and your campers will eat for each meal and which night will ensure you have enough food for your camping trip. Always pack some canned goods and some peanut butter in case you need some extra food.
3) Use a Checklist – When packing for your camping trip, do use a checklist to make sure you bring all the items you will need. You don’t want to get out camping and find out you forgot the tent, sleeping bags, shoes, warm clothes, or pillows.
Don’ts
1) Don’t forget the bug spray – Nothing will ruin a good time camping faster than getting eaten alive by bugs.
2) Don’t leave your campfire when still hot – It is extremely important to extinguish your campfire properly before you go to bed for the night or leave your campsite.
3) Don’t Litter – Remember to pack you trash out with you. Mom always told you to leave a place better than when you found it. Apply this to your campsite and don’t leave trash, cans, or bottles in the forest. So, remember to follow these do’s and don’ts to make your next camping trip a fun and enjoyable one.
So, what’s our experience you want to know? Whom are we to tell you what to do about camping?
Instead of asking more questions, read the entire article and by the time you are finished you will have all the answers.
Before you go anywhere, decide what kind of camping experience you want. Are you looking for real rugged, outdoors along with bears? Then choose most of the Pennsylvania State Parks. Looking for more civilized camping, try the New York State Parks.
Know that camping inside a state park is no safer than camping or living anywhere else in the country.
So, security, health and safety should be on your mind before you begin your trip.
As a beginner, you will do well by first calling the state parks office and asking for a map of the place and any or all brochures of the campsites. You can find this information online also at the park’s websites.
IF this is your first time camping out, take a buddy, and also choose a campsite that is closest to the park office (if there is one) and closest to the bathrooms, showers or soda machines. (Some sites have those).
Look at the map and note whether there are bathrooms or outhouses (Yes, there are some that still have outhouses, i.e. in Pennsylvania and in Ohio). Choose what you like and then select your park or campsite.
Research the temperature of the climate that you will be visiting; check for upcoming storms and bad weather . PLAN your trip.
INQUIRE about the park’s regulations on animals. (You can find out if you can bring a pet or not).
Do not bring any pets, even if allowed into certain country campsites (where there might be wildlife). You risk your pet getting diseases and you risk your pet getting eaten, maimed or killed. You also attract bears by bringing pets into the campsites. (Some campsites have bears because they are in the middle of game lands or in the middle of vast state parks).
IF you must bring a pet, bring a kennel, minimal wet food, and bring gear to dispose of the food and waste. (Leave no trace)!
If you want a campsite that has it’s own library (in camp season), visit Wildwood State Park in New Jersey.
If you want a real wilderness experience, visit most of the Pennsylvania state parks.
If you want “civilized” camping, (with real showers, restrooms, electricity to charge your phones, water spigots at campsites) try Hecksher State Park in Long Island, New York.
If you want to feel like you have been to HEAVEN-on earth- make your reservation nine months in advance and reserve your spot at Hither Hills State Park in the Hamptons, New York. This place is every bit worth the wait and the preparation. (Bring zip lock bags and waterproof bags because this is the wettest campsite around – just a few feet from our ocean). We woke up in the morning and found EVERYTHING damp – money soaked, etc, even though we camped 30 feet from the ocean and the ocean never touched out campsite. The moisture in this place is unbelievable. (If you bring electronics here – your phone, etc, bring a water bucket and store your electronics in there to keep them dry.
Those, listed above, are just the basics.
Other things to prepare for. What if it rains? You can buy a small tarp at the dollar store or at any hardware store. Place this tarp over your tent if it rains. Most tents are not waterproof and even the ones that advertise that can be a little wet in a bad storm.
THINGS TO KEEP YOU DRY:
Old, clean shower curtains.
Tarps.
Old, clean plastic table cloths.
Rain ponchos (as opposed to rain coats). Ponchos , large ones can double as tent cover.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Keep food OUT of the tent at all times. This gives you good camping background training. Even if you are camping out in a place where there is no wildlife, get into the habit of eating OUTSIDE and far from your tent. Then when you do camp out where there are bears, you already have good camping habits. Besides, keeping food out is the same as keeping uncovered food out of your bedroom. You do not want to attract bugs or other creatures that might be hiding anywhere in the building or anywhere outdoors.
At Hecksher State Park, you might find unwelcome visitors (little people) trying to come in your tent when you are gone (to the pool, etc), so bring along “cable ties” and use them to lock your tent up while you are away . Cut the ties with a manicure scissor or small wire cutter when you return. You can purchase cable ties anywhere in most cities. This cable tie lets you know if anyone has “visited” your campsite while you were away. If the cable tie is broken when you get back, fully inspect your tent for rips, bugs and other creatures that might have entered while your tent was being visited. It is important to check for spiders in this campsite. Spiders are rampant all over Hecksher. You see them when you take the fly off of your tent before leaving. You will view unbelievable collections of spiders under and near your tent.
When camping with kids or camping and using ‘gear” – baseballs etc. Set up a tiny ‘gear tent”. You can buy a child’s tent for under twelve dollars. By storing gear in this separate tent, you save wear and tear on your regular tent’s zipper and also keep the tent CLOSED to all the insects and other things around the campsite. You will sleep better at night knowing that your main tent zipper was only opened a few times as opposed to having the door opened continuously all day to get “gear” out. This saves the floor of your tent also.
If you are determined to have a dry tent in a very rainy season or wet campsite. Put a large TARP on the floor of your tent. This will keep most of the floor dry and will make you happy.
Many people use TARPS on the outside of the tent, under the tent, so they have no messy mud on the bottom of the tent when they are ready to pack up. (YOU can have mud on the floor bottom, underneath, even if it is not raining outside; so use the tarps). IF You use the outdoors tarp under your tent, the tarp must be SMALLER than the bottom of the tent. You do not want any of the tarp sticking outside the tent on the floor. If that happens, all the rain will pool in the small bits of tarp that show and the rain will seep underneath your entire tent.
VITALLY IMPORTANT:
If you are camping at a NEW place for the first time and you have children or babies that you are bringing on this camping trip – PLAN a trip BEFORE your regular camping trip and go there without the children or babies. Camp there alone first.
We did this once, just as a precaution. We didn’t know anything about Hecksher and we went camping there first before we planned to take children there. Good Plan!!
What we discovered is that this particular state park is the QUEEN of Mosquito Heaven! Within less then 20 minutes that we were there, we had mosquito bites all over our body. (This doesn’t happen at all parks. Hecksher is notorious for mosquitoes and spiders.
So, on the regular trip with the kids, we took lots of repellent and we knew what to do .
So, when camping ANYWHERE with children, visit the site yourself first–without bringing the kids, just in case there is something that you should know about that particular camping site.
Wherever you camp, these things are essential:
water-tight bags, water proof bags
flashlights, batteries, or solar flashlights
plastic bucket or pail
soap and disinfectant
bug spray
tarps/ tent /tarp
and other camping basics (Read our other articles about camping)
Water and or the ability to find or locate water (pack iodine water-purifying pills if you can)
If your husband was in the service during the 80s, you might be hard pressed to get him to try MRE meals! The MRE survival food of today is not only designed for emergencies but it tastes good as well! The best solution is to order a variety pack and bring it along as camping food. When your family discovers that freeze dried meals do not mean tasteless, they will wonder if maybe they should listen to Mom more often!
The problem seen some time ago was the ration packs would either not have been completely dried at the manufacture or the package drew in moist air. These problems have been taken care of and you are assured of a quality product with MRE foods today. The meals, ready to eat are sealed and guaranteed fresh with a shelf life of decades.
In light of today’s economy and the uncertainty we all face about the future it is a good idea to be prepared. Stock up on emergency food for your family’s sake and that will be a worry off your mind. I can share with you from personal experience that after a natural disaster, the first step to recovery is safety and the second step is food for survival. When your electricity is out for days, a military MRE with its self-heating pouch saves the day!
Everyone has heard horror stories of eating army rations in days gone by. I believe that is why Tabasco sauce became so popular in drowning the MRE meals! Now days, companies such as MREStar and Ameriqual offer freeze dried food that you would be happy to serve your family in times of emergency. It is also great backpacking food on camping trips when it is not feasible to cook and clean up afterwards.
MRE meals contain hearty entrees such as chicken ala king, spaghetti with meat sauce, and beef stew with rice. There are breakfast MREs and even dessert! The MRE manufacturer, Sopakco, provides fully prepared, nutritious, shelf stable meals that are ready to eat when life is interrupted by an emergency. The military meals are your best defense in survival preparation.
There is more to a good Budget Camping Gear checklist than a tent, sleeping bags, and clothes. (Read the first part of Creating Budget Camping Gear Camp Supply List for more info on these items.) You will also want to include the right food, cooking and kitchen supplies, and a variety of other camping items on your checklist.
Camp cooking and preparing your favorite budget camping gear recipes is one of the best parts of a budget camping gear camping trip. Take care to include everything you need to prepare your meals, eat, and clean up. Many campgrounds provide charcoal grills at each campsite as well as picnic tables. If you are planning to use the facility grill, remember charcoal, and bring a table cloth, as well as table clips for breezy days.
You may also want a camp stove or a budget camping gear grill. Bring along plenty of fuel to last through your trip, matches, and fire starters, as well. Skewers, camp forks, camp grills, and broiler baskets are all ideal for cooking over the open fire. You will also want camp cookware, pots, pans, and a Dutch oven, depending on the camping recipes you plan to prepare. Don’t forget the cooking utensils, spatulas, knives, and lids for your pots, as well as potholders or oven mitts. An extra folding table may come in handy for budget camping gear cooking and you will want plenty of garbage bags to dispose of your trash and leftovers.
Avid campers often keep a set of dishes for camping trips, while some use paper plates and plastic utensils. Whichever you prefer, be sure to include them on your camping supply list. Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and eating utensils are a must. You may also need measuring cups, a can opener, and other specialty utensils like peelers or shredders. Other important camp cooking items include dish soap, a dishpan, dish cloths and towels, and scrub pads for dirty pots and pans. Heavy duty aluminum foil is a camping necessity and you will want to remember cooking spray and storage containers as well.
Your camping supply list may include several coolers and, after a few family camping trips, you will see how useful more than one cooler can be. The Coleman 50 Qt. ice chest and 9 Qt. Excursion cooler combo is ideal. A chest cooler is great for your campsite to hold soft drinks, juice, water, and perishable foods, while a smaller 6 pack cooler is perfect for visiting the beach or taking to the pool.
There are several other items you should considering including on your camping checklist. Keep your maps, guidebooks, and any reservation confirmations nearby for easy access. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug repellent, and lip balm, as well as a pocket knife or multipurpose tool, flashlight, a camping lantern, and extra batteries, bulbs, and fuel for gas, kerosene, or propane lanterns.
Regardless of where you are camping or how long your trip will last, one of the most important items on your budget camping gear camp checklist is a good first aid kit. It is a good idea to carry an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times and especially important while camping. If you are planning day hikes, boating outings, horseback riding, or other outdoor activities, you will want a smaller first aid kit that can fit inside your day pack as well.
Camping food for many people has come to mean granola, oatmeal, and more granola. Camping food can range anywhere from veggies or hot dogs – great for roasting over an open fire – to a steak-and-baked-potato dinner and one-pot meals. Freeze-dried camping food is great for hiking, backpacking, or camping meals because you don’t have to keep it cold to avoid spoiling. Camping food such as Mountain House Brand or Backpackers Country brands can be a very convenient way to eat. Camping food benefits include your meals can be already. Camping food downsides include cost as meals can be more expensive, and you can lose your creativity for cooking while camping.
Camping Food Recipes
A search of the internet will turn up many online cookbooks and recipes submitted by people interested in camp cooking and are free for you to download. Things to consider when researching camp recipes include cooking for different travelers on different days, planning for large groups, planning for partial trip days, different guests eating different meals, large and small appetites, storage for ingredients, and much more.
Do not overlook soup recipes for camping and other meals that require only one pot or pan, so you can pack light, eat well and enjoy your camping trip.
You can create yummy gourmet meals with a little understanding of grilling and adapting recipes to the grill. You should learn how to adapt regular recipes to grill cooking, too, and you’ll see that you can create some mighty tasty gourmet recipes that taste like you’ve spent hours preparing them.
Family Camping Food Ideas For Children
Children love to get involved, and the beauty of camping is that the recipes are usually simple, easy and fun. The kids will enjoy them even more if you let them modify the camp recipes and have some cooking fun. Before your next family camping trip, gather up some kid-friendly camping recipes. Camping dessert recipes are fun and easy for kids to make, and the whole family enjoys eating them.
Camping Meal Planning
Meals should be planned around the “core” entry but like buying a car it’s the extras that make it more enjoyable. Meals should be made as simple as possible. Meals or soups in a cup are definitely convenient foods but they may be too bulky for many backpackers and campers. Meals take more time to prepare at the campground but it’s also one of the jobs that everyone seems to want to help out with. Meals around the campfire are just as much the centre of camping life as meals around the kitchen bench at home.
Freeze-dried Camping Food
A quick search of the web turns up numerous companies producing freeze-dried foods for backpacking, including many vegetarian options. One of the best types of camping food is freeze-dried food or dehydrated food. Nowadays, people climbing the Himalayas, exploring the Poles, competing in offshore races, canoe folks and all kinds of travelers and globetrotters take very light freeze-dried food with them, which in extreme conditions can be made eatable by adding water acquired from snow or even sea water after desalination. Dehydrated or freeze-dried camping food is great for hiking, backpacking, or camping meals because it doesn’t have to be kept cold to avoid spoiling. Camping, backpacking, or hiking food that’s freeze-dried or dehydrated can reduce weight by sixty to ninety percent. With a little creativity it’s easy to make meals better-tasting and healthier than freeze-dried astronaut meals!
With some tasty camping food in your pack, you can make sure you won’t go hungry. Take easy to carry, high energy camping food to fuel your expeditions and outdoor adventures. If you’re used to eating at gourmet restaurants, no matter what type of camping food you pack you’ll probably be disappointed but you’ll still have fun. You’ll also want to consider animal and/or bear resistant camping food containers especially if you’re going to bear country. Please check the local area for suggestions on camping food storage and how to deal with trash. Good camping food is easy, light-weight, and served hot quickly.
Your kids enjoy the outdoors and going to campgrounds, but there are ways to have fun with your family without leaving home. Are you trying to come up with something fun that you can do without heading off into the woods? You should consider sponsoring a camping trip for your children along with some of their friends. Why not let your children go camping right in your backyard with their friends? Your children will appreciate this opportunity and likely wouldn’t pass it up for the world.
Try and think of some activities that they can do during their “at home” camping outing. There are a lot of ideas you could come up with. With adult supervision your children and their friends can roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories around the fire in your backyard. If you often go camping as a family, you probably have a tent available for sleeping. This can bring the campground right to your home. Since you’re sponsoring this camping experience in your backyard, it is easier to give someone medical attention faster than you would if you were on a campground, should the need arise.
Safety is the biggest factor when camping, even when camping at home. The idea that you’re camping in your backyard ensures safety for your children, due to you having no problems with animals near your property, or at least let’s hope that’s the case. If you have a fenced in yard, this is perfect for those favorite camping activities as you won’t bother the neighbors. This is an experience that your children and their friends will never forget. By letting your children and their friends go camping in your backyard, this gives them a camping experience without you camping with them. You must always check on the kids from time to time to ensure they are following the rules you have laid out. Two way radios can be of great assistance to keep from running in and out of your home when checking on the little campers. It’s just that easy to have a fun camping experience right to your backyard.
by Simon Harris
Are you wanting to try your hand at hiking and camping? Does the sound of the great outdoors, the smell of fresh air, the smell and sound of a campfire under the stars sound appealing to you? Will this be your first camping trip? Well then maybe this article can be of some useful information.
First of all, one of the most important things to do before planning your camping or hiking trip is to let someone know at home or at work details of where you plan to camp or hike, how long you will be gone and any other details about your trip that you can leave that will be helpful in the event of an emergency or you fail to return when you said you would.
So now plan your trip. Where will you go? How do you learn about the area you plan to hike and camp into? Where can I get a map? Make sure you get a map for the area you plan to hike or camp in. Most U.S. Forestry Centers carry free maps of wilderness areas. You can also find maps online and at most outdoor stores. You will also want to check the weather of your camping location and plan accordingly.
So what will I need? What kind of equipment will you need?
Camping requires equipment, and the basic equipment is the same for seasoned experts or those just starting out. While there is plenty of high-quality camping equipment to make your stay outdoors a lot more comfortable, most of these items aren’t necessary, especially for beginners. Choose good quality equipment, but don’t blow your budget buying the most expensive gear. Remember that costly doesn’t always mean top quality.
Here is some basic gear you’ll need for your trip:
Tents: Decide how many people will be sleeping in one tent. You may want to have one tent for adults and one for children if you will be camping with the whole family. For a more comfortable arrangement, purchase a tent that will hold two more people than the number you expect to have sleeping inside.
Sleeping bags: Sleeping bags are graded for temperature and come in different shapes and sizes. Choose sleeping bags that are appropriate for the season and that have a comfortable size.
Cooking and meal equipment: A small, portable propane stove is very handy and makes mealtime as easy as if you were cooking in your own kitchen. You can also purchase a barbecue or find a stove that has both burners and grill. Choose washable dishes and utensils to be environmentally conscious. Don’t forget two plastic bins for washing up!
Coolers and food storage: Choose coolers big enough to allow for blocks of ice. It’s a good idea to have two separate coolers in different sizes as well, one for frozen foods and one for refrigerated foods. Select coolers with a snap-lock lid and handles. Purchase plastic bins to hold food that doesn’t require refrigeration.
Luggage: The best luggage for camping is a cloth bag like as a hockey bag. Stiff-sided luggage doesn’t hold as much clothing and takes up space.
Extras: Buy two tarps – one to use as a ground sheet underneath your tent and one to shelter the tent in the case of rain. Bring some rope for a makeshift clothesline. A nighttime lantern is always handy, especially for trips to the bathroom. You’ll also need a basic survival kit, a cell phone, and a flashlight in case of emergencies. If you’re going on a trip that lasts more than two nights and three days, bring biodegradable soap and shampoo.
When considering extra items to bring, try to think of functional items that fit your lifestyle like as sunscreen, bug spray, a pair of extra sandals, and a doormat for entry to your tent. Browse the aisles of the sporting goods section to determine what other items would be good to bring along.
Don’t get caught up with gadgets and unnecessary items. They’ll just take up space and probably won’t be used more than once, if at all.
Clothing and Packing
Determine how many days you are going camping, determine how many sets of clothes you will need for that period, and then cut that number in half. Pack only the necessities, minimal lgear is key to a great camping trip experience. Hauling, packing, storing, and trying to fit everything in the car before you leave for your trip and when it’s time to come home and unload it all is no fun at all. When you pack, fold each piece of clothing – and then roll it up. Rolled clothing takes up less space than stacked, folded clothing.
Food
Camping involves plenty of planning, and that goes for food planning too. Prepare your menu ahead of time, and have a menu for each meal that includes every item you’ll need. The more detail you have on your menu, the better prepared you’ll be to shop for exactly what you require, no more and no less.
Choose supper meals that you can prepare ahead of time and freeze, and freeze as much as you can in plastic bags to save space. The advantage of freezing food is that you will have “ice” ready for your cooler and not have to buy as many blocks of ice, and the food can safely defrost in the cooler. If it’s frozen tight and you’re planning on eating it that night, transfer the food from your frozen food cooler to the fresh produce cooler. Alternatively, thaw it out by placing the plastic bag in a bucket of cold water.
It’s a good idea to prepare food you can freeze a couple of weeks ahead of time and the rest of the food the day before you leave. Remember, the more you can prepare at home, the less time you’ll have to put into cooking while you camp.
There are tons of other camping tips for beginners, but most camping trips involve common sense, creativity, and keeping calm when things get stressful. Camping is experience you have to try at least once. If all goes well, you will probably want do to it year after year!
A camping trip can be a fun and educational vacation for the whole family. However, for that to be a reality, it’s essential for every family member to be aware of some general and useful rules to follow. Camping tips can keep you from getting frustrated and will make the experience more fun for everyone, especially if you have smaller children. Here are some camping tips you need to consider before you leave:
1. Choose your tent wisely
When choosing a tent the most important things to keep in mind are size, weight and weather rating.
2. Consider pitch position.
When you pitch a tent, one of the best tips to remember is to choose the location very wisely. If you can, try not to sleep on a slope. Think about where the sun comes up, and goes down. Think about some shelter in the day, it’s often useful to have trees on one side of you to provide some natural protection from the heat, or any foraging animals that may decide your tent looks interesting enough to explore. If you plan to have an open fire, be sure that the flames won’t reach any overhanging canopy of branches that could trigger a fire. Take note and follow any posted warning signs and look for animal tracks on the ground. Do not disrupt mother nature.
3. Read. the instructions!
An obvious but often overlooked camping tip is to read the instructions to learn how to put your tent up before you even go off on your camping trip. If you have a new tent, which you haven’t used yet, and are unfamiliar with how to put it up, it’s a good idea to pitch the tent in your back yard for practice. When you do this see if each pole is marked and if not, take some masking tape and label each piece in a manner that it is foolproof. Mark pole 1 a-b, pole 2 b-c, pole 3 c-d and so on. Also if you return from your trip and your tent is wet, it is a good idea to set it up in the back yard and let it dry out before storing for your next trip.
5. Deal with your food needs appropriately.
You may not know the area you will be camping in very well and therefore not know what shops if any are in the local vicinity. If this is the case, try to take some basic food items with you, so that if you are unable to obtain any extra food, no one will go hungry. If you are planning on cooking all your own meals, make sure the gas cylinders are full, and you have packed everything you need to make meals from scratch. Don’t forget the matches and remember to keep them dry! When you leave your campsite, make sure that all food is out of reach of wildlife. They will rip open boxes and climb trees to reach food if they really want it! It’s a good idea to carry your food in a plastic container so that it will be kept safe, especially if you’ll be camping in areas where there are larger animals, like bears. Keeping the food out of site (and smell) will prevent these dangerous creatures from being lured to your campsite. If you are camping in a location where there are bears it is imperative to use bear boxes. Bears can rip a car apart looking for food and can easily open a cooler and eat its contents if left out overnight.
6. Stay organized.
Be neat, tidy and organized inside of your tent and outside on the campgrounds. Although too much of a routine can be bothersome, having a few general rules is one of those camping tips which prove invaluable in the long term. Simple things such as not allowing dirty shoes inside the tent will not only make the camping trip a cleaner and more enjoyable experience, but also protect the tent’s material making it last longer than it otherwise might. Assign everything a place inside the tent. Also have specific places where things that are often needed can be found so that you aren’t fumbling in the dark and waking others looking for a flashlight or spending hours hunting for the matches.
7. Leave no trace.
Once your camping trip is at an end, make sure you tidy up after yourself, leaving no trace you were even there. If using a private or public campsite, this is essential, since people arriving will be arrive to use the same spot after you’ve left.
8. Prepare for next time.
You should be preparing for your next camping trip from the moment you end the current one. This means packing away all your equipment, including the tent in a way that makes it easy and simple to start the next camping trip. Make sure the tent goes away dry (if it’s raining as you pack up, air the tent out once you get home) and clean so that it’s suitable to use without any fuss in future. As you pack away, make a note of any equipment you may need to buy, such as new pegs or a replacement gas bottle. Also make a note as to items that need to be repaired.
Camping Code of Ethics
While traveling to your favorite camping spot, stay on designated roads and trails. It is a good idea to follow best practices for negotiating terrain for your type of travel. Don’t disturb the natural habitat by creating new routes or expanding on an existing trail. When you come to a stream, only cross at fords where the road or trail crosses the stream. When you come to a posted sign, comply with all the signs and barriers, they are there for a reason. It is always a good idea to go camping with two or three campers. Traveling solo can leave you vulnerable just in case you have an accident or breakdown. Always leave details with someone at home before leaving as to; where you are planning to go camping, how long you plan to be gone, and any other details that could be helpful in the event of an emergency or if you do not return when you planned. Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Be considerate of others on the road, trail, or campground.
Keep noise to a minimum especially in the early morning and evening hours. Be considerate of other campers’ privacy, keep your distance and avoid traveling through their campsites.
Camping supplies in natural colors blend with natural surroundings and are less intrusive to other campers’ experiences.
Leave gates as you find them.
If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner.
When driving yield to horses, hikers, and bikers.
Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.
Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to your type of travel.
Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.
Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements.
Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment, and supplies accordingly. Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and know how to use them. Prepare for the unexpected by packing emergency items. Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lake shores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage.
Other sensitive habitats to avoid unless on designated routes include cryptobiotic soils of the desert, tundra, and seasonal nesting or breeding areas. Avoid disturbing historical, archaeological, and paleontological sites. Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you encounter and keep your distance. Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in areas designated Wilderness. Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization. Pack out what you pack in.
Carry a trash bag and pick up litter left by others.
Repackage snacks and food in baggies. This reduces weight and amount of trash to carry out.
Whenever possible, use existing campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents. Camp a least 200 feet from water, trails, and other campsites. For cooking, use a camp stove. They are always preferable to a campfire in terms of impact on the land. Observe all fire restrictions. If you must build a fire use existing fire rings, build a mound fire or use a fire pan. For campfires, use only fallen timber. Gather firewood well away from your camp. Do not cut standing trees. Let your fire burn down to a fine ash. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished. Do not wash in steams and lakes. Detergents, toothpaste and soap harm fish and other aquatic life. Wash 200 feet away from streams and lakes. Scatter gray water so it filters through the soil. In areas without toilets, use a portable latrine if possible and pack out your waste, otherwise it’s necessary to bury your waste. Human waste should be disposed of in a shallow hole (6″-8″ deep) at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise the hole with natural materials. It is recommended to pack out your toilet paper. High use areas may have other restrictions so check with a land manager.
Hopefully this was useful camping information. Enjoy the great outdoors and please leave it the great outdoors when you pack up and go home.
How often do you go camping? Don’t you ever crave that break from the big city, smog, and crowds of people? I know I do. There are times when I can hardly stand the hectic atmosphere of small towns. I like an occasional break from the madness. That is why my family and I enjoy a camping adventure in the great outdoors. Just the family, some simple camping supplies, plenty of food, and we’re good to go. What do you bring along on your wilderness outings? Maybe you enjoy family camping tents to keep the rain off your heads and mosquitoes out of your face. These days there are just so many options to choose from when it comes to camping equipment. The right equipment can actually make you want to stay away camping longer.
One thing I always enjoyed as a child was camping with the family. While we eventually upgraded to an actual pop up camper, I can still remember the fun times with family camping tents. You know, the huge ones that sleep like eight people. Our family camping tent was fourteen feet long and had two huge rooms! I always loved those things as a kid. You could sneak in there before everyone else did, and pretend it was your own little home. That was great fun. Things seem so huge when you’re a small child.
These days I watch my daughters have a blast with family camping tents when we head out for a weekend with Mother Nature. My daughters love to pretend the tent is their castle and no one can enter. There’s just something to be said about the old-school family camping tents. Actually, I shouldn’t say old anymore. Technology has certainly upgraded these awesome camping amenities. Family camping tents are constructed of high-quality materials, with the ability to withstand a variety of weather conditions. They are waterproof, windproof, bug-proof, and comfortable.
Are you loading up for that next big bout with the great outdoors? Maybe it’s time you took a gander at the modern family camping tents and supplies. Things are constantly changing and upgrading for the better. You might want to ditch that old tent your father passed along to you, and upgrade to a contemporary one. If you are searching for camping equipment and a variety of family camping tents, it is imperative to check out the internet. The internet not only has loads to offer when it comes to camping supplies, but you will also find the absolute best deals around.
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by Dean Novosa
Camping is never fun without a camping gear. The camping equipment can make a big difference in any camping trip. So if you and your family are planning to go on camp, you need to have the proper camping equipment gear outdoors first.
The best way to find the uniquecamping gear that you need is to shop online. Internet shopping makes it easier for you to select the camping equipment that you need for your trip. It also allows you to choose the gear that suits you.
All you need is to make the necessary preparations so as to get a hold of the right camping outdoors gear. Firstly, you need to consider what are the things that you need to bring when you are away from the campsite. Of course, you will need a tent, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, food, water, etc.
After deliberating on the things that you will bring, you also need to consider your budget. It is not all the time that you can buy anything that you need. For this reason, you must think of other options on how you can lay hands on the suitable outdoor camping gear and equipment.
Online Auctions
There are several ways to get discount quality camping gear. The first step is to find online auctions. Auction sites offer affordable items that meet your requirements. You can also opt for used camping gear. But be careful when buying used items. Check if there are some marks or scrapes on the gear before buying them. Remember it is your safety that is at risk here. Also make sure that you are buying the cheap camping gear from a reputable seller. It is important that there is a guarantee on their quality. Do not buy the item if there is no guarantee.
Outlet Stores
There are many different camping gear outlet stores where you can buy discount camping gear and equipment. Some outlets even offer branded items at discounted rates. These stores usually offer camping equipment at affordable prices.
Remember that buying a discount camping gear is only a preliminary part to an enjoyable experience. Preparation is still the key to the overall success of your camping excursion.
Be careful when making a purchase of your camping and hiking gear. This is important to make sure that your money is worth it. See to it that the tent is waterproof. It is also more convenient if your sleeping bag is waterproof and comfy. An ideal sleeping bag is the one that can be stored easily.
If you want to know more about choosing the correct outdoor camping gear, you can acquire more information on the Internet. You can also ask some advice from your friends who have been in a camping excursion before. After that, you can come up with a checklist of the things to bring to the trip and what activities to do to have a more enjoyable experience. Equipped with the best camping gear, you are now all set to start off your family camping adventure.
If comfort is an issue for you, family camping tents may be able to help you. The tents are large, comfortable and provide a much more secure feeling while camping. Family camping should be a great opportunity for fun for the entire family, but sometimes it does not quite work out that way. Sometimes, with everyone staying in confined spaces, tempers can flare and the good times are diminished. Familycamping tents may be able to solve this problem for you as all of them come with more than one room. In fact, depending on the model of tent you choose, some even have four individual rooms. The great thing about having more than one room is getting some much needed away time, a place where the children can be together to play or rest, a place to read and just relax while still being part of the same overall family tent. Initially, family camping tents were designed with only a front door which was problematic as all entry and exit was through the same door. Today, there are tents with both front and back doors, making the camping experience far more enjoyable for the entire family. A lot of family camping tents you will find may also provide a lot of room to store things, which was another big issue for families and camping. This could include potential items for storage such as books, musical equipment, lighting gear, fishing ear, clothing, and other items. Another great feature is that family camping tents can be procured with an entrance in the front as well as the back allowing fo more division between campers and a place in the center for additional people or storage. In addition, a solid floor placed in the bottom of the tent helps keep family members dry during nasty weather There is an option to rent or purchase family camping tents. Renting is a great option for families just starting to experience camping because they have the opportunity to try it first before purchasing. Generally, family camping tents can be found at most sporting good stores for a very minimum cost when compared with the comfort you will enjoy. Lastly, most family camping tents have been made for fast and easy setup and take down. Although the tents are bigger, they are very flexible and easy to deal with and make the camping experience enjoyable for the entire family. Really great options are available for tents today, making finding the tent that is right for you and your family a fun experience. by Chris L. Jensen
Before setting out on your first tent camping trip, you need to know how to build a camping tent. By preparing yourself with the needed knowledge for building a camping tent before you leave for the campgrounds, you will be ready to enjoy your camping vacation and be able to avoid any time consuming mishaps. Learning how to build a camping tent also known as pitching a tent, involves only a few simple steps. Following are some camping tips that will help you successfully learn how to build a camping tent. Keeping these simple pointers in mind will have you well on your way to learning how to build a camping tent.
So, what’s our experience you 
If your husband was in the service during the 80s, you might be hard pressed to get him to try MRE meals! The MRE survival food of today is not only designed for emergencies but it tastes good as well! The best solution is to order a variety pack and bring it along as camping food. When your family discovers that freeze dried meals do not mean tasteless, they will wonder if maybe they should listen to Mom more often!
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How often do you go camping? Don’t you ever crave that break from the big city, smog, and crowds of people? I know I do. There are times when I can hardly stand the hectic atmosphere of small towns. I like an occasional break from the madness. That is why my family and I enjoy a camping adventure in the great outdoors. Just
Camping is never fun without a camping gear. The camping equipment can make a big difference in any camping trip. So if you and your family are planning to go on camp, you need to have the proper camping equipment gear outdoors first.
If comfort is an issue for you, family camping tents may be able to help you. The tents are large,