Now I know what you are telling yourself… I would really like to camp, it sounds like fun but I have no idea how to camp, what to bring or what to expect. There are a few things you really have to figure out before you can figure out what you need to do to prepare for your camping trip. Answering the following basic questions will guide you in finding your balance.

1. What kind of camping have you decided to do? Wanted to RV Camp? Camping/caravanning? tent camp? Backpacking/hiking camping? Canoe/kayak camp?

Determining the type of camping you want to do can help you determine what type of equipment and experience is needed. For example, you would need a very different type of gear for RV camping as opposed to hiking camping.

Descriptions of the campsite:

RV camping (or RV camping) is more like living at home because you bring a furnished vehicle that you basically live in with you. You can make your RV as comfortable as you want. Chances are everything you need from home you can bring with you in your RV. All you really need to think about is what food and personal items you’d like to store in it. This type of camping is generally for people who don’t like to “rough it”, but would also like to be social, as RVs are often parked fairly close together or in similar sections. Although there are some normal maintenance items with RVs, you basically park them and live in them.

Camper or Trailer camping is just one step tougher than RV camping. Many times, RVs or trailers do not have showers or toilets, unlike most RVs. Depending on the camper or trailer, a refrigerator may not be included either. In general, RV or RV camping is more for people who don’t like to sleep on the ground or worry about severe weather, but still want to get outside.

Tent camping is generally more for people who would like to “rough it”. Tent camping requires you to think about all your basic needs ahead of time (food, hygiene, bathroom requirements, shelter, staying up at night, warmth). Actually, there are also different levels of tents. Some people like to bring a tent and buy all their necessities, while others like to camp in more remote areas, away from people. Packing for a camping trip in a tent can be time consuming because you have to think about everything you might need.

Backpacking or hiking is a bit more for experienced campers. Think about it…everything you think you’re going to need you have to be able to strap to your back and carry it quite a distance. You have to be able to pack well and pack light!

Canoe/kayak camping is a lot like hiking camping when it comes to packing, but there’s another element to add. You have to make sure everything is waterproof. Canoe/kayak camping would be for the more experienced campers and of course, for those who know how to canoe and/or kayak.

Recommendations for camping situations:

RV Camping – Shop around and do your research before settling on an RV to buy. Talk to people who already have them and ask them what they like and don’t like about your particular model. Go to RV dealerships and tour a few of them. Maybe go as far as renting an RV on a little trip to see what you like or dislike about RV camping.

RV/Trailer Camping: Since conveniences like a refrigerator may not be available, more preparation and forethought is required. You will most likely need to purchase a cooler or two to keep your food and drinks chilled. Also, you may need to think about generators if you want to run electrical items. Although you may have beds in the RV, you may need to put bedding.

Tent – ​​Think about the type of tent you would like to make. Does my tent have to be light? Waterproof? wind resistant? What size tent do I need (family size or just for me)? What terrain will I be camping on? A good tent can make all the difference in your trip.

Backpacking/Hiking Camping: Look for light supplies as you have to carry them all. Gear research into sturdy and lightweight hiking backpacks is a good idea. Always check ahead of time if the area you want to hike and camp allows people to do so. Pay attention to “no trespassing” signs and pay attention. Check your weather! You need to know what gear to pack for the weather. It is also recommended that you camp with a friend. In case something happens, there must be someone who can go and get help.

Canoe/kayak camping: It may be advisable to take a few canoe or kayak lessons (and swimming lessons) before attempting a camping trip this way. You may want to rent a canoe or kayak to make sure you like the activity before diving in.

two.  Where have you decided to go camping? Are you going camping in the desert? Beach? Forest/forest?

This is a very important question that you must answer to discover your main needs. You would prepare much differently for camping in the desert than for camping in the woods.

In the desert, camping temperatures can range from extremes, from the heat of the day to the chill 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 don’t realize how much you are sweating because it evaporates very quickly from your skin.

Camping on the beach is very nice, but you must prepare for it. Due to the nature of the arena, it is difficult to load things up with normal tent pegs. There are tent stakes that are much longer for this specific purpose. You also need to be prepared for the possibility of sand getting into everything. Depending on how deep into the sand you’d like to go, you need to think about the vehicle you’re using to get there. Again, with the nature of the sand, it can be difficult to dig again. You may want to bring a shovel or random piece of wood.

Forests/woods are usually great for shelter from storms and the sun. They’re also great for hammocks, but you need to be wary of biting insects and certain stinging plants. Bug spray would be a great recommendation for camping in the woods.

3.  When or what time of year are you going camping?

Figuring out what kind of weather you will 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 won’t help you because it’s not exposed to the elements.

Obviously, camping in colder climates requires warmer clothing, but you may want to consider a warmer camping sleeping bag regardless of the shelter method you’re using.

Camping in a wetter climate means that your terrain can be more difficult to manage. If you are tent camping, it is recommended to put a tarp under your tent, find slightly higher ground to pitch your tent, and always use your rain flies.

In hotter climates, always make sure to stay hydrated. If you bring your water with you, bring plenty. If you are going camping, you may want to consider a water treatment or camping water filter.

Congratulations on taking your first step into camp by answering these preliminary questions. You are now on your way to planning a camping trip more tailored to your specific needs and desires.

Below is a list of general items to take camping. Take from it what works best for you and your situation. Note: Personal items must be included at your discretion.

Things to take camping:

FIRST AID/SURVIVAL KIT

  • Prescription drugs
  • snake bite kit
  • calamine lotion
  • insect repellent
  • Distilled water
  • isopropyl alcohol
  • cotton balls or cotton swabs
  • bandages
  • Moleskin (for sore feet)
  • Tweezers
  • needles
  • feminine products
  • Scissors
  • thermometer
  • Individually Wrapped Gauze Pads
  • Scotch tape
  • Antiseptic
  • Clean old towel or part of folded sheet
  • Steristrips (to join the cuts)
  • Aspirin
  • motion sickness medicine
  • Pepto Bismol
  • aromatic ammonia
  • Glucose packets (for diabetics)
  • Water purification tablets or filtration kit
  • Shaving blades
  • Matches and waterproof container
  • Whistle
  • solid knife
  • Hydrogen peroxide

THE ESSENTIAL

  • Tent (tarp, stakes, rain fly)
  • Sleeping bag (mattress to sleep under or air mattress)
  • Pillow
  • small ax
  • Flash lights (and good extra batteries)
  • Camping lanterns (with fuel or good extra batteries)
  • disposable butane lighter
  • Compass
  • maps
  • Hammock
  • Cooler (and ice)
  • Water (and/or water filter or water purification tablets)
  • Clothing (appropriate for the weather)
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • good walking shoes
  • toiletries
  • pocket knife
  • Canteen (or hydration backpack)
  • Firewood (bring or buy at the campsite)
  • Backpack (and/or day pack)
  • Camping
  • Games (cards, frisbee, small portable games)
  • Camera (and good batteries)
  • S’mores Toppings (Large Marshmallows, Whole Grain Crackers, and Hershey’s® Chocolate)

COOKING?

  • Obviously, food (canned and packaged usually work well)
  • Stove (and fuel or charcoal) or grill or Dutch oven
  • Pot and pan (and cookware if you plan to cook)
  • Cups and plates and eating utensils
  • resealable 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 and bar soap)

IN CASE…

  • flares
  • folding shovel
  • tea bags
  • bouillon cubes
  • Poncho
  • candles
  • Rope or cord (12′ to 24′)
  • signal mirror
  • MRE (military term for “meals ready to eat”)
  • Suture kit (for extreme cases)
  • Fishing kit (and 15′ of 10lb line and sinkers and container of 35mm film and hooks)
  • Water filter or water purification tablets
  • Life jackets (camping near water)
  • Baking soda (for toothpaste, bug bites, antacid, odors, etc.)

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