How to Camp - An Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Now I understand everything 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 things to expect. There are some things that you really have to determine before you can figure out what you need to do to get ready for the camping trip. Answering the following basic questions will show 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 should do can aid you in what type of equipment and expertise is necessary. 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 as you bring a furnished vehicle that you basically reside in with you. You can make your RV in the same way comfy as you prefer. Everything that you need from home can probably be brought with you in your RV. Whatever you really need to consider are what foods and personal items you would like to stock it with. This kind of camping is generally for individuals who don't like to "rough it" but additionally might like to be social since many times RV are parked fairly near one another or in similar sections. Though there are several normal maintenance items with RVs, you basically park them and reside 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. According to the camper or trailer, a refrigerator may not be included either. Generally, camper or trailer camping is more for those who don't like to sleep on the ground or worry about severe weather but still want to get out there.

Tent camping is normally more for people who wish to "rough it." Tent camping requires one to think about all your basic needs ahead of time (food, hygiene, restroom requirements, shelter, seeing during the night, warmth). There are actually varying levels of tent camping aswell. Some people prefer to bring a tent and shop for all their needs while others prefer to camp in more remote areas away from people. Packing for a tent camping trip can be time consuming as you have to think of everything you might need.

Backpacking or Hiking camping is really a bit more for the experienced campers. Consider it...everything you think you are going to need you need to be in a position to strap to your back and make it for quite a distance. You need to be able to pack well and pack light!

Canoe/kayak camping is much like hiking camping when it comes to packing but you have to add another element. You must make sure that everything is waterproof. Canoe/kayak camping would be for the more experienced camper not to mention, for people who know how to canoe and/or kayak.

Recommendations for camping situations:

RV Camping - Check around and do research before you decide on an RV for sale. Talk to individuals who already own them and have them what they like and don't like about their unique model. Head to RV dealerships and walk by way of a couple of them. Maybe, go as far as renting an RV on a small trip to see everything you do or can't stand about RV camping.

Camper/Trailer Camping - Because there might not be amenities just like a refrigerator, more setup and forethought is necessary. You most likely will have to purchase a cooler or two to keep your meal and beverages chilled. Also, you may have to take into account generators if you want to run electrical items. If you may have beds in the camper you might have to place bedding in.

Tent Camping - Take into account the type of tent camping you would like to do. Does my tent need to be lightweight? Waterproof? Wind sturdy? What size tent do I need (family size or just for me)? What terrain am i going to be camping on? A good camping tent could make all the difference on your trip.

Backpacking/Hiking Camping - Look for lightweight supplies, as you have to carry all of them. Equipment research into lighter weight sturdy hiking backpacks is a good idea. Always check ahead of time if the area you intend to hike and camp allows people to do so. Focus on "no trespassing" signs and heed them. Check your weather! You must know what equipment to pack for the weather. Additionally it is recommended that you camp with a pal. In case something should happen, there must be a person 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 manner. Perhaps you may wish to rent a canoe or kayak to make certain you like the experience before diving in.

2. Where have you decided to go camping? Will you be camping in the Desert? Beach? Forest/woods?

This is a very important question to answer so as to figure out your primary needs. You'd prepare very differently for desert camping than you'll for camping in the forest.

In Desert camping temperatures can have extreme ranges from heat of your day to the cold of the night time. The largest 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. https://campfirediscoveries.com/ to the dry air you aren't aware of just how much you are perspiring since it evaporates so quickly off your skin.

Beach camping is very nice but you should plan it. Because of the nature of sand it really is difficult to weigh things down with normal tent stakes. There are tent stakes which are much longer for this specific purpose. Additionally you must be prepared for the possibility that sand could easily get into everything. Depending on how deep in the sand you would like to go you should think about the vehicle you are using to get there. Again, with the type of sand it could be difficult to dig yourself back out. You may desire to bring a shovel or random piece of wood.

Forest/woods are usually ideal for shelter from rainstorms and sun. Also, they are 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 entire year are you currently going camping?

Figuring out which kind of weather you will have to deal with while camping is key. Personally, I believe this is the most important information necessary to plan a proper camping trip. Of course for those who have an RV, this information probably doesn't assist you to because you aren't subjected to the elements.

Colder weather camping obviously requires warmer clothes but you may wish to look at a warmer camping sleeping bag regardless of what method of shelter you are using.

Wetter weather camping implies that your terrain could be more difficult to deal with. In case you are tent camping, it might 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. In the event that you bring your water with you, bring lots. If you are hiking camping, you might 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 the way to planning for a camping trip tailored more to your specific needs and desires.

Below is a set of general items to take camping. Please take as a result what works best for you personally as well as your situation. Note: Personal items ought to be included at your discretion.

What to take camping:

FIRST AID/SURVIVAL KIT

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 carry 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 bed)

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.....utilize 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 prepared to eat")

Suturing kit (for acute 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.)