Camping Essentials
Camping is a favorite vacation choice for many Americans. It’s a great way to see the nation’s parks, scenic areas, wildlife and other natural resources, as well as its national monuments and tourist sites. Whether you’re camping in a state or national forest, traveling to an RV park, or just pitching a tent in the backyard, the following guidelines can help you prepare for the adventure.
Choosing Shelter
The first essential camping decision you need to make is to decide what type of shelter you’re going to use. This decision will determine what sort of trip you plan, what sort of things you bring along, and how you pack. Most shelters involve some form of the following:
- Tents: A tent is the most affordable shelter. You can buy or borrow a tent that sleeps one, four, or more. Today’s tents are easier to set up than ever before (follow the directions for waterproofing yours before you set out).
- Pop-up Trailers: Like tents on wheels, these trailers literally pop up, with a hard top and bottom and flexible cloth sides that expand out. Pop-ups typically include built-in beds, tables, stove, and refrigerator, and are pulled along by another vehicle.
- Camper or Recreational Vehicles (RVs): RVs feature all the comforts of home and can be pulled or driven. RVs are the most expensive modes of camping.
Think carefully when choosing camping shelter. If you are determined not to get too up-close and personal with nature on your trip, you might want to opt for a more substantial shelter. If backpacking plays a major role in your plans, however, your shelter will need to be simple, light, and easy to tote on your back. Keep the type of shelter you’ve chosen in mind as you research the sort of camping facilities available near your trip destinations.
Making Your Bed
If your shelter comes complete with foldout beds, some linens and a pillow will complete your sleep-space. Otherwise, you probably need a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are rated, according to their ability to keep you warm in a specific range of temperatures—for example, down to 32 degrees. Make sure the rating of your bag is adequate for the night-time temperatures in the area where you’ll be staying.
If sleeping on the ground, even inside the confines of a tent, makes you uncomfortable, remember these options:
- A folding cot makes a handy raised bed that you can stow away when it’s not in use.
- A blow-up air mattress is another packable option. Some self-inflate, but others require a pump (or an incredibly strong set of lungs).
- A lounge-type lawn chair is perfect for stretching out under the stars, if your sleeping bag offers enough padding to protect your back from the chair’s metal cross-bar.
Packing Provisions
The type and amount of food you need to pack will depend on the kind of trip you’re planning. If you plan to camp at out in the middle of nowhere for an entire week, you need to pack a week’s worth of food. But, if you plan on visiting several places, you can stop and shop as needed. Here are some provision-planning essentials:
- Menus: Plan out every meal in advance, even menu items, so you know exactly what ingredients to bring (like salt and pepper) and which dishes (cups, plates, utensils) to pack.
- Water: Plan to bring water or other beverages—you can’t just drink out of any old creek. Most campsites offer a safe water source, but be sure to investigate this in advance. Camping supply centers sell water purification tablets and bottles.
- Perishable food: If you’re camping without a refrigerator, a cooler can store meats and other perishable foods, but will require frequent restocking with ice. Keep perishables to a minimum.
- Non-perishables: In addition to dried fruit, nuts, and other camping staples, sporting goods shops and outfitters offer a remarkable variety of ready-to-eat cereals and entrees that can be heated in boiling water.
- Animal-proof storage: Check in advance to learn safe guidelines for stowing food at your campsite. Most parks in areas where bears roam recommend storing food away from the tent or camper, preferably suspended high in a tree.
- Fuel: If you plan on cooking, you’ll need fuel (charcoal, wood, and so on) and matches. To avoid spreading insect infestations, get campfire wood locally, rather than hauling it from one site to another. Bring detergent, a dishpan, and other cooking and clean-up essentials.
Finally, be prepared to take out everything you bring in to your campsite, including every piece of trash you generate. Bring garbage bags with you, and use them.
Planning for First Aid and Other Essentials
Your first aid kit should be stocked with the supplies you’ll need for coping with camping accidents, from cuts and blisters to more serious injuries such as snakebites. In addition to bandages, antibacterial cream, and other staples, be sure your kit is stocked with:
- Aspirin or other pain relievers
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Calamine lotion or cortisone creams
Here are some other essentials you mustn’t forget:
- Basic hygiene products, such as tissues, soap, toothpaste, and so on
- Prescription medications and vitamins or supplements you take on a regular basis
Limiting Extras
Everything else you bring along for the trip should be directly related to your activities (such as fishing or hiking), the weather you might encounter (rain or cold), and other everyday items you really need (books, flashlight). As any good traveler will tell you, packing light is best; over-packing wastes your time, space, and energy.
As you prepare for your camping trip, remember that the object is to get away from the pressure of your daily life and enjoy nature. A camping trip is meant to be a getaway, not an excuse for stocking a second home! Whether you’re staying in an RV park, or camping in one of America’s beautiful national parks, resorts, or recreation areas, plan ahead for happy trails!
