Expert Camping
Advice
By David Stone
Camping is essentially for those of us who
love the outdoors and can do without all of the comforts of
home for a short while. However, just loving the outdoors is
not enough to guarantee that the experience will be a fun one.
The essentials of having fun in the great outdoors are
preparation and an open mind. Preparation is easy, if you
follow some simple rules. 
When you are getting ready to plan a trip, you must select a
convenient time that will give you flexibility of one to two
days. This will make the trip more about you, and less about
your timetable. You may run into weather problems or you may
just want to camp for an extra day. Next, choose a location and
make it specific. Don’t just choose a county where you saw a
campground. Call the campground or the park office and get
reservations or information about the time you have allotted.
Many parks are happy give you information and tips about what
to expect. The most complicated step in preparation is making a list of what to bring.
Making a list is essential and your list will change
dramatically the more you trips you take.
The first thing you need to put on your list of things to
take is the things that will get you there. If you are hiking
to a campsite, list the number of backpacks. If you are simply
driving to a site, list the number of cars. Then you must plan
your shelter and sleeping situation.
Remember, tents are a luxury and heavy to carry. Hikers
usually bring a plastic tarp that can shelter up to four
people. With a tarp, you can tie it between trees for cover
from the elements. Many time you won’t even need that but you
can always lay the tarp on the ground to designate a clean
sleeping area. After this has been set, you will go over what
food you will need. We stress need here. Stray from fresh
produce and meets because they spoil easy and their scent
attracts animals and insects.
Stick to dried food and canned items. Canned items will add
weight, but they are more calorie rich and very easy to cook in
multiple situations. Most of your food should be snacks, so
that you don’t have to cook very much. Trail mix and yogurt
covered raisins will fill you up more than you think, and they
are a cheap alternative to buying food from camping stores that
hike up the price on dried meals. The last things you will
put on your list are what will make you comfortable. Minimal
clothing is best. One of each type of outfit is best. One pair
of shorts, pants, sweatshirt, tee, and a couple pairs of
undergarments including socks is enough. One poncho will take
up minimal space. Small LED flash lights will get you around at
night if you stray from the fire. Then make sure you have some
things to keep you busy. Books, playing cards and a nerf
football are all light and can be very entertaining for hours
on end. As long as you don’t start dragging along things that
aren’t meant for the outdoors, you should be fine. Remember
that everything will be at home when you get back. Most
importantly make a not of the things you didn’t use and the
things you wished you brought. That will make each trip you
take more enjoyable and different than the last.
More great information on camping is available at
http://www.best-camping-resources.info
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