Whether it be telling stories around the fire, making s’mores, or hiking through the woods, a good camping trip cannot be beaten. It can help you to disconnect from the world for a bit, and provides a chance for you to connect with nature.
Although you will be leaving many of the comforts of home behind you, a camping trip can be a fantastic adventure of bonding and shared life experiences for everyone that is involved. However, even the greatest laid plans can be disrupted by disorganization or some type of unexpected disturbance. Therefore, it is best to think ahead and plan as much as possible for your next camping adventure.
Here are some things to think about to help you plan a camping trip that is sure to please the entire camping crew.
Who is Coming?
First things first, what is your crew like? Before you do anything else for your camping trip, you need to decide who is the trip for. Are you bringing the wife and kids or going at it alone? Maybe you can have some friends join in the festivities?
All of the details of your trip will be dependent upon who will be joining you. So confirm ahead of time exactly who will be joining you so that the remaining tasks can be coordinated around and for the entire group.
Solo or Significant Other
Obviously, if you are going on a camping adventure on your own, you do not have to consult anyone else. Things like sleeping arrangements or the activities you will be participating in can be left up in the air a little more, as you will not have to consult anyone else about whether or not that particular activity or food item is appropriate for you.
And, if you are bringing a partner or significant other along with you, this should most likely be fairly straight forward as well. Chances are you will be able to agree easier about what type of campsite to choose (private or public) and the recreations you will engage in while there.
Family Time
Are you considering bringing the kids along on your camping trip? While camping is an excellent chance to strengthen family bonds, it can add a layer of complication to the mix. Their unique temperaments need to be taken into consideration.
If you are planning a camping trip with your spouse and children, there is a higher priority put on what activities there will be available that are age and kid appropriate. In this scenario, it would be best to look into the campsites that have a playground or other special recreational areas for children to play in.
While adults are usually quite happy to sit around and talk for a few hours in the moonlight, your children may not be so satisfied. Consider bringing a couple board games or planning day excursions that are sure to keep them active.
And if you can, try to invite another family to coming along for the journey. This will ensure the children have some additional friends to play with. An added bonus to this is that you also get additional adults to help with set up, break down, or anything else that may come up.
Group of Peers
You know the old saying, “The more the merrier”, right? This statement rings true for most occasions, as there is nothing better than sharing an experience with friends. And a camping trip with some dear friends can be exhilarating way to pass the time.
However, please keep in mind that the more people to please, the more people to rally. A large camping group can also pose some potential problems during the planning process of your trip. It can be a tough and exhausting job to ensure that each person’s needs are met with regards to meals and planned activities. In addition, determining and satisfying what each camping companion is hoping to get out of the stay is also something that needs to be considered during the planning process.
If this is your plan, be sure that you are up to the task and do not be afraid to ask for help from others if the to-do list starts to become a bit overwhelming.
Summary
Though it can seem like a daunting task at first, in the end these pre-emptive conversations with the camping participants will keep everyone involved with the trip on the same page. Expectations will be able to be monitored through each phase of the planning process, as well as throughout each day of the trip. Once these minor kinks are worked out, you should be able to continue to plan and create a camping experience that no one in your group will ever forget.
Whatcha Gonna Do?
Great job! You have nailed the first step in planning your camping vacation. The next thing on the list is to plan out is what you are going to do while you are away.
The great thing about camping as your vacation is its versatility. You can just spend a couple days sitting around chatting and cooking on the fire. If that does not work for you, there are tons of activities that you can do while camping. The list includes going on a hike, kayaking on a local river or lake, swimming, taking a bike ride, or even enjoying some fishing.
Deciding on appropriate activities that will keep yourself and/or the troops entertained should a fun and exciting task.
What Do They Offer?
Take notice of the activities that are provided within the campgrounds when you are booking your camp site. Several campgrounds tend to offer a myriad of things to do onsite, such as fishing or swimming. There are quite a few that offer a game room with arcade-like games to keep the kids happy. And others will even hold social events and gatherings various times within the week as a way to keep their campers engaged with each other as well as providing an opportunity to have unique and fun experiences throughout their stay.
Is There Anything Close by?
If the site you are looking at setting up camp in does not offer activities within the campground itself, take some time to investigate the surrounding area for some fun and unique experiences to try. Perhaps there are some caverns that you can explore within the vicinity. Or maybe a local lake you can swim or boat in that is just a short drive away. Leaving your campsite to enjoy an outside activity could be a way to break up the scenery and keep your fellow campers enticed in the camping experience.
What About the Nightlife?
Is there local nightlife that you may want to explore in the area? Perhaps a night-time hike or star-gazing adventure can be arranged. Keeping the nights jam packed will provide a way for everyone to stay emerged in the camping adventure.
Depending on how long your trip is planned for, it may be a great idea to plan an local adventure that ties the day into the night. For example, fishing. If your fellow campers all enjoy fishing, it may be a great event to share that can take up a majority of one day. You could get up, have breakfast, and go fishing for a couple hours. Then, when you get home, you can gut, clean and cook the fish you caught earlier in the day on the fire together.
Be Informed
Just be sure to learn about any special permits or licenses that may be needed in order to participate in some of these activities. Hunting and fishing, for example, have special requirements and restrictions regarding what you can and cannot do and where you are authorized to do so. Therefore, it is imperative that you determine these requirements prior to planning these activities so as to avoid disappointment or confusion during your journey.
Summary
Figure out what the members of your group like to do, and be sure to plan for those interests. Remember to pay particular attention to any children that may be accompanying you. Their entertaining needs may differ from those adults in the group, and should be addressed accordingly. This will ensure a more pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone. Above all, be flexible. Planning for an activity and deciding to cut it out once you get there is easier than trying to figure out what to do while you are there.
Trails and Guides
If hiking or biking is on your list to do while camping, knowing about local trails can be a tremendous help in planning out your itinerary. Luckily, because we in the 21st century, there are apps that can be downloaded onto your phone or tablets. These apps will provide access to local trails and city guides providing an additional way for you to enhance your stay.
Oh Ranger
The Oh Ranger app includes lists of national parks as well as local and state parks that are located in the United States. Downloading this app enables you to see parks that are local to your camping location. In addition, it lists nearby activities such as horseback riding or water sports, which can broaden your stay once you have arrived.
All Trails
Another app that provides detailed lists of hiking and backpacking trails is All Trails. The lists found on All Trails are for locations around the world. Additionally, this app allows you to filter locations to accommodate those trails that are appropriate for pets and/or children as well.
MTB Project
One of the best apps for avid hikers, MTB Project provides offline maps, elevation profiles, topographical trail maps and full GPS route information. It is considered a go-to app for bikers and is free to download for iOS and Android users.
The Outbound Collective
Another free app is the Outbound Collective. This app is for those of you who are a bit more adventurous and looking for hiking trails that are a bit more obscure. The filters provided are quite detailed and include activities additional to hiking, including cliff jumping, bodysurfing and kiteboarding. This app is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a unique adventure while camping.
When Does Our Adventure Begin?
Now it is time to figure out when you would like to plan a camping trip. You will need to decide on a time of year you would like to camp as well as how long you plan to camp for.
Weather
The weather is something you should take into consideration when determining when you will be camping. You should consider how experienced you are at camping in general, as well as what you and your companions are willing to take on during your trip.
Will it be rainy or snowy during a specific time of year? Is that something your group would prefer to engage in or avoid?
Feeling Safe During Your Stay
Safety for all of the campers involved should be priority one, and the weather may be a serious factor in regards to how safe everyone feels throughout the trip.
It could be that members of your camping extravaganza are not as comfortable being outdoors during long stretches of darkness or nightfall. In this case, planning your excursion during the spring or summer months where there is more daylight may help some of your fellow campers.
Summary
Discuss any concerns with your group and ensure you are picking a time of year that everyone is comfortable with.
How Do You Plan on Camping Out?
Determine how you will be enjoying the camping experience. There are actually several ways that you can camp and proper research of all of the camping types should be conducted prior to deciding what is best for you or your group.
Tent Camping
The first way to camp is the one most people think of when they hear camping: Tent Camping. This is when you are pitching a tent where you plan to sleep while in the out doors. Some people opt to bring an air mattress to make sleeping on the ground easier and more pleasant. If this is your plan, be sure you know how to set up a tent. There are those who have never completed this task before, and it can be intimidating to some. If you are one of these people, consider setting the tent up in the backyard once or twice to make sure you have the knack. Also, practicing set up before getting to the campsite will inform you of any special tools or requirements that may be needed to complete the tent structure.
Backpacking
Backpacking typically involves hiking to your campsite to a remote area. Typically, these campers will hike for several miles and bring everything they will need in their backpacks. This form of camping is “roughing it” as there are typically no facilities or amenities nearby for campers to access. They are completely on their own, and need to rely on their camping and survival skills throughout their trip.
RV Camping
An RV is a vehicle that allows you to drive to a plethora of places. And when you reach your destination, you can sleep inside your RV. There is often bathroom and kitchen facilities included on the RV, allowing for a more convenient way to travel. Another great feature is that RV campers provide is electricity, allowing you the ability to bring your electronics along with you while you camp. RVs can also be driven into the wilderness, allowing you comforts of home while experience nature and escaping the city.
Cabin Camping
Cabin camping is when you are in the wilderness but instead of sleeping in a tent you are set up in a cabin. Easier for many than sleeping on the ground in a tent, cabin camping is more comfortable. Depending on the type of cabin you book, they can include beds, heat, electricity and even running water.
Car Camping
Car Camping refers to when you can drive a vehicle (other than an RV) to your camping destination. Many people will bring a pick up truck and throw their sleeping bags in the bed at the back when it is time to rest for the night. Others will simply fold down the back seats of their car and sleep there. Car camping allows you free access to your vehicle and eliminates the need to “unpack” or “set up camp” for your camping retreat.
Where are You Going?
Next on the list, you will need to determine where your camping trip will take place. The destination that you intend to do your camping will have a tremendous effect on the overall outcome of your trip.
When done right, a camping trip can be an amazing time will be had by all. When done not so right, it will feel like the longest vacation you have ever taken.
Keep your plans on the right track by preparing where you can, and ensuring every detail that you can control has been thought of and taken into consideration.
What Do You Expect?
In order to be sure that your trip turns out fantastic, determine the best destination and camp site that matches the expectations of your group.
Are things like running water and heat important to you? Or are your group members more the “rough it” type of campers?
These are the types of questions you will need to ask yourself and your fellow campers when planning a camping trip. The answers to these questions will have a great effect on where you end up setting up your campsite.
Private VS. Public Campgrounds
The first factor to consider is whether a private or a public campground will better fit your camping excursion.
Private campgrounds tend to have more modern amenities to accommodate their guests. These include bathrooms, pools and in some cases laundry rooms. There are some private facilities that offer these advantages along with curfews that require all activities and noise to be concluded by a certain time of night.
Public campgrounds will be likely to contain very few, if any, amenities. This is a much rougher type of camping that represents a simpler “do-it-all-yourself” type of camping experience. For example, in this setting you may do all of your cooking via campfire. And, in addition, the campfire will be your only source of heating during your stay. Often, this type of camping will involve hiking to a remote area and setting up camp in a tent. This is very appealing to those who would like to completely disconnect from the outside world for a while and find peace within the solitude of the wilderness.
While public campgrounds may be attractive, there are additional safety factors to consider if you are thinking of partaking in this type of event. Being up-to-date on the best way to build a fire, having enough supplies and preventing wildfires is of the utmost importance on these types of trips. In addition, you will be exposed to the elements as well as local wildlife. Therefore, precautions and appropriate safety measures should always be taken when camping off the grid.
Learn About Your Environment
Whichever you choose, be sure to read up about local animals and wildlife you may meet within the duration of your trip. You do not want your journey to be cut short because of an encounter with a bear or other animal that you do not know how to deal with.
Know Your Abilities And Limitations
And if in doubt, be sure to consider the skills that will be associated with your camping trip. If you would like to try “roughing it”, be honest with your current abilities and do not take on too much too soon. For safety, it is always best to start small and work your way up to larger, more adventurous activities.
Call For Backup
It would probably be a good idea to check store availability, either within or outside the campground. Know where you can secure additional food and other supplies if you happen to need them throughout your trip. This way you will know what is involved if you need any additional provisions throughout your stay.
Summary
Planning ahead as best as you can is always a good idea. Being prepared will enable all of the members of your camping group to enjoy their trip, in a safe and delightful way. And you will be ready for any unexpected event that may occur.
Planners
Creating the perfect camping trip takes an enormous amount of planning. But the planning aspect can be a bit overwhelming. It could be a good idea to use some type of planner to assist with your to-do list.
To help with all of the details for your trip, here are some apps that you can download on your phone or mobile device to help you along with the planning process.
Roadtrippers
The Roadtrippers app allows you to find attractions that are local to where you are. As you find places that interest you, the app enables you to save the locations that interest you or your group. The best part is that these places can be saved as you go, and you can add, delete or change no matter where you are.
Google Trips
Google trips can help in various aspects of planning any trip. A great advantage to using this app for planning your trip is that it links up to your email. Therefore, any reservations or bookings you have in your email, and organizes them onto the map.
Good Sam’s Trip Planner
A versatile and easy to use planner is Good Sam’s Trip Planner. Although you have to be a member of Good Sam’s Club in order to download, this app is sure to be an asset for your camping trip. It allows you to plan more than one trip at a time, and breaks down the camp sites by RV, private, and public. It will help you plan each and every leg of the trip for an easy and exciting camping journey.
RV Trip Wizard
The RV Trip Wizard app interfaces with Google maps, enabling an easy way to plan your camping trip activities. It provides time lines as well as fuel costs for each portion of your trip, allowing you to plan an even though trip and camping budget.
InRoute Route Planner
This app provides a way for you to plan out your trip and every stop along the way. It provides charts that are interactive and provide details regarding the elevation, curviness, and weather in any location. The app will also allow you to export your planned route to GOPS devices and similar applications that will aid you along your journey.
Roadside America
The app Roadside America gives you access to every road side attraction you can think of, from museums to the strangest thing you can think of. Complimented with maps, photos and reports on each item, you are sure to find something to please every person that is involved with your camping trip.
MyScenicDrives
MyScenicDrives is a free Road Trip Planner and Scenic Drive Finder, perfect for day trips, weekend getaways and cross-country adventures. If you are not quite sure where you want to stop and would like to explore options, just click a spot on the map along your route. Each scenic drive features an overview, interactive map, and GPS directions. The scenic drives highlight recreational activities and explore the places of historic and cultural interest of each region.
Summary
Providing you have cell service wherever you will be during your camping trip, having the right app to help guide you through your activities may relieve some anxiety and stress associated with your camping vacation.
Reserve Your Campsite
Now it is time to reserve your campsite. Once you have confirm whether to go public or private, look into the specifics of each campsites. This includes any regulations for the campsite, special requirements to adhere to while camping, and how far in advance you will need to book the site you would like.
Sometimes Two is Better than One
If you are traveling with a group or another family, it would be at this point in the planning process that you should determine if you require adjoining campsites. If so, you may need to book these sites earlier than normal to ensure you get exactly what you need. Also, if you are traveling with a group, dual camp sites may also be something you would prefer.
If the campsite you are looking at does not have dual campsites, you can ask if there are sites that are close to one another. However, although close these sites may not be ideal for a larger group that is camping together. So, it is best to keep looking for the best campsite that meets your needs.
Listen to Your Reservations
While it is possible that your favorite camp site may accommodate sites on a first come, first serve basis, this may not be the case for all grounds. Consequently, it is imperative that once you find the right campground, you reserve your campsite as soon as you are able. This will prevent you from missing out on the best experience for your trip.
Cancellations
When booking your campsite at the perfect campground for your trip, request any details regarding cancellations. Knowing this ahead of time will save confusion and aggravation should you need to change your plans at any time.
Make It Something to Talk About
Discuss the options for your ideal campsite and campground locations with all the members of your group. The more people that contribute their perspective, the more that everyone’s anticipations will be met throughout the trip.
That goes for friends and family members that may have some advice or experience with certain campgrounds, campsites, and activities in the area. They may be able to offer a frame of reference for you to work off of. No matter if you planning to join a group of friends or go at it alone, using the advice and details offered by people you trust will give you peace of mind when planning your own camping trip.
Campsite
When working on a plan for your ideal camping trip, knowing where to set up camp is a top priority. Luckily, there are a number of apps that can help with this step as well. Just like the apps that help you plan out the details of your trip, the apps that help you select your campsite will keep you informed of the benefits and pitfalls of each option. In addition, these apps will allow you to book your site and make any changes to your reservation as you go.
Reserve America
If you are considering camping in a state or local government park land campground, the Reserve America app is a perfect fit. With a list that manages reservations for government run campgrounds within North America, Reserve America allows you to search by location, site type and/or specific travel dates. It is free to use and create an account. The app also provides a way for the user to save campsites that are marked as a favorite as well as enabling a way to organize the lists that are created. Simple and easy to use, trying the Reserve America app is a must for anyone planning a camping excursion.
Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov is another camping app that can be used to book your ideal campsite. Some sites on federally owned lands are not found on the Reserve America app, making the list on Recreation.gov a more desirable tool for some. This app includes a mapping feature in addition to the ability to filter your preferences via the site type and availability. It also allows you to filter the appropriate campsites by amenities, ensuring you find the camping location that fits your desires to a “T”. This app is also free, and sites can be booked up to six months in advance. This will help if you are planning your trip around any national holidays or busy vacation times.
AllStays
Allowing you to review and book any one of 30,000 campgrounds, free parking lots and RV parks is the AllStays app. The filters that this app provides enables campers to pare down the options based on their budget, the type of camping their are looking to engage in, the availability of amenities and what activities are accessible. This app can be particularly useful for those campers who are car camping or using an RV.
Hipcamp
Hipcamp is a camping app that works similar to Airbnb, only for camping. It features over 300,000 locations for any type of camping you may be interested in. Their filters narrow down searches easily, allowing for each individual to find their perfect spot. In addition, Hipcamp has a last-minute feature that allows campers to complete bookings for the same day or upcoming weekend travel.
iOverlander
The iOveralnder app is centered around assisting others across the globe with finding places to stay while in the mist of traveling. This app is 100% volunteer and includes details of places to stay that include campsites and hotels. Also included are access sites to necessities that one may need while traveling, such as water, propane filling, restaurants and stores to obtain supplies from.
USFS and BML Campgrounds
This app allows people to access the United States Forest Service as well as the Bureau of Land Management. Many of the sits listed on this app are free or inexpensive and perfect for those last-minute bookers that are trying to get away on a budget.
The Dyrt
The Dyrt is an app that lists and reviews campsites. Each listing can be filtered down by the type of site and includes reviews from fellow campers that have stayed at each of the locations. This app also provides the users with information on how to get into each site, and entices users to leave reviews by offering money and prizes to those that leave a review.
Campendium
The Campendium lists RV and tent campsites with reviews from individuals that have previously visited the sites. The sites include photos, GPS details, and campsite fees. A great feature of this app is the ability to let you know whether or not cell coverage is available at the particular site you are considering. The ability to use their cell phone may be a requirement for some campers and they would appreciate knowing whether the campsite they have their eye on will allow them to use their cell phones.
RV Parky
The RV Parky app allows users to locate campgrounds and RV parks. In addition to these standard features, this app also provides access to local stores, rest areas and gas stations. This information can be vital if you find yourself lost or in unfamiliar territory for any reason. Built by full-time RV travelers, the RV Parky app also includes specifics related to RV parks in particular. These descriptions includes details such as whether or not the parks are commercially owned, KOAs, public parks or Casino properties.
Summary
When considering using an app to find out information or book your camping trip, make sure you choose wisely. Many apps promise the same information as the next one, but not all can actually deliver. So be sure to review each option before settling on the one that works best for your camping needs.
Rules are Rules
Camping is a great way to let your hair down a little and escape the stress of everyday life. However, when camping, it is imperative for you and those that are joining you to stay mindful of any and all rules set forth by your hosting site. These rules are often regarding safety, fire, and sanitation as well as your pets and vehicles and should be adhered to at all times. Each site may have different regulations, so it is important to speak to the campground staff or park ranger even if you are an avid hiker or camper.
Fire
Everyone practices the most basic principles of fire safety in their homes. Simple things such as not leaving a fire unattended and making sure that the flame is completely extinguished when you are finished cooking or ready for bed are rules that most people follow within their daily lives.
When camping, be sure to ask the campground management whether campfires are allowed. Believe it or not, some places will not allow fires at all, so it is best to make sure when you are booking your campsite. Whatever the rules regarding fire, be sure to obey them and build fires in designated areas only to ensure safety for everyone and everything.
If you are planning a camping trip off-road, be sure you are constantly attending a lit fire. Whether it be cooking or for warmth, a fire can be extremely dangerous if it is built to close to trees or dry brush. Keeping a close eye on the fire and following fire safety rules at all times will prevent devastation to you and the environment around you.
Vehicles
Most campgrounds have strict restrictions regarding the use of vehicles within their grounds. It would not be out of the ordinary for campground officials to restrict the use of vehicles within the sites to be only used for entering or exiting the grounds. There is often a restriction of only one vehicle per campsite, so please pack accordingly. If you plan to camp off-road, be sure your vehicle is parked in an appropriate spot that allows parking overnight or for a couple nights, if required.
If considering car camping, be sure to thoroughly verse yourself in the specifics that involve this type of camping out. Most of the time, vehicles will need to be parked in designated places. Also, there may be restrictions to the type of cars or trucks that are allowed in the site.
Pets
Many campgrounds require any pets that are vacationing with you to be leashed at all times. This is for the safety of the pet, as if they were allowed to roam free, there is a possibility they could encounter a wild animal. This could cause harm to the pet or animal, or even both. Consequently, keeping access and control of your pet is of the utmost importance while camping.
In addition, pets are often restricted from entering common and recreational areas. It is also important for campers to remember that not all of those people within the campsite are fond of your particular type of pet or breed. Thus, please exercise extreme caution when bringing a pet along with you on your camping trip. A simple activity such as walking a dog could bring un-necessary stress and anguish to your pet or a fellow resident. It is better to be safe, than sorry.
Sanitation
Most campgrounds live by the “live no trace behind” rule. This means that campers should be inclined to leave the campsite as they found it, ensuring they place all trash in the appropriately designated areas. You should avoid dumping anything into bodies of water found on the camp site, as well. All visitors should respect the environment they are enjoying, as well as the owners of the campgrounds, by cleaning up properly when they are ready to vacate the premises.
No matter what rules or regulations the campground sets forth, please follow them to the letter. Even if you are an experience camper, these rules are in place to protect you, the environment as well as fellow campers. So please take precautions when dealing with vehicles, fires, pets or sanitation during your camping trip.
What’s for Dinner?
It is time to think about food. Determining what everyone wants to eat is as important as finding the perfect place to set up camp. Create a plan that includes what food and drink items you plan to eat throughout your trip. It may be a good idea to include a few extra portions and some snack ideas just in case there is a last minute change of plans while you are there. Be as prepared as possible and keep an eye out as to where local stores are in reference to your campsite, so that you can restock provisions or grab an item that you forgot to pack.
Meal Planning
When planning your meals for your camping trip, try to plan each meal for each day. If you plan on hiking to your camp site, or at all during your trip, be sure to pack plenty of water. For snacks and on the go foods during a hike, keep it simple and less bulky. If traveling in a group or with another family, try splitting the grocery list so that each person contributes to the menu. And be sure to bring plenty of snacks that can be easily transported as well as extra portions just in case.
Storage Options
Storing food while camping could be a tricky situation. If you plan on pitching a tent in the wilderness, be sure to bring foods that can be transported easily and which require little to no Refrigeration. You can afford to be a little more adventurous if camping on a site where you are remaining stationary. In this scenario, you can bring a cooler to keep items such as milk and cheese cold, adding a bit more diversity to your meals.
Participating in a type of camping other than tent camping poses different storage challenges. For those traveling via RV, Refrigeration should not be an issue, but attention should be paid to portion sizes. Car campers may not need as much storage and cabin campers may have storage options provided for them. No matter what type of camping you are planning, keep in mind what you may or may not need to store food, clothing and waste through the duration of your trip.
Bring Your Utensils
Make a list of the items you will need to eat and drink your meals with. However, be sure not to forget the utensils you will need to cook with. These would include extras such as pots and pans that can be placed onto direct heat.
Another group of essentials that you may not think of would be things you will need to clean with, such as dish soap and a sponge. Extra towels and napkins are additional items that will most likely come in handy throughout your trip.
Finally, you will want to be able to make a fire under any circumstances. Matchsticks and extra firewood will make sure that you have everything you need to make a fire to secure heat and produce a means of cooking no matter what scenario you may face.
Pack It in
When making your preparations for your camping trip, be sure to make a list of the gear you will need throughout the duration of your stay. This includes any additional items you may need for specific activities that are planned.
Gear covers a wide array of items. Items such as clothes, food and toiletries are often a given. Other things including batteries, extra shoes and tarps or rain gear can sometimes escape one’s mind during the packing process. Go slow and pay attention to what you think you may need while you are out and about.
Get Organized
Make a list. Even if you are not a “list” person, camping is a time when do you not want to wing it. Make a list of each category; food, clothing, etc. Confirm that you include items to wash yourself as well as those items you plan to eat and cook with. Each list should be reviewed, edited, and changed a few times. As you review each one, to make certain that you are not overpacking or forgetting anything.
It may also be a good idea to include extra blankets, sunscreen and insect and tick repellent. So it is essential to include extras to cover the “just in case” clause. Always plan for cold, dark and wet weather no matter what the forecast says. When you are dealing with the mother nature, anything can happen.
When completing your lists, be sure to include adequate footwear and safety items, such as a first aid kit also. May of these items are no bulky and will go a long way towards keeping your campout a fun and relaxing event.
Include a Packing List
Once your list of each category is finalized, be sure to use it while you are packing your belongings. If you feel extremely confident that you can make a change as you are packing, go for it. Still, try to have confidence in the edits and changes you have already made and stick to your list as best as you can.
As we previously mentioned, things can often be missed or forgotten if not thought about. So make sure you have your list handy when packing to leave, as well as when you are getting everything together to come home.
Practice Makes Sure You Do Not Forget
Taking the time to go over what you are packing will save you stress and anguish later on. This thought process will also help while you packing up as well. This is not just when you are packing your suitcase, but loading your vehicle too.
Try packing as much in advance as you can. This can provide a particular advantage when it comes to items that are not necessities for your daily routines. Items such as rain ponchos and your tent are things that can be packed ahead of time, saving you time and stress as the departure time of your camping trips approaches. Having fewer items to worry about as you are trying to leave the house will cut down on stress and anxiety before your vacation begins.
Off the Grid
You should assume you may not have cell phone service either at your campsite or at least at some point throughout your trip. For important items, such as directions to your next activity, be sure to print out maps of where your going. Even if you do not use them, they are easily discarded and do not take up much room.
To establish connections with your fellow campers without cell phone service, opt for old fashioned walkie talkies. These little devices may come in handy if you get separated from your group, or encounter some sort of emergency.
The same could be said for flashlights and lanterns. There is always a chance things will not go according to plan, so be prepared for anything. And do not forget to pack extra batteries in all sizes that you may need replacements for.
Final Thoughts
Camping is an amazing experience that can be an enjoyable and life changing experience. By taking the time to plan ahead, you will keep the excitement flowing throughout whatever adventure you have planned. No matter what type of camping you are looking to embark on, stay calm and try to go with the flow. Camping can bring on some unexpected twists and turns, so be ready to stay flexible and adjust plans accordingly. Embrace the adventure of camping and you are sure to have an amazing time.
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