Go camping.
What might prevent a person from going?
Not sure how to get a campsite
Worried about other people and/or wildlife
Cost (gear, campsites, other)
What about bathrooms, showers, and other hygiene
Don’t know what to pack
Unsure what a day will be like
Getting a site
Online ahead of time or Walk Up
It’s worthwhile to search online for different sites based on the area and/or type you are looking for, however not all campgrounds have websites or will come up in searches. Asking around for suggestions is a great way to find out good places to go because you can narrow the field to things like “campgrounds for tents that have running water,” or “campgrounds near a lake or river.” Some people prefer campgrounds where people are close together, while others enjoy a more solitary experience.
When you arrive at a campsite, either there may be a window when you drive up or at some you go straight to a site and a ranger will approach you to welcome and check you in. At sites where there is not a window when you drive up, there will be envelopes or little papers to fill out to sign yourself in. With this method, you will put your money in the envelope and turn it into a designated box hear the entrance, and you will put the little card with your information on a post at your site.
Backwoods or Backyard Camping
Backwoods camping is located in wilderness that doesn’t have set sites or ways to make reservations. National Parks, regional trails, and areas away from civilization is a good example and comes with its own rules. Always check the area you are traveling ahead of time. There won’t be any rangers to help so plan very carefully and always let someone know where you are planning to go. You will want to pack light because you will be carrying everything you need. Stores that are helpful include REI, Cabella’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and other sports stores. There are no bathrooms either.
Backyard camping is one of the easiest to enjoy the outdoors. All the comforts of home are within reach and you don’t need to worry about getting a site or staying in the wilderness. Pop your tent up and insert your sleeping bag. The rest is up to you!
Concerns relieved
MOST campgrounds have a resident ranger of sorts who is there to keep an eye out for behavior of campers, cleanliness of the site, and wildlife patterns.
“Bear boxes” are at campsites to lock all of your food up – this will keep wildlife away. Be sure to use these!
It is not typical for campers from other sites to approach or interact unless you initiate it (beyond typical manners such as saying “hi” or other greetings). In other words, nobody is going to bother you.
You will get dirty, and it’s ok! It’s actually one of the joys of camping. It’s “clean dirt” meaning it’s different than germs - it has no pathogens.
“Look into nature and you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein”
Paying to camp
Campsites will tell you the cost per night when you search.
Take cash with you (various bills to help with odd charges such as $22).
Campsites you book online will likely have you pay at the time of booking, right there on the website.
Packing lists
Minimalist camping list
Good for one night, people who do not want to do dishes, pack/unpack much, etc.
ADDITIONAL GOOD IDEAS
Water – at least a gallon to put out the fire at night and when you leave. You can always refill at a faucet if needed
Wood for the fire (you can buy packs at most grocery stores or gas stations during camping months)
If using this list, bring prepared foods or ones you can make ahead such as bagels, yogurt, sandwiches.
More thorough list
If you plan to stay more than one night, and/or if you want to cook food
All of the above, plus:
Camping stove
Basic utensils (tongs, spatula, large spoon/fork – depends on what you plan to cook)
Plates and eating utensils (can use paper or plastic)
Coffee mugs
Garbage bag of some sort to hang for easy use
Skillet/pot
Citronella candle (to keep bugs away)
Games/books
Paper Towels
Ax or hatchet to chop more wood for your fires
Salt/Pepper
Soap and/or shower wipes
Flip Flops to wear in the shower
Towel
Food and drink ingredients
Don’t forget the marshmallows and skewers!
*You can do an internet search for ideas of foods to make while camping and ingredients/instructions for making them.
Most thorough list
optional items for any length of camping trip for those who enjoy going above and beyond
Table Cloth
Mat to wipe feet before entering tent
Centerpiece for table
Cots for under sleeping bags
Shovel
Radio
Hammock
Optional packing list for recreation
Depending on what you enjoy doing while camping, here are ideas of what to bring to get the most out of your trip:
Ball
Fishing pole
Bike
Raft or flotation devices
Cards
Board Games
Binoculars
If you think you are going to fish, be sure to get a fishing license. They are easy to obtain and usually relatively inexpensive. If you go to a sporting goods store they can help you out with a license and what you will need to go fishing.
Bathrooms, hygiene, and self care
When you search for sites they will tell you if they have showers. If you prefer not to take showers, bring shower wipes.
A typical day of camping
Of course everyone enjoys camping in their own way, a general guideline of what to expect is a little bit nice if like me, you like to know what to expect and what a day might look like.
Typically, upon arrival it takes anywhere from a half hour to a few hours to set up camp. This simply means unloading your vehicle putting things where they go. This is the time to set up the tent so you don’t have to do it in the dark, put items in the bear box (lockable food storage) if you would like, gather wood for your fire, and put items in the tent you’ll need at night.
After set up, most people like to walk around the camp area to see what’s around. This is a fun time to do a miniature hike or exploration of the grounds. If nothing else, find where the water source and restroom (if applicable) can be located.
After that it’s pretty much play and eat time! This is why people love to camp. If it’s meal time, eat. If you have free time, drive (or walk, or bike) to the nearest water source, play a game, read a book, take a nap, climb a boulder, or just sit and watch nature. The ample time is one of the reasons people enjoy cooking while camping. When there are no other time requirements it’s a little more enjoyable to prepare a meal, enjoy the meal, and clean up afterward. I personally do not enjoy this, but I could watch my dad do it for hours because of how much he enjoys it.
It is wise to start a campfire before the sun sets. It keeps the bugs away, works as a heat and light source, and often is a tool used for cooking. Like setting up the tent, it’s easier to build a fire when there’s still daylight. See ‘how to create and maintain a campfire’ below for more information.
How to build and maintain a campfire
Most large grocery chains now sell boxes of firewood. It is smart to have it with you in case you can’t find it in nature when you get to the campsite. Also, fire starters can be bought at sports stores or the market that come in a small package and say they will catch fire even in wet, rainy conditions. On cold mornings you will be glad you had these.
Most, in not all, campsites have designated campfire sites (fire pits) so the fire can’t spread past them. Place the fire starters in the fire pit and place small twigs, leaves, and sticks or the small pieces of wood in the box you bought on top of them. Put larger sticks or wood on the small stuff and cross the next layer at right angles over them so that there are always air spaces up through the pile.
Before leaving your campsite to head home it is crucial to make sure the fire is fully out. You will want to douse it in water, stir it up to look for embers, and continue to water until you are sure it is no longer burning. Many uncontrolled fires start because of someone leaving a fire before it was fully out. You can always ask the camp ranger to check before you go.
“Nature knows no indecencies: man invents them. ”
Celebrate
While camping is a lot of work in the preparation and set up stages, it is also impossible not to come home with memories that last a lifetime. Whether you are there for 24 hours or a few days, being outside, sitting around a campfire, sleeping in a tent all leave a deep feeling of peace. There are times when I felt a little bit uneasy the whole time camping, but when I got home all I had were fond feelings about the experience. It is extremely hard to explain how it works, but I can’t recommend enough to get out there and give it a try.
AND BE SURE TO TAKE PICTURES!
Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!