Be Prepared: 10 Camping Tips

Camping conjures up images of pitching a tent, fishing for your next meal, hiking, roasting marshmallows and weenies, stargazing, and enjoying the great outdoors. Like any adventure, planning and a bit of common sense will make your experience even better.

There are a few simple guidelines any camper should follow to have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable camping experience and be the master of their domain.

First, choose a fitting campground. For novice campers, you may want to get a taste of camping close to home. Choose a campground nearby so that if you find camping is not all you had envisioned, you won't have a long drive home. Tent campers should be aware that RV parks and tents may not mesh due to the noisy RV air conditioners and generators operating throughout the night. Public campgrounds are run by government agencies and operate according to strict regulations. Private campgrounds vary. Check with the park office for specifics.

Visit a campground before you make reservations if possible. Reservations done via phone or e-mail may get lost and you may find your space has already been filled after traveling long distances. If you must reserve a spot in this manner, get a confirmation number. Be sure to get pertinent information regarding the parks cancellation and refund policy, check-in times, and visitor rules before you arrive.

If you have purchased special camping equipment, experiment with it at home before setting up camp. Practice setting up and tearing down your tent in the backyard. Give your sleeping bags a try in the living room to see how comfortable they are and how well you sleep. Treat your family to a meal cooked on your camping stove. Test out your lanterns to see if they give off adequate lighting. Make sure you have enough kerosene on hand or refill them before you set out.

Choose your campsite wisely. You will most likely want to be within reasonable distance of the bathrooms, showers, and playgrounds but away from the dog trails and garbage dumpsites. Of course, having what you want and don't want isn't always that simple so take your time picking your spot.

You will want to set up your tent on level ground for a better night's sleep and protection from rain draining downhill. Also, keep your tent away from grills or any campfires as sparks fly. Position your tent with the door facing west so the rising morning sun does not blind you when you step out.

Cook your meals only in specified cooking areas. Make it a point not to eat anything in your tent. You don't want a tent full of ants or other critters looking for a snack. Keep your foods stored in sealed containers. For perishable items in your cooler, make sure the lid is secure by placing a heavy rock on top to keep nature out.

Wait to camp if harsh weather is in the forecast. If you are a seasoned camper who is unfazed by inclement weather, be sure you have a waterproof tent. You don't want to be wet and soggy.

Keep your campfires small. Never leave any burning coals unattended. Douse your fire out with lake or creek water before you go to sleep for the night. Watch the kids around the fire, especially when roasting smores and weenies. Keep ice in your cooler for possible burns as well as Band-Aids and ointment in your first aid kid.

Observe nature from a distance. Keep yourself and camping friends sprayed down with OFF to protect you from mosquitoes and other annoying pests. As tempting as it may be, do not leave any food out or blatantly feed any animals. They will come back and become pests.

When it is time to head home, try to let your gear dry out in the sun or dry it with an old towel. If you can't, let it air out as soon as you get home. Leave the grounds as you found them and dispose of all trash in your area. When you check out of the grounds, tell the park administrator your site is available.

By following a few simple rules and using basic common sense, camping can be a memorable experience for anyone.