Camping Basics: Tools and How to Get Started

I come from a family of outdoorsmen and women, and one thing that we all share in common is we love to camp. It's an easy way to simply get away from the stresses of the world, as well as the stresses of having to plan a vacation, make reservations, etc., etc. It's quite easy to get overwhelmed in trying to figure out exactly where to camp, but I will help you sort that out shortly. I will also go over some basic tools you'll need to get started clearing out and setting up your abode for the next day, to week, to month.

Preparations

The first, most important thing I can tell you is to do your research before you make any decisions! If you're planning on camping at a national park or reserve, speak to the wardens or the reserve representatives. They can tell you about the common wildlife, any type of possible threats, and provide any other precaution that you need. It's very important to know this, as coming out of a tent and staring at a black bear instead of a curious deer is about as bad as things can get. For beginning campers, most state parks have pre-cleared, lightly supervised campgrounds where you can pitch your tent with relative safety from wildlife. For more advanced campers, knowledge of what is around is absolutely vital to your safety and your good time.

Another tip, especially for those who want to camp for extended periods, is to keep two things around: vitamins, especially those that boost the immune system, and mosquito / bug repellent. Getting sick on the trail or at the camp when you're miles away from any road could be fatal. Nutrition is also important here, as if you're living off of strictly fish and no fruit, your body isn't getting the necessary vitamins to support itself. The same goes for if you're only eating fruit - a jar of peanuts can be a lifesaver if you're not getting enough protein in your camping diet. This probably won't be a consideration for those who are not camping in the secluded wilderness, but it can't help to be prepared!

One last preparation is fairly simple: check the weather forecast! Rain can absolutely ruin a good camping trip. Make sure it's not going to rain at the very least before heading out. Remember this: a drizzle can become a downpour, just as a cloudy day can become a thunderstorm without warning. Do not take the weather for granted when you're camping.

Tools

There are a few basic tools that I keep coming back to using as I move from campsite to campsite. The first and most important is a reliable axe. It is almost essential that you be able to harvest firewood. Unless you've brought pre-cooked food, flashlights, and a heater, a fire will be your source of light, heat, and dinner! The smoke will also act as a make-shift bug repellent. If you're camping on a preservation or a state park, there may be some regulations on cutting, so be sure to ask! From my experience, most parks and reserves don't mind if you chop fallen trees, but cutting down standing trees is usually a no-no. If you want to avoid the axe all together, you can always bring your firewood with you, or purchase it from the campground (if it's available). However, you will always be faced with the question -- what if I run out in the middle of the night?

The next tool that is almost essential is the shovel. This is more for the non-campground inclined campers, but depending on regulations and restrictions, it could be a useful item for any camper. The whole purpose of bringing a shovel is for digging a fire-pit. Burning above-ground poses some risks to the forests that we choose to inhabit, such as stray logs and embers. Digging a pit keeps all of the hot embers and burning logs where they can be controlled and easily snuffed with a shovel-full of dirt. Nothing will ruin a vacation like setting a forest on fire! The shovel can also be used in the all-important task of digging a toilet. Burying any waste can keep the smell from disturbing the wildlife and you. Again, this is for the non-campground inclined campers.

Well, that's about it! If you're ready and willing to pull a Henry Thoreau and head off to Walden Pond, this should at least get you started! Good luck, and keep in mind that camping is a lot more than just setting up shop in the middle of nowhere. There's a lot to consider, such as wildlife, regulations about where you're camping, and the weather. As long as you keep your safety and the safety of the others you're camping with in mind, you should have a great alternative to the standard vacation!