Camping for Beginners

So you think you want to go camping
Spring will soon be here and you and the family have decided that this year you are going to try your hand at camping. The only problem is that none of you have ever been camping and don't know the first thing about it.
This article will help you plan an enjoyable first camping trip and help you avoid mistakes commonly made by beginners. There is more to camping than simply pitching a tent and building a fire. The more prepared you are before setting out on your family adventure the more time you will have for fun and less time will be spent driving back to civilization for the items you forgot to bring.

Get the family involved in planning your trip
One thing that can make any family outing unpleasant for a child is being left out of the planning. They need to know that they are part of the plan and not just along for the ride. After you have decided when the event is going to take place, allow the whole family to help decide where you will be making camp. Plan activities with input from everyone. Camping can be a rewarding family experience on even the smallest budget. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun.

Location,Location,Location
If you haven't already decided where you plan to go camping here are a few tips. Beginners should not attempt to make their first time out too primitive. Always camp in areas designated for it. I recommend places that provide pre-plotted camp sites with adequate parking close to where your tent will be pitched. Few things are worse than having to carry a ton of equipment and supplies long distances just to set up camp. It's also good to be able to get to your vehicle quickly in the event that inclimate weather becomes an issue. My family and I have ended droughts just by pitching a tent!

For the beginning and novice camping family, I recommend State Parks. Most have controlled access and provide rest room and shower facilities as well as potable (safe for drinking) water at several points within the park. State parks are usually staffed by knowledgeable Wildlife and Parks employees and patrolled regularly by Park Rangers as well as local law enforcement. Other advantages may include hiking trails, swimming areas, and programs for children of different ages. Many sites within these facilities are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and grills for cooking.

Most state parks have detailed web sites with information about daily and weekly rates as well as breakdowns of camping sites by type, the locations of restrooms and showers, and the locations of hosts and park employees.

Going Primitive!
Basic tent camping is commonly known as primitive camping, and in my opinion, it is the most rewarding. No other camping brings you closer to nature. Primitive camping, if planned properly is also the most budget friendly. Primitive camp sites are generally very affordable and can usually be occupied for several days at a time.

Tent shopping
Probably the biggest expense in preparing your camping adventure will be the purchase of a tent. Choosing the right tent for your family should first depend on how many people will be sleeping in it. A variety of sizes and configurations are available. If the entire family will be sleeping in one tent, a design with more than one entrance is a good idea. Many of the tents available now even have individual rooms or dividers that allow for privacy. There are so many choices that choosing the perfect one for your purposes may be the hardest decision you have to make. This is another one of those planning considerations that should involve the whole family.

Tents have come a long way since the days of canvas and ropes. Most are made of durable, light weight material and can be erected quickly and easily. Taking them down and packing them is also a breeze if you follow the instructions. Always be sure to read and follow the instructions for care of your new tent. If it is taken care of properly it will serve you well for years.

Getting a good nights sleep
Just because you are roughing it doesn't mean that you have to be uncomfortable. My family and I sleep on inflatable mattresses and bring linen from home. Packing these items takes up no more room in yor vehicle than a rolled sleeping bag for each family member. They provide excellent insulation between you and the ground under the tent, and can't be beat for comfort. If this is the way you decide to go, don't forget a good pump. I would suggest an electric pump with a cigarette lighter adapter. These pumps will inflate a queen size air bed in only a few minutes and can be reversed to completely empty it when it is time to pack it up.

Don't over pack
A camping trip is only as successful as the planning you put into it. When preparing for your outing, make a packing list for each family member that includes not just clothing, but hygiene items too. Each family member(if old enough) should pack for themselves using a personal sized bag. Parents can double check that the lists have been checked off. A seperate list o items required by everyone that includes camp supplies should also be followed. A camp stove and lantern, flash lights with spare batteries and a radio. A few pots and pans for cooking along with cooking utensils and a large pot for boiling water to use for dish washing.
For meals, paper plates and bowls and plastic knives, forks, and spoons will make cleaning up easier, leaving more time for the fun stuff. Lunches should be simple affairs. Pre packed sandwiches and chips and light snacks work well. Pack only what you need to minimize waste.

Helpful extras
A small first aid kit with antibiotic ointment should be kept where everyone can find it. Insect repellant for personal use and ant spray for around the outside of the tent and eating area. We generally use the picnic table provided at the site but cover it with our own table covering. We also enclose this in a screened canopy.
This cuts down on things being blown off the table by wind and also provideds a gathering place in the event of rain.
For a little something extra, a half dozen or so Tiki torches add a cozy glow to the entire site at night, and the Citronella oil they burn will help keep those pesky biting insects away.
Consider bringing along a set of inexpensive two way radios. They are fun for the kids and also a good way to keep track of them i you allow to venture off without you, and they are much cheaper than cell phones to replace in case of damage or loss.

Time to camp!
Remember that camping is supposed to fun. The more everyone pitches in with chores around the camp site, the more time the whole family will have to enjoy your surroundings. Everyone should clean up after themselves after each meal and maintain their space in the tent.
Don't spend all your time around the site. Get out and experience nature. Explore the trails and utilize the parks recreation areas, beaches, and programs. It is sure to be a rewarding and exciting experience for the whole family.

Have Fun!