| A beginner should first try car camping before | | | | ready for the weather and temperature or you |
| venturing into the back-country with everything | | | | might soon regret it. Make sure you check out |
| they need on their backs. The reason for this is | | | | the weather report. Don't forget to pack your |
| that it is easier and a lot safer compared to | | | | rain gear and don't bring anything you don't want |
| backpacking. Car camping is a good way to | | | | to get dirty. |
| practice for backpacking. Like they say, learn to | | | | 5. Food |
| walk before you can run. | | | | Make sure you have the proper camping |
| The following camping tips will help you get | | | | cookware like pots, pans, spoon, fork, etc. Plan |
| started: | | | | your meals and pack all the required ingredients. |
| 1. Research | | | | Remember the salt and pepper and condiments |
| Don't just choose any campsite to camp in, | | | | that you want to use. It's not a bad idea to |
| choose one that you would like. Do some | | | | practice preparing your camping food at home. |
| research and when you've got what you want, | | | | Bring along some easy-to-make food like instant |
| go and make a reservation. You can just drive to | | | | soup or noodles just in case. Also bring a grill if |
| a campground and check in but there's no | | | | you want to cook over the campfire and if not, |
| guarantee you'll get a spot. There are a lot of | | | | don't forget your camp stove. Your camp stove |
| campgrounds available and most of them are | | | | should always be tested at home before you go |
| listed on the internet. | | | | on your camping trip. |
| If you need to shower, make sure the | | | | Remember that you need to clean up after meals |
| campground has shower facilities or carry your | | | | and that means washing up your dishes. Take |
| own portable camp shower. Different campground | | | | disposable paper dishes, bowls and utensils if you |
| also cater for a variety of experiences including | | | | want to avoid washing them. This doesn't mean |
| hiking, island camping, boating, beaches, areas with | | | | you can avoid any washing at all because you |
| picnic tables and more. | | | | need to clean the pots. Bring your own washing |
| Your main goal in your research is to go for a | | | | soap and dish towel. |
| campground where you'll have as much fun as | | | | 6. Coolers |
| possible and one which fulfills all your needs. | | | | You won't be able to bring coolers on a |
| 2. Camping Gear | | | | backpacking trip and it's optional for car camping |
| Dome tents are pretty common for car camping | | | | but it's well worth taking along. Two is better than |
| likely because people appreciate the extra | | | | one. One can be used for food and the other for |
| headroom but cheap tents are likely to leak. | | | | drinks but don't forget the ice. |
| Applying some waterproofing may help but you | | | | 7. Bugs |
| can also cover your tent to help keep the rain | | | | Unless it's winter, you are likely going to have to |
| out. You might also want to consider tarps to put | | | | deal with bugs. A good tent should be able to |
| on the floor. | | | | protect you from the bugs but an insect repellent |
| Don't forget the tools required to set up your | | | | would still prove to be very useful. |
| tent like a hammer for the stakes. Also take | | | | 8. Pets |
| something sharp for cutting firewood, flashlight | | | | It's great to have your dog around but be sure |
| and/or lantern for the night, your sleeping bag, | | | | you have a copy of its rabies vaccination |
| garbage bag for garbage and dirty clothes, extra | | | | certificate and adequate chain and leash. There is |
| rope, camp stove, fire-starting gear and all other | | | | no tolerance for free-running dogs at state |
| essentials. | | | | campgrounds. |
| 3. Sleep | | | | 9. Be careful with plants |
| Sleep may not come easily for you especially for | | | | At least learn about how poison ivy looks like or |
| a beginner. For padding and insulation, use an | | | | any other plants that could put you in danger. |
| inflatable camping mat or you might prefer a | | | | Wearing long shirts and pants will help you to stay |
| camping cot. For car camping, I would take a | | | | safe. |
| padded camping cot for the comfort. What I like | | | | 10. Enjoy |
| about cots is that you don't have to worry about | | | | It's your first time but don't worry too much. You |
| sharp rocks and roots on the ground. | | | | might encounter some problems on your trip but |
| 4. Clothing | | | | don't let that stop you from enjoying the trip. |
| Clothing depends on the where you're going. Be | | | | Everything does not have to be perfect. |