Let's Go Camping!
Let’s Go Camping!
Aaah… fresh air, beautiful scenery, peace & quiet. Getting back to nature is a wonderful way to relax with family and friends. Whether you’re tenting it or RVing, heading for the woods, or heading for the beach, camping makes for good times and great memories. Regardless of how well you’ve planned a camping trip, one thing is for certain. Things never go as planned! But some thoughtful foresight & careful packing will make everything run more smoothly. The first rule of camping is to be flexible and go with the flow.
First, Make Camp Reservations
Make reservations at a campground of your choice. Nothing’s more disappointing than traveling many miles to get to a campground only to find there’s no vacancy, or being forced to settle for a less than desirable site. You can make reservations online or by phone. So which campground should you choose? Campground websites are an easy way to compare which amenities are available at different campgrounds.
- Do you want a site that's close to the restrooms?
- Are you satisfied with just toilet facilities? Or do you insist on a shower?
- Are water spigots good enough, or do you need hook ups for your RV?
- Do you want a shaded site, or a sunny one? (Most campground websites will also indicate which sites are shaded and which are not).
- What activities are available? Hiking? Swimming? Fishing? Boating?
- Do you want to have cell phone access? (Some campgrounds do, some don't)
- Are dogs allowed if you should want to bring yours?
- *If you make your reservations on line, print out your receipt and take it with you.
Second, Make Lists
- List of Camping supplies –Be sure to include the basics like small lightweight tables, chairs, flashlights, a lighter or matches, and firewood. Firewood can be purchased in bundles at convenience store/ gas stations or supermarkets. Sometimes firewood is available for purchase at the campground itself. Don’t forget garbage bags for trash and dirty laundry, and a bucket for hauling water, if necessary.
- List of Groceries - what you plan to have for each meal of each day, as well as snacks.
- List of Cooking Equipment - what you’ll need to prepare those meals (don’t forget the can opener and seasonings!)
- List of Hygienic and Medical Supplies.
Third, Pack
To cut your packing time in half, pack up all of your camping equipment and non-refrigerated foods the day before departure.You'll want to include:
- A large Lifetime table for food preparation or as a wash-up station for pots and pans, faces and hands.
- A Camp Stove (propane)
- Sufficient bedding (remember, it gets cold at night even in the summer if you’re at a high altitude)
- Gather the refrigerated items you’ll be taking and bag them together in plastic bags in the refrigerator so they’ll be ready to just grab and go the next day.
Time to Go!
On the day of departure, all that should be left to pack is the refrigerated items. Fill ice chests half full with ice and pack the refrigerated items in them. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water. Give yourself enough travel time so that you will not arrive at your destination too late and have to make camp in the dark!
Tips
- Use containers with snap tight lids to keep out water from the melting ice, curious wildlife, and insects.
- Keep your ice chests in the shade or set them in a shallow creek if your site has one.
- Once you've set up camp,relax.Camping is an adventure, not a military execution.Time for spontaneous fun and quiet meditation.