If you love the outdoors and want to go camping but just
need a few more creature comforts, read on.
This is a happy medium, not to be confused with “glamping” or hard-core
camping. It’s an easier way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Even if you like to fly by the seat of your pants, a little
preparation can make your trip much more enjoyable. Do a little reconnaissance
about the area so you know what’s easily available and what you must bring or
do without. When deciding on a campsite, investigate what amenities they have
and their guidelines for campers.
First of all, make sure essentials like a first aid kit,
several flashlights or lanterns, extra batteries, bug repellant, sunscreen,
collapsible chairs, plenty of garbage bags, disposable plates, utensils and
cups are packed. Headlamps are a worthy investment for light so you have both
hands free to do things after dark.
If activities like hiking, biking, canoeing or horseback
riding are desired, search for popular places nearby. For fun around camp, pack
a Frisbee, football or fishing rods. Don’t forget the guitar and other musical
instruments. In case of rain, including things like a deck of cards and games
for kids and adults can really make a difference while you wait it out.
Getting a good night’s rest is important, especially if
you’re going to be doing activities. Pack a mat for under your sleeping bags or
better yet, a blow up mattress. Battery operated and car charger inflators are
available. Prior to departure, set up
your tent and sleeping arrangements to air it out, check for potential damage
or missing equipment and make sure everything fits accordingly including
pillows and blankets.
A good rule of thumb for any kind of travel is to bring
earplugs and an eye mask. You never can tell what kind of neighbors you may
have or what unexpected noises you may experience. On that note, if playing
music is something that you’ll enjoy while cooking up dinner, please be mindful
that sound travels much more in open spaces, so keep it moderate for your
neighbors. Too much noise may also deter
wildlife from coming around.
Cooking can often be a highlight of the trip. For others
eating out is preferable. Depending on your locale, it may be a way to enjoy
some of the local flavor. Either way, you’ll still want to bring other
provisions. Pack twice as much water as you think you’ll need. You’ll drink
half; the rest will be required for cooking, cleaning, first aid and possibly
even bathing. Since you don’t have to haul it anywhere by foot, this is not an
area to skimp on as water shortage can have dire consequences.
Be prepared for hefty appetites to surface with the outdoor
activities. Easy things to prepare over a campfire are pasta, rice, hot dogs or
Italian sausages, anything on a stick really. Some things that don’t require
cooking are cereal, milk, PB & J, bread, a variety of cheeses and cold
cuts. Snacks could include anything from
olives, granola bars and trail mix to candy bars, cinnamon buns and potato
chips. Of course, it’s simply NOT a camping trip without making s’mores. Ice
down the food and beverage coolers well before departure.
Depending on where you are, critters tend to roam,
especially at night, looking to raid your food. Do not ever take food into your tent. A common misconception is
keeping provisions in your vehicle is a safe solution. If you’re in bear
country. they’ve been known to break in and not only will your food disappear
but your car will be damaged. Some campsites
have “bear boxes”. If they don’t, hang
your food at least 10 feet off of the ground.
Some campsites will have grills in which case you’ll need
charcoal and lighter fluid. For fire
pits, collecting wood should be easy enough. Come prepared with kindling in
case it’s damp. Pack several lighters and matches in various locations so if
one is compromised by, say, weather, the others are still useable.
No matter what you may encounter during your adventure,
hopefully these tips will help make your trip much more comfortable and less daunting.
Be safe and have fun!
