Beginners Guide To Camping

Camping is a great way for families to bond and create lifetime memories. In addition, it is fun and inexpensive. Some people may be intimidated by the gear and knowledge that is required to have a successful camping trip; however, with a little planning, an open-mind and positive attitude, camping can be learned and enjoyed by the entire family. There are several ways that people new to camping can learn the proper skills and select the right gear, these ways will be discussed below.

Learn From Experienced Campers

First, one of the most effective and fun ways to learn about camping is to camp with someone who knows what they are doing. A close family friend or family member may be ecstatic to let you accompany them on their next camping trip. Simply, pay attention to how they set up their camp, help them use their gear, and make mental notes on what you like or dislike about a particular piece of equipment. In addition, those same persons may be willing to let you use their gear the first few times you decide to camp on your own, without an expert's help. Therefore, when it is time to purchase gear of your own, you can easily narrow down your options at the local sporting goods store.

Join A Camping Organization

Next, great experience can be gained by participating in a camping organization. For example, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offer opportunities for children to learn camping skills without the worry of purchasing gear. (It is typically provided by the Scouts.) Parents are encouraged to become involved with their children through their participation in Scouts; consequently, it is a great opportunity for parents and children to learn camping skills together in a fun, safe environment. There are also clubs and classes for adults to learn camping skills. These can be found online or at local sporting good stores.

Choose The Right Camping Gear

After you have gained some experience, it is time to select the appropriate camping gear for you and your family. The first major purchase will be a tent. A two-person tent can be an inexpensive purchase, lightweight, and easy to set up and take down; however, as the name suggests, it will only sleep two people. So, it may not be the right choice for a family camping trip. A larger tent will sleep more people, their gear and still provide some room for movement. Larger tents may be a bit more cumbersome to put up and they vary in price depending on the brand. Selecting gear may also involve a bit of consideration as to your vehicle. If your vehicle is tiny, the more compact camping gear will probably be a better fit. If you have plenty of room in your vehicle, then size and compactness of your gear will not be an issue.

Choose Your Campground

Next, reflect on the type of campground that will best suit you and your family. Consider whether electricity and water is an important factor in having a successful camping trip. As a novice camper, you may choose a campground where electricity and drinking water is available. Then, as you progress, you can explore additional campgrounds where such amenities are not present.

Ease Into Camping

Lastly, take each step at a time when camping. Start out close to home for a night or two and expand the distance you travel and the nights you spend under the stars as you become more experienced. You can also explore new gear and new ways of doing things around your campsite as you become increasingly comfortable. It is important that you do not jump head first into a primitive camping experience if you are not prepared and educated. In due time, any camping adventure will be available to you.

>> Discuss this topic and others in the DNR-Pro.org Forums