Camping is the favorite ‘unwind and get back to nature’ activity in a number of people, outdoorsy or not. Here are 31 camping trips for a beginner – with these tips under your belt, you can go camping with the confidence of an outdoor veteran!
- Before you start out, get hold of maps, talk to people, read blogs and pile up information on your destination, especially travel routes, transport modes and emergency facilities.
- Time your arrival at the camping site while it’s still light enough to put up your tent.
- Book your campsite ahead, to get a good spot closer to the facility area. If you arrive unannounced, you’ll have to make do with what you get.
- Bugs will be inevitable part of your trip so bring bug sprays and ointments, along with anti-histamines for insect bite allergies.
- It takes a hardened veteran to camp during heavy snow. If you’re a beginner, watch the weather; get regular updates and be sure to head out in good weather.
- There may be a canteen or even a small restaurant close to your camping site, but don’t count on it. Bring fruits, dry snacks such as energy bars, cold food and enough water for a few days, till you get adjusted.
- Good planning helps alleviate 90 percent of unforeseen miseries. Plan for emergencies such as injuries and accidents; keep contact numbers ready, and whom to contact, where to go, where the nearest hospital is and so on. Find out if your medical insurance coverage will be accepted at the local hospitals.
- Before you start, find out if the camp site has what you require, whether it’s hot water, swimming pool, electricity, and flushing toilets. As a beginner, you may not be comfortable with roughing it out.
- For the first time, camp with an experienced camper, ask all the questions you want and learn how to manage in the outdoors.
- Practice putting up your tent in your backyard before you start out, so that you get it right first time at the campsite.
- Take things that your campsite may not provide such as a grill or collapsible chairs.
- Always remember to pack your personal items, such as toothpaste, shampoo and so on. It’s almost impossible to get these at some sites.
- Take the right clothing and footwear for the weather, expected cold waves and wind strength.
- Pack a couple of space heaters if it’s going to get cold in the evenings.
- Carry basic cooking supplies such as a saucepan and a couple of plates. Don’t forget to carry Matches, lighter fluid and torches to cook at night.
- Don’t leave your luggage open inside your tent; snakes like to crawl into warm, dark spaces.
- Carry one pre-prepared meal to eat as soon as you arrive; there’s always a bit of confusion when you arrive at a campsite and hunger can complicate matters.
- Carry a few basic groceries such as bread, lentils, vegetables, salt, and pepper and so on to make quick meals.
- Don’t forget to take a couple of cartons of long life milk with you, especially if you’re taking your kids along.
- Before you go camping, camp out in your backyard for a couple of nights in your tent and see if you like it.
- Buy camping gear that’s durable, not fashionable; it should protect you against all weather conditions.
- Don’t invest in expensive camping gear for your first trip; either borrow or buy good gear second hand.
- Decide on tent size based on the number of people you want to house in it and the amount of luggage.
- Buy a solid tarpaulin ground cloth to keep the frost and cold off your tent floor. Layer soft rugs on top of this for cushioning effect and warmth.
- Take some paper cups, plates and old, used cutlery that you don’t mind throwing away when you leave your camp.
- Take large garbage bags and ties with you; make sure you dispose of your garbage every day and keep your campsite clean.
- Take a portable CD player for music, some books and a couple of small gaming consoles to keep the kids occupied when you’re not hiking or trekking.
- If you’re camping in the summer, take lightweight rectangular sleeping bags. If the weather conditions are cold, get some inflatable cushioning pads and fleece-lined sleeping bags. Remember to carry pillows.
- Pick a spot where the ground is elevated and dry, so your tent won’t be in the way of rain runoffs.
- Prefer a site close to the drinking water source; the fun stops after you carrying around a 5-gallon can of water up and down several times.
Teena Celis who works for Adrenalian, a gifts for men Company with more than 2100 unique experiences like drifting, v8 race experience and more all across Australia. Image by AndyRobertsPhotos
