You've decided to brave the outdoors for the first time. You've heard all your friends tell their camping stories and, bugs aside, you're ready to join them. Welcome to the great outdoors. Camping can be a great experience if you prepare ahead of time.Essentials:
Gear
Where do you go?
Setting up camp
Breaking down camp
The first thing a new camper should do is become familiar with basic gear. Obviously you don't need to run out to your local sporting goods store and buy all the most expensive camping equipment. For now, stick with the basics.
Your tent (read about how to choose a tent). You don't need a fancy expensive tent right out of the gate, but your tent should provide adequate protection from weather and be pretty simple to set up.
Next you'll need a sleeping bag (read about how to choose a sleeping bag,). There are two types: mummy bags for colder weather and rectangular bags for warmer weather. Unless you're planning to tackle extreme weather conditions (not advisable for first-timers), you're better off investing in a rectangular sleeping bag.
Depending on the length of your trip, you can survive with just a cooler for drinks, sandwiches and snacks. But if you want to call on your inner cook, the options are endless. Grills are generally provided at most campgrounds so bring on the spatula, the charcoal and the steaks (or hamburgers and hotdogs) and have at it. Take it a step further with a propane stove, a skillet and a few pots and you can have your own outdoor kitchen. Just don't forget the food! (See our camping checklist before you go.)
Where to camp
Public and private campgrounds nationwide provide the ideal setting for first-time campers. There are more public campgrounds available, and they can be easily found on the Internet, depending on where you're located or where you're headed.
Most public campgrounds provide campsites equipped with grills, picnic tables and electricity hook-ups, if you choose to use them. Sometimes they are extra in price. Expect a campground area to generally be laid back. Do your research before you go; sometimes no one is on duty when you arrive and therefore you run the risk of getting lost finding your campsite or just not knowing what to do. Call ahead and make reservations, especially during the summer months as campgrounds tend to fill up pretty quickly - mainly on weekends.
There are a variety of Web sites to help you find a camping location. Check out the National State Park Web site for starters. (http://www.nps.gov/parks.html)
Setting up camp
This could potentially be a novice camper's nightmare if he or she is not properly prepared ahead of time. Make sure you read up on the campground beforehand. And when you arrive to check in, ask for a map and a copy of the campground rules (when is quiet time? Are there any emergency contacts? Is someone on patrol 24 hours per day?).
After you register, you'll be given a campsite (at some campgrounds) or you'll be allowed to choose your own. Make sure you find a space that's level (you don't want a lopsided tent), near a water source (and maybe the restrooms if you need to be close to them) and has a nice area for cooking. Many folks try to find spaces that are set back in a wooded area to ensure extra privacy (one reason you may not want to be near the restrooms). Some campers like to set up their tents under a tree for shade purposes in the summer. If it's supposed to rain, though, this might not be a wise idea. And if you are near a restroom, please don't do your dishes in the bathroom sink. There are faucets specifically designated for cleaning purposes.
Now that your campsite is up and running, it's time to relax and have fun. For all the items you'll need to ensure a pleasant camping experience, check out our camping checklist before you go.
Breaking down camp
When you leave the campground, it's important to make sure your campsite is clean. Use your trash bags to clean the site and then dump them at the campground's main trash receptacle area. No one wants to clean up after you. Another tip: Don't just fold up your tent and repack it. Make sure you brush it out first so that next time you set up you're not faced with a dirty, dusty tent.
Also make sure the campfire is out. Douse it if you have to, but make sure there's no chance for those embers to burn. That's the last thing you need to worry about.
Get rid of any waste in your cooler. Dump out excess water and toss the food that won't make it home or load the cooler with fresh ice and repack it.
Once you've packed up, walk around to make sure you didn't leave anything behind, whether your fishing pole by the river or an empty beer can. From there, it's a quick checkout and goodbye and you're on your way.
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