Beginner's Guide To Camping:

Starting Your Outdoor Adventure Right


Camping adventures will be activities looked forward to by both kids and adults alike who have tried it once in their lives.

If you are one who is considering a time out away from the busy life you have, and if you are one who wants to give your family a great time outdoors – you should seriously considered camping. Many have been captivated by the fun & adventure camping offers, and these people have never stopped going at it ever since.

Even if you consider yourself to be a beginner in camping activities, you should not worry. There are lots of ways to learn and become capable campers in no time.

The whole learning process will be fun. You will not find it boring at all – as you begin to picture yourself outdoors and the adventure that awaits you, your family and friends.


Your Dream of Becoming A Pro-Camper

To be able to camp safely and enjoy the activity even more, it is necessary that you have sound knowledge about the basics of camping.

You can of course, buy books about camping – and there are lots of it. You can read it leisurely and learn along the way. You will find yourself finishing the book in no time, as your excitement usually gets the better of you. And while it may be natural to miss some details, you can always refer back to the book in the future.

You may also want to read online – on websites that talk about camping. You will find it informative. The Internet has a lot of valuable information you can browse over for free. There will be websites that feature gears and how it will help you – and there will be some that will talk about how to prepare for a camping adventure. Some will also talk about how to survive in the wilderness – and what to do in the actual campsite.

You will find a lot of resources about camping. The information is there – and yours for the taking. You only have to find the time to read and learn. Enjoy the process and be an informed camper. You will be able to use all you have learned in actual scenarios in the campsite. You will not regret having taken the time to learn things about camping.

Such things include taking care of nature and the campsite - keeping the campsite in order and leaving no apparent traces. You should leave the place as you found it. It has always been taught that campers should value nature and not take it for granted.

Becoming a pro-camper would also mean you know how to do first aid. This will be for your safety and that of your co-campers. You do not know what your camping journey will lead to. It is thus imperative that you go prepared – for your safety and that of your companions.

There is also no substitute to learning camping concepts in the real world. It is best learned by participating in a camping activity – preferably with more seasoned ones. You will surely learn a lot from them – and you will be a lot safer in their company as well.


A Beginner's Guide to Camping

When you are new to camping, it is recommended that you go to a nearby campground. It will be easier for you to get the hang of things and familiarize yourself with the experience this brings.

For private campgrounds, you may have to book yourself in advance to be sure to have one that is reserved for you. For less popular campgrounds, you may go there right away and register. You may want to drive through the place or check their map in order to select a particular location of the site you want.

You may choose a location that is close to the lakes or to a bathroom or to a shower – whatever fits your fancy. You may also want to ask for their rules and policies so that you will be sure not to violate any.

Most campsites will have car-parking areas. Some will have picnic tables, washbasins, fire pit, water tap and more. Nicer campsites will have more facilities to make your stay more enjoyable.

On your very first camping trip, you may want to schedule leaving home by Saturday early morning so that you will arrive there before noon. You will then have time to set-up your camp and explore the area. You can then prepare dinner and stay overnight. By the following day, you can await the sunrise and enjoy the early morning sights of green and smell the fresh air. You can then head for home in the afternoon.


Prepare a Checklist.

Before you go out for camping, prepare a checklist - identifying all the essential gears that you and your family need.

Determine the kind of tent you need.

Prepare a tent depending on the season you will be camping. You may buy a summer tent if you camp during warm weather or a four-season tent, which can be use for all kind of seasons except in extreme weather.

The size of the tent must also be considered. Ensure that the space or the size has an allowance to place your things. If you are a group of four, choose a tent that can accommodate five to six persons.

Sleeping bag.

This is used to keep you warm. It is sometimes advisable for you to take a walk a while just to warm up your body – before you get inside the bag. Always get the bag that fits you – getting one to big will not keep you heated; and having it too tight, will do just that – compress.

Bring along pillows and sleeping pads. Sleeping pads will protect you from hard ground. On top of your pad, will be the place for your sleeping bag.

Food to bring.

When going for a camping adventure - as much as possible, avoid food that will easily spoil. Foods like meat, fruits and vegetables.

You may bring canned goods, peanut butter, or nuts as protein & fat substitutes. You may also bring noodles, or rice as your carbohydrates to keep you energized and your metabolism active.

Plan your food.

For you to have less worry, prepare a schedule of your food per meal. Make a list what food to serve during breakfast, lunch, dinner and for you snacks. This will help you bring enough food for your camping.

Backpack

There are two types of backpacks you can make use of – and depending on your use and type of camping activities you plan to go through, one will be more fitting for you.

One type of backpack is the external type where the metal bars or the support of the bag, is outside of it. The internal type is one where the metal bars are enclosed inside. The external type is more preferred for ease of packing. Internal backpacks are preferred for comfort.

Essential things to bring.

Clothes.

Bring clothes enough for the number of days of your stay. You may bring with you cotton shirts, socks, and others. Depending on the weather, you may include sweater in your pack.

First aid kit.

You should always be ready for emergency cases. You may get hurt or your companions will – and you should always be prepared for such occasions.

It is very difficult to send an injured camper right away to the nearest hospital - especially when you are in an isolated area. Bring a first aid kit for an immediate and temporary treatment.

Map and Compass.

These are useful for knowing directions – and knowing where to go to find your way.

Cooking Materials.

If you intend to cook in your campsite for your food - you should not forget to bring cooking materials like stove, pot, matches, bowl, and spoon. You may also bring a pocket or a swiss knife that contains can opener, sharp blade, screwdriver and others.

Sunglasses & Sunblock.

Sunglasses protect your eyes from sunlight. Buy one that has a UV protection. And always bring a sunblock to also protect your skin from the heat of the sun.

Flashlights.

Bring flashlights and extra batteries with you for emergency purposes. This will be especially useful at nighttime and for dark places.


Prepare your campsite.

Find a high-level ground. Before you assemble your tent, find an area that is elevated from the ground. This will keep you away from the water on the ground in case it will rain.

Choose an area that has shade. Staying on a shady area will keep you more relaxed from a sunny or hot day. You would also enjoy hanging out in a cool area that the shade brings.

However, if you observed that there is a possibility it will rain - avoid placing your tent under a tree. If you do so, you would still experience the water dropping from the tree - even if the rain stops already. There is also a risk of you getting hit by lightning.

Find space for cooking. Some campsites have a cooking area designed for campers. But if your place has none, look for a flat area where you can prepare and cook food. For obvious reasons, you should avoid cooking inside your tent.

Ensure that your cooking area is away from dry leaves, twigs or any materials that may cause fire - and don't leave the fire unattended.

Have a garbage bin. Do not throw your trash anywhere. Bring your garbage bin and plastics where you can put all your leftovers. Place the bin away from your tent. And if you're staying for more than one day, change the garbage plastic daily.


Campground Rules – Rule!

Most of the campsites have campground rules. These are usually posted near the entrance of the camping site.

It is important that you and your other companions must observe these rules to keep things in order and peaceful. It is also there so that everyone who visits the campsite would also enjoy the place and the view as it originally is.


Enjoying The Camping Adventure

While you are still in the process of learning all these – have fun while doing it. Camping is all about the outdoors and about having fun. Preferably done in groups – camping will be one of those things you will want to do every chance you can.

Always take the time to plan for your camping adventure. Make use of a checklist so that you will not leave important things out. Bring along gears of your choice to increase your chances of surviving the outdoors. Get a tent that is suitable for your use. And plan for good food for your consumption.

Enjoy your camping adventure. It will be one experience that will be like no other. Have a late night walk for example, and feel the night's breeze. Listen to the silence of the night and the peace it offers. Smell the fresh air and appreciate the nature around.

And when it will be time to leave the campsite, make sure to keep it clean. Keep things arranged and in their original order. Always observe campground rules – and ensure that those coming after you will be able to enjoy the site like you did.