But everything you need to know about camping cannot be done or mastered overnight. And so it is important that you are well-informed of all that there is to it in camping. There are books, videos, websites and blogsites that can help you with the information when it comes to camping so you can equip yourself to any possibilities that you can encounter. For starters, here are some few pointers: Be closer to home. You may also start camping in a site that is not far from home. It is easier and more secured to camp close to your home so you can go there if in case you have forgotten something or if any emergency arises.

Overnight campouts would be very advantageous for you so you will be able to learn some pointers to consider so you will be ready for more challenging locations. Speaking of locations, locations are one of the most important concerns that you need to make, so go and search the net for the best and safest spots where you can camp or perhaps some reading materials and texts can give you an idea.

Always make sure that you are aware of the things that you need to watch out for as you read, like wild and dangerous animals, and some recommendations as you go to the location and make sure that there are more campers that are there with you so you can get help for emergencies.

Camping checklist:

Here is a basic sample checklist you can print out and use for your trip.Soap/Comb/hair brush/hair ties/Contact lens supplies/Dish detergent/Feminine supplies/Toilet Paper/Towels/Washcloths.

Pants/PJs/Shirts/Shoes/shower shoes/hiking boots/Socks/Sunglasses/bathing suit/Underwear.

Can opener/Charcoal, lighter fluid/Cutting Board/Tongs/Aluminum Foil/Kitchen knives/Knife, Fork, Spoon.

Paper plates/cups/bowls/Paper towels & napkins/Plastic knives/forks/Trash bags/Ziplock Bags/Flashlight/Blankets/Air Mattresses/Pillows Sleeping bags/Tent/Tikki Torches.

Don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water for everyone especially if you have young children.

After you have the tent, you will the rest of your supplies. Mostly you will need things for food and things to keep you occupied. You might want to invest in a propane powered stove so you do not have to rely on building a fire. You will also want a cooler to keep things cold while you travel.

If you do not wish to purchase reusable plates and silverware, then you will need to have disposable. Keep in mind that anything you take into the campsite needs to also be taken out when you leave. Also you will need to purchase food to take with you. This could be as simple as hot dogs, or more complex like steaks.

First, make sure you have the following:

• Tent, with ground tarp Sleeping bag Ground mat Flashlight, preferably a head lamp to keep your hands free to do other things.
• Knife – You can use either a fixed blade, pocket knife, or multi tool.
• 100 feet of light rope or cord Mess kit with utensils First aid kit Waterproof matches Some sort of fire starter such as fire paste, starter sticks, dryer lint, etc.
• Back Pack Single burner camp stove Canteen, Nalgeen water bottle, or hydration pack Water purifying tablets or filter.
• Small hatchet or folding saw for cutting firewood Sunscreen Bug repellent (if necessary)

Second, you will need to dress appropriately for the expected weather conditions of the region. Here are some items that can be used on any trip:

Short sleeve cotton t-shirts – at least 3 At least one long sleeve cotton shirt A long sleeve button down shirt Pant, the best are the ones with the zip off legs to convert into shorts if needed Padded hiking socks, SmartWool is the best, but any good hiking sock will do. Hiking shoes or boots, if you are going to be in an area where you are in and out of water a lot, a good water shoe will be good to have as well. A change of underwear and socks for each day you will be camping.

You can pack your these in 5 gallon ziploc bags. This will keep them dry and give you something to put your dirty clothes in so they don’t stink up the rest of your stuff. Since you can’t predict what the weather will be, make sure you take a rain coat or poncho to keep you dry. You will also want to take a light hooded sweatshirt for when it cools down in the evening. The best thing to do is to dress in layers that you can peel off when it gets warmer and add on when the weather cools down. Make sure you have a good broad brimmed hat. This will help keep the sun or the rain off you.

One of the least expensive but most exciting types of vacation is a camping and hiking trip. It’s the type of vacation that all family members can enjoy. And it’s also such a great way to connect with nature.

The cost to have a hiking and camping trip is quite low compared to other types of vacation. The basic needs are a high quality backpack, tent, and stove. And these items can be used over and over again in your future trips.

Here are some tips you can use to have a great and exciting camping and hiking vacation:

1. Get a good map of the area you’re planning to travel to. Make sure the terrains are not too hard for you to hike through.

2. Get all the necessary permits to have a camping and hiking trip in the area you’re planning to go to. Also, make sure you check all the regulations concerning fires, cleanups, etc.

3. Dress with the appropriate clothes for hiking and camping. Make sure the clothes are made from material that’s suitable for hiking and camping in the wilderness. And bring enough extra clothes with you in case you need them.

4. Know how to operate the equipments that you bring. Try setting up the tent once or twice at home to make sure you don’t run into difficulty when you set it up in the camping site.

5. Pack sufficient foods for the trip. You’re going to burn a lot of calories during the hiking, so make sure you bring enough foods that are high in carbohydrate, protein, and fat.

6. Find out where the water sources are in the trail. Drinking plenty of water is important in a hiking trip because it’ll prevent you from dehydration, so you’ll need to stock plenty of water in your backpack.

7. Take a first aid kit with you in case you’ll need it in the trip. You might also want to bring a GPS system or a satellite phone if you’re planning to travel far into the backcountry.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Sleeping Arrangements

Decide whether you want to rent an RV, pop-up camper, or use a tent. Using a tent is a fun and inexpensive way to get back to nature. Tents are available at most sporting good stores and can also be found at discount stores. They are easy to set up and are a great way to spend a bit of time bonding when you first get to the camp area. Choose tents that are water resistant, but also bring along a large waterproof tarp to hang over the tent in case there is a lot of rain. Get sleeping bags that are warm and the right size to comfortably fit the individual. Sleeping mats, air mattresses, or folding cots that go under the bag are ways to make sleeping more comfortable. If you opt for an RV or camper, these can be a bit pricier but will better protect you from the elements and will also provide other amenities such as beds, a stove and a refrigerator.

Attire and Food

Do not pack a lot of clothing as space is limited. Choose warm, water resistant clothing and good shoes or hiking boots. Pack several pairs of socks and bring both cool and warm weather clothing even if you are camping in summer. It often gets chilly in the evening. Make sure you have hats and sunglasses to protect you from the sun. Bring coolers to store food and beverages. Pack plenty of water and snacks such as trail mix that will give you energy and are easy to eat.

Supplies

Backpacks will help carry food and water during trips outside the camping areas. Do not pack them too heavily as you may be wearing them for long periods of time. Pack a compass so you can gauge where you are in case you get lost. A flashlight is helpful in case of an emergency or to see at night. Make sure to pack any cookware needed for campfire meals. A tripod that goes over your campfire is a great cooking tool, and the best pans for cooking over a campfire are cast iron. Cast iron is heavy though. If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking and are going to be carrying all your gear, purchase a lightweight cooking vessel. A Swiss Army knife can be handy for many tasks including cutting twigs for a fire or roasting marshmallows. Waterproof matches will help light fires and can be used even if it is rainy. A walking stick can be useful on hikes to help ascend steep slopes and combat fatigue.

Safety

Bring sunscreen and insect repellant to protect you from sun and pests. Apply often for maximum protection. Depending on where you will be camping, you may want to invest in bear spray. This is similar to pepper spray for people but is more powerful. A first aid kit is essential and should never be forgotten. Make sure it is fully supplied. These are available pre-made at many sporting good stores and can also be found in pharmacies. You should also carry plenty of rope. A cellular phone may not always get reception but it is advisable to have one just in case.

Camping is a fun way to spend quality family time. Always make sure you are prepared for emergencies and changes in climate. Keep the bulk of supplies at your campsite and take only what is needed, including emergency supplies, on short treks. Use backpacks to carry food, water and first aid items.

About The Author

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for DreamCamping. To learn more what to take with you while camping, visit http://www.dreamcamping.com/campinggear/ and http://www.dreamcamping.com/gear/campingchecklist/.

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Camping without the proper equipment isn’t the best idea. Those that have already learned the lesson will tell you this, but why go through the pain yourself?

Check out the weather

If you know that you’re going to be heading to a warmer camping site, then it’s time to investigate the weather conditions and what kinds of temperatures you can expect. Many places are warmer in particular times of the year, so you may want to avoid such months.

Needless to add, no amount of research will prepare you if the weather takes an out of the ordinary turn. However, do plan, in as far as possible, for worst-case scenarios.

Water-The Camper’s best friend.

Don’t'tcompromise on the quantity of water that you carry, as many greenhorns tend to do. The benefits of carrying enough water far outweigh the inconvenience of lugging the extra weight.

And that’s a fact!

You want to bring at least a gallon of water per person per day that you will be camping. Yes, this will be heavy, but it’s a lot heavier to carry someone to safety should they get dehydrated.

Carry a reasonable supply of electrolyte salts with you. These salts come in powder form, which can be dissolved in the water you are carrying. Or carry sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Your body needs to regularly replenish these essential salts in hot, humid conditions.

Mmm! Tastes good too!

Eating smart

While you may not feel like eating in the heat, you need to balance your liquids with food. This helps to keep your body in balance. The human body is a delicate system of electrolytes that can fall out of balance easily in extreme weather conditions.

Nibble on something every time you take a swig of water. A couple of nuts or pretzels will suffice. A salty or sugary snack is best.

The right gear

Keep you head protected from the sun with a hat or visor. Try and wear light colored clothes and apply sunscreen on parts of your body that are bare.

While the heat might feel bad, the heat with a sunburn feels even worse.

Make sure that you can bring first aid equipment as well as a way to signal for help if you need a rescue.

Two’s company

Of course, camping with someone else is best, especially in more extreme weather conditions.

About The Author

Stuart Yalethorpe runs the website and is the writer for Fair Camping, Inc. which is a one-stop research center for all the latest news and views related to camping. Please visit http://www.faircamping.com for any questions or comments about this article.

Remember to pack:

• Adequate bedding/sleeping bag and extra blankets
• Light-weight, light-colored clothing, including long sleeves and pants
• Tent and plastic ground cloth
• Insect repellent containing DEET for skin
• Permethrin insect repellent for clothing
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen and lipscreen with SPF 15 or higher
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Healthy on-the-go snacks and other food
• Water and other alcohol-free and sugar-free fluids
• Insulated cooler
• Life jacket, helmet, and other protective gear
• First-aid kit
• Compass or GPS
• Map
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Sturdy shoes
• Extra set of clothes
• Medical record, including vaccinations; insect, food, plant, and other allergies; diseases and conditions; medicines, dosing schedules, and storage instructions; emergency contacts; and activities your doctor or nurse says to avoid

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Pack foods in tight, waterproof bags or containers. Keep them in an insulated cooler.
• Wash hands and surfaces often.
• Separate raw foods from cooked foods.
• Cook foods to proper temperatures (i.e. ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees).
• Chill foods promptly.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention