Want to go camping?
Here are some tips on how to do it
By Noah Lopez
Knightly News Reporter
noah.lopez@mymail.centralpenn.edu
Camping is a wonderful way to relax, enjoy nature, and spend time with friends or family.
Whether you’re new to camping or need a refresher, this guide will help you plan and enjoy a great trip.
Here’s how to go camping in a simple and fun way.
Remember: This article is a basic guide. You can find resources about camping at such websites as scouting.org, REI outdoors stores and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Check the forestry or natural-resources websites of the state in which you live or in which you plan to camp, and check the websites of federal agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and sites you find in a search for information on camping, but be sure to check and establish the sites’ authority and legitimacy.
Choose the right campsite
Start by picking the right place to camp.
National parks, state parks and private campgrounds offer different options. Some sites have running water, bathrooms with showers, fire circles and pits, grills, limited electrical connections and picnic tables, while others are basic and lack some or all of these amenities.
“Popular campsites can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to plan ahead,” Mike Gauthier, a park
ranger at Yosemite National Park, says.
Booking your campsite in advance is a good idea, especially during busy times of the year. Check campgrounds’ websites for information on busy times and registration processes, including prices, and arrival and departure times.
When choosing a campground, consider the type of experience you want. Do you prefer a site that’s close to stores or do you want a remote spot? Some campgrounds have stores where campers can buy necessities, and some foods, along with refreshments and firewood.
Sites with stores and other resources, and with these nearby, can make camping more comfortable, especially for beginners.
On the other hand, remote sites offer more privacy and a closer connection to nature.
Pack your gear
Packing the right gear is key to having a good camping trip.
First, make sure you have a good tent. It will be your “home away from home,” and should be easy to set up.
Check your tent for rips or holes. If it has some, you might be able to repair them yourself or have them repaired – or maybe you’ll need a new tent. You can buy or rent one. Check with retailers in your area.
You should also consider the size of your tent. A tent that comfortably fits your group and gear will make your stay much more pleasant than a tent that is cramped or will require you and other campers in your group to stash some equipment or personal items in a vehicle or elsewhere outside the tent. This going back and forth might not be fun – especially in the rain, the cold or at night.
Second, you’ll also need a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad on which to place the sleeping bag. Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough for the weather. They typically have temperature ratings printed on a tag attached to them or printed on a label sewn onto the bag.
“Being too cold at night can ruin your camping experience,” REI advises.
Sleeping pads not only add comfort but also provide protection from the ground.
Third, dress in layers so you can adjust to changing weather. The National Weather Service reminds us that “weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas.” Pack a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm jacket and rain gear. Comfortable shoes for hiking and relaxing around the campsite are also important.
Plan your meals
Food is a big part of camping.
Plan your meals and bring nonperishable food. If you bring noncanned food, such as meat, be sure you can store it safely against pathogens, and away from animals, until you’re ready to cook it.
A portable stove or grill is a must if you want to cook without having to gather wood for and then build and tend a fire in your campsite. And remember: Many campsites have grills.
According to the National Park Service, “Cooking over an open fire can be fun, but having a backup like a portable stove is wise.”
Consider making meals that are easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup. Consider, for example, bringing ingredients for meals that include foods such as pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats and vegetables.
Prepping some ingredients at home can save time and effort at the campsite.
Don’t forget water! Make sure to bring enough water or a way to filter water if your campsite doesn’t have any.
Staying hydrated is particularly important, especially if you’ll be engaged in demanding activities like hiking.
And pack some reusable water bottles and a large container for extra water storage.
Set up your camp
When you get to your campsite, set up your tent and gear first.
You should find a flat, dry spot for your tent and clear away any rocks or sticks. Avoid setting up directly under a tree or too close to any grade down which rainwater can run.
REI suggests setting up your tent before dark settles in. It’s much easier and more enjoyable when you can see what you’re doing.
Once your tent is up, organize your gear inside. Keep your sleeping area clean and dry by removing your shoes before entering the tent. Set up a designated cooking area away from your tent to ward off curious critters.
Stay safe with campfires
If your campsite allows campfires, follow safety rules.
Use the designated fire ring and keep your fire small.
The U.S. Forest Service advises keeping a bucket of water and a shovel nearby to put the fire before you leave the site empty, such as for a hike or a swim. The service cautions to “Never leave a campfire burning overnight or when you leave the campsite.”
Building a safe campfire starts with choosing the right spot. Clear the area around the fire ring of any flammable materials like leaves and twigs. Keep your fire small and manageable. Always have a way to extinguish the fire quickly, if needed.
Be sure someone is watching the fire.
If you and your companions are sitting around the fire, be sure not to get too close.
And keep combustible material away from the fire.
Before turning in for the night, or leaving the site with no one there, put the fire “cold out” – by using water and a shovel or other nonflammable implement to stir the wet ashes. “Cold out” means you should be able to touch the doused fire area.
Enjoy outdoor activities
Camping is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and stargazing.
“Hiking allows you to explore the natural beauty of the area and get some exercise,” the American Hiking Society says.
Before heading out on a hike, make sure you have a map of the area and know your route. Wear appropriate footwear and carry a small backpack with water, snacks and a first aid kit.
As with your camping trip generally, be sure that someone knows your plans, including where you intend to hike to, your intended route and your estimated return time.
When hiking, stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost and to protect the environment. Bring a compass or compass app with you.
Keep in mind the rule not to step on anything you can step over and not to step over anything you can step around.
Don’t enter any closed areas, and obey warning and advisory signs. Do not enter hunting areas, unless you’re hunting and have a hunting license.
And bring a bag for debris you might generate, such as from eating a snack, so you can take the debris back out of the hiking area to store and dispose of it properly at the campsite or in the campground’s facilities.
Beware of wildlife. If you see some, observe it quietly, from a distance. Never approach a wild animal.
Bears and coyotes – and, in some areas, wolves and cougars – are in many U.S. and Canadian wilderness areas. At the trailhead, look for any notices about animal activity in the area, and pay attention to and heed the information the authorities offer. Take a can of bear repellent with you or other product that might deter aggressive animals. Check with your local outdoor outfitters or wildlife authorities for advice, including how to act when you come across an animal while hiking.
Remember: Trails are designed to keep you safe and to minimize your impact on nature.
Fishing can be a relaxing and rewarding activity. Check whether your campsite requires a fishing permit and familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations.
Be sure to bring the necessary fishing gear and bait, because some campgrounds don’t have stores in or near them – especially if your site is remote – and find a quiet spot by the water.
Stargazing is a magical experience, especially away from city lights. Bring a blanket or reclining chair, and a star map or stargazing app to help identify constellations. The best times for stargazing are on clear nights with little to no moonlight.
Remember to respect wildlife and practice Leave No Trace. This means carrying out with you all your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.
“Leave the campsite as you found it,” the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics advises.
Be ready for challenges
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and so, being prepared is important.
The National Park Service says that “A positive attitude and a flexible mindset go a long way.”
Bring a basic first aid kit and know how to use it. The American Red Cross offers valuable resources on basic first aid, which can be helpful in the outdoors.
Weather can change quickly, so always check the forecast before you leave and be prepared for unexpected conditions. Bring extra layers, rain gear, socks, a tarp for additional shelter, a flashlight and extra batteries – and use proper footwear.
Wildlife encounters can be thrilling but require caution. Store food in bear-proof containers
if you’re in bear country. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife and never feed wild animals.
Make great memories
Camping is all about making memories and enjoying the moment. Whether you’re telling stories around the campfire, exploring a new trail or just relaxing, take time to appreciate the experience.
“Some of the best memories come from unplugging and immersing yourself in nature,” Keith Ladzinski, a National Geographic photographer, says.
Take photos, write in a journal, or simply sit quietly and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
These moments will be cherished memories you’ll enjoy recalling for a long time after your trip is over.
By following these tips, you can have a fun and memorable camping trip.
Enjoy your adventure, and happy camping!
Comment or story idea? Contact KnightlyEditors@CentralPenn.Edu.
Edited by media-club co-adviser and blog editor Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
