#1 Camping Blog

Before the internet became a part of everything we did, campers had a whole lot of trouble selecting camping sites, and times. Mostly relying on word of mouth, campers and their families and friends went to campsites based on trust. The only other way of finding out about campsites where no friend had been to were to read the brochures, which almost always over amplified the merits of the campsite. Advertisements of campsites, like all other advertisements, glossed over the details, and often sold a sorry terrain to the camper. Although many advertisements on the internet have the same drawbacks, the web is not the ideal places to learn camping for beginners.

Because of the Internet’s potential to help anyone buy or sell anything, it has become the poster board for campsites and agencies to showcase their merits. One short keyword into a search engine, and you have the best camping destinations around your area at your mouse click. The information contained on the sites about the camps is also detailed to the T and this sometimes works against the person looking for a great campsite. Understanding the power of great research is important for any camper in the modern day, and choosing wisely is now made much easier by the internet.

Camping sites broadly fall into two categories – public and private. A public, government run camping site includes the national forests and reserves, land management reserves, and national parks. Private camping sites are developed and owned privately. Both these kinds find ample representation on the internet today with many of them having special offers for internet users.

Public camping sites are the most easily accessible to us. They also offer a large variety of options for camping for beginners. These sites are well maintained, funded by the public’s tax money. They also serve important national purposes and protect national monuments or wildlife. Another important facet of these national camping sites are the uniformity in service that they offer, which in a way, ensures quality treatment at, what are, affordable rates.

The unfortunate this is that even the Web is not big enough to hold information about every camp site there is, and a comprehensive review of camping sites can only be fund about the rather famous and well known ones in your area. There are Web sites that are considered the definitive source for details about particular types of campgrounds by many. In the US, Park Net is thought to be the authority on all National Parks, while Reserve USA takes care of the Army Corps of Engineers and Forest Reserve.

The internet has added immensely to the delight of every camper in the world. Camping for beginners has been made easy and safe with detailed information made available to them, right on their screens.

A camping site is your playground for a few days, but it is the property of the State, or an individual to whom you are responsible. Also, the environment and its protection is every one’s lookout today, and you must make sure that you don’t harm it knowingly or unknowingly. There is a certain unwritten code of conduct that all campers are expected to follow when out for a camping trip in the outdoors. This helps people stay safe themselves, and helps keep the surroundings and environment and wildlife safe as well. It is every camper’s responsibility to adhere to these, and for the beginners camping for the first time, it is important that you keep a copy of a camping guidebook with you.

At a camping trip

* Always plan ahead. Think over the next step before taking it, as it does involve a certain degree of risk to your own person, and everyone around you.
* Always clean up after you are done. Leave no trace of your camping trip, as it defiles the camping site, and causes unnecessary to the next people who come there, besides polluting the environment.
* Always choose a camping site away from other campers. Everyone is at the camping site to relax and get away from the grind of every day life. It is particularly difficult to relax with other campers looking on at what you or someone else is doing. Be courteous, and expect the same from your fellow campers too. It is only decent to let them have their space.
* Always camp at an elevated campsite. This helps you escape the flow of water in the rain, and the formation of puddles too.
* Always read the rules at a camping site, and stick to them. Violating a camping site’s rules might just bring your weekend to an early end.
* Only light fires if they are allowed. Douse the fires out completely after you are done. Do not leave any scope for a forest fire.
* Beginners camping near a water hole should camp sufficiently away from the water. The water also belongs to the wildlife in the area.
* Always carry flashlights in the wild outdoors, it helps you avoid unnecessary surprises. Keep extra batteries in your back pack.
* Examine the terrain you are camping on. Check for loose rocks and boulders that may fall, and the undergrowth for poisonous plants and animals.
* Do not bring pets along. A pet animal has no place in the wild or the outdoors. Also, a barking dog is the last thing anyone wants to listen to at a picturesque camping venue.

Theses are only a few ‘dos and don’ts’ at a camping site. We learn from our experience in the rich and wild outdoors. Beginners camping for the first time might take a little while getting used to these basic ethics too, but they should try and get acclimatized soon for an enjoyable trip for themselves, and others.

A camping site is an important part of your trip to the outdoors. Selection of the camping site should be foremost on a list of things to plan for before heading out. A badly planned camping trip is a damp cloth on all the spirit that goes with that perfect getaway trip. It is important that you keep a few things about the camping site in mind before you choose. Using a camping guide is a good idea!

The internet has opened up a plethora of options for a camper to choose from. It is increasingly simple to find that perfect piece of land to spend the weekend away from home. But it is important that you choose wisely, even after you think you have found a few great candidates for the same. Contact the agency that holds the most frequent camping trips to the place, and make enquiries about the best season to go there, the kind of food they allow, the water sources there, etc. Also check for availability and if they allow large groups or not.

Try and choose a campsite as close to Mother Nature as you can, while trying to preserve her wealth too. Choosing a low impact camping site is important. The ethics while camping dictate that you don’t litter at the campsite. Set up camp at the established camping site at any location. If there is a source of water, set up camp sufficiently far away as wild animals in the vicinity need the water hole for their needs as well. Always have a camping guide at hand to know the rules of the trade.

Keep in mind the fact that you are away at the camping trip to relax and get away from your hectic schedule, so reducing your hassles at the camp site can be done by planning well ahead. Study the kind of terrain and land patterns at the camping site. An established camping site will have clearings for tents and fires. Try and find out if there are marshes nearby, and if there are take sufficient precautions against insects and mosquitoes. Beware of rocky ledges where snakes might dwell, or rocky cliff sides where an avalanche is possible. Check the undergrowth at a camping site for poisonous plants.

Knowing the regulations at a camping site is the duty of any responsible camper. Find out if the camping site allows using trees for firewood. Always douse the fire after you are done, and leave no chance for forest fires. Do not camp near broken trees resting on each other, or loose boulders which can fall. When camping near water, set up camp at high altitudes where the ground is dry.

A camping guide is not just for beginners, even campers with loads of experience to boot carry a guide around just in case.

No Eight Course Delight

Camping means a lot of things to a lot of people. But to those who like their gourmet meals better than anything, a trip in the outdoors means giving up their favourite type of food for a few days. With a fire on the stove being the only way to cook, a lot of people have trouble cooking when on a camping trip. There are simple remedies to these culinary woes that people encounter, and this simple checklist should ensure that you are well on the way to the closest thing to an eight course meal, right in the arms of Mother Nature.

Always carry a large jug, and a few large pans, along with a large bucket of water. These can be used to store clean water which is a must for camping cooking anywhere. Ice, matches and fuel to light the stove, charcoal, dry firewood and newspaper are important items required to get a fire going. If you are camping, and want to enjoy a more sophisticated barbecue, then a grill is also a must have.

You also need to have the utensils required to cook, and eat a meal outdoors. Measuring cups, paper plates and bowls, aluminum foil and paper napkins, dish soaps, pins and plastic cutlery must be included on any packing list for an outdoor trip. Cooking oil is also another mandatory component of that list. Other important utensils and knick knacks include tongs, skewers, pots/frying pans, can openers, bottle openers, folding tables and chairs. The first aid kit should also be kept handy during the camping cooking process.

Some camping recipes

Some cool camping recipes make your dinner taste that little bit better. An open fire can be a fabulous kitchen, as is proven by the recipes below.

A Camper’s Pizza:

What you need: Bread, butter, carrots, potatoes, onions, seasonings, meat (any kind, preferably beef), aluminum foil.

How to cook: A pizza a day keeps the blues away. Slice the carrots, potatoes and onions. Take these and the ground beef and place them in a layered fashion on the bread, in between the aluminum foil. Leaving space for expansion, place this on the fire or coals and keep it there for about 30 minutes. Turn often for even heating.

Campfire Stew

Meat, onions, garlic salt, seasonings, canned vegetable soup.

Cook the meat with the onions, garlic salt and seasonings, in a Dutch oven. Add vegetable soup when meat is fully cooked. Serve with garnishing.

Fish on a Stick

Piece of fish, grilling fork.

Put the fork through the fish and hold it on the fire. Cook till the fish flakes form on the thickest parts. Serve with garnishing like potatoes.

Camping cooking is made easy using these recipes and techniques.

Fresh air, green trees, birds chirping as you sit by the fire and barbecue a piece of chicken on it – sounds like fun, doesn’t it? For those in love with the outdoors, there is no better escape route to sanity from the mundane drone of modern daily life. A hike in the mountains, setting up camp in the trees and spending a few hours in the lap of Mother Nature is exactly what a great trip outdoors is about.

Comfortable Campers

But no trip is successful without the proper tools for it. The right kind of gear on a camping trip is what makes it more fun and enjoyable than one with makeshift arrangements, and unplanned itineraries. Serious campers who have the most experience on a variety of terrains, while making camping recommendations, suggest that gear oriented planning of a camping trip almost always helps you out of a potential tight spot. There are the minimalistic campers, who can make do with or without anything being made available to them at a camping trip, but for beginners it is always important to analyze their needs for comfort in unknown terrain. Instead of risking doing what an experienced camper is willing to undergo to extend the limits of his camping experience, a beginner should try and ease himself into the art of camping.

Bare Necessities

To begin with, a camper needs a drip proof tent, preferably with a window. A warm, decent quality sleeping bag, a camping stove, camping food and drinks are other bare essentials that any and every camper is supposed to carry. Some campers prefer making their campsite their home away from home. They try to furnish it with beds, cots, tables, chair and other conveniences. Even if you do not wish to do something like that, here are some more camping recommendations for your camping trip.

Flashlights and batteries: It gets really dark outdoors. And a few flashlights serve a lot many purposes. Having a few handy always helps, especially when in unchartered territory.

Sheets, mattresses, plastic sheets to form the flooring of the tent, emergency blankets, air pillows and pads, folding furniture and binoculars are the basic in tent requirements. One needs these in all circumstances when camping.

Rope, twine, hooks, cots, pins and rubber bands are other knick knacks you must have. It is also imperative to carry clean and safe storage containers for water and food.

Toilet paper, sufficient medicines, first aid kits, sunscreens, insect repellent, moist napkins and dry ones, personal toiletteries like shampoo, soap etc are also an important necessity. On must carry these so as to avoid risking infections in the outdoors. Personal hygiene is important, just as it is indoors.

Lastly, it is important that we realize our responsibility towards Mother Nature when we step out. Always carry trash bags with you, and do not litter where ever you are camping.

These camping recommendations are important, so always make a check list before you go out. With these basic items in your back pack, you are ready for a fun time outdoors.

Camping supplies for fun camping should be the bare essentials that you need and you should enjoy the camping spirit by being innovative and making use of whatever you can get a hold of on the camping site. However, there are some essentials that you will have to carry with you. Make a list and then decide what is absolutely necessary and what is not. Make sure that you try and stick to your budget and not go overboard with things that you can do without. It is not just the cost, but also remember that you will have to carry it all too. 

Your mode of travel

What you can carry largely depends on your mode of travel. If you have a camping trailer then you can carry a lot more and take all the comforts that you want along with you. But if you have a back pack then it is better to camp light and not burden yourself with too much camping supplies. You will have to make sure that you have all the essentials if you are traveling with a back pack. As the amount you carry will be limited make a list and ensure that you do not leave out something that will be very important for you to have on your list. 

Carry unbreakable camping supplies

A very important factor of the kind of stuff you are carrying, is, that it should be unbreakable. Your cups and plates could either be plastic ones or you could also use disposable ones. This way you will have less stuff to carry back home with you and can travel lighter. Also you will not have the trouble of cleaning up after you have had a meal, which could be a big problem when you want to get on with enjoying yourself instead of being burdened by these chores. 

Some absolutely necessary essentials

A well equipped first aid kit is something that you cannot do without. This should have some bandages of different sizes, some antiseptic solutions and creams, scissors, tweezers (you never know when you need to pull out a thorn or a splinter), insect repellants and some essential medications for any problems like aches and pains, fevers, a tummy problem. The bottles and lotions should be unbreakable ones to ensure that you do not end up with no medication when you need it. 
What you will also require is a torchlight with spare batteries, a radio, a cell phone, some games to sit down and play in case there is a down pour and you have to remain inside your tent, and a route map.
This apart you need your food supplies and snacks to keep you going. Water and water purifiers are very necessary. Carry food stuff that is easy to eat, and also quick to cook. You will probably do dome cooking round your camp fire too. So go over your check list of camping supplies just before you start out to make sure that you have all that you want.
 

Choosing a camping tent depends on where you are planning to camp. A lot depends on the weather and the surroundings for you to decide on the kind of tent you should pick up. There are different kinds of tents for different locations and you can go through catalogues or search on the internet for what would be a suitable tent for the place where you will be camping.

Tents for mountain camps

There are many different kinds of tents for each different location. There are various designs available in each category, like heavy duty ones for mountainous regions where the weather conditions will be quite extreme with heavy winds and acute cold. For this sort of weather you will need a tent that is not too big, well insulated and keeps you warm and gives you the protection you need from the heavy winds. You should also make sure that your tent is waterproof, because in mountainous regions there are chances of sudden downpours. A good idea is to visit several tent sales to see what is available in the market before you settle for one that suits you.
Basic requirements of a tent

When choosing a camping tent you have to look into certain features that it should have. The first thing that you should look for is a suitable size. It should be large enough to hold the number of people who plan to occupy it and also their things.
The next important aspect is the material that it is made of. This should be durable and yet light weight so that carrying it will not be a problem and it should also be able to withstand the weather conditions. Tents are usually made of either canvas which though durable is heavy; nylon is both durable and light; and polyester which is also durable and light.
The camping tent should be sturdy and strong with heavy duty zips and pegs and poles which are solid and secured firmly. The seams should have a double stitching so that there is no chance of the seam giving way.
The next feature of the camping tent should be its being able to withstand the weather like wind conditions and heavy rain and should give you enough protection in case you are caught in a downpour. For this you have to make sure that it is water proof.
There should be enough ventilation inside the tent so that you do not feel suffocated in it. And finally it should be easy to put up. You will have to check with the dealer when you buy the tent that it has all the instructions and all the parts that go into setting it up also.
With a camping tent that will give you the protection and comfort that you need on your camping trip you are all set to have a comfortable and secure camping trip.

Once you have decided on a camping trip you have to go through your check list and make sure that you have all that you will need on this trip. You do not want any sudden emergencies out their and should make sure that you carry all that is needed before you leave home. The camping gear that you will need will depend largely on where you are going camping. Make your list according to the various categories of things that you have to take for specific uses, then you will not forget anything.

Shelter to stay in

The first thing on this list will be a tent and then will come the gear that you need for the tent like poles, stakes, ropes, hammer, tarp to put on the ground, and a mat to put on the ground. If you are one of those who would like to keep your area clean then a brush with a dust pan too.
Sleeping arrangements

Next on your list of priority items would be the sleeping arrangements. For this you will need one sleeping bag per head, pillows, blankets and sheets, air mattresses with and air pump and in case you need it a kit to repair the air mattresses. For the sleeping equipment you would need utility bags to store it in.
Cooking equipment

Once you have made yourself comfortable with shelter and sleep, then comes the next most important thing which is food and with it the cooking equipment. For this you would have on top of your list the stove to cook on with fuel, a lighter or water proof matches, cooking utensils, tongs, grillers, plates, spoons, mugs or disposable cups, the all in one Swiss knife, napkins and dish rags; if you want a few luxuries thrown in you could put them on your list to carry them along too.
You would need to make a list of the food stuff that you want to take a ling too – both for snacking and also for cooking at the camp site. Make sure you carry enough drinking water and fruit juices and other beverages. Be sensible with the food list so that you get the energy required with minimum cooking time and easy to make stuff.
To wash up after a meal you would require washing soap and a scrubber; to clean up the mess a trash bag; some napkins; and anything else that you may require personally for your camp kitchen.

Personal requirements

Each person should make sure that they have what they will require on this trip. Things like clothing, appropriate walking shoes, night wear, under clothes and things like hats etc. The other personal camping gear that you should remember is the toiletteries like soap, tooth brush, toothpaste, towels, combs and brushes and whatever the ladies may require.
For those of you who are on any medication please remember to carry it along. A well equipped first aid kit with insect repellants in it too.

Miscellaneous camping gear

These are the small things that could easily be forgotten like a flashlight with extra batteries, a Swiss knife, plastic bags, sunscreen, whistles, water purifiers, water bottles, compass, binoculars, repair tools for any equipment that might need it, candles, a few games, a camera and a map for directions.
Now that you are all set, go over and ensure that each one has all that they need. A good thing to do is to let someone who is close to you know of your camping plans and where you are going.

One of the best ways to enjoy and experience nature to its fullest is to go on a camp. This is also a time for bonding with the family and enjoying each others company without all the hassles of the modern day world. You and your family should together decide on the kind of camping experience you want. Are you going to be camping in the mountains; on the river side; or in the jungle. Where ever you plan to go, your camping experience will bring you more enjoyment if you have the right kind of camping equipment.

What will you need for your camping trip?

Start by making a checklist so that you do not miss out on any important item of camping equipment. List what the essential activities are and under each heading put down the gear that it requires. This obviously will depend on where you will be going for your camping trip. A lot matters on the weather, the terrain and also the natural wild life around you. Always make allowances for problems that you might face and take extra precautions. There is no need to be a spoil sport, but better safe than sorry.

Tents to sleep in

Without doubt you want to ensure that you are well protected when you sleep and that you are not exposed to any weather hazards, the cold and insects. If you plan to camp in the mountains then you would need something that is strong enough to cope with the weather conditions there and to keep out the cold. However, if you are going to camp in the woods, the all you need is a tent that is not too expensive but which will provide you protection from the insects. Of course you could rent a tent also, but if you want to buy one then you would have to get a suitable one.

You could get a tent from any of the sports shops. Tents are easy to set up and in any case come with all the instructions on how to go about it. It is wise to select a water proof tent so that you do not get caught unawares in the rain. You could also carry an extra sheet of water proof covering in case there is a heavy downpour.

Once you list tents then the next camping equipment that comes to your mind without doubt is the sleeping arrangement. For this you could get sleeping bags that are snug and warm. If you want a bit of extra comfort you could have a camp cot or folding cot too.

Food a very essential part of camping

Make sure that you have enough of drinking water first. You should also carry food that is easy to be prepared to eat and also packed with energy. Food items should not be cumbersome, but should be easy to eat and not messy to have around. Snacks and dry food stuff is always a better bet. It would be an added luxury to carry a cooler along so that you can store drinks and food in it.

Along with food the utensils for cooking it would be listed. The dealer for camping equipment will be able to tell you what sort of cooking equipment to carry along with you and probably supply you with it too. One cooking essential is a tripod that would be put over your campfire and the utensils on it. A kettle for making hot water for tea and other hot drinks is a must.
Other camping equipment that is needed

There are several other small things which are very helpful to have: A flashlight, a Swiss knife, a compass and water proof matches. While listing all this do not forget your safety equipment and first aid kit. The first aid kit should have medicines in case there is an emergency and which would give you time to get help. Medications for cuts and bruises, insect repellants to ward off insects, sun screen lotion in case it is a sunny hot place, and of course if you are on any particular medication remember to carry it along.

With everything in place you can have a wonderful camping experience.