Tent Camping For Beginners - Camping With Children

By Inez Calender

Tent camping can be a wonderful vacation for children. Most kids enjoy the outdoors and tent camping provides then with safe, supervised adventure. Tent camping often seems like playing for both children and adults while offering an educational and self-esteem building experience.

Children should be included in camp preparation. Shopping for a tent (or tents) is interesting, fun and allows children to feel part of the total experience. Children often have wonderful insights when shopping for a tent and may notice something that you may miss.
Before your first camping trip, set up the tent in your back yard. Allow children to assist in the set up. Older children may be able to set the tent up and relish the responsibility with pride.

Have a regular back yard camp out before the actual trip so that you understand how to use equipment such as lanterns and cook stoves. Sleep in the tents so that the children (and adults) feel secure and comfortable sleeping outside in a tent.
Prepare them for night sounds that you may hear when you camp in new, unfamiliar surroundings. The night calls of bullfrogs, owls, or loons may seem spooky to the new camper and frighten young children. But to an experienced camper, the night sounds are beautiful, the song of loons not ghostly, but more like a lullaby. You can listen to bird calls online and familiarize yourself and children with those night sounds.

Never allow food or beverages inside a tent. The smell of food can attract insects and wildlife.

Never smoke in or near a tent. Never pitch a tent near a campfire or stove.
Teach children the rules of camping beforehand on your practice camp and allow them to participate in rule setting. Don't let children run around close to tents where they may trip over stakes. Don't let them run around the campfire. Don't allow children to play with the fire. Teach them fire safety. Allow children to assist in setting up a fire to make them feel included.

Tent camping involves children in the natural world. Most children would rather play with sticks and stones than manufactured toys and will find creative entertainment everywhere.
Most children enjoy learning outdoor skills like hiking, bird identification, fishing, canoeing, and basic botany.

Camp food is usually child friendly and the rustic setting will offer them a connection with the past. The abundance of fresh air creates an appetite like nothing else so even your picky eater will eat anything.

The assistance children can provide on a camping trip fill them with a sense of accomplishment. They will become comfortable in an unfamiliar environment and gain an appreciation for nature. Family camping with adults and children creates a special bond and memories that last forever.

Camping calls for different foods and meals than you usually eat at home. For great ideas for food to take when you go camping, and meals to cook on a camping trip:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Tent-Camping---Food-and-Meals
If you go camping, make sure you take all the things that you need to make your trip comfortable:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Tent-Camping-Checklist

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Camping Recipes - 3 Tips on "Food Safety" to Use on Your Next Camping Trip

 By Rhonda Percell

It is extremely important to use good "Food Safety" when camping.  Use the following "Food Safety" so you and your fellow campers can have an enjoyable camping trip.

1. Plan Your Meals and Method of Cooking - Before you go on your camping trip plan the meals you would like to have and when. This will help you prepare the food for your trip. For instance, if you are planning on having steaks on your third night of camping, make sure the steaks are completely frozen before taking them in your cooler. You will also want to consider what method you will use to cook your meals. Remember, at time, the forest may be closed to campfires and charcoal grills so you will need to bring a propane stove or grill for cooking.
 
2. Keep Everything Clean - Remember to wash your hands before and after handling foods, especially raw meats. Also, make sure all cooking utensils and pans are clean prior to use. When packing your cooler, double wrap your raw meats to contain their juices and keeping your other foods safe.
 
3. Keep Hot Foods Hot, Cold Foods Cold - It is important to keep all your food that should be refrigerated cold. It is recommended to have two coolers, one for drinks and one for all your food. This will eliminate opening the food cooler too frequently and melting the ice more quickly. Also, keep your coolers in the shade and place an old blanket around them for further insulation. Remember to serve hot foods promptly, and store leftovers in an ice filled cooler.
 
So, as you can see, if you practice these "Food Safety" tips your next camping trip will be both SAFE and enjoyable.

And if you would like more camping tips and information please go to http://campingtipsandinfo.blogspot.com/
By: Rhonda Percell - Wife, Mother of 3 and a Happy Camper!

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Dutch Oven Recipes For Camping Trips

By Carolyn Whitley

Camping can be great fun, especially if it is combined with awesome food. Consider some of these winning Dutch oven recipes that you can cook for your family or friends during your camping trips.

Beef Meat Loaf
Ingredients:
4 pounds of pure ground beef
2 cups of bread crumbs or flour
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons of salt
3 eggs, beaten well
Ketchup
1 cup milk
Half tablespoon of pepper

Procedure:
In a container, combine the beef, onion, salt, eggs and pepper and half the bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly. Roll into a log shape, and cover with remaining bread crumbs. Well grease the dutch oven and then put the meat mixture in. Put the lid on the oven and place in the coals of the fire and leave for about an hour and a half. Take the lid off and add the ketchup and brown sugar. Then place the lid back on and cook for a further 15 minutes. If the fire is too hot, the dinner will burn, so make sure you cook your meat loaf in the coals and not the fire.

Pineapple Delight Cake
1 pack cake mix, yellow
3 pieces of eggs, beaten
1 can pineapple slices
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar, brown or white
1 and ½ cup of pineapple juice
8 pieces cherries

Procedure:
Melt the butter in Dutch oven. Place the pineapple slices over the bottom of the dutch oven and place a cherry on top of each piece of pineapple. Follow the instructions for making up the cake mix and then pour the cake mix over the pineapple and cherries. Place the oven in the coals of the fire to cook for half an hour. Let it cool slightly inside the oven after baking and before serving. While cooking, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. Enjoy.

Sausage Gravy
Ingredients:

Procedure:
Add the flour to the butter in your hot skillet until it becomes brown. Add water or milk to the flour to thin it, then add pepper and salt. Continue stirring the mixture until it regains its thick constancy. Add the sausage or processed meat product to the mixture.

Wild Turkey
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey
1 pound of pork sausage
6 cups of bread crumbs
Bacon
Onions
Poultry spices

Procedure:
Cover the turkey with seasoning and other poultry spices. Meanwhile, fry the onions and pork sausage in your oven. Then combine this mixture with the bread crumbs. Stuff the turkey with this and put in the dutch oven and bake for 3 and half hours.
These Dutch oven recipes are so easy to make and taste great, and you'll have the family asking for more. Camping is an excellent time to encourage the kids to do some of the cooking as well.

Although fires are fun, remember that children need to be supervised at all times.

My name is Carolyn and I've been on many camping trips. If you enjoy camping, then you should still have great tasting food. When using a dutch oven and some dutch oven recipes you will be sure to have food that tastes as good as you make at home.

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Outdoor Survival - Camping Tent and Hiking Tips

By Kristina Cramarossa  

Outdoor Survival:
When you are planning for your next camping tent or hiking trip, typically you find yourself going through a checklist. Making sure you have your camping tent, backpack, pocketknife, food and even more items depending on the type of trip you are going on. The one thing some people do not do before their trip is re-familiarizing themselves with simple survival tips. Most of these tips could be the difference between life and death.
Before going out on your hike to explore the nature around you, make sure you have scanned your surroundings. Be aware of any mountains, hills, or any other major landmarks around you and the camping tent site. When beginning your hike try to stay around a valley, river or mountainside if possible. Just by doing this it will help keep you going in the same direction. The next step seems simple enough, keep track of time. Make sure you are aware of the time when you leave your campsite. By doing this you will know what rate you are hiking at and then by the time you reach your destination you know exactly how far you are from the camp site. If you have a GPS make sure it is in good condition and you are very familiar with all its settings.

If by chance of you do get lost the first, do not panic! This will not solve the situation and will cause you to lose energy that could be used towards other things. Sit down regain your thoughts. Think back and try to retrace your steps. Ask yourself, what direction did I come from? Can I get back? How long have I been lost? Once you have come up with a game plan try to find a place high where you can see your surroundings, search for a river, familiar areas or even signs of civilization. You are probably asking yourself, should I stay or should I keep moving? In order to answer this question, you want to make sure that you have a shelter to protect yourself. Next if no one is aware of your camping tent trip then it may take awhile before they begin a search. Look around and see if a signal could be seen from your location. If most of these cannot be answered then it is probably in your best interest to keep moving.

A good rule of thumb is walk away from the mountains, because most likely they may lead you to a road or trail. As you are walking try to leave hints and signals along the way. This will give anyone who could be searching for you hints and signals. Leaving parts of clothing, make arrows out of sticks or rocks are great ways to let searches know what direction you are heading in. This will also help them know you are still alive.
If you know that there will be people searching for you, hurry and find a safe and obvious place where you could have the best chances of a rescue. Try to find a shining or flashy object that could be seen if held against the light. This could be seen for sure by an airplane or a helicopter. Move the mirror or object back and forth so that the reflection could be noticed easily. Another life saving technique is building a fire. There are two types of fire to build for different times of the day. During the daylight make a smoky type fire using wet, damp and green materials. At night make a bright blazing fire using all dry materials. Most people try to yell and scream but end up losing their voice. Instead of using our voice try banging pots and pans they will really echo, much louder than your voice. If you had a whistle that would be even better.

No matter how many precautions someone can take there is always the possibility of getting lost or turned around. Always make sure you are aware of the places you are going and someone knows the details of your trip. There are always more outdoor survival tips you can take on your journey and this article just names a few. Always make sure you are prepared for your camping tent or hiking adventures.

Kristina C. Camping is my life and a great way to spend quality time with my family.
[http://www.tentadventure.com]

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Camping Gadgets - The Effects Of Technology On Camping

By Justin Mountford

"I can't get reception"
Is this really something you want to hear when you go camping? With mobile phone reception pushing further and further inland it's almost possible to make a phone call anywhere. Add satellite reception and you've almost got 100% coverage. Is this really a good thing? On one hand I'd say no.
I believe that camping should be about getting "back to basics". However, is my definition of "basic" antiquated?
There are a number of times where you really want mobile coverage. Getting reception means you can access help a lot quicker than before, this could even lead to saving lives. You can easily contact people if they get lost and you can check weather updates and more. Clearly, being able to use a mobile phone improves your chances of survival and reduces some of the risk involved with long range hiking or adventuring. Or is that part of the excitement?

Self-reliance
Some camping gadgets have come a full circle. Batteries used to power all our devices, like phones, torches, cameras etc. However now the trend is now towards self-reliance. Wind up and solar technology is leading the "charge" (pun intended). We expect out gadgets to now work without having to continuously run back to home to charge them up. I believe this is a good thing. Solar power is now getting the level of efficiency that whole villages can run basic devices from only a small array. Wind up technology means we will always have light and access to a radio.

What is basic camping?
There was a time when basic camping meant, shelter, a sleeping bag and some food. Now we have iPads, light weight synthetic sleeping bags, high powered headlamps, night vision and high tech lightweight tents.
Basic it seems is over. Or is it? Some say this is simply progress.
Why would you want to sleep on the ground, why would you want your basic shelter to blow away and why would you want to not eat just because you can't start a fire? Camping gadgets are designed to help in these situations and thus help us enjoy camping more. I don't think these gadgets detract us from the experience, I think they enhance it!

Limits
Of course there are limits. When does camping simply become moving your house from one spot to another? The very essence of camping is to enjoy, get in touch with and embrace the great outdoors not colonise the area and move on. The perfect camp is a minimal impact camp where it's difficult to tell if you were even there. There's no point in going camping if all you're going to do is setup a TV and a Playstation and not move.
No doubt chainsaws, multi tools, special tents and solar power make camping easy, but let's not get too carried away. It's still fun to chop down a tree, it's still fun to stay around the fire for hours and it's still fun to sit around and talk.

Justin is the founder of Campingeek.com a place where gadgets and the great outdoors coexist. Discover camping gadgets like the ultimate wearable sleeping Bag at Campingeek.com

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Camping During the Four Seasons

By Brian P Hughes

 
Summer
Summer is the most popular camping season, simply because the weather is nice and warm. Also, families can take advantage of their children being out school. As you can imagine, most campgrounds and campsites are more crowded during the summer, so if it is possible to make reservations, you will definitely want to plan in advance.
It is also important to be aware of potential health problems that can come along with camping during the summer. Being exposed to the heat and sun can offer a wide array of problems, ranging from sunburn to dehydration to heatstroke.
Here are a few tips for a healthy summer camping trip:

• Make sure you have enough water and stay hydrated.
• Wear loose fitting and light colored clothing.
• Avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day. Do your hiking during the mornings and evenings and save the afternoons for something less strenuous or even a swim to cool off.
• Make sure you know the warning signs and proper first aid for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• If you find yourself feeling tired, do not hesitate to rest for as long as you need.
• If possible, set up your campsite in the shade.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other disease-carrying pests.
• Eat small, light meals.

Winter
Camping during the winter can be very challenging, but even so, many people enjoy it. There is something rewarding about knowing you braved the winter elements to take part in an exciting adventure. Of course, there are some advantages to camping in the winter; gorgeous scenery, less wildlife to protect yourself against, less crowded campgrounds, and the potential to take part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboard to name a few.
As with summer, winter campers want to be safe and make their health a top priority. Here are a few tips for a safe winter camping trip:

• Make sure you have enough water and stay hydrated, even if you aren't thirsty. You can become dehydrated from cold winter air just as easily as you can in the heat.
• Prevent your water from freezing. Bring a bottle cover or keep your water bottles in a sock.
• Bring rain gear to avoid getting wet. Also, bring a change of clothes in case you do get wet.
• Stay moving to generate body heat.
• Add more complex carbohydrates to your diet. They will give you more energy and help keep you warm.
• Wear layers so that you may adjust them as needed.
• If you feel yourself getting too cold, immediately take whatever necessary precautions to warm up.

Spring and Fall
Many people choose to go camping in the transitional seasons - spring and fall - for many reasons. Generally, the weather is not too hot or too cold, and campsites aren't too crowded. Also, you can't beat the scenery, whether you want to take in the colors of the changing leaves in fall or the blooming flowers in spring.
Of course, there are always exceptions. The key to camping in any season is to be prepared and don't make assumptions. Keep an eye on weather reports for the area where you will be camping. If you can, pack extra supplies just in case. Always stay alert and make health and survival your top priority.

From the time I was little, I've always loved the outdoors. I grew up in a family where appreciation for nature's beauty was a value drilled into us nearly as often as "Say please. My name is Brian Hughes and my wife Bec and I are the founders of Tuckerman Outfitters LLC. When we started this business, we saw it as a chance to share our love of nature with other outdoor enthusiasts like you. We're passionate about adventurous living, and we hope you are too. In short, Tuckerman Outfitters isn't just our business; it's personal. We care about the outdoors, and we care about you. That's reflected in the products we offer and the level of service we provide. We love helping others to enjoy nature's gifts just as we do.

So get outside. Get moving. And get your gear at http://www.TuckermanOutfitters.com
Brian Hughes

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Tips For Enjoying Your Next Camping Trip

  

By Ashlee Werts

 

Nothing can compare to the perfect camping trip. However, when you do not have the appropriate equipment while camping, your time spent in the wilderness can be miserable and highly uncomfortable. Follow these tips about choosing camping equipment online for making sure you experience getting back to nature in an enjoyable manner.
Your sleeping arrangement while camping is an important factor in your trip being the most enjoyable. If you do not have a comfortable place to sleep, your trip can certainly end up being less than desirable. Choose the tent that is easy to put up while also being protective and sturdy. Always choose a tent that offers enough room for the number of people sleeping in it.

While quality sleeping bags can be warm and comfortable, you might also consider the addition of an air mattress in your tent. Choosing an air mattress means choosing one made from durable and long lasting materials. Check the warranty you get with some brands for making sure you get a quality product. You might also think about taking along lanterns and flashlights with fresh batteries.

In addition to making sure you sleep comfortably while camping, you might also think about meal preparation. Cooking over an open fire may have a certain appeal, but being able to light a portable propane stove quickly does as well. This is especially important on the camping trip you take with your kids.

Taking along the cooking equipment you need for making fast and easy meals is important. This equipment includes the cookware as well. Choosing the right pots for brewing coffee and pans for frying fresh fish can help you to have the meal you imagined while out in the woods. Check online at camping supply retailers for complete sets of appropriate outdoor cookware.

Hiking is great fun and an invigorating way to enjoy the natural settings you are surrounded by during your trip. Being prepared for a day of hiking is especially important. Selecting a lightweight back pack is important. However, be sure to select on that has separate spaces for all the snacks you may need while on the trail.
Shopping for your next camping trip can be great fun. The anticipation of a weekend in the woods can be an awesome feeling. The stress you can let go of is the greatest benefit of camping, so make sure you get all the equipment you need for making it the perfect, stress free excursion.

You can find a brief summary of the things to keep in mind when buying camping equipments online and visit our virtual store to view our selection of cooking accessories, now.

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Wilderness Camping - The Ultimate Challenge of Survival

By Robert Joe Wallace

 
For people who like a challenge and think they are independent, wilderness camping will be the ultimate test. Camping for fun or recreational camping will be great. You can explore the outdoors, go fishing, hunting, or just plain relax. Wilderness camping well that is a different story.

Wilderness Camping is Dangerous
If you would like the challenge, go for it. If you decide to go out in the wilderness, you will be on your own. There won't be much of a safety net, so prepare yourself. Those who don't prepare for the challenge will regret it if they are lucky enough to survive.
Don't depend on luck; understand the environment and the wildlife around you.
When you are out in the wilderness, you are just another animal. In the wilderness, there are only two types of animals, predators and prey. If you go to fish or to hunt, you will be a predator.

Predators compete for food. Keep this in mind and be prepared to defend yourself and your food supply. The rules of nature are survival of the fittest. If you don't prepare yourself well, you will change from a predator to prey in a heartbeat.

Tips to Surviving a Wilderness Challenge
If you still think you want to accept the challenge of wilderness camping here are some tips to get you off on the right foot.

1. Study the environment. Get as much information about the terrain and the weather patterns for the time you plan to camp. This information will help you to bring the necessary equipment for your trip.
2. Learn first aid. In most cases, you will want to go beyond first aid. You can find many books and articles on both. Remember, there won't be any medical facilities readily available. You may have to treat yourself or your fellow campers for a lengthy amount of time.
3. Know the three requirements for survival. Food, water, and shelter, how to find them and how to shelter yourself. If you have to abandon you're equipment in an extreme emergency, you will need to find these items to save yourself and others.
4. Keep Your Location Known. Let other people know where you plan to camp, the route you are planning to take and how long you plan to stay. This information will be crucial if you get hurt and have to hunker down until help arrives.
5. Carry a GPS locator. Most important, take emergency equipment locators with you, you can find GPS locators and other types of emergency equipment on the Internet or in most equipment stores.

Keep these things in mind and you will have an adventure and stories to tell that you will remember for the rest of your life. Prepare yourself and you will get hooked on wilderness camping or you will hate it. In either case, memories will be your reward.

Robert enjoys many business ventures and sharing his passion with others. As a businessman, he always has new projects going. Visit his latest adventure at http://officefurnitureforthehome.net/ where he shares his knowledge of Computer Home Furniture

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10 Mistakes People Make While Hiking and Camping in Bear Country

By Karleen Lindsey

Summer is the time for campers, hikers and bears alike to get out and enjoy the weather, the peace of the mountains, and the freedom of the open space. But if you're camping in bear country, don't make these mistakes that could cost you your life or at the least, your camping gear and food:

1. Leave home without any containers for hanging food and other odorous things in or rope for hanging the container. Without hanging your food, toothpaste, even deodorant in a container from a tree 100 yards away from your camp, you may wake up to find your camp site ransacked and your food gone.

2. Leave home without bear spray. This is a precaution that is fairly cheap and could save your life. Even having 2 or more cans of this spray is worthwhile. One should always be on your person and another should be in the campsite, especially in your tent at night.

3. Spray the campsite with bear spray. Bear spray is not a repellant. It will not keep bears away and in fact might even attract them if sprayed in camp. They are naturally curious animals and attracted to strange smells. It is only to be used in case of a potential bear attack and then sprayed straight in it's face.

4. Set up camp right next to a berry patch or spawning stream. These may be frequented feeding grounds for bears and should be avoided.

5. Wear the same clothes to bed that you wore while cooking and eating your dinner by the fire. Bears have an amazing sense of smell and will follow the scent of food into your tent and directly to you.

6. Walk quietly through areas where bears are known to dwell. Suddenly coming across a bear who did not hear you coming could lead to disaster. Just like people, bears don't like to be startled and may choose to fight rather than run at this point. If you are hiking and making plenty of noise through singing, talking or clapping, a bear will hear you coming and will most likely choose to get as far away from you as possible.

7. Bury garbage in or near your campsite. All garbage should be hauled out of your camping area by way of containers that are well sealed to keep in the odor. Bears will smell garbage buried in the ground and will dig it up.

8. Go off hiking alone without any bear spray or other weapon. Sometimes it is nice to go off by yourself when you're out in the back country to clear your head and be alone with God, but remember to take your bear spray and sing loudly as you go to wherever it is you are going. Being alone is great, but not at the risk of losing your life after startling a bear and her cubs. It might be better to find a place near camp to claim as your own meditation spot, close enough for others to hear if you need assistance.

9. Run away from a threatening bear. If you think you can make it to a tree to climb, forget it. Bears are faster than you and can climb trees. The best thing to do is hold your ground, talk quietly and back away, always keeping an eye on the bear. Bears will usually make a bluff run at something they feel threatened by. This would be the time to use your bear spray. The fear of seeing a bear running towards you is something that is difficult to imagine unless you've experienced it, but keep remembering that it is most likely a bluff charge and when it is within about 30 feet, spray once. If it continues to come toward you, spray again at a closer range. Just keep remembering that you can't outrun a bear, nor can you fight it and win, so the bear spray is your only hope with a charging bear. Stand your ground and keep spraying.

10. Go hiking without telling anyone where you are going or when you plan on returning. It is always important to tell someone where you are going, even if you are not going alone. A situation could come up where trouble befalls your entire hiking group and if you have not returned by your estimated time, a search party will know where to begin looking for you.
Bear attacks are very rare, but they do happen. It is better to be prepared and never encounter a threatening bear than to not be prepared and run into a situation you have no way of getting out of. Be safe out there and enjoy the beauty God has given us.

About this Author

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Wilderness Survival Preparation Tips

 By Aaron Aberson

Before you begin your trip into the wilderness, there are some basic skills you must learn. There are four basic needs that must be met to survive. Warmth, water, sleep and food must be provided for wilderness survival.
It can be very challenging to maintain body warmth at night in some areas. You should be well prepared for any trip or situation that may have you in a cold area. The human body has a very narrow temperature range. You must maintain your temperature in that range for survival.
Water makes up the majority of the human body. Although you can survive for a day or two without water, you should not wait until you are out of water before you start looking.
A lack of sleep can greatly affect your cognitive ability. You may experience hallucinations and be unable to make a rational decision as to your wilderness survival.
Humans can go without food for a couple of weeks. Food may not be your first priority, but considering that you are using many calories on your trek, you will need an adequate amount of food to maintain your stability.
Wilderness survival requires a great deal of preparedness. You need to prepare for the worst case scenario and hope it doesn't happen. Be sure you have the right gear with you. Learn what would be the proper equipment for your trip. Your requirements for a week long backpacking trip will vary greatly from a day trip on the trails. You have to be prepared.
Carry a map of the area with you. Study the land before you see it. Refresh your navigation skills and have the skills necessary for using a map and a good compass. Wilderness survival is your main concern. By learning the lay of the land before you leave, your adventure will be a lot more enjoyable.
Never go out on a trip without letting someone know where you are going. They need to know your route, your destination and the expected return time. There are services that will call family and/or friends if you do not return on schedule or within a reasonable time frame.
It is much easier to survive in good weather. Before you leave on your trip, check with the local weather forecast online or at least watch the predictions on the evening news the night before. If you are choosing to go into the wild in winter, be sure you are prepared and have brushed up on winter survival skills.
To prepare yourself you might also take survival courses and learn what you need to do to make your trip an enjoyable one. Your preparation can save your life and the more you learn, the better your chances for survival will be. Hiking or backpacking in winter in cold climates is not the best idea for a novice heading into the woods. Also, it is best to take a few daytime backpacking trips before you venture into the week long variety of survival treks.
Don't stop learning about survival procedures. Practice your skills as often as you can before you take the trip out to the wild. It is important to remember that the responsibility for wilderness survival is ultimately that of the traveler.

About this Author

Copyright Aaron Aberson. For more on wilderness survival, and to get the free version of the book "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets," visit http://www.the-ultralight-site.com.
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Tent Camping

By Robert Tannery

 Camping Tips for a better Family Experience
Tent Camping can be a lot of fun for families, friends, fishing anglers & hunters and it doesn't matter where you are tent camping at, if you have not put together a checklist of essentials to bring with you then you will find out that your camping experience can turn primitive fast, depending on where you are planning to camp. A tent camping checklist is a must prior to leaving on your journey to wherever your destination of choice may be, how long are you planning on staying, how many people are in your group and what type of facilities are available. For example, the place you are going, some resorts and state parks offers tent camping and in most cases they will have showers, bathrooms & local stores available in the event you forgot something or are you going to be tent camping on a mountain miles away from civilization, these are very important questions to ask yourself.

We are a society of convenience and its bad when you forgot something so simple but extreme, like toilet paper, well this is just one item. How many more things can you think of now with this thought in mind? That's why having a tent camping check list that has everything from your tent, small rope for hanging lights and tying down things like your tent. And don't forget sleeping bags, folding chairs,  right type of clothing depending on the weather, proper footwear, do you have a rainsuit for everybody, food, drinks, cooking utensils, portable gas stove or grill. Is there water readily available for washing dishes or are you doing paper plates. Remember trash bags, lighting is it gas, electric or battery operated, a portable table for feeding the family and matches for a fire. Are you planning to go fishing, hunting or hiking? Then remember items needed for those hobbies.
Oh, don't forget the camera this is one of the most important items that is forgotten, your forever memories.

 By now, you are probably thinking, gee's we are only going to be gone for a weekend, do I really need all of this stuff, is my vehicle going to be big enough or will I need a trailer? It's your call because everyone is different some don't give a hoot and like to ruff it, it doesn't matter if they take a shower or brush their teeth and don't even need a portable potty, most of us can't live without these essentials to go tent camping. Remember this is your extended home for the weekend or however long you intend to stay and you will be surprised with the proper packing a lot will fit in all of your compartments of your vehicle.
 
Tent Camping is a way for all of us to break away from the dreaded JOB and releases all of the stresses we have acquired. And a vacation will give you a break from reality for you and the entire family, but without planning and having a good checklist that applies to your situation can be a disaster and leave you thinking, "Why did we decide to do this tent camping thing in the first place?" On the bright side with the proper planning ahead of time, it can be the most memorable experience for the entire family or friends to last a lifetime. There are millions of people that get out in the great outdoors each year to enjoy nature at its best tent camping.

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Tent Camping Tips for Worry-Free Camping

By GA Anderson,

Whether it's your first camping weekend, or your one-hundredth, outdoor tent camping can and should be a great adventure that you remember for its high-points - not its disappointments. Experienced campers know what to expect and what to prepare for, but can still be surprised by a simple camping tip they never thought of. For new campers, their first few camping trips can make or break their desire to continue camping. These simple and mostly common-sense tips will help new campers get off to a good start, and might even contain a suggestion or two for the experienced camper.

 Know your camping area: Tent Camping is all about being prepared, and you can't be prepared if you don't know what to expect. It's not enough to just know whether it's a mountain or lowland campsite, or whether it will be hot or cold, you should know the type of terrain in the area, and typical weather expectations. Knowing the campsite has amenities, like; water, electric, and bathroom facilities is important, but it also helps to know where, when, and how much. Such as; the bathrooms are a mile from your campsite, or there is one water source for the whole camp-ground, or electric is available, but you can only use one extension cord. Campsite restrictions can also play a major role in your preparations. Your anticipation of great campfire meals will turn to major disappointment when you arrive and find that open campfires are not allowed.

 Be prepared: Knowing the above information will help you decide what camping gear and equipment you need to take, and how much to take. It's not just the proper and expected items and amounts for your planned outing, but also what you might need for the "unplanned." For instance; you planned for one clothing change per day -what happens when you get an unplanned soaking from rain or a missed step crossing a creek, or you brought enough camping stove fuel for normal camping conditions, but it's colder and windier than you expected -requiring extra fuel that you didn't bring. Are there: mosquitoes, flies, and bugs, or snakes and camp-invading varmints? You will be miserable if you didn't prepare for them.

 Check and double-check: Most experienced campers have, and use, camping checklists that they have refined over time to match their camping style and needs. It is especially important for new campers to use them too. It only takes one forgotten item, large or small, to ruin all or part of your camp-out. Your camp stove looks great on the table, but it won't do you much good if you forgot the fuel connector for the propane bottle, and imagine your surprise when you are ready to start dinner and realize that the fully-stocked and organized camp food cooler is sitting on the garage floor back home, instead of with the rest of the camping gear -where you assumed it was. Check it when you organize it, and double-check it when you pack it on-board. These are only the basics. Each area has so much more to it that the details provide ample fodder for scores of camping books for each one. No matter what method you find that works for you, as long as you find one, if you cover these three areas of preparation, your chances of having a great and memorable outdoor camping trip will be a lot better than those that don't.

 For more information, including; step-by-step trip planning tips and free printable camping checklists, check out Gus' article on Planning an Outdoor Camping Trip. GA Anderson is an online author and avid outdoorsman whose lifelong camping adventures include week-long bear hunting camps -starting when he was eight years old, to over 7 years camping experience as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America. To see more outdoor camping articles, guides, and tips -complete with Free printable camping checklists, and Free PDF camping guides, visit Campingwithgus.com where he write as "Gus." Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=GA_Anderson Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6614483