Hi everyone – It is true that I’m not an expert camper. I still learn more each time I go. However, if you’re contemplating taking your first camping trip this year, here are some tips that I’ve learned and wanted to share with you:
1. Always plan for rain - Even if the weather man says that there isn’t going to be a cloud in the sky, you should prepare for rain. Growing up in New England, I’ve learned this the hard way. It only takes a slight rainfall to soak everything you own and make your camping trip miserable. There isn’t much worse than listening to family members complain about wet clothes and soggy sleeping bags. Be sure to pack ponchos, waterproof matches, two tarps , as well as some back up clothing to ensure your family stays dry and comfy during your trip.
2. Use a checklist - You’d be surprised at how easy it is to forget something. Write it all down, ideally in a spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel. You can find many standard camping lists online as a good starting point and make adjustments for your own personal needs.
3. Set up your tent ahead of time – If you have just purchased your tent, be sure to set it up before you go on your trip. The benefits of this are two-fold. First, you will find it much more comfortable setting it up on your campsite if you’ve already done it once. You never know if you’ll be rushed to set it up due to an upcoming rain storm so the more practice the better. Second – You’ll see if there are any pieces missing or broken (this often happens with cheaper tents).
4. Don’t act like a gourmet chef – Yes, it is very possible to eat really well while camping. However, on your first trip I strongly suggest going easy at first. Bring hot dogs, hamburgers, deli meats and breakfast cereals. Cooking is different while camping, even if you bring a good camping stove. It won’t be your kitchen so you’ll likely feel out of sorts cooking outdoors. If you go simple everyone will end up satisfied and you won’t be frustrated while preparing it
5. Bring activities for the kids - Don’t come empty handed when it comes to the kids. Bring some simple activities for the kids, preferably ones the family can plan together. I suggest age-appropriate board games, binoculars for bird watching, a telescope for some night-time sky gazing. If the campground roads aren’t too busy with cars, bringing bicycles is also a good idea. Although I see the benefits, I think the any handheld video games or electronic toys should be left at home. This is an outdoors trip after all.
I’ve learned a few things during my familycampman quest. One of which is that many folks have some misconceptions about camping. These misguided fears often result in families that never experience the joys of camping.
Let me take a crack at busting those myths:
Camping is just for outdoorzy folks – This couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth. Most campers you’ll find are just normal everyday folks who just need to get away from their day-to-day lives. In addition, cabins and yurts (tent/cabin hybrid) make good first outdoor dwellings for those taking their first step into camping and fear the whole tent thing.
You can’t bring little kids - Anytime you’re in the woods you will need to keep a close eye on your little ones. However, you may find that toddlers can be very good campers. They’ll be fascinated with the trees, water and wildlife, as well as find sleeping bags just plain fun.
Camping is boring – Camping is what you make it. Activities can range from hiking, fishing, swimming, board games and star gazing. If you tend to be a socialite then invite some friends and you can have a great old time around the campfire after the kiddos go to bed.
Camping is expensive – While camping does have some upfront gear purchase requirements, you’ll find that the costs are far more affordable than a hotel. If you’re interested in RV camping, I suggest looking into rentals prior to buying. Also, site rates vary based on your requirements, but tent sites at state campgrounds can be as low as $6/night.
You’ll get attacked by a bear – Yes, there are animals in the woods and bears do exist in certain regions. However, in most areas you won’t see any dangerous animals (unless you’re scared of squirrels). However, if somehow you do find yourself in bear country, I suggest not attempting this :
Since starting my familycampman quest, I’ve encountered a challenge I didn’t expect – starting a campfire.
Whether the wood hasn’t been seasoned properly (a common problem, according to my buddies at thatscamping.com) or completely soaked from from a recent downpour, I just have had serious difficulties getting a fire started.
During one such occurrence, in a moment of complete desperation, I ran to the local store and despite my embarrassment and my injured male ego , I purchased some outdoor Duraflame starter logs.
I hate to say it, but these logs may have saved my familycampman quest. Amazingly enough, they worked out really well and burned for a couple hours. Without them, my wife and kids wouldn’t have enjoyed the campfire and therefore every future camping trip may have been in question.
One added benefits of these starter logs is that they don’t carry the bugs and diseases that are destroying trees everywhere. When you have a minute, visit dontmovefirewood.org to find out more about the dangers of bringing your own firewood to the campground.
Despite how effective, affordable and convenient they were I cannot help but feel that I’ve strayed away from the roughin’ it camping method that I grew up knowing. Did I cheat or just use another perfectly fine resource to help make a camping trip enjoyable? I tend to believe that using starter logs is fine as long as they’re designed for outdoor use. Regardless, I expect I’ll be using them on many camping trips in the future.
Thanks again for reading.
Eric
ps. Check out this video I found on youtube. It’s too funny. Now only if I had the skills of this young girl. I want it noted that I don’t encourage children to play with huge camping knifes or starting campfires on their own. Enjoy!
1. Always plan for rain - Even if the weather man says that there isn’t going to be a cloud in the sky, you should prepare for rain. Growing up in New England, I’ve learned this the hard way. It only takes a slight rainfall to soak everything you own and make your camping trip miserable. There isn’t much worse than listening to family members complain about wet clothes and soggy sleeping bags. Be sure to pack ponchos, waterproof matches, two tarps , as well as some back up clothing to ensure your family stays dry and comfy during your trip.
I’ve learned a few things during my familycampman quest. One of which is that many folks have some misconceptions about camping. These misguided fears often result in families that never experience the joys of camping.
One added benefits of these starter logs is that they don’t carry the bugs and diseases that are destroying trees everywhere. When you have a minute, visit 
