Camping Out Ideas
What are your best camping tips for a novice camper?
I am going to a B&B, but they have a wide expanse of camping grounds, which is where a group of us (4) will be staying. They also have tent rentals, wood, access to a grill, and bathrooms. Since I'm a novice, I wanted to start this way. What should I bring? What should I know? I would love your expertise! Love, WIld Girl Wannabe
Public Comments
- Bring along as little as possible. Air mattress under blankets or sleeping bags are much more comfortable than cots and take up less room while traveling. You will also need a small Coleman propane stove for cooking. Bugs are always a problem, so bring along bug lotion or spray and plastic wrap to keep food easily covered. Lots of dirt and debris gets tracked into tents, so a small plastic whisk broom and dustpan are most helpful. A large inexpensive door mat in front of the tent entrance really helps to keep the dirt down. Bring TWO large igloo coolers along. One is never enough. A fold-up camp chair for everyone is necessary. And, a nice camp light or lantern is needed. Keep the entrance flap closed and secured at night to keep critters from coming inside. They will try. Two big bungee cords are good for securing down a plastic tablecloth from the wind at both ends of a picnic table. Bring along a 30-50 foot length of plastic rope or clothes-line cord for a clothes line. Don't leave any valuables in the tent whenever you leave the campsite, even to use the restrooms. Keep valuables locked up inside your vehicle. Park your vehicle not so much for added privacy, but to block traffic from accidentally plunging into your tent.
- Bring bug spray to keep from getting bitten but don't walk around the campsite swatting at bugs like you'll create a bug-free zone. It's a lost cause. Only unzip your tent when you are coming in and out, the rest of the time it should stay zipped to keep bugs out. Wear something you don't mind getting dirty cuz it's always a possibility. Bring some newspaper and dryer lint and collect kindling to start a fire. Keep the paper in your car if stored overnight since the morning dew will make it moist and hard to light in the morning. If you're having a fire I wouldn't bother with the grill, charcoal is messy, takes time to prepare to cook on, and to me campfire food is way better. Don't forget a flashlight, chairs, a towel, shower shoes for the bathroom!
