Camping - Get Those Tents Up!

Have you ever thought you might like to try a totally different vacation? Is the cost of your vacation this year a problem? Did you know that a week long Camping Vacation for a family of four can work out to under a $1000.

That sounds pretty good eh! Can you smell that fresh air go on fill your lungs with it and oh! what's that lovely smell, somebody's cooking up a treat... it always smells better outdoors don't you think?

Then you have the glorious sunset and after that why not get together with your neighboring campers for a story telling session and singsong round the campfire. If you thought a Camping Vacation would be 'roughing it' and 'hard work' then think again, yes it will take some planning but that's half the fun and it won't be that much work.

First things first though - location. There are excellent locations in the State Parks for camping e.g. Ocean View Resort Ocean View NJ and many more, check them out on the Internet. Most of the parks have lakes for fishing boating and swimming and also hiking trails. If the kids are really lucky they might come across a deer or a raccoon.

Some have playgrounds and basketball courts so tell the kids to bring their toys etc. Also to be found in these parks are bathrooms and showers, drinking water, ice, trash containers and somewhere to do the dishes. The kids without realizing it can learn a bit of history as there are annual celebrations, events and festivals covering our outdoor heritage. Park Rangers provide security and some parks have outside movies at weekends.

So now you have found your destination the next step is your Camping Gear.

Now don't worry this does not have to be a daunting task, it can be made easy using the Internet. Obviously you will need a tent. You are probably best to pick a tent a bit larger than you need then you will have some available space. Make sure your tent is appropriate for the terrain and weather and use tent stakes that will secure your tent from blowing away in the wind. A Rain Fly is recommended, not only for rain protection, but also as a sun shield.

A tarp is a further means of protecting your gear, by using it under, in, or over your tent.

You probably won't be camping in cold weather, so consider a 3-season sleeping bag. These are ideal should the weather be colder at night and if they get too warm just unzip the zipper. Mom and Dad might like the sleeping bags that zip together, also consider a Sleeping Pad - as insulation from the cold ground. Pillows - the inflatable pillows are convenient, or your own from home but a rolled up towel or shirt will work too, a cot in case somebody needs to sleep off the ground. On mild summer nights you may prefer to sleep on top of your sleeping bag with a cozy comforter.

Now back to those lovely cooking smells. What to cook? Basically anything you eat at home. You can get 100's of Camping recipes off the Internet or why not make up your own. The kids will need proper sticks for hot dogs and marshmallows. A Dutch Oven is useful for baking anything that you would bake at home in a conventional oven. Bottled water is probably best for cooking and drinking, and don't forget the Cooler.

You will also need your basic pots and pans, and also include for each camper a plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, and spoon and don't forget the can opener. A lot of these items you will already have at home.

It is always best to be prepared so include a first aid kit with the following items - personal medication, bandages, aspirin, Tylenol, medical tape, sterile gauze, elastic wrap, antibiotic wipes, antiseptic cream, burn ointment, sunburn lotion, hydrogen peroxide, scissors, tweezers, eye wash and snake bite kit.

Don't forget your toothbrush, toilet paper etc., but avoid using hair sprays, perfumes etc., as the odor will attract bugs.

So tuck yourself into that sleeping bag, pleasant dreams under the stars and Happy Camping!

Guy Dacceo is the owner of camping camping which is the premier resource for camping information.

For more information go to: http://www.fjcamping.com

---

Stay Warm - A Backpacking Skill

Stay warm or die. That's what it comes down to... Read More

A Thumb Sketch Outline of Tanzania?s Attractions and National Parks

The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More

Camping For Fun

Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More

Viewpoints on Whale Watching in Hermanus!

If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More

Is There Such A Thing As A Romantic Camping Getaway In Minnesota?

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More

Bird Watching Tips

Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around... Read More

Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More

San Diego Beach Hikes ? Cardiff to Carlsbad

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More

Hiking from Your Own Home

Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More

Discount Lift Tickets - Learn what Colorado Ski Resorts Do Not Want You to Know!

How to get discount lift tickets for popular ski resorts... Read More

Maples for Autumn Colour

As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More

Sleeping Pads For Ultralight Backpackers

Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More

River Rafting in Washington State

The great state of Washington offers some of the best... Read More

New Technologies in Camping and Outdoor Clothing Enhance the Outdoor Experience

Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More

Greek Food

A meal in Greece is highlighted with a selection of... Read More

Discover Eaton Canyon In Pasadena California

Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena... Read More

Three Classic Hikes Abroad

Paul Scott Mower once said, "There is nothing like walking... Read More

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More

River Rafting in California

River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More

Zambia Safari Top Five National Parks

Zambia is Africa's best kept secret as far as safaris... Read More

Join the American Hiking Society

Have you taken up hiking as a new form of... Read More

Hiking Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in... Read More

How To Buy a Used RV - Part 2

The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a... Read More

Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off... Read More

Hiking Trails Mt. Washington Valley NH - Trekking trails USA

Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More

The Best Safari Company for Your Safari Trip - Heres How To Choose

Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More

Tom Sawyer Day - Floating Down The River

There were four of us on that first Tom Sawyer... Read More

Alaska Hunting Guide

WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise.... Read More

Navigating on the Mountain, in Water, or in Woods there is an eTrex Unit For You

Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Skills - A Three Day Test

On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More

Camping Stove Performance: Ease of Use & What to Avoid

Important information about camping stoves...What type of camping, hiking, or... Read More

Survival in the Wilderness: What to Do, What You Need

Summer is for picnics, hikes, outdoor concerts, barbeques ... and... Read More

Great Family Camping Trips Make Excellent Traditions

A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More