Camping Information and Tips for the beginner

Had it with the "rat race"? Got time off but not much cash to
spend? Losing touch with your family? Sounds like an
old-fashioned campout is just what you need.

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time
getting reacquainted with your family. Great family camping
getaways are easy to plan and inexpensive vacation options.
Nature is everywhere, so you don't need to travel far for your
camping trip. You can journey to a national park, drive to a
local campground, or pitch a tent in your own backyard.

Camping 101 begins with the planning. This part of the trip is
half the fun. Call a family meeting to decide where you'd like
to go. Depending on your budget, you can plan to load up the
trunk with tents and sleeping bags, pull a camper or drive an
RV. The point is to treat your family to an unforgettable
outdoor adventure, so it doesn't matter how you plan to camp or
where you intend to go.

If you are new to the camping experience, it's probably a good
idea to start out slow. Book a weekend campsite to get the feel
for the camping lifestyle. Get used to cooking over a wood fire
and sharing your space with wildlife, before you venture too
far away from the comforts of home. Many campgrounds provide
fun activities like pools, playgrounds, fishing or recreational
boating, so check your local listings to see what adventures lie
ahead.

Once your kids (and you) recover from the shock of having no
television or Internet access, you'll all have an eye-opening
experience. You'll realize the nature is fun. Camping opens the
doors to a world of new activities, like swimming, rock diving,
boating, fishing, hiking, catching butterflies, searching for
fossils, and going wherever your energy level and imagination
can take you. Campgrounds and remote parks are all filled with
wonderful ways to enjoy the best nature has to offer. If you
want to boat or water ski, many campsites offer these and other
items for rent.

Don't expect to bring along your everyday dinnerware and
automatic coffeepot for your campout. Remember, you will be
roughing it, so pack accordingly. Bring plastic dishes and
cutlery that can be washed and reused, but won't break in
transit. Make sure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows and
extra clothes. Pack the food you'll need, plus a little extra,
and keep a supply of ice on hand for perishables like meat and
dairy. If you're bringing tins of beans, remember a manual can
opener or pack your Swiss army knife. If you're not sure what
to bring, ask an associate at your local sporting store to help
you choose your camping needs. Call on friends who like to camp,
and ask them for advice.

Just like your old scoutmaster used to say, "Always be
prepared". Make a list and check it three times before you
leave on your camping trip. Make sure that there is enough food
and fresh water for everyone. Bring food that can be easily
prepared on your campsite. Pack clothing for all kinds of
weather. Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items.
Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring
along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and
makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn't care what you look like.
She just wants you to enjoy your stay.

About The Author: Michael Davis writes for several Internet
magazines, including http://recreation-help.com and
http://best-recreation.com