Everyone had to start somewhere and we all have made plenty of mistakes along the way. It is normal...as a normal part of life we learn from our mistakes along the way as they say.....
Here are some helpful tips from myself and some of the mistakes that I have made along the way.
Make a Reservation:
For some crazy reason I was under the impression that I could show up with my tent, supplies, and get right into a camping spot. Well, I was wrong you need to make a reservation. Campgrounds book up very quickly especially on the weekends. Do yourself a favor and book a campsite in advance. If you are looking for a weekend spot you might have to book up to six months in advance.
Set Your Equipment Up:
Ok...not joking with this one. So I bought a tent and thought ok that looks super easy and will go up with a breeze. NOT the case I wanted to cry on the first camping trip that we took as a family because I could not get the tent up. They had invented these little stick like things that you put together and WOW. So practice putting your tent up first. Put it up in the backyard...the living room. I don't think it really matters but don't practice when you get to your site.
Food / Drink Prep:
A bag of ice does melt faster then you think when camping. You food will spoil and your drinks will not remain cold. Fill up some used plastic bottles about half way with water and freeze them before you go. They will act as little ice coolers and help keep your ice longer. Also, do not...I say do not put anything that is not already cold into your cooler as it will melt that ice faster then you can believe.
If you can and I do advice to prepare as much food ahead of time as possible. It is really hard to cut up things and mix in bowls when you are starting out and you don't have many supplies
Watch what you Spend:
If you are not sure that you want to go camping or that you will even like camping don't waist your money. If you don't need a portable grill don't by one find a campground that offers on-site grills. I went crazy shopping for camping items that I could have brought half of from home and saved myself a small fortune.
Don't Forget the Small Things:
Make a list ahead of time of what you will need for your food preparation and camping supplies. Make sure you check off the items as you pack. Remember that you might need paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, oh yea and your toothbrush. Bring a Hammer you might need it to put the tent stakes in the ground...that ground can be hard.
Stay Warm:
Don't forget that it might be 95 degrees during the day but it can get ice cold at night. You are sleeping under the stars and temperatures can drop. So bring layers..jackets..sweaters...and yes even hats. Bring a warm sleeping bag and an extra blanket too.
Bring a Flashlight:
You may not need a lantern but some campsites can be extra dark at night with no lighting available..that's the point of camping. Check your batteries and bring your flashlight. You will probably have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and you don't want to fall in a hole. Don't forget to pack your tent..I know it sounds crazy but people do forget the tent in the rush of packing everything else.
Most of all HAVE FUN:
Camping is a way of relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors. Not for you to get all stressed out and not enjoy yourself. Don't overthink things just be prepared. Put that phone away for one day...and enjoy the great outdoors and all that camping has to offer you!
