Just like every other project, you have to pick a starting point to plan your camping trip.
That starting point includes deciding where to go and what you want to do when you get there.
It sounds simple and it really is, so don't try to complicate it.
Almost everything you need to know is based on common sense.
Of course there are some basics that will become habits as you gain experience, and I'll get you started with the first basic as you read on.
One of the biggest time savers is planning.
If you plan your first few camping trips well, you'll be surprised at how little planning you will eventually have to do to be completely organized and well prepared for just about anything you'll encounter.
You can be confident that anyone can plan and execute a successful camping trip.
I guarantee it! In fact, deciding where to go and what you'll do when you get there can be one of the best parts of the whole experience.
As you begin your planning, you'll want to start by simply asking yourself a few key questions like: What is my primary reason for going camping? o...
as a getaway vacation o...
for exercise o...
family togetherness o...
hiking and exploration What do I want to see? o National Parks o Historical sites o Magnificent scenery o Wildlife o Remote wilderness Where do I want to go? o Mountains o Seashore o Desert o Lakes or Rivers o Hiking Trails I'm sure you can come up with your own list of what you want to see and do, but this can give you a place to start.
Since you will be camping, the time of the year, terrain and weather conditions will play a big role in what your choices can be.
How you pack for the trip and what you will need to bring with you is critical to your being prepared for the conditions you will be dealing with.
If it's likely to be wet or cold, your choice of shelters, clothing and supplies will all be affected.
It's nothing that you can't prepare for, but you will want to bring what you need for the conditions you will be facing.
One of the best resources for what to take and what you can expect when you get to your destination is someone who has been there before.
There are Forums where you can ask other campers about their experiences and recommendations.
Being able to converse with someone who has recently been to the National Park, Campground or wilderness area where you are planning to go, can give you accurate information that you cannot get in any other way.
The brochures never tell you the whole story and getting an insider's firsthand account of the physical conditions and details on what you can expect can remove some of the surprises and make your trip the vacation you were hoping for.
Simple things like where to stay, what reservations you will need, what activities you will want to take advantage of and which ones you should avoid or not bother with are all things that someone with recent personal experience can provide.
Of course you will want to obtain current maps of the area where you will be camping as well as the latest road maps for your trip especially if the destination is new to you.
You will definitely want to plan your route carefully and if weather is an issue you can get the latest road conditions from your auto club.
Since you never know when an emergency situation might occur, you will want to know where the nearest hospital emergency room is located.
It is also a good idea to inform someone you know and trust of your camping plans with details of where you will be and when you plan to return.
Being prepared for emergencies also includes having the appropriate first aid supplies and a basic knowledge of CPR.
As I mentioned in the beginning, most of what you need to know about camping is common sense.
Being as prepared as you can be for the conditions and situations that you might face will help make your camping experience a good one.
There are very few times when you will need to take advantage of your "what if" preparations, but knowing that you are prepared will help to alleviate any concerns you might have.