The Ultimate Camping Guide

I’ve been a camper for nine years now, so I think I can declare myself an aficionado when it comes to camping. Let me be very clear, camping involves a tent – not an RV – so my suggestions revolve around spending the night in a canvas covered abode, not a powered metal box on wheels. My experiences with tent-camping are also varied, from sleeping in a tent on warm summer nights to getting snowed on in a freak spring snowstorm.

Camping is a great way to explore the outdoors and take a frugal (or not so frugal) vacation. However, when I mention camping to some people, they become incredibly squeamish about the whole idea – the bugs, dirt, and animals freak them out. But it needn’t be that way.

Tips for the Squeamish

To get hesitant people out in the forest among the stars and trees, here are a few things that will lessen the “roughing it” experience:

• A tent large enough to stand-in. This isn’t a “must”, but it helps if the person feels like the tent is more “cabin-like.” If you are camping with family or friends, consider getting a large tent with ample space & rooms for comfort & privacy.
• An airbed. Getting them off the floor will eliminate the “ew” factor of bugs and dirt being near their heads (even though these things are outside the tent).
• A broom, mat, and extra towels. Reduce the amount of dirt from the campsite in the tent by laying out a mat outside the door, sweeping up the extra dirt and even the squeamish will be okay with tent camping.
• Choose a campsite that has running water and flush toilets. If you’re really trying to encourage camping as part of your family vacation, pick sites that have running water and flush toilets. Outhouses are a huge turnoff for the inexperienced camper.
• A mesh bug shelter for the picnic table. If bugs make your partner scream and do a jig, covering the picnic area with a mesh tent will lessen the annoyance.

Bare Bones Camping

I’ll admit that I’m not a bare bones camper. I started off with a few items and slowly added to my repertoire over the years to become an ultimate camper – it’s just more comfortable as I’ve gotten older.  But, when you’re first starting out, you don’t need a whole lot. Here are a few must-have’s to get started:

• An easy to set-up tent. It doesn’t need to be big, just large enough for the number of people sleeping in it.
• Sleeping bag. Choose one that’s warm enough for your region rated at least to 20-degrees. (We actually made the mistake of choosing ones that couldn’t cut the night-time temps in the mountains – chilly!)
• Small stove. A one or two burner stove to cook a few meals.
• Pots, pans, plates, etc. You can find small kits that include all the necessities that take up less space.
• Cooler. One large enough to hold food for a few days plus ice.
• Flashlight or lantern. Lights of some kind for the evening so you can make it around the campsite to your way to the bathroom in the dark.

Ultimate Camping (also called Glamping)

This is much more my speed – taking not only the necessities, but items that also make camping more comfortable.

• A large tent. The only downside in choosing a larger tent, is the set-up becomes more complex.
• Airbed. Not only did we choose a queen-sized airbed, our sleeping bags are set up like sheets that cover the entire mattress.
• Generator. Comes in handy when blowing up the air mattress or charging our electronic items.
• Foldable chairs. Most campsites come with picnic tables, but sitting around the campfire at night is an awesome experience. You need chairs to do that!
• Portable heater. If you’re camping in high altitudes where the temperatures drop considerably at night, a portable heater will come in handy! However, don’t sleep with it on – the carbon monoxide is odorless and can be a killer.
• Foldable breakfast trays. These can come in handy in the tent or outside to lift things off the dirt or picnic table.
• Bathroom kit. Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap for the basics.
• Tent lights. On top of a lantern or flashlight, hanging tent lights are useful for getting ready for bed.

I think I’ve about covered everything needed for bare bones, ultimate, and squeamish camping. If you have anything to add, please feel free.