Where?
The first step to planning your camping trip is to decide where you want to go. Do you want to make it a short trip and stay close to home? Or do you want to go on an extended camping vacation far away, perhaps to a place where you've never been before? If you are camping far from home, you'll probably need to do more "homework" before you leave. Try to contact the State or National Park Service (NPS) to gather information about good places to camp and enjoy other outdoor activites. The NPS.gov website allows you to sign up online to receive brochures, maps and other materials of interest to you.
What?
Deciding what to bring on your trip is one of the most important steps. Before you begin packing, make a
checklist:
•Prepare to dress in layers of polyester, performance wear, and wool. Avoid items that are mostly cotton! Bring spare socks.
•Plan all meals. Will you be cooking, boiling water, or eating cold stuff?
•Always bring water, just in case.
•Pack a flashlight, headlamp and extra batteries.
•Don't forget your medications, vitamins, contact lens solutions, antiseptic hand wash, feminine supplies,
sunscreen, bug repellent, etc. Don't bring the whole medicine cabinet; just the essentials.
•Include a small, waterproof first aid kit including moleskin, bandages,
antibiotic ointment, tweezers and aspirin.
How?
Next you want to decide how you want to camp. Will you be parking right next to the campground (car camping)? Or will you be hiking, cycling or canoeing to your campsite? It is good to plan these things ahead of time so you will know not only what to pack, but also how to pack it! If you are backpacking for several miles to your campsite, you will want to arrange your gear so that it is as easy as possible to carry in one trip. When car camping, it is much easier to bring a stack of precut firewood and a cooler full of ice and perishable food items. But lugging those beasts through the woods... FORGET ABOUT IT! Save your strength for carrying water, your gear, and nonperishable foods.