by Kristin Rogers

Created on: May 24, 2008   Last Updated: June 27, 2008

Here are a few tips that are very helpful to the first time camper...

FOOD AND DRINK: bring plenty of bottled water, of course you can't forget the smores, a small pan for cooking if wanted, there are small prongs that are very cheap at Wal-Mart that are great for cooking hot dogs or marshmallows, chips or any snacks that are non microwavable (pop tarts or nutrigrain bars are a good breakfast)

CAMPING NECESSITIES: baby wipes and anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, flashlights with extra batteries, TOILET PAPER, BUG SPRAY

SHELTER AND MISCELLANEOUS: tent and the instructions on how to build your tent (this is your shelter and if you can't get it up you might be in the car the first night), bring matches and lighter fluid (if you want the easy way out), sleeping bag and a pillow, sun tan lotion, rope to tie up your food at night (unless you keep it in the car), a small radio or cd player

CLOTHING: take long sleeves and pants no matter how warm it is to avoid poison and bugs when needed, extra clothes for layering because it gets cold at night especially if you are by water

Also, some thing's that you might want to keep in mind while you're there is not leaving any open food out or putting any food by your tent at any time. At night you should keep the food far from your camping area and if possible tie it up in a tree. This prevents animals from being near your tent at night. The last thing you want on your first camping experience would be waking up to a bear in the middle of the night.

Be careful and avoid poison when possible because it is a horrendous annoyance. Avoid drinking any lake or river water due to unknown organisms. Burn any trash if possible and take all other trash away from the campsite.

Between the baby wipes and lots of deodorant you should be fine for the weekend. If possible find a campsite with showers. They aren't ever anything that you would like to make a habit out of so bring flip flops because you're definitely not going to want to be barefoot. Also, if you go to a place with showers and bathrooms you will most likely be paying a little more, but if you can bare it for the weekend save your money.

Try and get a campsite with water by it. There are usually more things to do and it's a much more beautiful scene to enjoy. Overall, be safe and don't leave trash out. Enjoy your time out in the wild and make sure that you get there at a decent time so you can pay the office for your area.

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