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Camping can be a most relaxing time but it can be the most stressful if you are not properly prepared. A well seasoned camper has tubs upon tubs of camping items. A camper who gets a notion to go camping even though they have never been before has just begun a daunting and expensive adventure.

A novice goes into this thinking "Oh, I'll only need a tent, sleeping bag and food." Oh darlin'...you are so short of the items necessary for a successful and fun camping trip. Take a step back and think about this for a moment. How many people will be joining you for your trip? More than two and you might consider a very large tent or a couple of smaller ones. Those buggers can look huge from the outside but once you get inside and put down your air mattress, sleeping bags, pillows, duffel bag of clothes...your huge tent has turned into a very small dorm room from your college days. Make sure you set your tent up in a level area. There is nothing worse than waking up at 3:00 in the morning laying very close to someone that you care about but not in that sense. A highly useful bit of camping equipment is a tarp. Make sure it is large enough to cover the top of your tent. Why is this needed when the tent is waterproof? Rain may not go through your tent but fine mist and little droplets will. This trap can be used in various ways and having it on hand will save a lot of headaches in the future.

Now that the tent issue has been addressed, let's move on to food. The joys of cooking outside. The food always seems to taste better. It does if you are prepared with the correct items and utensils. Remember, you are not in a fully stocked kitchen with your favorite seasonings like you are at home. Planning ahead will save you much heartache and a growling tummy. Easy cooking is best. Hamburgers, hot dogs, thin chicken breasts, pancakes, eggs and breakfast meats. Do not forget seasonings! Keep in mind that if you are going to use your campfire as your stove, it is not heat moderated. Those pancakes which look golden brown and beautiful on the outside may be your worst nightmare in the middle. I highly recommend purchasing a cook stove at your nearest general store. A little bottle of propane will last the weekend and keep you happily fed.

Upon making the decision to take that very first camping trip don't go hog wild buying all of the items you see on the shelves at the store. Do you really think you will need that plastic egg carrier or the wire thingy to make toast over the fire? No. You won't. Most items on those shelves serve no one but the manufacturer who made them. Visit your nearest thrift store and peruse the aisles for used utensils, pots, pans, plastic bowls, plastic dishes and other items of use. Not only will you save money but you won't be outrageously irritated when you don't use a particular item that you thought you needed. Do not forget to thoroughly wash those items in the dishwasher to sanitize them. You will need to purchase large carrying tubs. They are a God send and you will truly value their presence should the skies open up and drench your campsite. There are mandatory items to bring with you and always keep them in your precious tubs. Biodegradable toilet paper and waterproof matches. I don't think that any explanation is necessary as to why.

Camping can be a lot of fun. Once you have the basics in your camping tubs you will have the foundation to build upon to have the camping experience for a lifetime of memories. Just remember this one bit of advice though...take only memories, leave only footprints. When you leave your campsite it should look better than when you got there. The next campers will appreciate it.

Learn more about this author, Tracey Cozby.
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