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Camping can be a relaxing respite from modern life. Away from the usual daily stress, surrounded by nature and enjoying the company of family or friends this is camping at its best.

Taking time to plan and prepare is one of the best ways to insure that your camping trip will be a good one. If you're a novice camper, or if you haven't done much camping since your childhood, invite a more experienced family or friend to come along.

There are two basic types of camping: tailgate (or car camping) and backpacking. With tailgate camping, you drive to a campground and park your car in your campsite. Backpacking involves packing your camping gear into a wilderness area. For novice campers, tailgate camping is the best way to start out.

When deciding on a destination for your camping trip, consider the activities available. Hiking, swimming, biking, boating, sight seeing these are just some of the things you can do on a camping trip. Before leaving, make a campsite reservation and get all the details about your destination.

Camping equipment is available in all price ranges. Deciding what kind of equipment to buy can be intimidating for a beginner. Try to borrow equipment for your first trip, or get advice from a friend if you are purchasing equipment.

These are some of the basic items that you will need for your first camping trip:

Tent: It will be your bedroom, shelter, and the place you store your clothing and gear. Whether you buy or borrow a tent, make sure you know how to set it up and take it down before your trip. You can even have a "practice campout" in the backyard. If you're taking children along, this will help them get used to sleeping in the great outdoors.

Tarps: Your tent will stay dry and warm inside if you placing a tarp underneath. Another tarp to cover up the kitchen area is handy if it rains.

Sleeping bag: Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough for the climate where you will be camping.

Pad or air mattress: You will stay warm, dry and comfortable with a pad or air mattress under your sleeping bag. Most children sleep well with a thin pad, but many adults prefer an air mattress.

Pillows: Small camping pillows work just fine when camping; they are available at most sporting goods stores. These pillows take less space and will easily fit into a duffel bag.

Duffel bag or pack: Each person's clothing and hygiene products stay organized when packed in a single bag.

Adequate clothing: Plan your camping wardrobe around your activities. Don't over-pack, but don't forget warm clothing and extra shoes.

First Aid kit with insect repellant, sunscreen and chap stick: Many camping stores sell first aid kits with everything you need for camping.

Lantern and flashlights: Lanterns may be battery powered or propane fueled. Flashlights come in all sizes, bring at least one for each camper. Head lamps are a good idea, especially when setting up camp in the dark.

Rain ponchos: Be prepared for wet weather!

Camp stove: Cooking outdoors is one of the best parts of camping. Many campsites have grills, but a camp stove is useful for quickly heating things up.

Cooking gear: This can be simple or extensive, depending on your menu and on how much time you want to spend cooking.

Ice chest: You'll need to keep some food cold.

Ax, matches, fire starters: Find out ahead of time if you're destination will allow you to build a campfire. If so, bring the tools to help build it.

Books: Reading material is great for the drive and for quite times in camp. Leave the electronics at home.

Remember that you're trying to get away from it all, so pack as lightly as possible. When you get home, there will be less to unpack and put away.

Learn more about this author, Catie Watson.
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