by Shyla Martin

Created on: July 06, 2009

My roommate Jack recently went camping, and tales of his trip made me write this article. Jack was invited to go by friends who told him that they had everything under control. He wasn't supposed to do anything but show up. Unfortunately, they had not read this article, and he has since vowed never to go camping again.

1. Before you even begin to pack, you should make your campground reservation. You also need to know the rules of the campground. For example: the people that Jack camped with were not aware that there was a limit to how many vehicles and people that could occupy a campsite. A park ranger was going to make Jack leave, but he paid the fine for extra occupants. Had they known they rules in advance, they could have reserved a larger campsite and saved money on the fine.

2. When planning for a camping trip, you should know how you plan to sleep. Do you want to sleep outside in sleeping bags under the stars? Would you rather avoid the bugs by sleeping inside a tent? What size tent will you need to accomodate your campers? Will you be needing air matresses? These are very important questions. Jack was forced to sleep in his truck because they did not have a large enough tent to sleep everybody. Also, know what will the weather be like. If it is chilly, you will need extra blankets.

3. How much food do you need to pack? When packing food for a camping trip, you should always try to bring extra. This will prevent what happened to Jack and his camping party. They had to go home a day early because they ran out of food and water. It is for this reason that you should pack liberally. Also, if you are bringing children, don't forget marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. There is always room for s'mores.

4. Another item of importance is a first aid kit. This is especially important if you will be fishing, swimming, or hiking. Jack always keeps a first aid kit in his truck, and this was very fortunate. A woman from a nearby campsite cut her foot on a rock in the lake. Jack was able to irrigate the wound and bandage it, so they could take her to the hospital. If you don't have an actual first aid kit, then you should pack some rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, and baindaids and/or bandages.

You don't have to pack a lot to enjoy a camping trip, but with a little common sense, you won't be stranded in the wilderness without the things that you need.

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