by Shelia West

Created on: February 28, 2010   Last Updated: March 01, 2010

People enjoy camping for various reasons. It could be simply a love of nature and being outdoors, or it could be the fact that camping is a more relaxed type of vacation. Whatever the reason, camping is one of the most common types of vacations taken. 

Many people, when they think of camping, think of spending several days living "in the rough" so to speak. They imagine life without running water or toilets, sleeping on the hard ground under the stars, and away from the noise of television and telephones.

Sorry to disappoint, but that's nothing like the reality of camping. Oh, don't get me wrong, you can camp like that if you want to, but today's camping trips can be as comfortable as sleeping in your own bed in your own home.

With all the new camping gear out today, there is very little a camper has to go without. Even television and telephones are common sights now in camping areas. Cell phones seem to be items people can't live without. Maybe they should just make one that attaches to the ear. 

Oh, that's right, they already have. Okay, enough already. But truthfully, there's absolutely no reason to spend a week or even a weekend camping uncomfortably. 

Some basic items which will help make camping more enjoyable are the ones you need the most. A good tent, large enough to accomodate the number of people who will be sleeping in it, is the first thing to consider. 

The tent should be waterproof to prevent dew and rain from soaking through it. For an added measure of protection, you could put a tarp over the top of the tent.

The next most important item is your bed. A good quality air mattress is essential for a good night's sleep. Invest in one that is thick enough to provide firm support. Be sure you have a way to blow the mattresses up. 

Some can be inflated with a hairdryer, but a pump is the fastest and easiest way. The pumps are small and will usually attach to the cigarette lighter in your vehicle. 

To cover that bed and you, a sleeping bag is the best way to go. Many people will just pile on quilts and blankets, but a sleeping bag zipped up, or even two zipped together, will help retain body heat, keeping you much warmer. And nights do seem to get chilly when camping, even in the summer.

Most campsites, such as those is state and federal parks, have water, bathroom facilities, and even electrical hookups. If

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