
Camping Is Fun! Going camping is a lot of fun. Here’s a basic guide for first timers. Don’t stress, it’s easier then you think. Camping is a awesome way to explore the great outdoors, get some fresh air and spend quality time with your family and friends.

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Camping for beginners and the inexperienced can be little bit tricky, so here are some helpful tips to make your first time camping stress-free.

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1. Choosing Your Campsite
There will be a large variety of campsites available, but things to look out for include if dogs are allowed;as toilets and showers that are available.

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- Know in advance where campsites can be found.
- Advance reservations, can sometimes be made. Check with your campground to see if they supply items like picnic tables and firewood, and whether restrooms are available.
- Schedule your day so you arrive at your chosen campsite at least 2 hours before sunset.
- Water, you’ll need water for cooking, cleanup and drinking supply.
- Choose a site that offers a bit of tree cover (healthy trees ) which could be beneficial in a light rain. If you’re camping on the beach, make sure to choose a spot beyond the most obvious tide line.
2. Camping Essentials

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TENT– Choose a tent for your style of camping.Check that you have tarp that goes over the top to help keep rain out. If you are new to camping run test in your backyard.. Always put the back of the tent to the wind to give it more stability.

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HAMMOCK,SLEEPING BAG, PILLOW, COT, MAT OR AIR MATTRESS–An outdoor hammock is the new way to sleep outside, perfect for tranquility.

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Even if the weather forecast looks great, bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Use foam floor, cot, mat or air mattress for a softer, comfortable tent floor.

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FLASHLIGHT AND LANTERNS–Bring flashlights, extra batteries, or a camping lantern. Point a head lamp into a jug of water for an instant lantern.

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FIRST AID KIT, BUG REPELLENT AND CITRONELLA CANDLES–Keep away mosquitoes, flies and ticks. Don’t forget the anti-itch cream.

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CAMPFIRE SUPPLIES–Nothing comforts s more than a good camp fire.

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Bring an ax for breaking up deadwood. Store cotton balls with a smear of petroleum jelly) and Matches in a plastic resealable bag. (great fire starters).FYI Dry wood will burn faster than hardwoods.

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KITCHENWARE (Camp kitchen)–Here’s what you’ll need for camping: bowls, paper plates, utensils, a cast iron, pot or pan; spatula; a long sticks for heating food over the fire; a cooler with ice; a can opener; and dish soap
NONPERISHABLE FOOD AND BOTTLED WATER–Bring gallons of water for cooking, cleaning, brushing teeth.Also bring nonperishable food. Store your food in the car, because of wild animals. You’ll need to keep a maintained clean camp kitchen.

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and don’t feed the animals! A cooler full of ice is a must for all your fresh food items.
TOILETRIES AND TOILET PAPER– It’s smart to bring your own supply of toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other toiletries. Pack SUNSCREEN with your toiletries.
CAMPING CLOTHES–Bring clothes for all types of weather, from hot or rainy days, to chilly nights.

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BONUS CAMPING AND SAFETY TIPS:

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- When you enter the wilderness, blend in, don’t barge in.
- Use tent rope to create a clothes line between two trees.
- Organizing camp ensures that everything has a place and can be found when needed
CAMPING IS FUN
- There’s a good chance you will not have cell phone service. Make sure to have a map & compass.
- A good tarp can save the day as it can be used as extra shelter in rain or sun. Wet wipes make it easier to keep yourself clean when out tent camping. Headlamps are perfect so you can work with you hands. Bring extra plastic bags for trash, dirty clothes or waterproofing.
- Make sure you keep your camp site tidy and cleared of any food items which attracts animals. Your tent should be a no food EVER zone
- When you enter the wilderness, blend in, don’t barge in.
- The golden rule of camping is to LEAVE NO TRACE. Keep a clean campsite.

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PHOTO CREDIT pixabay.com ; Unsplash.com ; pexels.com