How to Camp Long-Term

Spending time outdoors allows you to get away from many of the stresses of urban living, like pollution, traffic and noise. For those without rent or home payments to worry about, camping may even be a way to cut down on living expenses for a while. Camping long-term, which is anything more than three or four days, requires a bit of planning however, so that provisions and supplies are correctly purchased. Once off in the peace and beauty of nature, those that camp long-term often experience stress relief and a deep sense of relaxation.

Things You'll Need

  • Dehydrated foods
  • Canned foods
  • Water purifier
  • Gas stove
  • Extra gas cans
  • Tent with fly
  • Rain gear
  • Sleeping bag
  • Pots and pans
  • First-aid kit
  • Plastic or metal plates and utensils
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste etc.)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research your location. Although most private campgrounds have no limits in terms of how long you are allowed to camp, many public lands do. State and national parks, as well as wilderness areas often have 14 day limits and require you to purchase a camping permit that states how long you will be camping for. Confirm that the location you are choosing allows you to camp for the length of time you wish spend camping.

    • 2

      Buy food. While fresh fruits and vegetables are tasty items to buy when camping just for the weekend, long-term campers will need to stock up on items that are more non-perishable. Dehydrated soups and chili allow you to prepare them just by adding hot water, and also pack light, a consideration for those that plan on hiking in to their camping destination. Canned foods, like sardines, tuna and beans, stay fresh until the can is opened, allowing you to keep them on hand indefinitely.

    • 3

      Prepare for inclement weather. Long-term campers should ensure that their tent, sleeping bag and clothing choices are adequate to deal with rainstorms or any other type of severe weather that occurs in their camping area. Waterproof rain gear, emergency hand warmers, a good rain fly for the tent and well-insulated sleeping bags all make a ton of difference when the weather turns sour.

    • 4

      Prepare for emergencies. A standard first-aid kit that includes bandages, topical antibiotics and other medications like pain killers and cold remedies often makes the difference between a minor medical situation turning more serious or not. If you will be camping far from the help of rangers or other people, taking a first-aid class before you go is also a smart idea.

    • 5

      Learn about the area. Reading guide books about the wildlife, plants and geography of the area gives you valuable knowledge that just might come in handy. Knowing which snakes are poisonous, which plants are edible and where safe sources of water may be found are all highly beneficial survival skills for long-term campers.

    • 6

      Purify your water. Although bringing your own water may work for short-term trips, those that are spending a considerable amount of time in nature will want to invest in a water purifier. This device allows you to pre-treat water before drinking and cooking, so that any bacterial illnesses are eliminated.

    • 7

      Wash your plates. Bringing plastic or metal eating utensils and dishes means that you may be doing more chores than your neighbor with the paper plates, but in the long run it means less trash.

    • 8

      Bring swimming trunks and other water-friendly equipment. Inner tubes and flotation devices make camping by lakes, rivers and streams even more enoyable and allow you to cool off during hot summer days.