DIY: Tent Campers

Tent camping can be a great experience. It provides an opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy nature. However, your tent camping experience can be a disaster without proper planning. Prepare your camping trip in advance and purchase the right equipment. Learning what to pack and how to camp can make a huge difference in your camping experience.

Instructions

  1. Planning Your Trip

    • 1

      Research camp sites you may find interesting. Contact local park rangers and ask about reservations, parking areas, rental fees, amenities and local wild life. Look up nearby attractions as well. Consider choosing camp sites within walking distance of swimming holes, hiking trails, waterfalls and fishing areas.

    • 2

      Start packing for your camping trip early. This will help decrease the chance of leaving something behind. Start with a basic checklist, which should include necessities like a tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, batteries, water bottles, food and a first-aid kit. Expand your checklist to nonessential camp gear after you have packed the basics. Nonessential camp gear can include toiletries, games, maps, a pocket knife and matches. Envision the entire trip in your mind and consider what supplies will be needed.

    • 3

      Check the condition of your equipment before leaving for your camping trip. Pitch the tent in your back yard so you know how to put it together. Look for damage or missing pieces of the tent. Ensure that you are comfortable with the quality of your supplies. Replace equipment that appears faulty or damaged. If you are taking along a stove, make sure you have fuel.

    • 4

      Research weather conditions for your camp sites before you leave. Commercial tents are not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Consult local park rangers if you have any concerns about the weather conditions.

    • 5

      Provide family and friends with emergency contact information. Let someone know exactly where you plan to camp and for how long. Do not depend on having a cell phone, as coverage may be undependable, especially in mountainous areas. Check-in with park rangers once you reach your camp site and give them your itinerary as well.

    Tent Camping

    • 6

      Arrive at your camp site early in the morning. Unless it's raining, this should give you hours to pitch your tent, set up your campsite and explore your surroundings. Pay attention to water sources, cliffs, caves, roads or anything that appears hazardous. Check for rotten tree branches above your camp site. Pitch your tent on level ground at least eight feet from the fire pit.

    • 7

      Gather firewood during the day if you plan to have a camp fire. Walking around at night looking for dry wood can be dangerous.

    • 8

      Take precautions against wild life. If you are camping in an area known for bears, use bear-resistant canisters for your food. Be on the lookout for snakes, skunks and wild dogs. Do not feed wild animals, as this can lead to aggressive behavior and late-night visits.

    • 9

      Be respectful towards nature and the camp site. Do not remove plants and flowers you find pretty. Instead, leave them for the next party to also enjoy. Stay on trails whenever possible. Clean up your camp site before you leave. Observe the principles of Leave No Trace, which means, leave the camp area exactly as you found it.