How to Camp

Camping is an exciting vacation idea for people who like nature and want to save money. Camping in an RV or at camping areas is cheaper than staying in a hotel and paying for meals. Taking a camping vacation does require you to carry more equipment on the trip, but the experience is worth the work.

Things You'll Need

• Tent or RV
• Bedding
• Food
• Cooler or ice chest
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper
• Bug repellent
• Lanterns or tiki torches
• Camp stove or grate to cook over a fire
• Dishes and pans
• Utensils
• Chairs
• Trash bags
• Tarp

Instructions

1. Choose a time to camp. Look up the weather report for the area. If it's a rainy time of year, consider planning the trip for a different time.

2. Pick a campground. Some campgrounds have restrooms and showers. Many also have swimming pools, game rooms and picnic tables.

3. Pack for the trip. Include everything from tents and sleeping bags to campfire cooking gear and camping showers, If space in the vehicle is an issue, purchase food at a grocery store during your trip.

4. Spray everyone with bug spray when you arrive at the campsite. Re-apply the spray periodically during the day.

5. Set up the tent or RV. If you are camping in a tent, remove any sticks or debris from the tent's location. The RV needs to be close to the water, electricity and sewer hook-ups.

6. Place lanterns or tiki torches around the camp to provide light. If the camping area has a lot of bugs, citronella tiki torches keep the bugs away while providing a good amount of light. Fires and lights deter some animals that might wander into your camp.

7. Pull the camp stove out and arrange your cooking supplies around a table or on a large, flat rock.

8. Put the bedding and clothes in the tent. Place toiletries in the tent. If room is sparse, use a plastic storage container to hold the toiletries.

9. Gather dry firewood and start a fire at sundown.

10. Set up chairs around the fire. Place the chairs far enough away from the flames that sparks can't light someone's jacket or hair on fire.

11. Cook your meals. Every meal does not have to be cooked at the campsite, but it helps save money when you do.

12. Be courteous to other campers. In most campgrounds there are other campers around. Keep the music down when the sun sets and stay away from other campsites unless you have permission from the other campers.

13. Pick up after yourself. Leave the campsite as clean or cleaner than when you arrived. This is not mandatory, but is a good rule to follow.

14. Throw away any trash left around the campsite.

Tips & Warnings

• Most campsites cost between $10 to $35 dollars a night

• If it begins to rain, cover your belongings with a tarp or bring them inside a tent.

• Some campsites have clubs that give discounts to members. Memberships are a smart idea if you camp a lot during a year.

Resources

• The KOA website has information on memberships and lists of campgrounds.
• Go Camping America has a list of campgrounds around the United States.