How to Bring Some Comforts of Home on a Camping Trip

Are you the type of person that shudders at the mention of going camping because you don't like roughing it? Well don't miss out on the fun of spending some time out-of-doors just because you miss your comforts of home. You can bring some comforts of home with you and turn a dreaded camping trip into a memorable experience.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Comfort while sleeping is of the utmost importance. At the minimum bring a sleeping pad. Make sure rocks and sticks are removed from the area where you will pitch your tent so that they do not poke you through the sleeping pad. Air mattresses or cots bring a higher level of comfort. Cots are great because you don't have to blow them up.
   
   If camping in a cooler climate bring along lots of extra blankets, especially if your sleeping bag is not rated for cold weather. There's nothing worse than shivering all night because you don't have an adequate sleeping bag.
   
   If camping in warmer climates there's no need to bring a sleeping bag at all. Just bring an old set of sheets and a lightweight blanket and use them over the sleeping pad, cot, or air mattress.

2. Don't forget to bring your pillow. There's nothing more comforting than using your own pillow at night. If there's not enough room in the car, buy a small travel pillow that's similar to what you use at home.

3. Battery-operated fans help cool a tent down on hot nights.

4. Invest in a propane stove for camping experiences. It works just like a propane stove at home. In no time at all you can have a fresh pot of coffee or a hot, home-cooked meal without having to build and maintain a fire.

5. Bring a box of baby wipes to use if there's no shower where you are camping. Very refreshing!

6. Bring lots of layers for clothing. Dressing in layers lets you take off or put on clothes to adjust to the temperature and your level of activity.

7. Camp chairs are a must for comfort while camping. The foldable camp chairs are compact for the car trip and provide easy set-up when you get to camp.

8. You can even improve the quality of camp food. With a little planning and research on outdoor cooking techniques, and taking advantage of the many precooked or partially cook options at grocery stores there's no need to eat freeze-dried rations when camping.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are bringing an air mattress, test it at home for leaks before going camping. It's really frustrating to think you'll be sleeping comfortably on an air mattress when in actuality it has a hole and can't hold the air.
• You can purchase a foot pump or an air pump to run off a car battery to blow up large air mattresses.

Resources

• Get reviews on all the latest camping gear and gadgets at the GORP/Outside Magazine website.
• The Go Camping America website is filled with tips and suggestions for camping in the United States. The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds sponsors the website.

[LilacGirl]

on 5/19/2008 A lot of good camping ideas in your article. Thanks.

[jimdris]

on 2/15/2008 Some great ideas! We love our modern, oversized cots! With a foam pad and pillow they let you sleep all night long comfortably.