How to Camp (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Everyone needs a break from everyday life. Embracing the outdoors is not only a rewarding experience, it is also unpretentious. Make sure you bring the right equipment to make yours an organized adventure in the best possible way. Here are some tips on camping.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Collect the Essentials

Step 1. Bring survival tools

These tools will help you better manage the area where you will be camping and can be useful in an emergency.

• Bring torches or lanterns. For late night excursions or if you need to go to the bathroom at night, a portable light source is essential. Make sure you get the right batteries.

  

• Store matches in a plastic bag or bring a lighter or flammable liquid. Lanterns and flashlights are fine for lighting, but you'll also need to start a fire if the campground doesn't have a barbecue or cooking site. Also remember to bring newspapers to make sure the fire catches.

  

• Bring a map of the area you will be camping in. In case you get lost and don't have a mobile phone, you will need to know how to get around to get back to the campsite. To help you orient yourself, also take a compass; just align it so that the edge connects your current location to the destination. Follow the arrow as it points to your destination.

  

• Get a first aid kit. Being able to bandage and disinfect wounds in the outdoors is a top priority. Remember the boy scouts motto: "Estote Parati"

  

Step 2. Get the necessary personal items

Even if you intend to "live in a primitive way", be sure to bring essential toiletries and hygiene items with you.

• Make a package with toothbrush, soap, towels, and toilet paper. Although the campsite does not offer a public toilet and shower, you will often have to comb your hair, wash and use the bathroom.

  

• Bring enough clothes. Make sure you dress according to the venue and forecast. Boots, sweaters, worn jeans, and t-shirts are more suitable than a nice pair of jeans, sneakers, and polo shirts. If you are camping in cold or rainy weather, be sure to wear warm, waterproof clothing.

  

• Remember to bring prescription medications and asthma inhalers. If you suffer from allergies, take the EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) or over-the-counter allergy medications. If you are a woman, be sure to bring essential feminine care products.

  

• Bring a pocket knife. Knives are useful for small but important tasks, such as opening food bags or marking trees while hiking. Buy a Swiss Army Knife, if you want a more reliable and versatile choice; Swiss army knives have special tools, such as bottle opener and scissors.

  

• Collect camping items in large camping bags and backpacks. They are useful for mobility and easier to carry than suitcases.

  

Step 3. Bring camping equipment

If you are camping on public land and do not intend to make use of local facilities, be sure to bring the necessary household items.

• In addition to the tent, bring a hammer to fix the pegs of the basin and the tarp to the ground. If you plan to camp in rainy weather, get a waterproof tarp for the tent.

  

• Bring several blankets. Even if you camp in the summer, the night can get cold quickly. You can also stack the blankets on the floor of the basin. This will make the tent floor softer and sleep more comfortable.
• Bring a sleeping bag and pillows. Although they are optional, it is best to stay warm at night and rest with your head on a soft, padded surface.
• If the campground doesn't have picnic benches and tables, bring folding chairs and tables.

Step 4. Bring the food

Check with forest authorities on how to properly store food to avoid attracting local wildlife.

• Water bottles and equipment for improvising a field kitchen are ideal, especially when hiking. If you plan on moving around a lot, you will need to stay hydrated especially if it's hot. Remember to bring a water cooler to help keep the water fresh.
• Favor foods that are easily cooked on the fire. These include eggs, vegetables, and thin slices of vacuum-packed meat.
• It is not enough to bring raw food, but you must also have non-perishable food. You probably won't cook with every meal, so food that doesn't spoil during the hot season is a great option. Be sure to bring recipes for the food you want to cook.
• Pack all perishable foods in airtight plastic bags. Storing moisture will help them stay edible longer. For fragile foods like eggs, pad the plastic bags with folded paper towels.

• Remember the camping classics. Bring marshmallows, chocolate and crackers with you to make a S'mores! Just roast a marshmallow over an open flame and wrap it between a bar of chocolate and two crackers.

  

Step 5. Pack the utensils you need for the kitchen

Some campsites don't have barbecues or cooking spots, so be prepared to cook over the open flame.

• Knives in particular are handy for cutting food. Pocket knives, while useful, are not made for slicing meat or cutting vegetables.
• Pack pots and pans for cooking over the fire. Cookware sets for camping are not only more versatile than regular kitchen utensils, but are specifically designed for cooking over an open flame (for example, heavy-bottomed stainless steel cookware for even heat distribution).
• Bring the cutlery. Cups, plates, forks and spoons are essential when eating. Also bring tools like tongs and spatulas to help you roast food.
• Bring a barbecue, charcoal, and some bottled beers if the campground allows it. Barbecue in the hot season is great on days when you just want to sit back and relax.

Part 2 of 4: Choosing the Curtain

Step 1. Know the weather conditions in advance

Knowing if you will face rainy days, sunshine or strong wind is essential in choosing the right tent.

• If you plan to camp in rainy conditions, choose a tent with a rain cover (specialty tarp) or use a waterproof tarp for the tent. Use a porch tent to store damp items you don't want to place inside your tent.
• Consider the size of the group accompanying you on a camping trip. If you will be camping alone in cold weather, choose a tent that can be easily pitched by one person.

Step 2. Pay attention to the material the curtain is made of

Some types are more suitable for certain conditions.

• The canvas, while strong, is also very heavy and is not ideal for rain. Nylon is lighter, but is intended for calmer weather conditions. Polyester is suitable for hot and sunny climates because it is designed to withstand long exposure to sunlight.
• Inspect the sturdiness of the tent closely. If you will face high winds days, be sure to bring a tent with strong poles, high quality pegs and guaranteed closures. For maximum durability, choose a double-stitched curtain.

Step 3. Set up a large igloo tent

If you will be camping with relatives, it is normal to share the tent with a wife, brother or sister.

• Large igloo tents have wide roofs and rounded corners, which makes them very spacious. They could satisfy the whole family.
• Igloo tents are stable, easy to set up and suitable for the harshest weather conditions, such as snow.
• They usually stand on their own, meaning they can be moved once they have been erected. They are ideal if the weather gets worse or if the wind changes direction.
• Some igloo tents allow themselves the luxury of having separate rooms or verandas for storing tools and equipment.

Step 4. Set up a Canadian tent

These tents are usually used by those who camp or sleep alone.

• Canadian tents are the easiest to set up, but they aren't as sturdy against high winds. They consist of two parallel vertical poles, supporting a central pole that crosses the roof.
• This type of tent is lightweight, but doesn't offer much space due to the steep sloping sides.
• Bring a waterproof tarp for the tent. Canadian tents do not normally come with a rain cover.
• For a more spacious alternative, opt for a modified Canadian tent. This tent uses curved poles instead of straight poles, offering greater stability, more space and protection against rain.

Step 5. Set up a tunnel tent

These tents have 3 arched structures with curved poles at all ends to help maintain their shape and stability.

• If you are using a tunnel tent, the tie rods must be tied and secured to keep it stable. Fabrics that are not pulled correctly will flap in the wind.
• This tent model is best for rain or snow, as they both slide off on contact.
• Tunnel tents are the lightest and most compact tents.
• Standard tunnel tents are normally for two people.
• If you are camping alone, choose a one-bed tunnel tent. It consists of a single curved pole and is lighter and more compact. Simple tunnel tents are not as robust against strong winds, but offer a more mobile alternative, ideal when folding up or traveling by bicycle.

Step 6. Set up a pop-up (self-erecting) tent

They are foldable tents that come pre-assembled and you just simply unpack them and put them on the ground.

• Pop-up tents consist of built-in flexible circles that give the tent its shape right after being unpacked.
• They are generally small in size and designed for children or adults of not too tall stature.
• Although flexible and easy to assemble, pop-up tents usually only have one tarp and are not suitable for rain or wind.

Part 3 of 4: Follow the Rules

Step 1. Plan activities and meals in advance

Think about how many days you want to camp and if you want to have a bathroom or a kitchen available.

• Disseminate the activities along the itinerary. If you go hiking one day, go swimming the next day or have a barbecue.
• Look for easy-to-follow recipes when camping. Not only will this help you decide which foods to bring, but it will tell you what utensils you need to cook.
• Pack your items in advance. Start with basic necessities, such as the first aid kit and torches to finish with optional equipment, such as skewers and marshmallows.

Step 2. Find the area to camp

Make sure the environment and landscape are to your liking.

• If this is your first time camping, choose one that doesn't go too far into nature. National parks are great the first time you decide to do this experience.
• If you don't want to "live in a primitive way", but you always want to enjoy the outdoors, national parks are ideal. They usually provide restrooms, showers, picnic tables, barbecues, and sometimes laundry facilities.
• Consider the season and the weather. If you do summer camping, choose a spot next to a lake or river. During the colder seasons, camp near the woods.
• Find out if there are any local attractions that you can visit during your stay. For example, if you are camping in Umbria, you could go and visit the Marmore Falls.

Step 3. Book

It is possible to camp on both public and private land. In both cases, it is often necessary to communicate your arrival in advance before setting up the tent and everything you need.

• Call or make your reservation online. Camping holiday facilities are likely to require you to provide personal information such as name, address and billing information.
• It is often necessary to give the arrival time and the length of stay. It is also possible that the campsite managers ask you if you need disabled facilities or if you bring pets. After providing the necessary information, we will let you know if they have any vacancies.
• Make sure you book in advance. This way you will have to choose the right campsite and, accordingly, plan your trip.
• National parks and other open public places sometimes allow camping without a reservation. Find out which areas are allowed to do so and what type of car you are allowed to enter (if campers or caravans are allowed and what size).

Step 4. Register at the campsite of your choice

Before setting up the tent, it is necessary to inform the management that you have arrived for security and control reasons.

• You will be assigned a zone within the campsite or you will be able to choose it.
• If you are camping in the hot season, choose a place near a water outlet and in the shade. Curtains can become an oven in the summer, so be sure to choose the coolest spot possible.
• If the campsite offers facilities, choose an area that has a reasonable distance from the toilets or showers. If you get injured in any way, having access to running water is better than resorting to water from a lake or river.

Step 5. Tell your travel companions in advance what you have planned

Before leaving for a hike or an exploration of nature, be sure to share the details of your program.

• Tell them where you are going, when you plan to return, and give them directions and alternative routes that can be taken. Also give your phone number if you have a mobile phone with you.
• If you are camping on public land, know how to contact park authorities or forest rangers. If you are on private land, store the numbers of local authorities (for example, the traffic police or municipal) on your mobile phone.
• If you are camping alone, keep your compass or mobile phone with you at all times. In an emergency, you need to know how to contact the forest rangers or move to protected areas.

Step 6. Follow the rules

Each campsite has a set of safety and courtesy rules that every camper must follow.

• Obtain the necessary authorization and permissions to do the activities you have scheduled. Some places have rules and restrictions regarding fishing and excursions. Find out from the forest rangers or check on the internet.
• Make sure you use environmentally safe equipment. Ask the campsite staff in advance about seasonal fires or restrictions on the use of fire for cooking.
• Consult with park authorities or forest rangers on how to properly store food. The last thing you want is to wake up to find a hungry animal rummaging around near your water chiller.
• Camp safely. Only camp in authorized areas. The prohibited areas at the campsite exist to protect the user from animals or other environmental hazards or to safeguard the local vegetation and fauna.
• Respect wildlife. Do not leave litter and do not feed local animals. Remember that you are a guest in this natural habitat.
• Be courteous. When camping on public land, chances are you will find yourself close to other campers who are looking to enjoy the outdoors. Try not to speak loudly and not be intrusive during your activities.

Step 7. Set up your tent and everything you need for camping

He begins to hunt for what is needed to set up the tent.

• Try pitching your tent when the sun is high. Organizing food and setting up tents is much more difficult in front of a fire or a lantern.
• Arrange the equipment in a practical way. Place the tent away from sources of fire and close to water sources, store food in easily accessible but safe areas, and put emergency equipment, such as flashlights and first aid kits, in each tent.
• If you make a bonfire, put it out by pouring plenty of water. Remember that only you can prevent fires.
• Be sure to take away everything you have when you finish camping. Any waste must be collected and thrown away. Use a broom to sweep away any food scraps so they don't attract wildlife.

Part 4 of 4: Planning Activities

Step 1. Gather your adventure companions around the fire

Camping is made for enjoying nature and the company of others. Leave the technology at home.

• Wait until night or until it gets really dark. Take turns telling creepy ghost stories around a vibrant fire. Have fun scaring each other with breathtaking stories.
• Bring a guitar or other musical instruments. Singing songs and playing instruments is a great way to get everyone together in a carefree way. The best songs for a campfire are interactive ones where they require a back and forth.
• Make a roast marshmallow roast or make a S'mores. Roasting during bonfires is a great way to enjoy the presence of others, especially for children.

Step 2. Go fishing

Many public camping areas allow fishing.

• Clean the caught fish. Arrange a barbecue or cook it on an open flame.
• Take some photos of the fish you caught. Not only is it great to eat, but it's also an exciting trophy!
• Public places for camping sometimes require a fishing permit.

Step 3. Take a swim in the lake

Put on your bathing suit and cool off on hot summer days.

• Make sure swimming is allowed. Some places can host dangerous or sensitive wildlife that can become agitated due to the presence of swimmers.
• Make sure you know the depth of the lake to dive and swim. If it is too deep, it may not be good for children, while if it is shallow it may not be as pleasant for adults.
• Pay attention while swimming or diving underwater. Treat the lake with the same level of attention you have in the pool.
• It is always best to swim with people who know how to perform CPR. In an emergency, you will need someone who can swim well and resuscitate someone who has swallowed water if necessary.

Step 4. Take a walk

Hiking is both constant training and a great way to appreciate nature.

• Bring maps, compasses and other items to orient yourself in nature. Mark the trees you passed through to help you find your way back to the camp.
• Drink plenty of water and remember to take breaks. Hiking can be a physically exhausting activity, especially in very steep or hilly areas.
• Use binoculars to observe wildlife. Some spots are known because particular animals can be seen. Try watching owls, butterflies or bats at sunset.
• Plan a guided tour. If you are camping for the first time and are looking for the most out of your stay outdoors, guided tours will help you in a wide range of activities. The Fasano Park, for example, offers zoosafari, allowing you to take photos of the animals it hosts.

Step 5. Play

Having fun together with family, friends and children is the safest way to make camping a memorable experience.

• Organize a hunt for letters from nature. This is a great activity for children. Get the kids to find as many things as they can for each letter of the alphabet (such as "leaf" or "snail"). It is a game that not only stimulates the interest of children, but helps them expand their knowledge of nature.
• Make water balloons on hot days. Throwing water balloons and starting a war with water guns is fun for all ages. For even more fun, add a few swims or organize a barbecue.
• Play tug of war. Use a shovel to dig a shallow hole in the ground and fill it with water. Place people at the ends of a rope so that they pull the other team into the pit full of water.
• Do you practice any sport. Bring a Frisbee, a soccer ball or rackets and a ball. It can be even more fun to play sports on the campsite. Use a low branch as a net to play volleyball or trees to mark off a field and exchange some soccer jumps. Don't be afraid to get creative when you play.