Beginning Camping Part 2

 

Book a campsite well ahead of time, Very much like an inn, you ought to book camping areas ahead of time. All public park setting up camp reservations are finished through Recreation.gov. You can make a record and save your instalment inclinations, so you should simply add a camp-ground to your truck when the booking window opens. For state or neighbourhood parks, make sure that park administration's site as the booking system and reservation windows change by area. Most camping areas give maps. While picking a camping area, utilize the guide to:

•           Pick a campsite further away from the bathrooms, particularly if you’re a light sleeper. You’re more likely to be kept up a night from the noise of others using the restroom than to need to use the restroom yourself.

•           Pick a larger campsite or one that can accommodate a few vehicles if you’re travelling with a group.

•           Pick a campsite in the tent-only section of the camp-ground. This may not be an option at every camp-ground, but some have designated tent-only areas away from RVs, sparing you the noise of generators. As a bonus, look for campsites with a great view or added privacy. I use the website Campsite Photos to check out campsites ahead of time. When it comes time to book, you may not have much choice on your campsite if it’s a popular camp-ground.  If you’re trying to book a campsite at a -competitive location, like Yosemite National Park, I recommend booking the first one you can get your hands on!

Standard conveniences incorporate fire pits, outdoor tables, and food extra spaces. In the event that your camp-ground doesn't offer fire pits, you'll have to carry a propane oven to cook. In the event that your camping area doesn't have outdoor tables, bring your own lightweight setting-up camp tables. This is especially significant for those that live in states inclined to fierce blazes. During fire season, most camping areas have a limitation on when and where flames can be set. Make certain to check in with the recreation area's site in advance. Development or dry spells can close conveniences like washrooms or drinking fountains.

Make certain to really look at the recreation area's site to be aware on the off chance that you want to bring your own water supply (yet it's generally smart to bring reinforcement water for good measure). When you have all your stuff, you really want to prepare it coordinated and for your most memorable setting up camp outing. The following are a couple of hierarchical tips to assist you with preserving space and getting ready for setting up camp. The most ideal way to store gear is in clear plastic canisters. This permits you to rapidly see what is in each receptacle without unloading it. I keep all my setting-up camp stuff in 2 Sterlite 70-quart receptacles. They are reasonable and solid enough to hold the significant burden of my setting up camp oven, and tent, and that's only the tip of the iceberg. I suggest keeping your camp kitchen gear in one canister, including your camp oven, plates, cutting sheets, and propane tanks. Keep your tent and resting gear in a different container with your lights and different embellishments.

Cooking outside will in general draw in bugs and different critters. While food and extra spaces given all things considered camp-grounds will keep out creatures, little bugs can in any case get in. The most effective way to shield your food from irritations is by putting away it in sealable plastic containers rather than staple sacks. A little canister, similar to the Sterlite 18-quart clear container, will fit in most camping area food extra closets and hold a couple of days of dry food. While bags with wheels are perfect for plane travel, they aren't great for setting up camp. Bags occupy a lot of valuable room in both your vehicle and tent. All things being equal, select a little for the time being a gym bag or a rucksack that holds a difference in garments, something to snooze, and your toiletries.

Most hiking beds accompany a huge stockpiling pack and a stuff sack. A stuff sack is a little pack that packs your hiking bed for transport. To save the down filling in your hiking bed, you ought to constantly store it in a free, network sack. Even better, you can store it under your bed totally unfurled. In any case, shipping your hiking bed unrolled and uncompressed occupies an excessive amount of room! The night prior to your outing, move your camping cot to its little stuff sack. To place your hiking bed into its stuff sack, begin with the foot part of the pack and stuff it into the sack. Haphazardly stuffing the hiking bed is preferable for the down filling over rolling or collapsing it. Wrap up stuffing the sack with the opening at the top, permitting any air to escape prior to utilizing the drawstring to close the stuff sack.

For your initial not many setting up camp excursions, don't worry about having everything! In all likelihood, you'll just be away for one to two evenings. You'll have the option to get by as long as you have a spot to rest (tent, hiking bed) and a method for eating (takeout and titbits count as well). Is it true or not that you are arranging a climb but doesn't know what to pack? Get this free, printable climbing gear agenda. This guide covers the 30+ things you really want for your next climb, from the 10 climbing fundamentals to the extravagance things to partake in your experience.

As an organizer with nervousness, I seriously love trial runs. Whenever I've rehearsed at home, I feel much more certain that I can deal with whatever comes to my direction while setting up camp. Ensuring you know how to utilize your stuff before your most memorable outing can assist you with keeping away from unnecessary pressure and tension. The following are a couple of tips on rehearsing at home before your most memorable setting-up camp excursion. A preliminary attempt can assist you with sorting out some way to assemble your tent, especially on the off chance that you'll set it up alone.

In the event that you have a yard, set up your tent there. In the event that you don't, track down a spot in your condo or house with a lot of room (something like 6'x6'). Most tents accompany arrangement directions, yet I view YouTube as the most useful for tent arrangements. Look for your tent model + 'arrangement' on YouTube to see as an instructional exercise in the event that you really want one. To be extra ready, stage an at-home campout, either in your loft or on your patio. Deal with it like the genuine article and rest outside the whole evening - no going inside to utilize the washroom! In the event that you are rehearsing on hardwood floors, ensure the shafts aren't scratching your floors.

There's nothing more terrible than taking out your headlamp just to understand it's scarcely discharging the light. To keep away from this, test your batteries early. You will not have the option to see the genuine splendour during the way, so test every one of your gadgets around evening time. Hold on until it's dull, switch out all lights, and afterward turn on every headlamp and lamp to actually look at the brilliance. Assuming that any are faint, change out the batteries with new ones. Most headlamps and lamps take AA or AAA batteries.

On the off chance that you're new to utilizing a versatile propane oven, it's particularly critical to work on cooking on it early. This will give you a superior vibe for connecting the propane tank and how rapidly the oven prepares food. YouTube is one more extraordinary put for instructional exercises on your camp oven. Search for your camp oven model + 'arrangement' or 'survey' on YouTube to view as a custom instructional exercise. Master Tip: Camp ovens don't accompany propane tanks and most states don't permit propane to be delivered. All things being equal, go to your nearby open-air store or Walmart's enjoy the great outdoors segment and get fuel. The green Coleman 1lb propane chamber is perfect for fledglings and works with most propane camp ovens.

Camping out interestingly can scare. However, I'm here to make this less scary for you! With these tips, you'll be prepared to vanquish your most memorable time camping out! The greatest tip I can give amateurs is to show up while the sun is up. Attempting to camp out in obscurity makes it 10x harder!

Most camping areas permit you to actually take a look at in the early evening, so plan to show up before the expected time to mid-evening. Really look at your camping area reservation to affirm the registration time. Plan to go through around 30 minutes getting camp set up precisely the way in which you need it. A special reward of showing up sooner than expected is preparing supper before it gets dim!

In many camping areas, there's a level spot with tangled down grass or soil. This is an indication that it's been home to a huge number. Set up your shelter in this level region. On the off chance that there is definitely not a level spot, set up your shelter opposite to the slope. Try not to set up your shelter in accordance with the slope, as you'll be sliding downhill throughout the evening. On the off chance that you're exploring the great outdoors in a space with heaps of room, attempt to put 100 yards between the area where you cook and where you rest. This is on the grounds that cooking scents draw in creatures like raccoons.

This isn't generally imaginable, especially in well known campsites. Rather than 100 yards, guarantee all your food is put away appropriately within a food extra space. This incorporates your camp oven. In any event, attempt to keep no less than 15 feet between the food extra closet and your tent. Keeping a lamp or headlamp with your cooking gear guarantees you can in any case cook and clean into the evening. Having a light in the tent improves on evolving garments, perusing before bed. Headlamps are fantastic for late-night washroom runs.

In the event that you're enjoying the great outdoors in the mountains, you're presumably in bear country. Experiences with bears can be unnerving, yet there's little to fear assuming that you keep general security rules.

Bears have delicate noses and can smell even little morsels. Bears have been known to detach entryways vehicles for food or toiletries left inside.

Every single scented thing, including food, antiperspirant, bug shower, and toothpaste, ought to be put away in a food extra space. These storage spaces are planned explicitly to keep confirms. Never leave these things in your tent or your vehicle. Cooking outside isn't very different from cooking at home, for however long you're good to go and bring along the right kitchen gear. On the off chance that you're like me, espresso is a necessary piece of your morning schedule. So why not move forward with your espresso game while setting up camp?

After trying many different methods, I’ve have found the best way to make the camp coffee/ Tea routine!

•           coffee maker or a Tea pot that works on a Coleman Camp Stove

•           Method for boiling water

•           Drinkable water

•           Pre-ground coffee beans (either grind at home or grind at the store) or a container that the tea bags can stay dry in.

While it's not difficult to go down a Pinterest dark hole of intricate setting up camp feasts, it's ideal to begin simple. Probably the best simple setting up camp feasts are things like cheeseburgers and one-container skillet dinners. Attempt to stay with feasts that have not many fixings and that you have attempted previously. Try not to have a go at preparing a fresh out of the plastic new feast your most memorable time setting up camp! Preparing of time assists you with making a nitty gritty staple rundown and try not to over pack food. I know when I appear at a supermarket without a shopping list, I purchase an excessive lot. You can utilize Pinterest to get setting up camp dinner motivation. When you have some motivation, work out a feast plan, including breakfast, lunch, supper, and bites.

Planning portions of your dinner somewhat early can save loads of time while setting up camp. Here are a few different ways you can prepare your elements for camp feasts at home:

•           Measure out spice blends ahead of time and keep in small snack size Ziploc bags

•           Pre-grind your coffee beans and store in a mason jar

•           Chop veggies and store in reusable silicone bags like these from Stasher to keep them fresh

•           Marinate your meat the day before and keep it in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. For best flavour, suck the air out of the bag before sealing.

You have a few options for cooking your meals when camping. The option you go with will depend on your campsite’s amenities and what you pack.

•           Campfires are great for all-in-one foil meals or roasting hot dogs on sticks.

•           Charcoal grills are best for cooking meats and vegetables, like a grill at home. If you’re cooking vegetables, bring along skewer sticks!

•           Propane camp stoves are perfect for meals cooked in skillets or pots. While this can also be done on a campfire or charcoal grill, it’s way easier on a stove.

•           Dehydrated meals are often used by backpackers. These just-add-water meals are great for campers who don’t want to deal with the hassle of cooking and cleaning.

32. Bring the right camp kitchen gear

I touched on the absolute essentials for cooking while camping in Tip #9. But you’ll need a bit more to make full meals while camping. Don’t stress, you already have a lot of this at home!

Here’s what I bring on every camping trip:

•           Tea Pot and tea case

•           camp sinks

•           Camp stove and propane fuel

•           Long lighter

•           Cast-iron skillet or non-stick skillet

•           Clear plastic bin for food

•           Clear plastic bin for storing camp kitchen gear

•           Small pot and lid

•           Plastic mixing bowl

•           Set measuring cups and spoons

•           Potholders

•           Spatula

•           Wooden spoon

•           Tongs

•           Chef’s knife with a sheath

•           Cutting board

•           1 plastic plate per person

•           Plastic or aluminium mugs

•           Sporks or utensils

•           Paper towels

•           Aluminium foil

•           Cooler with ice

•           Trash bags

•           1 sponge or brush for cleaning dishes

•           Biodegradable soap

•           2 dish towels

On the off chance that you'll have a pit fire, make sure to purchase neighbourhood kindling once you show up and pack bars for cooking marshmallows! A cooler is the best way to keep your food cold while setting up camp, so having a decent one is significant. You can choose either a delicate-sided cooler or a hard-sided cooler. A delicate-sided cooler is best for those with restricted space since it falls to occupy less space when not being used. The drawback is that a delicate-sided cooler is less protected and doesn't save food cold for as long.

However, a delicate-sided cooler will be fine for most 1-2 evening setting up camp excursions. On the off chance that you'll camp for longer than 2 evenings, put resources into a hard-sided cooler. On the spending plan end, you can pick a Coleman cooler. While most camping areas have drinking water, it's generally smart to bring your own water source as a reinforcement.

You have two options here:

•           Buy a reusable water container and pre-fill it at home

•           Buy 5-gallon water jugs at the grocery store before your trip

If you plan on camping more than a few times, it’s most cost-efficient to buy a reusable container. It’s also great for road trips or sporting events!

35. Cook before sundown

As somebody who has prepared supper at a campground into the evening, let me say that this isn't fun, particularly assuming that you're new to cooking outside. It's simpler to cook when you can without much of a stretch see what you're doing. Additionally, bugs are more dynamic around evening time and are drawn to light (and food). Simply save yourself the difficulty and plan to begin preparing supper essentially an hour prior to dusk. Make certain to give yourself a lot of chance to cook and wash dishes before it gets dull! On the off chance that you're anticipating having a pit fire, ensure you purchase nearby kindling. You ought to likewise really take a look at neighborhood fire guidelines first. Kindling can have intrusive bugs and infections that aren't destructive to people however can be unsafe to vegetation. By purchasing neighborhood wood, you're decreasing the gamble of presenting a non-local bug or illness to the encompassing vegetation. Nearby kindling is additionally ordinarily more affordable!

This was one of the greatest question marks for me when I began setting up camp. Dishwashing is something totally different from home since you don't have a channel! To wash dishes outside you'll require something like two camp sinks (folding, airtight holders). If you have any desire to clean your dishes (suggested for longer setting up camp excursions), you ought to bring a third holder and a modest quantity of fade. At the point when I camp, I decide to just bring the two camp sinks and afterward run my camp dishware through the dishwasher when I return home.

1.         Fill both containers with a small amount of water.

2.         In the first sink, put add biodegradable dish soap.

3.         Wash and scrub dishes in the first sink.

4.         Rinse dishes in the second sink.

5.         Use a quick-drying hand towel to dry dishes and put away.

For more on washing dishes while setting up camp, look at New Off The Lattice's definite aide. Remaining clean while setting up camp is significant. You'll feel improved, smell better, and everybody around you will see the value in it! Here are my top methods for remaining clean while setting up camp (answer: child wipes aren't only for infants). For short setting up camp excursions, the toiletries you really need are restricted. However long you have the nuts and bolts, you'll have the option to endure an evening or two outside.

Here are the basics that I bring on every camping trip:

•           Toothbrush and toothpaste

•           Face wipes with makeup remover

•           Baby wipes

•           Face moisturizer

•           Deodorant

•           Toilet paper

•           Essential medications

•           Hairbrush

•           Baby powder or dry shampoo

•           Contacts or glasses

•           Hand sanitizer

•           Ziploc bag for storing used wipes, disposable contact cases, toilet paper, etc.

39. Learn to go to the bathroom outside

One of the more intimidating parts of camping is going to the bathroom outdoors. But you may not have to deal with it at all!

Many campgrounds have bathrooms with plumbing. At the very least, they have pit toilets. You’ll really only have to go outdoors while hiking, primitive camping, or backpacking.

But if you do find yourself needing to go #2 outdoors, just follow these simple steps:

•           Do your business in the hole and bury it by covering it up with the dirt you just dugout.

•          If you need to Pack out your toilet paper or wipes using a sealable Ziploc bag with a small amount of baking soda inside. This will reduce odors and make sure you’re following the Leave No Trace principles. Never leave your toilet paper in the wilderness.

40. Learn how to handle your period outdoors

Don’t cancel your camping trip just because it coincides with your period! Periods while camping isn’t much different than at home, especially if you’re at a camp-ground with bathrooms.

If you’re camping at a more primitive site or will be doing long hikes, keep extra tampons or pads in your backpack.

You should also carry a Ziploc bag with a small amount of baking soda for disposal. The baking soda helps keep odors down.

If you don’t want to use a clear bag for disposal, duct tape the outside of the bag to hide the contents!

Just remember to bring enough tampons or pads for your entire trip. A menstrual cup is also a popular eco-friendly option.

41. Take a baby wipe shower

Most often, you won’t be showering at the campground. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay dirty! Baby wipes aren’t just for babies. They are also the perfect way to scrub off dirt, sweat, sunscreen, and bug spray after a long day!

Bring a pack of baby wipes along to wipe off your body and sweaty areas. I do this twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. It’s most important to get the bug spray and sunscreen off at the end of the day.

42. Practice eco-friendly toothbrushing

This is another part of camping hygiene that will be similar to home if you are camping at a place with a proper bathroom.

If you’re camping at a site without running water and sinks, you’ll need to follow one easy rule for outdoor-friendly teeth brushing.

Use drinkable water from your water bottle to wet your toothbrush and brush your teeth as you normally would.

When you’re ready to spit, simply keep your mouth closed and spray the toothpaste instead of spitting it in one pile. This mind reminds me of a classic sitcom spit take when someone hears something shocking.

This prevents toothpaste from pooling and affecting animals or plant life.

Camping Tips and Tricks for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

43. Buy a larger tent

When a tent is marketed as a 2-person tent that means 2-people and nothing else! As someone who regularly camps with my significant other, I can tell you that you’ll want a 3-person tent.

I recommend sizing up when choosing a tent. When driving to your campsite, you don’t need to worry as much about the added weight. Although, my 3-person Big Agnes Copper Spur tent weighs less than 4 pounds.

A larger tent will ensure you have space for people, pets, and your bags. Just remember that food should never be stored in your tent!

44. Use your rain fly the right way

Most tents come with a rain fly, the piece of material that goes over your tent to waterproof it and protect you from rain.

But here’s the pro tip: you can strategically use your rainfly to regulate the temperature inside your tent.

In hot, dry weather, leave the rain fly off! You can sleep under the stars and get extra airflow. Just be sure to check the weather forecast for rain!

In cold weather, you can cover your tent with the rain fly and zip it up entirely, trapping in your body heat and reducing airflow.

If you’re in between, or expecting light rain, you can put your rain fly on but stake it out to let in some airflow.

45. Sleep in merino wool layers

As you know by now, merino wool is one of the best clothing materials for camping. It’s lightweight, odor-resistant, and breathable while still providing warmth and insulation.

I recommend sleeping in a lightweight merino wool base layer, like the Smartwool 150 base layers. Even in cold weather, I only sleep in a light merino base layer.

This allows your down sleeping bag to use your radiating body heat to insulate you.

Merino wool layers are light enough to wear in hot weather too. In the summer, I’ll simply wear a short sleeve base layer and lightweight Smartwool pants.

46. Invest in a thick sleeping pad

A sleeping pad has the biggest impact on your sleep quality when camping. If you’re a sensitive sleeper and like a soft mattress at home, I recommend investing in a quality sleeping pad.

For beginners, I recommend picking an inflatable sleeping pad. It saves room when storing and is lighter weight. Sleeping pads are rated on the amount of insulation they provide, called the R-value.

You should look for a sleeping pad with a 2 to 2.5 R-value.

Therm-a-Rest is one of the most popular sleeping pad providers out there. I use the Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro sleeping pad.

It has been a game-changer for me when it comes to getting quality sleep while camping. It’s silent when I roll around at night and provides plenty of cushion with both an inflatable body and memory foam.

47. Bring a real pillow

When I first started camping, I tried going with a cheap, compact camping pillow. Some campers even go without! But a real pillow has become a non-negotiable for me when I go camping.

I get an exponentially better sleep when I take a pillow from home. It even fits inside my sleeping bag!

Remove the pillowcase before leaving home and place your pillow in a trash bag to keep it from getting dirty. Pack your pillowcase and put it on once your tent is set up.

48. Bring earplugs

If you’re a light sleeper like me, earplugs will be a game-changer. Camp-grounds can be noisy, particularly if you have disrespectful neighbours (see Tip #58 for more on camp-ground etiquette).

A basic pair of earplugs can block out noise from nearby campsites and rustles in the night. Whether it’s the wind blowing around leaves or a raccoon snooping near my tent, I sleep better when I don’t hear it or know it’s out there!

Safety First Time Camping Tips

Safety is no joke. Just like with other outdoor activities, camping can be dangerous and pose threats. It’s incredibly important to brush up on your camping safety before heading out for your first camping trip.

Keep reading for important safety tips you should know as part of Camping 101.

49. Practice proper fire safety

Wildfires are becoming more common, so it’s more important than ever to follow fire safety guidelines to protect people and nature.

A few general rules of thumb are:

•           Only start a campfire in proper areas, like grills or fire pits at campsites

•           Extinguish all campfires completely and pour water on the embers

•           Don’t smoke or leave cigarette butts at campgrounds

•           Disconnect propane tanks from grills after use

It’s always a good idea to check the website of the park service where you’re camping for fire restrictions, particularly in summer and fall.

Many campgrounds will limit where, when, and the types of fires that are allowed during fire season.

50. Know how to purify water

While most campgrounds provide filtered water that is drinkable without purification, it’s still a good idea to know how to purify water in case of an emergency.

A water purification device is one of the 10 essentials of hiking and it’s essential for campers too.

For beginners, I recommend something simple since you’ll only be using it in an emergency, like if you get lost or injured on a hike away from camp.

The Aquamira Treatment Drops are great for beginners. All you have to do is squeeze a few drops into your container. The drops filter out 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and are compact and portable.

This isn’t the most cost-effective filtration approach for backpackers who need to filter large amounts of water. But it’s perfectly fine for emergency use by beginner campers.

51. Make sure you can navigate without cell service

Since most of us use our phones for navigation these days, it’s important to make sure you can navigate without cell service.

The easiest way to do this is to use the Google Maps app to make a custom map available offline. Google Maps allows you to make a custom map of any area in the world. You can then navigate within that area without cell service, like to your campsite, grocery stores, or even hospitals.

To download a custom Google Map, go to your Google Maps app, click your profile icon, and select Offline Maps from the menu.

You can then click Select Your Own Map and drag the box to select any area. I recommend selecting an area that encompasses the entire area you will be passing through.

52. Check the weather forecast before you go

Always check the weather forecast before you leave for your camping trip. If you see thunderstorms or high winds in the forecast, it might make sense to reschedule your camping trip.

If you see rain in the forecast, I don’t recommend canceling. Instead just ensure you have your rain fly, a tent footprint, and a waterproof rain jacket packed to keep you dry.

53. Know best practices for wildlife safety

Wildlife encounters can be one of the most intimidating parts of camping for beginners. But if you follow these simple tips, you can try to avoid wildlife encounters and know how to react if you do have one.

•           The first thing to know is that all animals are more scared of you than you are of them. Most often, animals are aggressive when they are surprised. To avoid surprising an animal, make plenty of noise when hiking or walking through the brush near your campsite.

•           Animals will occasionally enter campgrounds attracted to the scent of food. To avoid attracting animals, store all food in the provided food storage lockers. You should also dispose of all trash in the campground’s dumpsters after cooking and before bed.

•           If you do see an animal, remain calm and slowly back away. You should always keep at least 25 yards away from less aggressive wildlife. For more aggressive animals like bears and mountain lions keep at least 100 yards away. .

•           Store all scented items in the provided food storage locker. Never store scented items like food and toiletries (including deodorant, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer) in your car. Bears have been known to break into and destroy vehicles after detecting scented items.

54. Pack extra food and water

You never know when you may get stuck due to weather, road closures, or injury. To prepare for the unexpected when camping, always pack extra food and water.

•           If you’re camping close to home in warmer months, pack one extra day of food and an extra gallon of water per person.

•           If you’re camping in a more remote destination or in colder months, pack at least 2-3 days of extra food and an extra 2-3 gallons of water per person.

55. Have a car safety kit

Since you’ll be driving to your campsite, it’s important to bring along a few road trip essentials.

Any time you’re heading out into a remote area, you should make sure you have a proper roadside kit. At the least, this should include everything you need to jumpstart your car or change a tire.

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box solution, I recommend AAA’s roadside assistance kit.

56. Have a first aid kit

Injuries are a natural part of spending time outdoors. Every camper should carry a basic first aid kit with the materials to treat minor cuts and patch up wounds until you can seek medical help.

For any outdoor activity, I recommend the Adventure Medical Kit. It’s made specifically for the outdoors and has supplies to treat common hiking wounds.

It also has what you need to treat burns, allergic reactions, bug bites, and stings. The kit is lightweight, compact, and fits easily inside of a hiking backpack or overnight bag.

They also make a medical kit for dogs, which is super important if you choose to bring your furry friend along!

Campground Etiquette: How to Camp for Beginner

57. Follow the Leave No Trace principles

The most important part of spending time outdoors is following the 7 Leave No Trace principles. These are a set of guidelines that help protect nature from human impact and preserve the outdoors for generations to come.

When camping, there are a few essential things you can do to follow the Leave No Trace Principles:

•           Camp on previously camped on surfaces. This means camping at your designated campsite and reducing your impact on other areas.

•           Dispose of all trash. You may have heard the phrase ‘pack it in, pack it out’. This means that every time you leave your campsite and before you go to bed, you should pack up all trash and put it in the campground’s dumpsters.

•           Leave wildlife alone. If you happen to see wildlife on your camping trip, be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the animal. Never feed animals, including birds, squirrels, and racoons. Be sure to store your camp stove and dispose of any crumbs after cooking to avoid attracting animals to your campsite.

Most campgrounds have set quiet hours when campers are expected to put out campfires and lights and keep noise levels down. This also regulates the hours that RVs can run generators. Check with your campground for their quiet hours.

Other ways you can respect fellow campers include:

•           Only setting up camp in your area

•           Avoiding walking through the middle of other campsites

•           Limit playing music

If you’ve made it this far, you should be feeling confident and prepared to take on your first camping trip! But just remember, you won’t become an expert overnight – practice makes perfect!