Camping for Dummies

[Butter]

So, I'm going camping this weekend with the family. Don't know much of what to do... Bought a tent, a lantern, an air mattress and a couple of sleeping bags for the kids. Figure I need to get some kind of small portable grill or stove or something for cooking, and of course take a cooler with water, food, and some utensils/pots/plates.

Aside from that, what do I need to take that I'm not thinking of? I am TOTALLY new to camping, and really need some direction about what to take. I plan to take a dry run at pitching the tent later this week... do you just drive the stakes in at each corner? Someone at the store mentioned also tying up some upper portions of the tent to keep it from flapping around in the wind. Also read where you should put a tarp or something down under the tent.

[IwasHere]

Bug spray
Bug spray
Bug Spray.

[TroyF]

bug spray (as IwasHere mentioned)
first aid kit
beer

some wood for the fire. (if you end up having to buy some at a campsite it can be ridiculously expensive)

Graham crackers, Hershey candy bars, Marshmallows

[scooper]

Tents vary, so you may need to tie that specific tent up. I would put a tarp underneath.

I take a portable charcoal grill. You can also cook over fire. Hot dogs on a spit over a campfire just taste better than normal dogs.

If I may ask, where's the destination?

[Butter]

Destination is one of the lake campsites in the area, haven't completely decided yet... I think we might just do a trial run with just the tent and the grill this weekend, then next weekend try it at an actual campsite. The Mrs. wants to try to go to an actual campsite Sunday night, but I think it might be booked for this weekend. Don't know what the normal availability is.

[flere-imsaho]

A tarp under the tent is good, because it helps keep the moisture out. Also, unless you're used to sleeping on the ground, some sort of air matresses for all involved are a good idea.

Overall, a "trial run" at a campsite relatively near home is a good idea, as opposed to packing everyone in the car, driving 6+ hours, and then realizing that you don't know what you're doing. ;)

As others have said, the only critical thing to have is bug spray at this point. Everything else you'll kind of figure out on your own.

If you're going to bring stuff to grill, make sure to have a cool enough place to store this stuff. Depending on what you're all packing, sometimes having a separate cooler just for the meat (and plenty of ice) isn't a bad idea.

[scooper]

The closest I've camped to Dayton is Hueston Woods. It's a big park, there is usually availability at the primitive sites.

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/huestonw.htm

[Fighter of Foo]

I always pack an extra tarp and bungee cords so you can tie it up on some trees and have shelter if it starts raining.

[rkmsuf]

why would anyone want to sleep on the ground? in a place where you need tons of bug spray even.

Never understood the fascination with camping.

[Butter]

I think we're actually going to try John Bryan, which is just east of where I live in Dayton.

How did you like Hueston Woods, scooper? That will be on the list of places to go later, as is Caesars Creek.

[scooper]

I liked it. Most of the sites are pretty well shaded in the primitive area. I'd pay a few extra bucks and try to get into a non primitive section for nicer facilities. It's nice to be close to a shower.

There's a beach on the lake, boat rentals, a nature center and plenty of other activities.

Caesars Creek is nice. I've never camped there, but I've been there on a couple occassions.

why would anyone want to sleep on the ground? in a place where you need tons of bug spray even.

Never understood the fascination with camping.

You enjoy it or you don't. Some people think I'm nuts for staring at what appears to be spreadsheets, crunching numbers and trying to get favorable football scores for hours at a time.

[rkmsuf]

You enjoy it or you don't. Some people think I'm nuts for staring at what appears to be spreadsheets, crunching numbers and trying to get favorable football scores for hours at a time.


I know. Just fascinates me. The people that take like their whole house with them to "camp" and these huge campers really interest me. I mean if you want to make it like home...stay home and just take day trips to do stuff.

I'll give a pass to those driving cross country or far away.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Never understood the fascination with camping.

Same here.

I'm not dogging it for those who enjoy it, I just for the life of me don't understand why anybody would inflict it upon themselves.

Hell, one of the main reasons I work is to avoid sleeping outside on the ground.
Why anybody would do that on purpose and pay to do it just completely escapes me.

[Castlerock]

A tarp under the tent is a good idea. But make sure it is completely under the tent. It should not stick out the sides. If it sticks out, the rain will run down the side of the tent and collect on the tarp turning it into a mini-pond.

Be sure to store meat so that it is not sitting in water in the cooler. If it's in the water, you can contaminate everything in the cooler.

I also try to do as much food-prep at home as possible. And remember that there is "clean" and there is "camp clean". A little bit of dirt, pine needles, etc are not going to hurt you.

[rkmsuf]

Same here.

I'm not dogging it for those who enjoy it, I just for the life of me don't understand why anybody would inflict it upon themselves.

Hell, one of the main reasons I work is to avoid sleeping outside on the ground.
Why anybody would do that on purpose and pay to do it just completely escapes me.


lol, forgot about the pay part. that makes it even more fascinating. I need to be in the campground business. All profit.

[scooper]

I know. Just fascinates me. The people that take like their whole house with them to "camp" and these huge campers really interest me. I mean if you want to make it like home...stay home and just take day trips to do stuff.

I'll give a pass to those driving cross country or far away.

I guess for some, it's just not as miserable as some make it sound. The only time it really sucks is when it's miserably hot. I enjoy hanging around a campfire, having a few beers and relaxing outdoors.

We camped my whole life. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting around a fire with my dad and grandpa listening to their stories until well in the night. There's just something about it. Some like sleeping outdoors. Some don't.

[rkmsuf]

I guess for some, it's just not as miserable as some make it sound. The only time it really sucks is when it's miserably hot. I enjoy hanging around a campfire, having a few beers and relaxing outdoors.

We camped my whole life. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting around a fire with my dad and grandpa listening to their stories until well in the night. There's just something about it. Some like sleeping outdoors. Some don't.

I'm not trying to knock people who like it but I just don't get it. Can't you sit in your yard or on your deck and trade stories?

Maybe it's a different feel at a campsite.

[flere-imsaho]

I'm not dogging it for those who enjoy it, I just for the life of me don't understand why anybody would inflict it upon themselves.

In my opinion/experience, camping is one of those things that gets significantly better with experience. I think the people who "don't get it" tend to envision camping as it is when one is starting out. Specifically, when you're getting used to camping, you're spending time forgetting to bring things, not cooking things properly, setting up a tent improperly, and, perhaps, not really having a lot of fun.

However, once you get over that, and get to the point where you haven't forgotten things, you know how to start a campfire and cook over it, you can get coffee ready via the campfire in 15 minutes in the morning, and setting up the tent is a snap, it's a different story.

For me, sitting around a campfire after a good meal with some beer, before turning in to only the sound of wildlife and the crackle of the dying fire, is totally worth it. Likewise, waking up with some coffee around a newly-restarted fire in the morning, with the freshness in the air and (if you picked the site well) a great view to top it all off, is good as well.

But yes, it's not for everyone, and I get that.

[stevew]

Man, don't go camping. I know the wife probably thinks it will be fun, but camping sucks.

[flere-imsaho]

Maybe it's a different feel at a campsite.

Yes, basically. And no, I can't explain why.

[rkmsuf]

Yes, basically. And no, I can't explain why.

Unless you are pooping in a self dug hole I don't consider it camping.

[flere-imsaho]

Disclaimer:

Just for perspective on my earlier comments, though, I should note that I'm someone who's done a multi-day hike over the Mt. Washington Range in New Hampshire... in February. Which included setting up tents in 50mph winds in below-zero temps. And I enjoyed myself.... ;)

[stevew]

I'll admit to having gone camping each of the last 2 summers, but all I did was show up with a sleeping bag. My inlaws have all the shit(stove, etc), we stayed at a campground that had a shower and flush toilets. It wasn't too bad, but one day on the ground is more than enough. The only cool thing is cooking meat over the coals, everything else is pretty meh.

[rkmsuf]

I'll admit to having gone camping each of the last 2 summers, but all I did was show up with a sleeping bag. My inlaws have all the shit(stove, etc), we stayed at a campground that had a shower and flush toilets. It wasn't too bad, but one day on the ground is more than enough. The only cool thing is cooking meat over the coals, everything else is pretty meh.

shower and flush toilet is p*ssy shi*t

[scooper]

I'm not trying to knock people who like it but I just don't get it. Can't you sit in your yard or on your deck and trade stories?

Maybe it's a different feel at a campsite.

It is different. It's hard to explain. Sometimes, getting away from home is nice. And it's often more peaceful at a camp site than sitting in the middle of suburbia.

I actually did spend a lot time on the deck with my old man, having a few and telling stories. But my fondest memories of that type of him are from camping.

There are other reasons. We never had a pool, putt putt, canoes or an arcade at home. These are the things I did as a kid when we went camping. As I got older, it was more about hanging out and relaxing away from home. In college, my friends and I enjoyed camping as an opportunity to drink with fire involved.

As a married adult, we sometimes camp with some friends of ours, just a chance to get away and hang out. We're on a hiatus for a couple years until the boys get a little older. Son #1(19 months) would simply be too hard to contain right now and would eat a lot of rocks and sticks. Son #2 will be born this week.

[scooper]

Unless you are pooping in a self dug hole I don't consider it camping.

I do that at home. Trying to keep the water bills down.

[stevew]

shower and flush toilet is p*ssy shi*t

Exactly. But I'm not crapping in a hole.

[rkmsuf]

Exactly. But I'm not crapping in a hole.

how about wipe with leaf? you up for that?

[IwasHere]

It is different. It's hard to explain. Sometimes, getting away from home is nice. And it's often more peaceful at a camp site than sitting in the middle of suburbia.

I actually did spend a lot time on the deck with my old man, having a few and telling stories. But my fondest memories of that type of him are from camping.

There are other reasons. We never had a pool, putt putt, canoes or an arcade at home. These are the things I did as a kid when we went camping. As I got older, it was more about hanging out and relaxing away from home. In college, my friends and I enjoyed camping as an opportunity to drink with fire involved.

As a married adult, we sometimes camp with some friends of ours, just a chance to get away and hang out. We're on a hiatus for a couple years until the boys get a little older. Son #1(19 months) would simply be too hard to contain right now and would eat a lot of rocks and sticks. Son #2 will be born this week.
How can you mention all that, and leave out FISHING!

[scooper]

How can you mention all that, and leave out FISHING!

Done that as well, though I haven't much in recent years.

[stevew]

how about wipe with leaf? you up for that?
Only if you go first.

[stevew]

Dola, I mean, you test out the pile of leaves on your own ass, and then relay to me that it isn't poison ivy.

[rkmsuf]

Only if you go first.

interesting. you won't poop in a hole but are fine with using my used leaf to wipe. camping is fascinating.

[scooper]

Only if you go first.

"Who wipes?"







Only parents with children addicted to the movie Madagascar will get that one.

[rkmsuf]

Dola, I mean, you test out the pile of leaves on your own ass, and then relay to me that it isn't poison ivy.

ah, good catch

[stevew]

I would then get some unused leaves(obviously).

[Castlerock]

how about wipe with leaf? you up for that?
Just don't wipe with the shiny leaves that come in groups of three.

And I agree that camping gets better with experience.

[General Mike]

Don;t forget the marshmallows.

[rkmsuf]

http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/1028/canteen1sw.png

[Franklinnoble]

1. Tarp under the tent.
2. Rope
3. Matches
4. Flashlights (and batteries)
5. Raingear (unless you're 100% sure you're not going to get rain... but I'd bring it anyway)

A lot depends on where your camping, and at what sort of campground. If you're not going to have any shade, bring some.

[jbmagic]

Is it wrong to bring a Laptop Computer to camping and watch movies on it.

[Franklinnoble]

Is it wrong to bring a Laptop Computer to camping and watch movies on it.

No, I've done that.

[IwasHere]

And a 36 foot RV if possible. :)

[Telle]

Here's my list from last year's camping trip:

tent
air mattress
grill
sleeping bags
folding chairs
camp box
batteries (for air mattress)
flashlight
lantern
sunscreen
bug spray
citronella candle
hammer
geek tool
whisk broom
face clothes (basically baby wipes.. very handy)
soapy scrubby things (sponges with built-in soap)
trash bags
ziplock baggies
paper towels
paper plates
plasticware
table cloth and table cloth holders
dish towel
dishpan
water jug
pillows
towels

[Telle]

Dola -

I would also recommend that you plan out menus for each meal, including snacks. That way you pack exactly what you need in the way of food and items needed for prepwork.

[Butter]

Here's my list from last year's camping trip:

Thanks, that's quite helpful.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Good food is a key element for family camping.

One of the things we like to do for the first meal is to put some salmon in a marinade in a tupperware tub before we head out in the car. Stick in in the cooler with rubber bands around it to keep it from opening. The first night, make a campfire in a grilling pit, wrap the fish in aluminum foil, and drop it on the grill. Fifteen-twenty minutes later you're eating delicous, fresh fish. Meat works as well, of course, but we have a particular salmon recipe we use that all of us like, and fish cooks quickly.

S'mores are a must as well. TroyF posted the ingredients.

Corn on the cob, unshucked and soaked in water for a couple of hours, can also be grilled. When the moisture starts to hiss for a couple of minutes, it's ready. Shuck it, add butter and salt, and it's good to go.

A decent gas grill is nice to have, but we just use a gas canister and screw a cooking attachment on top. Works great, but keep the kids away as the food is up a bit high. At some point, I do mean to pick us up a nice, two-burner grill though.

If you like oatmeal, Quaker quick oats with brown sugar and raisins makes for a great, fast breakfast.

Pasta for dinners works great as well.

Sandwiches for lunch.

We haven't had them lately, but camping stores (and perhaps larger supermarkets) have camping meals. They're a bit pricey at the camping stores, and they used to taste awful, but people have told me that they have improved the taste a lot in the past few years. YMMV.

Another camping option that I've heard people rave about is military MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat). Maybe someone here knows more, but supposedly there are a few of them that taste great, and they are simple to make. I think you can get them at military surplus stores, but I'm not sure on that part either.

[Telle]

One other thing to note.. never EVER put food in your tent. Also make sure you lock up your cooler and trash bag in your car overnight. You don't want to encourage small (or large) animals to go nosing around your campsite.

[WebEwbank]

Bring a shovel and dig a trench around your tent. If it rains, you'll stay dry.

Bring a tarp and put your firewood under it. Ditto.

A doormat for the tent entrance keeps some of the grit out, and a broom gets the rest out.

[rkmsuf]

Cramping for Dummies

A Farrah exclusive.

[stevew]

If you aren't sure how it is going to go, I would recommend going somewhere where you can get a spot with an electrical hookup. That way you can possibly bring a portable refrigerator to keep your steaks and burgers cold. As well as your beer.

[Dodgerchick]

So what's the deal with not wearing cotton when going camping? I've read a bunch of articles and they all say, "no cotton" but don't explain why.

[Surtt]

So what's the deal with not wearing cotton when going camping? I've read a bunch of articles and they all say, "no cotton" but don't explain why.

I have never heard that.

Cotton loses it's insulation value if it gets wet, that might have something to do with it.

[Karlifornia]

If you live in the city, camping once in a while can be really, really fun. I went camping with some friends this past summer, and we had a blast. It's just a different experience I don't get very often. Hiking around for firewood, building a fire, sleeping in a tent. It's fun to me. I can understand why some people find it unappealing. I find going skiing unappealing, and refuse to do it. It seems like too much hassle. This is just different to me. It's hard to explain.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I am TOTALLY new to camping, and really need some direction about what to take.

I highly recommend the opposite direction from whomever is going camping.

I'll save you a replay of my rant on the subject but somewhere around here there's a thread from a couple of years back that (IIRC) entertained some folks, namely those who enjoy the notion of me suffering to the Nth degree.

[terpkristin]

So what's the deal with not wearing cotton when going camping? I've read a bunch of articles and they all say, "no cotton" but don't explain why.

Loses insulation when it gets wet and takes a long time to dry, especially when it's a base layer. This means that for regular clothes (shirts, pants), you could be keeping wet clothes close to your body (sweat counts as wet) which can actually make you colder, etc. With socks, it creates a wonderful environment for blisters and then if they pop, bacteria.

I always prefer wicking stuff, especially if I'm doing a rugged hike, but truthfully, for day hikes or not-too-strenuous stuff, cotton is probably fine as long as the weather's good.

/tk

[Butter]

I highly recommend the opposite direction from whomever is going camping.

I'll save you a replay of my rant on the subject but somewhere around here there's a thread from a couple of years back that (IIRC) entertained some folks, namely those who enjoy the notion of me suffering to the Nth degree.

Well, this thread is 3 years old, so we got some camping stuff, but never really got into it. It all worked out for the best. I'm not exactly a Mountain Man.

[Dodgerchick]

cool, thanks!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well, this thread is 3 years old

Aw shit, I didn't even notice. My bad.