5 ways to Prepare for a Camping Trip

Who doesn't love camping? Being in the outdoors, living alongside nature, waking up to the sounds of a distant loon...it is the perfect opportunity to get away from your nine-to-five and relax while being adventurous at the same time.


But for anybody who has ever camped before, they know that the more prepared you are, the better the experience will be. That doesn't necessarily mean having more things or bringing the latest camping gadget. It's about having everything you will need to get through the weekend stress free.

Here are a few ideas we have come up with about how to prepare before you ever leave your driveway. Hopefully they will be helpful as you get ready for an exciting and relaxing few days with your friends and family:

1. Make a Check-list: You will forget something. It happens to everybody. But making a checklist will help you forget a few less things. We suggest start by using a premade list, then adjusting it to your specific needs. 6 things that you will need regardless - a lighter, duct tape, pocket knife, first-aid kit, hammer, and a spatula.
2. Set your tent up once before you leave: For a few reasons. First, you want to air it out a bit. If it is the first camping trip of the season, or you just went last weekend, it may still be a bit wet. Give it some time to breath. Second, it may have suffered some damage while you were packing it up that you did not notice, and the last thing you need is a big rip in your tent when you are hours away from home. It will also give you an opportunity to clean it better than you may be able to at the camp site.
3. Freeze a Bunch of Water Bottles and Juice Boxes: You're bringing them anyway, so why not use them? They can be used in place of bagged ice, and your cooler wont fill up with melted water on the drive. Stick them in your cooler with the hotdogs, hamburgers, and any other food you need to keep cold, and you will be all set!
4. Wash All of the Supplies that You Can Before You Leave: Yes there are places to wash pots and pans at the campground, but can you get them as clean as you would be able to in your own sink? Especially if they have been sitting in storage for a while...give them a nice scrub to get anything left on off, so they will be fresh for your first meal and easier to clean from then on.
5. Look to See if the Campsite has Any Special Events Going On: What's worse than showing up to a luau without your favorite grass skirt? It as easy as visiting their website and checking out their calendar. They might not do special events, but then again, they might. Many places have camping cookout contests or challenges that you can prepare for and have a lot of fun at.

So that is just a few (hopefully) helpful tips for getting ready for your trip.