Camping 101
Published Friday June 27th, 2008
Getting away from it all doesn't have to be very expensive or complicated - all you need is a tent and some basic supplies
If the hustle and bustle of urban life is stressing you, pack up the kids and a few essentials and head out for a weekend of camping.
With the proper planning and research you can be sure to have an enjoyable and relaxing time, whether you're looking to really rough it or simply some peace and quiet.
There is a wide variety of places to camp in our area and researching what types of accommodations are available and what activities are within the campground or nearby are vital.
Most campgrounds have a range in prices, varying from an unserviced tenting site to a fully serviced RV site or even a cottage.
Unserviced sites offer a piece of ground and a fire pit, while serviced sites will usually have electrical and water hookups.
National Parks, such as Fundy or Kouchibouguac will usually charge an entrance fee as well, although seasonal and year long passes are available at a reduced rate.
If you plan on tenting, make sure you know what the terrain is like, as a rocky base can be quite uncomfortable. A foam roll-up or air mattress can help increase comfort while taking up very little trunk space.
If you need to purchase a tent, make sure that it will fit your family comfortably, taking into account whatever you are going to have in the tent with you.
Just because a tent "sleeps four" doesn't mean that four people can comfortably spend a weekend together inside that tent.
Prior to the season's first weekend getaway, try to put up the tent to check for any holes, and to check that all of the poles and pegs are present and accounted for (believe me on this one!).
Camping pillows, which take up much less space are also a good investment, as are some good sleeping bags.
Eating can be either the best or worst part of your experience depending on how well prepared you are. Think about how many meals you will be eating during your stay and pack foods that are practical.
If you want to take foods that require colder temperature, you'll need a cooler packed with ice packs or ice cubes.
Multi-night stays will likely require you to restock your ice. All food should be kept outside of the tent as much as possible, so as not to attract pests or animals. You should also consider how you are cooking your food for warm meals.
Portable propane stoves are very popular and simple to use, while others prefer campfire cooking, for which there is specially designed cookware that can be purchased in specialty stores, such as Mountain Equipment Co-op or Wanderlust Outfitters.
For entertainment, it's a good idea to contact the campground to see what activities they have onsite. Many will have playgrounds, swimming pools, or various scheduled activities for children.
You may also find walking trails, opportunities for fishing or even beaches for sandcastles and sunbathing.
Regardless of your experience, each trip becomes more enjoyable as you refine your trips to your own expectations.
Keep track of what works and what doesn't and make a list of what you need for the next trip.
Camping is one of the purest ways to enjoy our natural surroundings and the perfect getaway for you and your family - so get out there and enjoy!
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