Camping Tips - The Ultimate Camping Checklist
86Camping
The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Camping
Welcome to the Ultimate Camping Checklist!
Who Camps And Why:
I believe that camping is for everyone. Why? Because of the very reason why people camp... because it is fun. We camp for the love of it. We camp for the joy of it. Joy is reason enough to do any activity and joy is at the heart of camping. Don't think of camping as "getting away from it all" but rather as an avenue to bring stillness, peace, relaxation, freedom, and pure fun into your life... and hopefully all these wonders will spread into every aspect of your life.
We cover a lot of information in this Hub, but if you'd like even more information, please visit our site: Camping Checklist
How To Camp
Of course preference comes into play with camping. Don't deny your preference, it is as distinctive and important as your fingerprint. If you like to rough it, well, rough it. If you enjoy modern convenience and comfort, you certainly don't have to give that up to enjoy nature. Perhaps you are a middle of the road kind of camper, well, there is a camping style suited perfectly for you too. Maybe you like to merge all types of camping into your experience. There is no reason not to buy a caravan, drive to great spots all over the country, pack up your backpack, and hike to a secluded area out in the wild. Having options are part of the wonderful nature of life! Here are some of your options (please add your own too):
Minimalist camping. So, you want to see if you can survive in the wild with as little as possible--trusting nature and your wits to take care of you? Well, here are some great resources to prepare for your adventure (preparation and lots of knowledge are key!):
Minimalist Camping Links
- Practical Backpacking
Become a member (it's free) of this wonderful backpacking resource. Their forums and podcasts are invaluable! - Backpacker Magazine - Backpacking 101
Get all the "essential wisdom" you will need for your adventure from safety advice to gear lists and more at Backpacker.com. - Sectionhiker.com
This website is a wealth of outdoor activity information for beginners to experts. The information you will find here is from life experience. check out their video on How to Hang a Bear Bag. Its informative, but most importantly, it is hilarious... - Survivalistboards.com
This site is going to give you more than just information on surviving in the wild, so take some time and browse. They have a great review section letting you know about the best camping gear. Check out their Hiking, Camping, and Survival forum!
Conventional vs. Minimalist Camping
Car Camping
This type of camping is perfect for people who want to enjoy the outdoors, but still have the peace of mind of having their car readily available. With car camping, anytime you want or need to leave just simply pack up your car (that is within a few feet of your campsite) and hit the road. This is different from backpacking or minimalist camping where the camper usually hikes into the woods a few miles (away from all vehicular transportation) to their campsite. Car camping is also a great alternative for those of us who love to camp but don't have the physicality to backpack or don't enjoy long hikes that include carrying camping equipment. It is also great for families as a hike may be too burdensome for small children.
Car Camping Links
- RoadtripAmerica.com
Roadtrip America is a great resource for traveling and camping information. Check out their forum where you will find a terrific thread on car camping gear lists. Plan your next roadtrip here too! - Forestcamping.com
This National Forest Community website is not only a great way to find out what all our beautiful National Forest's have to offer, but is also the perfect place to talk to other forest lovers. Check out their forum on car camping.
RV Camping
So, you love to get out and see nature but prefer to have all the comforts of home by your side? Well, then, camping with a recreational vehicle is for you. You can still choose to venture out of your house on wheels and camp out in a tent or hammock or go for a day hike if you wish. With an RV parked at a beautiful campground, every option is right there waiting for you.
RV Camping Links
- FMCA
This motor coach community is the perfect place for RV owners to gather and, well, communicate. Membership is $50 a year with a ton a benefits including discounts on fuel, campgrounds, insurance and more. - Gorman Stories
A true education can be found here in the real-life adventures of an Rving couple. Heck, even if you don't plan to go on a great RV trip, read it anywaythis blog is informative and simply a delight to read. - Free Campgrounds for RVs
Click on the map to find free (or nearly free) campgrounds for RV's. The site also provides detailed information of each campground as well as comments from Rvers who have camped at the site.
RV Camping Video
Your Camping Checklist
Knowing what to take on your camping trip is crucial. Camping supplies will make or break your camping adventure and in the worse case scenario, not having a particular item (such as a first aid kit, compass, water filter system etc) could stand in the way of you making it home safely.
Always make a check list before each camping trip. Even if you have gone camping 1,000 times does not mean you are immune to mistakes or oversights. Go down your list and check off each item one by one. Always remember your water and water purification system!
- Survivalist Boards
Heres how the survivalist's do it! - How To Camping Tips - Checklists
This site has every type of camping checklist you can imagine from a pets checklist to the crucial first-aid checklist. - World Outdoor Web (w.o.w.)
Find out what kind of camper you are here and then follow the checklist. An addition to this list might be that some campers prefer a headlamp to a flashlight and a hammock with tarp to a tent.
Where To Buy Your Camping Supplies
- Pawn Shop Listings
Don't forget to check out your local pawn shop for some great deals. - REI
Purchase all your outdoor and adventure supplies here and visit the Expert Advice section to expand your outdoor education. - Maxpedition.com
Looking for a backpack that really knows how to do its job? Well, this is the place to shop.
Where To Camp
Don't limit yourself when it comes to camping (or anything else for that matter)—your very own backyard can be just as fun a campsite as any—attitude is everything! Check out these websites for some great ideas:
- U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America
Find any National Park and all its particulars. This site is an invaluable tool for those of you wanting to camp in the most beautiful areas in the U.S. - Jims Camping Forums
A perfect place for RV campers to discuss good campgrounds as well as bad campgrounds. . .and those aren't the only discussions going on, be sure to browse this site to gain information from real-life campers. - GORP.com
Easily find a park near you to camp, hike, bike, climb, sail, etc. Also, get maps for scenic drives; find out what gear you will need according to where you are going and what activities you will be engaging in... - Sunset.com
Find the best places in the west to camp. Also, get insider tips, prices, and discover which activities are best for the area.
When To Camp
Anytime! But, weather is an important factor for camping, so get ready. Find out the weather for your campground at Weather.com and check out the Outdoor Activities category for detailed and important information about your destination.
- Camping Practical Advice | GORP.com
This is simply some great additional practical camping advice for any and all situations. - Howstuffworks "How to Survive a Storm in the Middle of the Woods"
If severe weather hits while you are camping, you will need to know what actions to take. Find them out here. - Scouting Digest
Learn cold weather camping basics here. Great information! - Hot Weather Camping: A Survival Guide
Learn how to keep your campsite cool and refreshing in the heat.
Winter Camping
Camping News
- After-Camping Checklist
Some suggestions for what to do with your gear when you return from a camping trip. Start with an after-camping checklist.
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Campground Review - Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Isle Du Bois), Pilot Point, Texas
- South Carolina Camping
A guide to camping resources for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
CommentsLoading...
Very useful information indeed ! Welcome to HubPages !
Great stuff you got here. Very informative and superb camping tips. Thanks for this article. Will definitely follow your suggestions.
Thanks also for this site. Some good information.
I'm not a "minimalist" but I am a primitive-site tent camper. Good useful information presented for different types of campers.
Gus










jabyrd82 2 years ago
Thanks for sharing I found lots of usefull info !! I also have a hub on camping that I think you would enjoy. http://hubpages.com/hub/colorado-camping