Great Tips for Car Camping Enjoyment
by: Chuck Fitzgerald
Camping is one of my favorite activities and my favorite type of
camping is car camping. However, there are many other types of
camping such as base camping, canoe camping, RV camping, tent
trailer camping and back yard camping. Regardless of how you
spend your time out of doors or how much time you spend out of
doors, there is always more to learn. I have compiled an
extensive list of camping tips and this installment is for car
campers. Here are my favorite tips for getting the most out of
your car camping experience.
Organize your gear before you go. The basic principle is to
organize or categorize your gear by "when" and "how quickly" you
will need it. When I get to the campsite, the first thing I do is
prepare shelter. So my tent and shade awning are the easiest
pieces of gear to get to.
Plan your campsite. Understand how vehicles, wind, sun and rain
will enter the campsite. For example, if the wind is coming out
of the west, you’ll probably want your tent and kitchen west of
any campfire to reduce smoke nuisance.
Always have a first aid kit in camp. Everyone in camp should know
where it is, have access to it and know how to use it. I keep
mine in plain sight in my kitchen. If it’s locked in my truck, no
one can get to it except me.
Every camp needs a shovel. I believe a shovel is the most
important tool in camp. You’ll use it to manage your campfire,
leveling sleeping spots and countless other uses. Don’t leave
home without it.
What tent should you use? I recommend a tent that is bigger than
you think you’ll need. If inclement weather sets in, you’ll have
a spot out of the elements for reading and playing games. My tent
is big enough for two people, two cots, two chairs and two dogs.
There is nothing wrong with having a checklist. Things frequently
forgotten are: extra batteries, trash bags, kitchen towels, hats,
reading material, sleeping pillows, hiking boots and pet food.
Your most important camping gear should always be on your body.
Not in your pack, not in your tent or in your vehicle. Whenever
you leave camp always have a watch, a whistle, a cell phone, a
flashlight and a knife on your person.
Some neat tidbits I’ve picked up over the years are: a golf towel
is perfect for hanging in your kitchen because it comes with a
grommet, you can never have enough zip lock bags, you won’t find
me camping without a flare – it’s perfect for lighting wet
firewood, my camp chairs have side tables attached to them, I
pre-cook baked potatoes at home and warm them up in the camp
fire, in good weather my hammock gets lots of use.
Car camping allows you to take virtually anything with you when
you camp. But the most important of all is good company. Take
along good friends and family. When you do, it doesn’t really
matter if you have the best gear or the best techniques, the one
thing you will have is the best of times. Use this information
and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!
Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys,
an online specialty store with the “Best Gear Out There” and
dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to “Get It Right The
First Time” with timely educational information. Please visit
www.BackCountryToys.com to
find great gear and to receive the
Fact & Tips e-newsletter, "FreshAir.” (800) 316-9055.
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