I get asked from time to time as a function of some of my volunteer
work about what it takes to get into camping, where to go, is it expensive etc.
So, I thought I’d take this post and talk through the top five concerns I’ve
heard through the years.
Question 1:
Isn’t it expensive to get all that camping stuff?
Answer 1:
Nah. I mean you can blow all the money you could ever want
on camping gear, but in actuality you don’t really need much. This is
especially true if you are going on your first outing. In fact, for the first outing
I always recommend that would be campers borrow the gear they think they need
from a friend or family member. Camping isn’t
for everyone, but everyone should try it at least once in their life. I’m going
to say this again, don’t spend a ton of money upfront. A simple tent works just
as well as the high dollar ones. If you waterproof it before heading out and
have a good set of stakes and a hammer to draw it down well to the ground, then
you will do just fine. You should grab a
simple tarp that is large enough to set your entire tent on before steaking it
down. You will need some sort of a sleeping bag to throw in the tent. Preferably
one that is going to keep you warm during the season that you plan on being
out. You can get by just fine with simple foods like sandwiches and fruit,
which means you don’t have to buy any cooking tools! Some beverages get thrown
in the same cooler as the food. Bring something to start a small fire and a
tool to either cut up some wood or bring it cut and split with you. You need
some personal hygiene stuff of course, even for a single night out, but you can
decide what you really need there. Finally, you need a place to go. If you don’t
have access to any rural areas to setup a night camp, then a state or private
park might be you next best options. Single night passes in state parks are reasonably
priced between 10 and 20 dollars in most cases.
Question 2:
How do you know where to go?
Answer 2:
There is no hard and fast rules on where to go camping. I’ve
camped in federal lands, state parks, private parks, in pastures, in the woods,
in the mountains, in the desert, and on the beach. It truly is up to you. The
only thing to know is what resources are near where you are interested in going
and what type of terrain do you want to try out. Importantly though, think
about your own health and physical ability. If you live on the coastal plains
and decide to drive up to Colorado to camp, you will find that your body isn’t ready
for it. High altitude camping can be rough if you are not in decent physical shape
and in overall good health. The same can be true for most any terrain depending
on seasons. Your best bet is to go online and google “camping near me.” There
is a plethora of information online about potential campgrounds, state park
camping, sometimes you can even find posting for camping on someone’s land that
might be near you. These can be some of the coolest trips since you get to meet
new people that are likely very well-seasoned in the camping and outdoors
living, without the feeling that you are still in the city or surrounded by too
many others.
Question three:
How do I learn how to camp?
Answer three:
You learn as you go in most cases. I had my first camping
trip with my grandparents when I was about 7 in the family camper. It was
awesome, but it was “glamping” to be sure. What I did learn from that first
trip was plan. Plan everything out you need up front, then double check
that. In my cases I had forgotten to
throw anything in my bag to entertain myself. So, while I hardly noticed since
I did remember my fishing pole and tackle, it still would have been nice to
have some cards, or games to play when the sun went down. In stead there was
just lots of talking. As I’ve gotten older, I realized that the talking and the
memories were worth far more than any games would have been. But a good book
and a light to read by once you settle down for the night can be a peaceful end
to the evening. Also, if you have a friend that goes camping, just ask to tag along once. This is by far the most common way folks learn the basics. That said, no two people camp the same. We all develop our own little tricks and ways of doing things. So take it all in. Ask questions and learn if you get to go with someone who is more seasoned.
Question four:
What do you do when you go camping?
Answer four:
Well in my case, I take a ton of pictures and make lots of
notes. Admittedly I’m an environmental guy, so you could just sit me down in
the middle of no where and I’d find rocks and critters to watch. Take pictures
of, you name it. If you are going with a
friend or two, then you end up exploring more likely than not. If there is
water around you, you will end up there at some point. Probably just staring at
it when the sun gets low. You eat. You laugh. By the same token, I’ve done more
than a few solo camp outings where its just me and my thoughts. Point to all of
that is you can do pretty much anything that your heart desires. Just be
respectful of the land and the people around you and you will do fine.
Question five:
Is it safe to be out camping?
Answer five:
Yes, it is very safe practice. I mean that comes with a bit
of self-acknowledgement that you need to be aware of the area your camping in. Initially,
until you would be a well-seasoned camper, you should probably be in an area
with other campers within a reasonable shouting distance. That way if you hurt
yourself or run into some sort of serious problem you can literally scream for
help. The thing to remember is that the people around you are there for the
same reasons you are, to disconnect from the daily grind, if even for only a
while. In state and federal parks, they are patrolled by actual peace officers.
Real cops, who took the extra step to learn environmental laws. They aren’t ones
to come up and hassle you to be sure, but they are comforting to see driving or
walking through once in a while, especially if you are perhaps a little nervous
on your first couple of outings, or if you are going alone. Speaking of safety, what you really need to be
worried about is hurting yourself out on the trails, or getting bitten by a snake,
or perhaps spider. Those are real concerns, and with proper training you can handle those sort of issues to.
ALWAYS pack a good first aid kit, know the number to the ranger station (assuming
you have cellular service) and know where the location is nearest you of a hospital.
Also, and this is especially true if you are going out alone, leave a detailed
plan with a trusted friend or family member. Lay out what vehicle you will be
in, along with a description of it and its license plate. Make a note of the
path you will be taking to get to the area you are camping in, and most
importantly in your plan spell out what day and general time you should be
returning home. As your skill level increases in camping and outdoors living,
you will still want to leave the plan with someone. Finally, just keep a level
head about yourself. Know you limits. Know your strengths.
So yeah, there are the big five. I would encourage you to
all get out, even if its just once to experience a camping trip. You sleep
better. You feel better and I guarantee that you will appreciate the world just
a little more after its done.
Until next time…
