Important Things to Know About Camping

One of my favorite hobbies of all time is camping. I don't know if I can explain why exactly, but I really enjoy something about getting to go out into the woods and spend time in Nature. Over the years, I have I've come across several things that new campers should be aware of to enjoy their time outdoors more. Let's cover a few of the basic things you should know, or at least be aware of, before you head out into the wilderness.

You may not be aware of this, but there are several different types of camping. How so, you ask? Doesn't all camping involve pitching a tent somewhere and sleeping on the ground? Well, yes, there are a few common things shared by all types of camping, but the rest of your trip can vary greatly. Here are some of the different types of camping.

One very common type of camping is backpacking, where you pack all of your gear into your pack and hike to your campsite. To be a "real" backpacking trip, the hike needs to be at least a couple of miles. Otherwise it's really more of a stroll. The important thing to know about backpacking is that you're going to have to limit the amount of gear that you take, since you're going to be carrying everything on your back.

The other popular form of camping is car camping, where you are able to drive your car right up to your campsite. This type of camping is popular in state and national parks, and is also often done with RVs and camper trailers. When you're going car camping, you don't have to worry so much about limiting your gear.

Having the right gear on your camping trip is definitely a must. Not having something you need can spell the difference between enjoying your time in the woods and being completely miserable while you're out there. Let's take a look at what you need.

There are several things that you pretty much have to have on your camping trip: a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, food, hatchet, matches, and water. An extra set of clothes isn't going to hurt anything either. If the weather is going to be significantly cold or hot, then adjust your gear accordingly. Really cold weather means more clothing, and a good quality cold weather sleeping bag. Hot weather means more water and some sunscreen.

Some other things that I usually bring along on my trip are: a daypack, my camping chairs, a good camping lantern, some fishing equipment (if there's a river nearby), a GPS unit, and a small camping saw for getting firewood. None of these things are essential, but they'll serve to make your time in the woods more comfortable.

For more camping topics, check out my other Hubs below:

• What You Should Know About Camping Gear