A cut and pasted copy. ‎CAMPING "I hiked along the river's edge Alone in nature's den I found a quiet place to rest Where other's had not been I did not think of times that passed, nor future try to see For being in a timeless state, My mind was then set free." by Maryann Perry Camping can be the best or worst thing you have ever tried. It all depends on your expectations and preparedness. For me, primitive camping helps recharge my soul and refreshes my perspective on things. Waking up to the early morning dew on the ground and the absolute quietness of the area is remarkable refreshing. Watching the sun rise and the smell of a smothering camp fire that you cooked on the night before rekindles the long lost feeling of your ancestors quest of survival in a new hostile land. But primitive camping is not for everyone. There are many types of camping depending on just what you are looking to achieve. Below is a partial and brief list of different types of camping and the items needed for each that will help you select which is best for you. You can expand your knowlege of the best choice for you by further research on the internet and asking others about their experiences. Just keep it as simple as possible. Primitive: Primitive camping is not as primitive as it sounds. You are only limited to what you can pack in your car or truck. Some call this car camping or glammer camping. It is the cheapest of all types of camping. For me, primitive means camping in an area that has no electricity, running water or showers. Most times, the campsite does have a table, fire ring and a clear area for your tent. You have to bring your own water and supplies. Usually a vault toilet (outhouse) is available. In some campgrounds generators are not allowed or if allowed, the hours you can operate them are regulated.. If you camp in an area with no regulation, please be respectful of the other campers. Some basic necessities for primitive camping: Tent: My experience with tents is that a domed type is the best. It can handle the worst weather conditions and is easy to move if necessary. Just be sure to anchor it securely. Screen tent to put over table Water: Recommend amount for drinking is 1/2 gallon a day per person, then whatever you will need for cooking (usually a 5 gallon jug will be enough for a 3 day weekend for cooking) Food: Keep this very basic since refrigeration will be a problem. A cooler is good if you have a place where you can get ice. You can make your own ice blocks before hand by freezing water in large coffee cans and freezing water in jugs will give you a good source of cold drinking water. Here is a link for a good list of foods: https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/10-best-foods-to-bring-camping. Some foods can be prepared before hand at home. One example is wrapping hamburger meat, sliced potatos and onions in aluminum foil so you can just throw it on your campfire to cook. Be sure to wrap it throughly so it doesn't break open. Ingredients for smores and a cooking fork. Propane (or kerosine) stove for cooking. Propane lantern or battery operated light sources. Propane: Two bottles is plenty for a weekend. Charcoal Tarp(s): One tarp laid on the ground to place your tent on and one to drap on top of your tent for rainy weather. Lighter or matches Pots and pans: There are mats like "Miracle Grill Mat" that works very well on the campsite grill. Drip type coffee pot Spoons, knives, forks and other utensils for cooking and stirring. Plates: Paper plates are good. You can burn them in the fire after using. Never throw plastic in a fire. Cups (for hot and cold drinks) Paper towels or napkings Sleeping bag Bug spray Sunscreen Proper clothing: Even in summer months you should always take a light jacket. Two pair of shoes: Shoes will get wet. Bring another pair so you will always have a dry pair. One pair of water shoes, and one pair of hiking shoes are a good combination. Towels, wash clothes Soap: For you and your dishes Small tub to wash dishes in. Toilet paper Flashlights or other battery powered lights and plenty of fresh batteries. First aid kit: A basic kit should contain bandaids, some type of antiboitic cream, gauze and tape, asprin or ibuprophen. More extensive first aid kits can be purchased online or at your local stores like Academy. Duct tape: Always carry duct tape! Rope Containers: Store all your camping equipment and food in separate containers, preferable ones with tight lids. Never store your food in your tent. It is best to keep it in your vehicle when you are away from your campsite. BACKPACKING Backpack camping requires more preparation. Everything you will need has to be carried on your back. Weight becomes a primary concern. Water is the heaviest and most necessary item to carry. Using a water purification device is a good solution if you know you will be around a water source. Dehydrated food is a light weight alternative. Careful research and preparation is required for this type of camping. Selection of the proper backpack is essential. This can be a very rewarding experience since you will probably be in very isolated areas reliant only on your own self and your level of preparation. Communcation will be very limited so be sure to let someone know of your plans in case of possible problems. Extensive research on the internet and talking with experienced backpackers is essential. Non-Primitive Tent Camping Non-primitive tent camping is basically the same as primitive except you will have excess to electricity, water and showers. This is probaby the best way to get involved in camping for those with little camping experience. One drawback is that this type of camping can be crowded with more people. It will also cost more for a campsite. The items you will need are the same as primitive with a few exceptions. Extension cords Low watt light bulbs Water: You may need a short water hose with a nozzle or just a small water container since you will have water at your campsite. Small fan (or heater) Refrigeration: A small electric refrigerator would help with keeping food if you wanted to bring more food that requires refrigeration. I saw a camper once who brought a small freezer in the back of his truck. RV Recreation vehicle camping has grown tremendously over the years. RV's offers the convenience of having everything you need in one place. There are some place that only allow RV's. RV's can consist of a land whale or just a simple van conversion. Rv's give you the ease and flexibility to travel to several different areas with ease. This can be a very expensive type of camping depending on the size of your RV. It can also be a very rewarding experience if you like meeting people and traveling. Trailers - Camping trailers Pull behind trailers are another good way to camp if you want the convenience of home while camping/traveling. Camping trailers come in all shapes and sizes from a pop-up to one the size of an RV. It just depends on your individual needs and the pulling capacity of your vehicle. The advantage of a camping trailer over an RV is that you can setup your camp and free up your vehicle whereas with an RV you have to have a separate source of transportation once you set up camp. Whatever type of camping suits you the best just remember to following the "Leave no trace behind" rules outlined in this booklet. Happy Camping!