Community Chat

[happycat]

Make sure you have plenty of water and a working flashlight and pepper spray. My daughter loves to tent camp. I hope you have fun, @Kalli.

[Krimpette]

I loved tent camping.....when I was probably in my 40s.  So many wonderful adventures....a black bear walking right through our camp site, white water rafting, almost getting lost during one of our hikes, etc, etc, etc.!  So many wonderful memories!  I'm so glad i had the experience. 

I know I couldn't do it now at this age, but it sure was fun while it lasted!  

[RedTop]

Be prepared to be cold and wet if it rains, as tents leak.

Citronella candles or a mosquito coil will be needed to keep biting bugs away.

Lock food in the trunk of your car; do not have any food in your sleeping area.

Bears, coyote, fox, raccoons, and snakes are the most likely to invade your campsite. Copperhead bites are more likely to happen in September and October, as the babies are born in August and September and are very active in wooded areas. Baby copperheads are fully loaded with venom, so their bites can be vicious.

[Lipstickdiva]

What is the weather going to be like where you are camping?

I camp but we have a travel trailer.  I don't tent camp nor would I.  It's just not my cup of tea.  

Make sure that you don't leave any food or garbage out when you go to sleep at night.  No matter where you are, there are critters that will eat your food and get into your trash.  The last time we went camping I forgot to zip up our trash can and I woke up to trash littering our campsite. 

[red&curly]

Alot has already been said.Also depends on whether there is bathhouse or not.of course if there is you know what you need to shower & get ready.
If site has electric , we charged phones w/ that.We have a lantern to use in tent.Dont forget cooler.

Also like someone said get a heavy duty tarp to put under tent.
Might need a rake to move leaves & sticks in your way.
We use our cots cause mattress was too low to ground.Trouble getting off it especially in middle of night to go bathrm.Think weeble wobble.
We were on gravel lot .Could still feel under mattress.

Yes even if you don't think it will be cold bring blanket.
Have a wonderful time.Enjoy the stars & let us hear bout it.

[Kalli]

Well, I never expected so many responses and I'm thankful for all your suggestions!  I'll print out this thread and start crossing out things as I pack!

I'll post once we're back. Thanks again!

[patbz]

@Kalli :  Why don't you buy "Camping for Dummies" on Amazon ( either e-book or paperback).  The reviews are OK.

[SydneyH]

Don't overthink it imo.  My children loved camping in this manner when they were younger and claim many fond memories.  I do have to confess though our last camping trip was spent in a well-equipped trailer but we still enjoyed spending time outdoors.

[Sooner]

Judging from stuff you need to gather up and drag out there, I think I might as well stay home and clean out the house. . . 

[MamaWick]

My idea of roughing it is Motel 6.