GETTING READY FOR CAMPING SEASON

Dreaming of sitting around a campfire with extra snacks and enjoying the outdoors? With the right preparation, you can camp year-round. For most of us, camping season kicks off in spring, peaks in summer, and wraps up in fall. The fantasy of grabbing your tent and hitting the road sounds fantastic, but the first trip of the season starts long before you head out the door.

PLAN YOUR CAMPSITE

Whether you're camping in your car or deep in the wilderness, planning ahead is key. The last thing you want is to arrive at a site and find that all the spots are taken. Here are some tips:

• Research the Area: Before you go, do some research on where you want to camp. Ask friends, visit outdoor stores, or consult online resources like Recreation.gov or the National Park Service.
• Reserve or Get Permits: Many popular campsites fill up months in advance, while others may have a lottery system for limited visitors. Some places operate on a "first come, first served" basis—especially on busy weekends and holidays—so plan to arrive early.
• For First-Timers: If you're new to camping, you may want to stick to sites close to home that offer amenities like toilets and fresh water.
• Check the Weather: Always check the forecast before you leave, and pack accordingly. If you're camping solo, be sure to let someone know your destination and estimated return time.

PREPARE FOR YOUR ADVENTURE

Here’s a checklist of essentials to pack for a successful camping trip:

• Tent (tent door, floor, poles, stakes)
• Sleeping bag
• Lantern or headlamp (with fresh batteries or fully charged)
• Durable boots or shoes
• Warm clothing (top, bottom, hat, gloves, wool socks, etc.)
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Dry foods and snacks (sandwiches, granola bars, nuts, fruit, etc.)
• Lighter or waterproof matches
• Pocket knife or multi-tool
• First aid kit
• Waterproof bags or containers for food and trash
• Water
• Toilet paper

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to gear (think camp stove, cooler, frying pan, fishing tackle, etc.). Feel free to add anything you think you’ll need, but remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Before heading out for the season’s first camp, try setting up a mini-camp in your backyard or living room. The goal is to ensure everything is in working order before you hit the wilderness. Consider the following:

• Inventory Your Gear: Clean your equipment if needed and double-check that everything is in working condition. You don’t want to discover an issue like a tear in your tent or a broken stove when you’re already miles away from home.
• Set Up and Pack Down Your Tent: Set up and take down your tent a few times to ensure it goes smoothly. This helps familiarize you with the process and prevents missing items (like tent poles) when you’re at the campsite.
• Air Out Your Sleeping Bag: Avoid any unpleasant odors by airing out your sleeping bag (preferably outdoors).
• Check Your Batteries: Ensure that devices like flashlights, portable chargers, or GPS units are equipped with fresh batteries or charged up.
• Pack Your Gear: Keep things organized by placing your gear in waterproof containers for easier packing and accessibility. When you’re ready to go, make sure you have a clear area to load everything into your car.

Once everything is ready, head out and enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t be afraid to dive into nature—remember, what happens in camp stays in camp!