Basic Camping Needs

Where you're camping, how many companions are with you and the time of year will determine the style and size of your tent. A good rule of thumb is to go up one size from your needs. In other words, if you're camping solo, take a 2-person tent, if it's you and a companion take a 3-4 person tent, and so on. You'll appreciate the extra room (if not just for storage), but in particular you'll find that a 2 person tent usually means 2 small people and not room for much else.

There is a huge assortment of tents to choose from. The varieties are endless in size, shape, number of rooms, specific weather tents, and the materials that they are manufactured from.

• The nine basic items
• Tarps

 

Primitive tent camping requires some special needs to set yourself up for a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable time. You will may not have access to a shower or restroom while primitive camping.

Depending on what site you have selected you will need tools to help you prepare your site prior to erecting your sleeping quarters. A rake will be needed to help smooth out the ground . In order to make sure your tent is securely anchored to the ground you will need to "hammer" your tent stakes at an angle into the ground. A rubber mallet works well for accomplishing this task. If you choose to not carry an excess of items you can also use the blunt end or unsharpened side of an ax as your hammer.

A few other items that you may want to consider bringing if you are primitive camping are:

• hammer
• rope to help keep your tent secured or to hang wet clothing on
• camp shovel to dig a pit for a fire and to replace the dirt before you leave,
• a portable shower bag for personal hygiene,
• rake for preparing the ground

A partial amenities tent site will generally offer you electric or water. You should still consider bringing your own drinking water and the nine essential items of camping.

You would have access to a shower and a restroom . The need for preparing your site could be diminished depending on the campground and how well they maintain their tents sites. A camp grill may be supplied, however, you will need wood or BBQ briquettes and lighter fluid if you choose to grill your food.

Depending on the campground, a small fire pit may be located at your site and open fire cooking may also be an option.

You will also need:

• Extension cords
• hose

 

Tent camping in a full amenities campground will give you all the comforts of sleeping in a tent! You won't need to carry your own water and most full amenity campgrounds offer a type of restaurant/snack bar .

Full amenities, while tenting, will offer electric, water, cable/satellite hook-ups, propane, camp store, activities, swimming pool and more.

Laundry facilities, a community bath/restroom, playgrounds and a recreational building will generally all be on site. These sites offer picnic tables and grills for all sites.

You will also need:

• Extension cords
• hose