How do you organize a camping trip?

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Smiles

I know nothing about camping and want to organize a trip. How do I find a camp site? What other things should I consider? Is there a fee? What do I need for the trip? Thanks.

Answer
If you go to a campground, there is usually a fee. In NY, that fee runs about $20 / night for a state campground.

I typically make reservations online. The website http://www.reserveamerica.com/ handles the reservations for many campgrounds. I know the sites I go to in New York are handled through reserve america.

In terms of what you need, you will minimally need:

Tent,
Sleeping bags
Mats or mattresses unless you are ok with a harder surface to sleep on
Camp stove (optional but handy)
Lanterns
Flashlights
table cloths for covering the picnic tables
cooking supplies (spatula's, tongs, long forks, knives, cutting boards, silverware or plasticware, cups)
Cooler (s)
Hatchet or Ax, Saw
Hammer (pounding stakes)
Fireside chairs
Appropriate clothes and sundries

(This list could go on forever depending on how rustic or civilized you want to go)

Do you have advice for what to bring on a camping trip?

Breandan

A few men are going on a camping trip. We're planning on going to Harriman State Park in New York near New York City.
Besides the obvious: tent, sleeping bag, cooler, bug spray, food, beer; what do you recommend we bring?

Answer
Essentials
The first items on my list are what I call "Essentials." It's possible I might not need one of these items on a particular trip, but if I do (and chances are, I will), I'll have it. These are important things every camper will probably need sooner or later, including:

â¢Cash, credit cards, checks
â¢Required licenses and permits (for camping, hunting, fishing, etc.)
â¢Waterproof matches and butane lighter
â¢Multi-tool and/or Swiss army knife
â¢Toilet paper
â¢Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
â¢Maps and compass or GPS
â¢Rain gear
â¢Extra clothing
â¢Insect repellent
Clothing

â¢Pants, shorts
â¢Shirts
â¢Underclothes
â¢Shoes/boots
â¢Socks
â¢Belt
â¢Jacket, coat
â¢Hat, cap, toboggan
â¢Gloves
â¢Swimwear
â¢Nightwear

Toiletries

â¢Toothbrush, paste
â¢Soap, shampoo
â¢Mirror
â¢Comb, brush
â¢Deodorant
â¢Washcloth, towels
Miscellaneous

â¢Extra prescription glasses/contacts
â¢Prescription medicines
â¢Watch, alarm clock
â¢Sunglasses
â¢Sunscreen, lip balm
Camping Gear



If you're staying in a trailer or RV, you may not need to worry about many of the items listed below. But in this article, we'll assume you're going to be tent camping. That being the case, some items you may want to bring include:

â¢Tent, tent fly, poles, stakes and ropes (set up the tent before leaving to be sure everything is there and you know how to put it up)
â¢Hammer or hatchet (for driving tent stakes; keep it in the tent bag)
â¢Ground cloth (to go under the tent and keep it clean and dry)
â¢Sleeping bags
â¢Ground pads, mattresses and/or cots
â¢Pillows
â¢Tarp (has many uses)
â¢Lantern(s) (including fuel, mantles, funnel, batteries as necessary)
â¢Folding chairs, stools, tables
â¢Extension cords (for camps with electric hookups)
â¢Ice chest
â¢Beverage/water jugs
â¢Camping shower
â¢Ax, hatchet and/or shovel
â¢Broom
Food



Plan your meals before leaving home, and make a list of all food items you'll need using your menus as a guide. Some campers like to have elaborate outdoor meals, while others prefer not to cook at all. Either way, here's a list to help you remember some of what you might need:

â¢Meats (hamburger, hot dogs, steaks, bacon, sausage, chicken, etc.)
â¢Dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.)
â¢Eggs
â¢Bread, buns, biscuits, crackers
â¢Vegetables (potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
â¢Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, salad dressings, syrup, BBQ sauce, etc.)
â¢Drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, Kool-aid, juice, etc.)
â¢Staples (flour, corn meal, sugar, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, butter, cooking oil, etc.)
â¢Snack foods, dessert ingredients


Plan your meals before leaving home, and make a list of all food items you'll need using your menus as a guide.

Cooking, Food Service and Cleanup



The items you'll need for preparing meals, serving them and cleaning up will once again vary greatly according to your own preferences. Here are some to consider for your list:

â¢Camp stove, fuel
â¢Charcoal, lighter fluid
â¢Firewood
â¢Grill, cooking grate
â¢Reflector oven
â¢Skillet, pots and pans
â¢Carving/cutting knives
â¢Spatula, tongs, serving fork and spoon
â¢Can opener
â¢Measuring cups and spoons
â¢Aluminum foil
â¢Plates, cups, bowls
â¢Flatware (forks, spoons, knives)
â¢Scouring pads, detergent
â¢Zip-loc bags
â¢Garbage bags
â¢Paper towels, dish towels
â¢Oven mitt, pot holder
Emergency Gear



"Plan for the worse and hope for the best." That old saying has merit when you're camping. Always be prepared just in case something unexpected happens by having on hand a tool kit that includes a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches; a repair kit that contains such things as duct tape, wire, nylon twine, superglue and rope; and a first aid kit that includes all or some of the following basic items:

â¢Band-Aids
â¢Gauze pads
â¢Adhesive tape
â¢Aspirin
â¢Tweezers
â¢Needle
â¢Moleskin
â¢Single-edge razor blade
â¢Antacid
â¢Ace bandage
â¢Diarrhea medication
â¢Cold medication
â¢Laxative
â¢Bandages
â¢Sunburn relief
â¢Thermometer
â¢Sting kill swabs
â¢Eye drops
â¢Scissors
â¢Cortisone (anti-itch) cream
â¢Antibiotic cream
â¢Antihistamine such as Benad

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