Katie S
Me and my boyfriend are going camping and we need some fun activities to do. Any great ideas? We don't have any kids and we are in our early 20's. Let me know
Answer
Camping is a vague word, seeing as it could mean as little as pulling up a camper into a lot and partying all night to roughing it out in the wilderness with limited supplies for a few days, so I'll just say what I recommend for a couple in their prime years.
Depending on where you live (I'm assuming the United States), you can pick one of the country's many national parks ranging from the desert landscape of The Joshua Tree National Monument to the forest of the Great Smokey Mountains. Your best friend for finding a place to go is most certainly a local outdoors/backpacking store such as Apex Outdoors. The employees generally have much experience and often go on sponsored trips, so they generally serve as the ultimate resource. I myself have gotten to know people who work at some stores nearby and they give the best recommendations and preparation around. The internet is also useful.
I am 18, and for spring break this year I went with two of my friends to The Great Smokey Mountains for a 4 day backpacking trip. Besides a small hike I went on with a friend earlier that year in hunting territory, that is the only experience I have had. It was without a doubt the single most exciting and englightening experience of my life, and I highly recommend that you take advantage of your age and position and experience something similar. With a family you can go pitch a tent in a campsite whenever you desire and have fun with your kids. When it's just you and your friend, you are only dependent on yourself and don't have to look out for anybody else.
It sounds ridiculous but a week long trip to a good location to spend a few days in the wilderness will change your life for the better. The freedom and solitude of the wild will make you appreciate life more and obtain a totally new perspective. Not only that, but doing something like that with your boyfriend will more than likely improve the connection you share by getting through such an experience together. It's not something you can do very often once you settle down, so it's best to do it before it's too late.
As far as preparation goes, it's much cheaper than most vacations (with gas prices these days you really can't tell though). You can rent or purchase a backpack (to buy one it costs anywhere from $100-$150 for a decent one). You must also purchase backpacking-specific compact gear, like sleeping bags ($50), tents (anywhere from $40-$100, depends on what you want), bedrolls or backpacking mattress ($40), and sleeping bag lining (probably around $10). Then you will need to purchase other necessities:
A small gas burning grill to cook food or boil water.
Metal cups and utensils for eating.
Something to light fires with.
Rain gear.
Good backpacking socks (talk to a salesman).
Hiking boots (a must have, you might think you can make it with sneakers, trust me, it sucks, don't try it).
A decent knife.
Lots of Nalgene bottles that will fit your water filter. Used for keeping cooking water and drinking.
Food (trail mix, beef jerky, or you can buy a book that teaches you how to make your own dry meals).
A bag to tie your food into trees with to prevent bears from getting it at night.
A first aid kit.
And most importantly, a water filter. Don't underestimate the environment, no matter where you are, you will ALWAYS need a water filter. It's good for when you can't boil water due to rain or just need a quick fill, and it will prevent you from getting amoebas and bacteria. Remember that rivers form from run-off, and with run-off comes animal feces.
To prepare physically, go for walks or runs three times a week for at least 30 minutes. Make sure you stretch so that your muscles become toned. Go for a practice hike for a night in a nearby park or even in your backyard if you have woods. Keep in mind that you will have 20-40 pounds of gear on your back when you climb. Read some books or look online about fire building and familiarize yourself with all your equipment, using the bathroom in the woods, and dealing with animals.
It sounds like a ton of work, but it is so incredibly worth it. It's something you'll never forget or regret.
If this isn't your cup of tea, oh well, but it's just what I recommend. Best of luck to you!
Camping is a vague word, seeing as it could mean as little as pulling up a camper into a lot and partying all night to roughing it out in the wilderness with limited supplies for a few days, so I'll just say what I recommend for a couple in their prime years.
Depending on where you live (I'm assuming the United States), you can pick one of the country's many national parks ranging from the desert landscape of The Joshua Tree National Monument to the forest of the Great Smokey Mountains. Your best friend for finding a place to go is most certainly a local outdoors/backpacking store such as Apex Outdoors. The employees generally have much experience and often go on sponsored trips, so they generally serve as the ultimate resource. I myself have gotten to know people who work at some stores nearby and they give the best recommendations and preparation around. The internet is also useful.
I am 18, and for spring break this year I went with two of my friends to The Great Smokey Mountains for a 4 day backpacking trip. Besides a small hike I went on with a friend earlier that year in hunting territory, that is the only experience I have had. It was without a doubt the single most exciting and englightening experience of my life, and I highly recommend that you take advantage of your age and position and experience something similar. With a family you can go pitch a tent in a campsite whenever you desire and have fun with your kids. When it's just you and your friend, you are only dependent on yourself and don't have to look out for anybody else.
It sounds ridiculous but a week long trip to a good location to spend a few days in the wilderness will change your life for the better. The freedom and solitude of the wild will make you appreciate life more and obtain a totally new perspective. Not only that, but doing something like that with your boyfriend will more than likely improve the connection you share by getting through such an experience together. It's not something you can do very often once you settle down, so it's best to do it before it's too late.
As far as preparation goes, it's much cheaper than most vacations (with gas prices these days you really can't tell though). You can rent or purchase a backpack (to buy one it costs anywhere from $100-$150 for a decent one). You must also purchase backpacking-specific compact gear, like sleeping bags ($50), tents (anywhere from $40-$100, depends on what you want), bedrolls or backpacking mattress ($40), and sleeping bag lining (probably around $10). Then you will need to purchase other necessities:
A small gas burning grill to cook food or boil water.
Metal cups and utensils for eating.
Something to light fires with.
Rain gear.
Good backpacking socks (talk to a salesman).
Hiking boots (a must have, you might think you can make it with sneakers, trust me, it sucks, don't try it).
A decent knife.
Lots of Nalgene bottles that will fit your water filter. Used for keeping cooking water and drinking.
Food (trail mix, beef jerky, or you can buy a book that teaches you how to make your own dry meals).
A bag to tie your food into trees with to prevent bears from getting it at night.
A first aid kit.
And most importantly, a water filter. Don't underestimate the environment, no matter where you are, you will ALWAYS need a water filter. It's good for when you can't boil water due to rain or just need a quick fill, and it will prevent you from getting amoebas and bacteria. Remember that rivers form from run-off, and with run-off comes animal feces.
To prepare physically, go for walks or runs three times a week for at least 30 minutes. Make sure you stretch so that your muscles become toned. Go for a practice hike for a night in a nearby park or even in your backyard if you have woods. Keep in mind that you will have 20-40 pounds of gear on your back when you climb. Read some books or look online about fire building and familiarize yourself with all your equipment, using the bathroom in the woods, and dealing with animals.
It sounds like a ton of work, but it is so incredibly worth it. It's something you'll never forget or regret.
If this isn't your cup of tea, oh well, but it's just what I recommend. Best of luck to you!
What first time campers NEED bring to Joshua Tree?
mimi
Some friends and I are exploring the idea of heading out to Joshua Tree this weekend for some hiking and camping. This would be a first for all of us and we have no clue what to bring. Do they rent out tents or do we have to buy? also we like to hike? what trails would you recommend we explore? and what are must do things while at Joshua Tree? what about food wise? what should we bring? what about showering? greatly appreciate all responses.
Thank you
Answer
You're going to love Joshua Tree. It's unique.
I had actually started to respond to your questions because I hike and camp a lot and have been to Joshua Tree many times. But then I realized that YOU need to do the research on your own.
Here's just one of many links that you can access. http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/camping.htm
I will offer one bit of advice. You say you want to go camping and it will be your first time. That's awesome. Camping is something special and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. But anytime you walk in to a natural setting, whether it's a National Park or not, you need to understand that nature is not a theme park. Joshua Tree is very safe in some ways but very dangerous in others.
In terms of hiking there are many established trails throughout the park. Joshua Tree has exceptional hiking. But don't forget. It takes just a second for a great time to turn bad. You screw around on a boulder the chance for injury is high. You're in rattlesnake country so if you stick your hand in an area you can't see in to or don't watch your step, the chance for a bite is there. You decide to head off trail to go explore and the next thing you know you have no idea how to get back. It happens. So have fun...but be smart.
Oh...and don't talk loudly at night at your campsite. That's just the worst camping etiquette there is. Just groove on the quiet and the stars. That's where it's at.
You're going to love Joshua Tree. It's unique.
I had actually started to respond to your questions because I hike and camp a lot and have been to Joshua Tree many times. But then I realized that YOU need to do the research on your own.
Here's just one of many links that you can access. http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/camping.htm
I will offer one bit of advice. You say you want to go camping and it will be your first time. That's awesome. Camping is something special and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. But anytime you walk in to a natural setting, whether it's a National Park or not, you need to understand that nature is not a theme park. Joshua Tree is very safe in some ways but very dangerous in others.
In terms of hiking there are many established trails throughout the park. Joshua Tree has exceptional hiking. But don't forget. It takes just a second for a great time to turn bad. You screw around on a boulder the chance for injury is high. You're in rattlesnake country so if you stick your hand in an area you can't see in to or don't watch your step, the chance for a bite is there. You decide to head off trail to go explore and the next thing you know you have no idea how to get back. It happens. So have fun...but be smart.
Oh...and don't talk loudly at night at your campsite. That's just the worst camping etiquette there is. Just groove on the quiet and the stars. That's where it's at.
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