Camping

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Camping is a wonderful way to make family memories in the great outdoors. Camping can be as simple as tossing a sleeping bag into a tent and heading into the woods. It can also be complicated—and require quite a bit of planning, packing, and organization—not to mention specialized equipment.

Camping is a great way to spend quality time outdoors. When done right, camping can result in wonderful memories that last a lifetime. For those head out camping without the right gear and adequate preparation, those memories may still last a lifetime—though they might not be the kind you’d like to remember.

This article provides an introduction to family camping with some proven tips for making it a good experience. These tips are accompanied by gear recommendations and a framework from which to approach the activity.

Aristotle said, "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." And no other experience offers a closer view of the marvels of nature than camping.

Sure, you can always commune with nature at your favorite local spots, but what of those extraordinary locales out there in the wild? Finding the most exhilarating camping excursions is equal parts activity and destination. If you want the most transcendent of camping trips, here is a list of ideas that every nature enthusiast should try:

Who does not love sitting by a roaring campfire under a starry sky? Whether it is for a weekend family adventure or a solo camping trip, every camping enthusiast should know these fire-making basics before heading into the woods.

Gather Your Tinder, Kindling and Fuel Wood
A lot more goes into starting a fire than throwing some sticks together and lighting a match. If you want a good fire, start by collecting tinder, kindling and fuel wood.

Packing a canoe for a family camping trip is a bit like packing a duffel bag - a 16- to 17-foot-long duffel bag without any dividers, compartments or pockets.

It can be a mess if you do not have a plan. And in the worst conditions, a poorly packed canoe can be an unwieldy, dangerous craft.

With camping, as with so many other activities in life, unspoken rules of etiquette apply, especially when you’re sharing the great outdoors with others in a developed campground.

The bottom line of campground etiquette: consideration of others at all times. Keep that in mind, and both you and those around you will have an enhanced experience.

A few tips:

When my family rolls into camp, we divvy up the duties: After the tents are up, half of us start hauling in the sleeping bags and pads, while the other half totes camp chairs and sets up the kitchen.

Then we all go on a firewood-gathering assault.

We’ve learned the dark, cold way that the answer to the question, “How much firewood do we need?” is nearly always, “More.”

Whether you plan to cook over coals or just keep the kids entertained until bedtime, keeping the flames leaping consumes more wood than you might think.

First, make sure the kids know what a map is and how it works. Sure, they might have seen you scratching your head over a road map a dozen times, but perhaps they’ve never actually used one before.

Camping is the perfect activity to enjoy with your dog. Whether you are fishing, hiking or just hanging out roasting hot dogs on the campfire, your dog will not mind roughing it with you. But remember: If you do take your dog camping with you, it is your responsibility to keep them safe, healthy and happy.

Keep these important tips in mind before you go.