Camping can be one of the most rewarding vacations and also one of the most frustrating times if you do not know what you are doing.
Your experience will differ in different parts of the United States. If you are a beginner start with an established camp ground near something that you would like to do. Google camp grounds near an area of your choice. The camp grounds have different amenities such as tables, fire pits, flush toilets vs non-flush out house types, and some have showers. KOA camp grounds are a very good choice for first timers. Many state and national parks near the populated areas also have more options.
Equipment is easier than you think. You do not need to run out to the expensive stores. Goodwill or yard sales are an excellent choice for picking up some pots and pans and other cooking and eating utensils. You will also need a less expensive small propane stove-2 burner- and a cheap small charcoal grill.
Let me list some basic items:
1. Fry pan (for eggs, bacon, hot cakes, spaghetti sauce, taco meat)
2. Large sauce pan (for mac & cheese, oatmeal, soups, small amounts of pasta). A large stock pot is recommended for large pasta needs.
3. A small sauce pan is also nice. (even if just for hot water for drinks)
4. spatula-pan cake turner, wooden spoon for stirring, ladle, knifes, can opener, bowl scraper, graduated measuring cup, matches or propane fire starter, cutting board, water pitcher, whisk and tongs. A couple of gallon containers for water for drinking and cooking. That should do it. You may have to wash somethings in between different uses.
5. 2-3 different mixing bowls. Use one for salad and the others to mix things in.
6. Enough plates, bowls, knife, fork, spoons, cups for everyone in the party plus 2 extra of every thing. Yes you will have to multi use and wash dishes but believe me packing more than you need is a BIG pain in the end. You can also opt for paper products and then burn your plates at the camp fires every night. I would suggest real plates and utensils for breakfast and dinner and just use napkins and paper for sandwiches at lunch and desert at dinner.
7. To wash you will need 3 buckets to heat hot water or if your camp ground has hot water, 3 wash tubs. The first container has hot soapy water, the second has hot clean rinse water, and the third has cold water with 2-3 Tablespoons of bleach. Then always let everything air dry before putting away. This gives time for the bleach to kill all of the left over germs. Generally when we start cooking we also start the hot water for cleaning at the same time. We can then multi-use our cooking equipment and reheat the water for our plates if necessary. Always scrape well before washing anything.
Add table cloth, dish towels, dish cloth, scrubby, dish soap, napkins, paper towels, bleach, zip lock bags and do not forget propane charcoal and charcoal lighter.
For camping equipment a tent, several tarps larger than the floor of the tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag (or bed roll made of blankets) and your pillow, first aid kit, and some rope (the cheap clothes line type will do). If it is raining you can use one tarp for a covering over you cooking-eating area. I also like to put one tarp under my tent to keep the floor from wearing out and one inside my tent to keep me dry if it rains. You can also use tarps to make a great river sauna but that might be another blog.
Make a simple menu for your meals and do not forget spices, salt and pepper, and cooking oil. Things like tacos, chicken fetticune, stews, are good. I guess I need a whole blog on just food also.
Try your menus out at home first in the back yard or on your balcony or near by picnic area.
If you have any questions you are welcome to call us for more pointers- 888-655-5388. Next time I will put up a list of personal items to pack and we can also start working on the food aspect. Go get a used copy of a boy scout manual or the camping merit badge folder for more tips.
Till next time–Charlee
