How to Plan a Camping Trip – use the information below to plan a successful trip into the great outdoors.

A camping trip provides you with opportunity to commune with nature, enjoy the great outdoors and renew your body, mind and spirit. You can also enjoy hiking and fishing as well.

Camping is also an inexpensive way to enjoy backpacking, a road trip or a family vacation.


Outdoor lodging may include:

• Tenting

• RVs

• Cabins


Authorized locations include:

• Developed campgrounds

• Primitive campgrounds

• Resorts


Find a campground:

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Canada

Europe, Oceania and Latin American Directory



Use this camping checklist to prepare for your trip.





Before You Leave Home on Your Camping Trip

• Check the weather forecast for your destination.

• Practice carrying your backpack if you will be hiking to your campsite.

• Bring a friend or family member with you.

• Let someone at home know where you will camp and how long you will be away.

• Take a first aid course and bring a first aid kit.

• Learn how to use a compass and read a map if you will be hiking.

• Plan your meals in advance. Bring non-perishable food. Choose the right amount of food such that you do not return with leftovers.

• Bring some extra food in case of emergency.

• Pack your clothing in plastic bags.


Arriving at the Campsite

• Check for fire restrictions at the ranger station.

• If you will be fishing, purchase a fishing license.

• If you will be hiking, leave your itinerary with the ranger.


Camping Safety

• Check the fire restrictions at the Ranger Station.

• Keep an eye on any strangers in the area.

• Don’t stay near stagnant water because it breeds mosquitoes.

• Don’t stay in a low lying area or on a sand bar or dry wash. Flooding may occur with rain.

• Don’t eat anything found in the wild.

• Avoid contact with wild animals.

• Store your food safely inside a locked car or by hanging it in a tree so that wild animals cannot get at it.

• Only drink potable water. Bring your own or take it from safe sites at the campground. Treat water with a purifier or boil it when taken from any other sources before you drink it.

• If you drive to your campsite, bring a cooler for food storage.

• Stay on well-marked trails if you are hiking.

• If you bring a dog, keep it on a leash.





Before You Return Home from Your Camping Trip

• Extinguish your fire with water before you leave.

• Pick up after yourself and leave the site better than you found it.

• Take your trash home with you and deposit it in the trash can.



For any outdoor equipment (camping, hiking, fishing), check out the stores for any items of interest and then compare prices with those on the internet. You can also check out the Budget Travel Store for camping gear.

RVing is a more expensive option that some individuals may wish to consider.

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