4 Ways to Camp

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Everyone needs to take a break from everyday life. Camping and enjoying the outdoors can be a simple way to take a break from the daily grind. In addition, camping can also provide a valuable experience for you. Make sure you bring the right gear so you will have a memorable camping experience. Also follow some tips about camping below.

Step

Method 1 of 4: Carrying Important Items

Step 1. Bring a survival kit (a box containing equipment used to survive in nature)

These tools can help show the right direction to the camping site. In addition, you can also use these tools in an emergency.

• Bring a flashlight or electric lantern. You'll definitely need these items, especially if you're planning on climbing a mountain at night or if you suddenly have to pee in the middle of the night. Make sure you bring the right batteries to power your flashlight and lantern.

  

• Place matches in a plastic bag or bring a lighter and liquid with it. Even if you have a flashlight and a lantern for light, you'll still need a fire for cooking, especially if you don't have any bonfire equipment in the campsite. Make sure you also bring some newsprint to help start the fire.

  

• Bring a map of the campsite you will be staying in. You certainly need to know how to get back to your camp if you get lost and don't have your cell phone with you. It's a good idea to bring a compass too. Aim the compass at your destination, then follow the direction of the needle.

  

• Bring a first aid kit in an accident (P3K). When you are out in the wild and have a wound, it is very important that you clean and treat the wound. As the Scout motto says: “Always be ready!” Prepare these tools so that when an injury occurs, you can immediately handle it.

  

Step 2. Bring important personal items

Even if you're planning to really get back to nature, you'll still need to bring basic personal items like toiletries.

• Bring a toothbrush, soap, towels and toilet paper. You will still (and should) brush your teeth, shower, and use the bathroom, even though there may not be public bathrooms available in your campsite area.

  

• Bring enough clothes. Make sure that the clothes you bring are suitable for the region and the weather where you are camping. Boots, sweaters (and jackets), T-shirts, and worn-out jeans are better to bring than you have to bring good jeans, sneakers, and polo shirts. If you plan to camp in cold or rainy weather, make sure you wear thick, water-resistant clothing.

  

• Always remember to bring medicines as well as an inhaler for asthma. Bring allergy medication such as an EpiPen or other allergy medication if you have allergies. For women, make sure you bring feminine products.

  

• Bring a folding knife. A pocket knife is useful for doing important little things like opening cans of food or making marks on trees while climbing a mountain. As a suggestion, buy a Swiss army knife. This knife is very reliable and multi-functional, and includes a variety of special tools such as a corkscrew and scissors.

  

• Store your belongings in a large backpack or duffle bag (a cylindrical backpack-like bag). These kinds of bags are easier to carry than suitcases.

  

Step 3. Bring your tent equipment

If you intend to camp and don't rent a hut to rest, of course, tent equipment is an item that you must bring.

• Bring a tent as well as a small hammer to pin the tent to the ground. If you plan to camp in the rainy season, make sure you bring a tarp and cover the outside of the tent with it to protect against leaks.

  

• Bring enough blankets. Even if you're camping in the summer, it can get very cold at night. Try covering the inside of your tent with a blanket. This way, the base of the tent will become softer and you can sleep more comfortably.
• Bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Although it's not mandatory to carry a sleeping bag, it can keep you warm at night. The pillow you carry can also make you rest more comfortable because your head can rest on a softer surface.
• If there are no picnic benches and tables available in your campsite, bring folding chairs and tables.

Step 4. Bring food

Make sure you check the regulations regarding how to store food in the area of the camp you are in. This is to avoid the arrival of wild animals who are interested in the food you bring.

• A water bottle is perfect for carrying, especially when you are climbing mountains. If you plan to do a lot of physically demanding activities, make sure you don't become dehydrated, especially in hot weather. Also bring a bottle box or drink can to keep the temperature of the drink cool and fresh.
• When camping, bring foods that can be easily cooked over a fire. These foods include eggs, vegetables, and cutlets (usually sold in airtight containers).
• Also bring perishable foods (such as canned food). When camping, it's possible that you won't be cooking for every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Plus, of course you don't want to bring perishable food with you when camping in hot weather. Make sure you also bring the recipes you want to try.
• Pack perishable foodstuffs (such as vegetables) in airtight plastic bags to make them last longer. For foods that break or crumble easily (such as eggs), line a plastic bag with a paper towel first.

• Remember to bring campsite snacks. Bring marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers, then make S'mores. Toast the marshmallows over the heat, then sandwich them between the chocolate bar and two graham crackers.

  

Step 5. Bring the right cooking utensils

Some campsites do not have fire rings and use of stoves is not allowed. Therefore, be prepared to cook on an open flame.

• A special knife for cutting food will be very useful to carry. Knives, while equally useful and can be used for chopping, are not very good for chopping meat or chopping vegetables.
• Bring pots and pans for cooking. Camping pots and pans are not only easy to carry, they are also specially designed for open flame cooking (eg stainless steel pots with specially designed bottoms to distribute heat evenly).
• Bring cutlery. It is important to bring cutlery such as cups, plates, forks, and spoons. In addition, you can also bring grilling utensils such as tongs or a spatula to cook hot food.
• If allowed in your campsite, bring a grill, charcoal, and a few bottles of beer (or soft drink). Having a barbecue on a hot day can be fun, especially if you don't want to do a lot of strenuous activities while camping and prefer to relax.

Method 2 of 4: Choosing a Tent

Step 1. Before camping, know the weather conditions in the camping area that you will be staying in

It's important to know the weather in the camping area-whether it's raining, sunny, or windy-because it can help in selecting the right type of tent.

• If you are camping in the rainy season, choose a tent that has rain fly (special tarpaulin) or use a tarpaulin to protect your tent from leaks. Place wet items on the terrace of the tent if you don't want to put them in the tent.
• Consider the number of people camping with you. If you plan to camp alone in inclement weather, choose a tent that can easily be set up by one person.

Step 2. Pay attention to the material of your tent fabric

Some materials are suitable for certain weather conditions.

• Although durable, canvas tents are very heavy and unsuitable for use in rainy weather. Nylon tents are lighter in weight, but are only suitable for use in warmer, calmer weather conditions. Meanwhile, polyester tents are very suitable for use in sunny and hot weather because they are specially designed to be able to withstand the sun for a long time.
• Check carefully the sturdiness of your tent. If you're going to be camping in strong winds, make sure your tent has sturdy posts, high-quality pegs, and secure locks. For greater durability, choose a tent with double seams.

Step 3. Use a large dome tent (dome tent)

If you are camping with your family and relatives, make sure you choose a large tent because you will be staying with your wife, brother or sister.

• A large dome tent (also known as a workhorse tent) has a broad roof and a circular frame, so it has a large enough space. The area of this tent may be able to fit all members of your family.
• Dome tents are sturdy, easy to install, and specially designed for inclement weather conditions, such as snow.
• Tents like this are usually free-standing without the need for additional support, so they can be moved anywhere once installed. This tent is a good choice, especially if the weather conditions in the camp area are deteriorating or the wind direction is changing and you need to move to a safer place.
• Some dome tents have quite luxurious features such as a separate additional room or terrace to store equipment.

Step 4. Use a triangular tent (A-frame tent)

This type of tent is suitable for use when you are camping or sleeping alone.

• Triangular tents are the easiest type of tent to set up, but they are not very sturdy to use in strong winds. This tent has two parallel vertical poles that support a transverse pole for the roof of the tent. When this tent stands, the structure looks like the letter A. That's why this tent is also called an A-frame tent.
• The triangular tent has a fairly light weight, but can't provide enough space because the sides (tent walls) are sloping and steep.
• Bring a tarp to protect your triangular tent. Generally, triangular tents do not have additional tarpaulin.
• As an alternative, choose a triangular tent that has been modified to give you more space. This tent does not use straight vertical poles, but uses curved poles so that the structure becomes more stable. In addition, you will also get more space and are protected from leaks because this tent has an additional tarpaulin.

Step 5. Choose a hoop tent

This type of tent has three steel trusses and arch poles at each end of the tent that support the three iron frames, and maintain the shape and stability of the tent.

• If you are using a tent hoop, make sure you tie and peg the ropes attached to the tent fabric so that the tent structure is stable. Awnings that are not properly anchored can open up and be blown away by the wind.
• This type of tent is suitable for use when camping in rainy or snowy weather because rainwater or falling snow can slide directly down through the roof and curved walls of the tent.
• The hoop tent is the most compact type of tent, and has the lightest weight.
• Generally hoop tents can fit two people in it.
• If you are camping alone, choose a hoop tent for one person (individual tent). This tent uses only one curved pole, and is lighter and more compact. Although not so sturdy to use in strong windy weather, this tent is an alternative option that makes it easy for you to move the tent. This tent is very suitable for use, especially when you are cycling or traveling backpacker style.

Step 6. Use the pop-up tent

This type of tent is easy to fold, with the parts of the tent pre-installed. To use it, you just need to unfold this tent and just peg it to the ground.

• The pop-up tent has a flexible metal ring pre-installed. This metal ring can automatically lift and shape the tent once the tent folds open.
• This type of tent is usually small in size and designed for children or adults with small stature.
• Despite their flexibility and ease of installation, pop-up tents usually only have one layer of awning fabric, making them unsuitable for use in rainy or windy weather.

Method 3 of 4: Following the Camping Procedure

Step 1. Plan your activities and meal plans while camping

Think about how many days you will be camping, and also think about whether you will later use the bathroom facilities or cooking equipment available in the camp area.

• Allocate time for each activity properly. If you allocate a day for hiking and forest walks, then plan a swim or barbecue the next day.
• Look for easy campsite recipes. Using these recipes, you will not only be helped to determine what ingredients to bring with you, but also know what cooking utensils you should bring.
• Pack your things from the start. Start by packing the essentials like a first aid kit and flashlight, then you can pack extra items like skewers and marshmallows.

Step 2. Find out about the condition of the campsite

Make sure the environment and scenery that the campsite has to your liking.

• For those of you who are camping for the first time, choose a camping area that is not too deep in the forest. In the United States, campsites such as Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park can be good campsites for beginners. In Indonesia, you can try to find information about Cibubur Campground or Ragunan Campground. The location is not too far from nature and close enough to the city center.
• If you want to enjoy nature, but don't want to camp in difficult conditions (such as the absence of public bathroom or kitchen facilities), try camping in a national park or national forest. These places generally provide facilities such as bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and sometimes offer laundry services.
• Always pay attention to the current season and weather. If you're camping in the summer, choose a spot near a lake or river. If you are camping in winter or in cold weather, camp somewhere close to the forest.
• Find out if there are interesting places you can visit around the campsite. For example, if you camp in Yellowstone National Park, you can see Old Faithful geysers.

Step 3. Book a place to camp (reserve a place)

The campsite you live in can be state-run, or privately managed. Regardless, make sure you make a reservation before going camping.

• Make a reservation by phone or internet. Later you will need to provide important information such as your name, address, and information regarding the payment of rental fees.
• You need to inform the campsite manager about the day and time of your arrival and the length of time you camp. The manager may also ask if the location you want to stay in must be wheelchair accessible or if you bring your pets when camping. After you provide the required information, the manager will contact you if there is an empty location that you can use for camping.
• Make sure you make reservations well in advance before you go camping. By booking in advance, you will have more time to choose the right campsite and plan your camping event well.
• National parks or other public campsites usually allow visitors to camp without the need to book a place in advance. The management will indicate which areas are allowed for camping, as well as what types of dwellings and sizes are allowed to enter the camping area, including recreational vehicles (recreational vehicles) or caravans.

Step 4. Check-in when you arrive at the campsite

Before setting up your tent, make sure you tell the campsite manager that you have arrived for safety reasons.

• The manager will determine a location that you can use for camping. However, you may even choose the location for your camp.
• If you're camping in hot weather, choose a shady spot close to a water source. In summer, the temperature inside the tent can be very hot, so make sure you choose the coolest location.
• If there are several public facilities in the camping area that you live in, choose a camping location that is close enough to public bathroom facilities. If you ever get injured, it would be better if you clean the wound using water from a public bathroom instead of using water from a lake or river.

Step 5. Tell your camp mates about your camping plans from the start

Before going hiking or exploring the wilderness, make sure you explain the activity plan to your friends in full detail.

• Provide detailed information regarding your destination, when to return to camp, and alternative directions and routes to your destination that can be traveled. Also provide your contact number if you have a cell phone with you.
• If you're camping in a public campsite, make sure you know how to contact forest security in case of an emergency. If you are camping on private property, make sure there is a contact number for the local security agency (such as a police station) on your cell phone.
• If you are camping alone, make sure you always have your compass and cell phone with you. In the event of an emergency, you can immediately contact forest security officers or move to safer areas.

Step 6. Follow the rules

Each camp area has a set of rules related to rules and safety when camping that must be followed by every visitor.

• Make sure you have the necessary permits to carry out the activities you have planned. Some places have certain rules and restrictions regarding fishing and hiking. Ask about the rules and permits with the camp area management officer or find out yourself online.
• Make sure you use environmentally friendly equipment. Ask the campsite manager about using a campfire or stove before camping.
• Also ask about the proper way to store foodstuffs. Of course you don't want to be surprised when you wake up in the morning and see a hungry bear rummaging through your grocery store.
• Always keep your safety. Camp and gather in permitted places only. Signs prohibiting entering certain areas are intentionally made to protect you from wild animals or dangers caused by environmental conditions (such as live mud). Often these areas are also areas where local vegetation and animals are protected.
• Respect nature. Do not litter and do not carelessly give food to animals. Always remember that you are a guest at the venue.
• Always keep your manners. When you camp in a public campsite, there is a good chance that you will camp close to other visitors. Try not to make too much noise and disturb other visitors while you are doing activities.

Step 7. Prepare your camp

Start by getting your things out and building a tent.

• Try to set up a tent when it's still sunny. Taking care of groceries and building a tent with bonfire or lantern lighting will be more difficult to do. Therefore, make sure these things are done before it gets dark.
• Put your belongings in easy-to-reach places. Position your tent far enough from the fire source, but close to the water source. Store groceries in safe and easily accessible places, and make sure each tent has safety equipment such as a flashlight and a first aid kit.
• When you are done using the bonfire, extinguish the fire with plenty of water. Always remember what Smokey the Bear said: "You alone can prevent forest fires."
• Make sure you take all your belongings back with you when you're done camping. The existing waste must be taken and disposed of in its place. Use a broom to clean up any crumbs or leftovers from your food so it doesn't attract the attention of wild animals.

Method 4 of 4: Planning Activities While Camping

Step 1. Gather in front of the bonfire

Camping is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and a kinship atmosphere with friends or family. Leave activities that involve a lot of electronics while you are camping.

• Wait until the night or the day starts to get dark. You can take turns telling scary ghost stories while enjoying the campfire. Look at the expressions on your friends or family as you frighten them with suspenseful stories.
• Bring a guitar or other musical instrument. Singing and playing music is a great and fun way to bond with friends or family. Typical camp songs are generally interactive, inviting listeners to sing along or respond. An example of a typical camp song you can try is again “Sarasponda.”
• Bake marshmallows or make S'mores. Cooking over a campfire is a fun activity to enjoy together, especially for children.

Step 2. Go fishing

Most public campsites, such as Yellowstone National Park, offer fishing rod rental services.

• Cut and clean the fish you catch, then grill it on the grill or use a skewer and grill the fish over an open fire.
• Take lots of photos with the fish you manage to catch. Not only can be a delicious meal, the fish you catch can also be a good keepsake.
• In public camping areas, you may sometimes need to present a fishing license to be allowed to fish.

Step 3. Swim in the lake

Put on your bathing suit and have fun at the lake to freshen up in the hot weather.

• Make sure that there are no restrictions on swimming in the area of the camp you occupy. Some places have dangerous or sensitive wild animals that can be disturbed by the presence of visitors swimming.
• Also make sure you know the depth of the lake before jumping in and swimming. Lakes that are too deep are not suitable for children to swim, but too shallow are also not suitable for parents because they cannot swim comfortably.
• Always be careful when swimming or diving in lakes. Follow safety procedures when swimming in a lake, just as you would when you swim in a swimming pool.
• It is recommended to swim with people who are familiar with the artificial respiration procedure. In the event of an emergency, you will need the help of someone who can swim well and provide assistance to someone who is drowning and swallowing a lot of water.

Step 4. Try hiking and exploring nature

Besides being a good sport, hiking and exploring nature can also be a good way to appreciate nature.

• Bring a map, compass, and other items that can help you figure out where to go when exploring the wilderness. Make a mark on the tree as you pass as a marker that can help you find your way back to your camp.
• Drink lots of water and don't forget to take a break. Hiking is a very strenuous activity, especially if you are doing it in an area with hilly or steep terrain.
• Use binoculars to see wild animals. Some places are famous for their special animals. Try watching owls, butterflies or bats at sunset, depending on where you choose to camp.
• Schedule a tour with a tour guide. If it's your first time camping and spending a lot of your time in national parks, try taking an integrated tour that can provide you with a number of interesting activities. For example, Yellowstone National Park offers photography safari tours and swimming in natural hot springs rivers.

Step 5. Play some games

Doing fun interactive activities with family, friends, and kids is sure to make for a memorable camping experience.

• Play game like nature alphabet hunting. This game is suitable to be played with children. Invite them to point to as many objects in nature as possible that have the initial letter corresponding to the alphabet (e.g., the letter 'D' for 'leaf', the letter 'T' for 'earth'). In addition to inviting children to play an active role, this game is also interesting and can help them develop knowledge about nature.
• Play water wars when the weather is hot. Games like throwing water balloons and shooting with a water gun can be fun for everyone. To make it more interesting, do this game while swimming or at a barbecue.
• Play a tug-of-war (tug-of-war) game. Use a shovel to dig a shallow hole in the ground, then fill the hole with water. Like a tug of war game, each team must try to pull the opposing team across the boundary line in order to win, but in this case the boundary line is replaced by a water hole.
• Play sports games. Try playing Frisbee, soccer or baseball. Sports games can be unique games, especially when played at camp. Use short tree branches as nets for volleyball, or use trees as posts when playing baseball. Get creative with the sports games you play.