Following a year full of video meetings and working from home, no one can be blamed for wanting to get away from it all. While there is more than one way to do just that, camping is guaranteed to help you minimize screen time and reconnect with nature. It’s a time-honored tradition that you can participate in alone or with family and friends. Even if you don’t know the first thing about camping, you can learn quickly. That’s why EZ-POUR® is offering our very own camping prep guide for summer. Follow along to learn more!
Pick a Destination
From your backyard to the middle of the woods, there are a ton of destinations for you to select from when it comes to camping. The best way to locate a nearby site is to get online and search “camping sites by me.” If you really want to get away, check out these national parks that welcome thousands of campers each summer. You can’t go wrong when choosing a campground as long as you come prepared!
Rent, Buy, or Borrow Camping Gear
Camping can be a relatively cheap activity to participate in; however, it can get expensive quick. This mainly depends on what gear you need to buy vs. what you’re able to rent or borrow. Think flashlights, pocketknives, matches, coolers, and so on. There are also a few essentials to bring that will make the experience a lot more comfortable:
- Tent – Tents provide shelter from the elements and are the perfect place to rest. They can hold anywhere from 1-12 people and come in a variety of shapes and colors as well. Make sure to find one with plenty of windows so that it doesn’t get too hot inside.
- Sleeping Bag – Sleeping bags are exactly what they appear to be – a cozy bag to sleep in. It’s best to bring a thinner bag for camping during the summer months. An air mattress is also an excellent alternative for those who have issues lying flat on the ground. Don’t forget a pillow and a sheet!
- Gasoline Generator – Gasoline generators allow for the use of electronics while on the campground. This means that you can bring lights, fans, and phone chargers. We never said you have to leave your phone at home! Menards and other home improvement stores have plenty of portable options to choose from.
Bring Enough Clothing
You might think that packing for a weekend camping trip would be light, but Mother Nature doesn’t always make it that easy. In the summer, you’ll want to have clothing that’s breathable and able to wick moisture from your body – especially your socks and underwear. Shorts and T-shirts will certainly keep you cool during the day and at night. Pants and long-sleeved shirts also come in handy when the mosquitoes are out or if you need to hike through the brush. A lightweight jacket with a hood and a pair of rain boots are good to have on-hand for when it rains.
Speaking of which, it’s important to check future forecasts in the area where you will be camping to pack in an efficient manner. If storms are predicted for the entire trip, it may be best to pack even heavier or cancel altogether.
Plan Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Meal planning is a crucial element to preparing for a camping trip. Unless you’ve watched enough survival shows to catch, clean, and cook your own food (and you have a license to hunt or fish), you need to know what breakfast, lunch, and dinner will look like each day. Here’s where investing in a sizable cooler can be quite useful. Make a grocery list that incorporates something everyone loves likes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, s’mores, and bacon. Pay close attention to what is pre-made and what still needs to be cooked. You may need to bring a camping stove and fuel. Worried about critters getting to your stash? Follow these animal-proofing tips!
Pack an EZ-POUR® Spout
When you decide to leave the comfort of your home to go camping, it’s crucial to be ready for anything. That includes topping off your generator before you head out and filling up your gas tank when you’re in the middle of nowhere. EZ-POUR® spouts make all of your fueling needs simple and quick. A lot of people will bring their boat or four-wheeler on camping trips as well. Having a full gas can with an EZ-POUR® spout attached will eliminate the immediate need to search for a gas station. Buy yours online at ezpourspout.com. By following this camping prep guide for summer, you’ll be able to venture out of your home and into the wilderness – ready to enjoy a well-deserved break from the stressors of life!