When I was younger, my siblings and I would laugh at my mother’s meticulous 3-page packing list that she checked off every time we would go camping. All contingencies were planned for, from rain to heat to bugs to animals, and everywhere we went our needs were effortlessly met. At the beach and need kites to fly? They were there. The group decides that they absolutely HAVE to have pancakes that morning? All the ingredients were in neatly labeled containers. Camp chair malfunctions around the campfire? Look in the right compartment to find the five extra that she packed.
After years of camping on my own and experiencing everything from animals eating all my lunch ingredients to completely forgetting the spoons, now really I wish I had that list. Funny thing, though – she doesn’t want to give it to any of us kids (keeps saying something about mocking and not appreciating her natural organization skills, etc.).
There are quite a lot of unknowns when preparing for a camping trip, even if you are familiar with the campsite beforehand. Weather changes on a whim, you can never predict your neighbors, and entertainment can either be your scheduled program or watching your friend get a stomach virus and spend the entire evening in misery. What I CAN give you to help you prepare for a summer adventure outdoors are some tips for campsite selection and etiquette and a short list of supplies to bring along that might make the trip more enjoyable.
Campsite selection:
Check out http://www.parks.wa.gov/. It’s the easiest way to make online reservations within the Washington State Park system, and often will include photos of the sites that you plan to reserve (I absolutely love this feature). They also list the exact specifications of the site, including shade and space for tents.
There is also http://www.reserveamerica.com/, which covers Federal, private, and some county parks.
http://www.koa.com/where/wa/ offers the needed information on KOA campgrounds across the state and the country, which tend to be on the less-rustic side (all have laundry facilities and stores, some have WiFi, game rooms, and mini golf).
Things to consider:
How close are you to the restroom?
How close are you to activities you will want to enjoy?
How close is the water source?
How close are the trash cans?
Campsite Etiquette:
Make sure you know when your check in and check out times are, and abide by them. Particularly in popular summer months, there will likely be someone there before you and coming in after you’re gone.
Be aware of your effects on your neighbors, both man and nature. Don’t make a mess, don’t make a racket, and be conscious of the boundaries given by the campsite. Keep your tents in the appropriate location and keep your fires within approved areas. If your group is a loud one, make sure that your campsite is not right next to your neighbors and if it is, try to keep the noise down once they go to bed. Sometimes there is only so much you can do, but make sure you try to do it.
Pack out your trash – all of it! Comb the campsite once your things are packed and make sure you leave it better than you found it. It’s not required, but if you have any extra firewood, it’s always a nice gift to leave for the next campers.
Don’t hog the water when you are washing your dishes. Fill a container for rinsing and use your suds sparingly. Also be considerate if there are restrooms, and take short showers and use the sinks quickly. Many people are relying on the water there.
Camping Checklist:
Personal
* Tent (with rain fly and foot print, if possible. These will protect you from the elements more effectively and make that nasty waking-up-soaked feeling a thing of the past)
* Sleeping bag or bedding (I have friends who will throw the comforter off their bed into the car and bring that along! $300+ name-brand monstrosities are not needed for car camping, but backpackers need something light and weather appropriate)
* Sleeping pad (Thermarest is all right, but I’ve also grabbed an extra sleeping bag and used that as well. Many of my buddies are now proud owners of those giant motor-inflated air mattresses and swear by them. Your back will want extra padding, so something other than the bag/bedding you sleep in will be appreciated in the morning)
* Pillow (inflatable or from your bed)
* Hat to wear to bed if you tend to get cold (it really helps)
* Flashlight/headlamp for late-night bathroom runs (bring a few extra, and extra batteries)
* Toiletries and towel (Microfiber towels are great and can be found at any outdoors store. They dry quickly and repel odors)
* Toilet paper (even if there are bathrooms, bring some!)
* Bath wipes (for those times between showers)
* Bug spray
* Sun block
General
* CAMERA! Make sure you bring film or memory cards as needed.
* Lantern (optional, though if you have a group that likes to hang out later at night, it will be appreciated)
* Tarps (these always come in handy, from protecting tents to creating a dry eating area. I usually pack a couple)
* Rope (you will need this a lot)
* Hatchet (how can you camp without a campfire? Backpackers won’t need this but car campers should have it in their arsenal. Even when buying firewood at the site, custom-sizing it is handy)
* Firewood (camp firewood is spendy, but you can go on www.craigslist.org or a similar site and get it for free if you keep your eyes open)
* Waterproof matches or lighter
* Camp chairs (most campsites have picnic tables, but it’s nice to have flexibility for seating around the campfire)
* Citronella candles
* Indoor and outdoor games (as creative as you want to be, though from experience I can tell you that swamp croquet is not a good idea)
* First Aid kit sized to cover the number of campers present
* Bandannas (these always come in handy)
* Duct tape (yup)
Kitchen
* Large cooler with ice (for beverages and refrigerator items, though remember to restock the ice daily and drain the water. Best to have a separate cooler for beverages, but not necessary. If you have meat, freeze it before packing to help keep everything cold. Also it helps to pack everything in ziplocks to help prevent sogginess)
* Drinking water (2-3 quarts per person per day)
* Camp stove and/or griddle (there are all sorts of fancy options here, just choose which one works for you)
* Propane canisters (at least one full canister per day)
* Pots and pans with lids (bring more than you think you need, they can double as mixing bowls. The lids speed cooking and keep things out of your food)
* Cooking utensils
* Serving utensils and containers (optional, but nice)
* Ziplock bags of varying sizes
* Silverware (wash and reuse, plastic/lexan/polycarbonate is best for durability)
* Dishes (either plastic/lexan/enamel/polypropylene to wash and reuse or paper to use and burn on the campfire)
* Cups and/or mugs (again, non-breakable is best for campsite conditions)
* Biodegradable dish soap and dish scrubber (I like Campsuds, personally)
* Towels
* At least one large pot or water container for dishwashing purposes (can also be for cooking)
* Bear-proof container for food if you are camping in an area prone to their visitations (call the campsite if you have questions)
* French press (this is Seattle, after all. Campers love their coffee)
* Marshmallow/hot dog roasting sticks
* Trash bags (lots – these are great for dirty laundry as well)
* Aluminum foil
* Food as your menu dictates. Pre-cook as much as you can (soups, stews, sauces, chili) and try to only pack as much as you will need for the trip for other ingredients. Bring options if possible (breakfast is easy for this – pack pancake mix, eggs (omelets are a great way to get rid of leftovers on the last day), etc. and use as you will) and make sure there are lots of snacks since the outdoors tends to bring out the appetite in people.
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