Outdoors - Explore

POSTED: Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2009

Simple planning can make a camping trip a memorable one

According to the U.S. Travel Association, camping still reigns as the No. 1 outdoor vacation activity in the country.

In fact, the association estimates that one third of all U.S. adults have gone camping in the past five years, and only six percent of those who have tried camping haven't enjoyed it.

Although it is often the misadventures and surprises that make the best camping trips - in retrospect - most vacationers are seeking rest and relaxation in the great outdoors. A little forethought in the planning stages can go a long way.

TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

Camping is about simple living, so packing a lot of unnecessary items can be counter productive and cumbersome.

That said it is better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are new to the activity or have junior campers to keep in mind.

"It's hard to be spontaneous about camping, unless you're the very serious outdoor sort who loves to dig snow caves or build shelters out of garbage and fallen branches," said Bellingham's Gwen Weerts, 27, who camps regularly with her husband Joshua Eastlund, 33. "My first and only experience snow camping involved a camp stove that didn't work when we got there. We spent a very cold night munching on frozen gorp (or trail mix)."

The list of essentials can vary by season or personal preference. For example, unless you enjoy stiff joints and achy muscles in the morning, it is wise to put something between your body and the cold, hard ground when tent camping, such as a sleep pad.

If the packing gets overwhelming, separate items into groups: shelter, bedding, cooking, food, clothes, personal items, first aid, etc.

"My mother is so organized, she has a list on her computer she uses whenever she goes camping," said Bellingham's Ariel Massey, 34, who enjoys camping with her husband, Joshua, 34, and their 2-year-old son, Liam. "It lists everything: sweaters, maps, hats, sun block, a broom, pots and pans, an army knife and even marshmallows She sent me her list years ago and I adapted it to our needs."

Campers should plan for pretty much every weather scenario imaginable. Warm days can turn cold after the sun goes down, and black, looming clouds can quickly gather in once clear blue skies. Check weather reports and adjust plans as necessary.

"Last summer during one camping trip we literally had 75-degree sunny days, rain every afternoon, and a windstorm that tore down all the tarp tents one day that rivaled any winter storm," Massey said. "We keep our camping bins packed in the garage so all we usually need to do is make a store run for ice and food."

When you have all your necessities organized, test them out at home. Set up the tent, flick the lighter and shine the flashlight. Check for holes in fabric, cracks in plastic and wavering or missing batteries.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Whether you prefer forests, beaches or mountains, the Pacific Northwest holds a plethora of gorgeous campgrounds in state, city and county parks.

"With the kids we like short local camping trips so we don't have to drive too far," said Massey, who has camped at many local sites including Washington Park (Anacortes), Deception Pass, Silver Lake and Birch Bay. "Kampgrounds of America (KOA) are always a nice time, especially when you are on a road trip. They always seem to have room and a swimming pool, which is great when you've been stuck in the car for hours."

Once at your destination, take the time to set up camp properly. Scope out the best geographical spot for the tent - high, level ground is best to stay dry.

"In the mountains, if it's windy or might become windy, look for a spot that's sheltered by a rise in the ground or by trees," Weerts said. "A spot in the open and high up is more likely to be breezy and less buggy. But the most important part of choosing a campsite is probably access to water. Two campers use a lot of water to prepare a meal and clean up their mess afterward, and it can be very heavy to carry enough water up to a high and dry campsite."

CHOW TIME

When picking your site, make sure to reserve an area for cooking away from any leaves, twigs or brush that may catch fire. A small fire is easier to tend, burns longer and is safer for roasting hot dogs on a stick. "We love cooking over an open fire. We do a lot of foil dinners - meat, veggies, potatoes and, for dessert, bananas, chocolate and marshmallows - where you put everything into a foil pouch and stick it either on the grill or in the coals," Massey said.

Always check with campground attendants or the local fire district on fire restrictions.

"Nothing makes me so mad as coming across a campfire when there's a burn ban," Weerts said.

After meals do a thorough job of cleaning the dishes and the eating area and put all trash in appropriate containers. Keep all perishable foods as cold as possible, and pitch any questionable items. Place coolers in the shade and check the ice daily.

Scrape all dishes, cookware and utensils into a plastic garbage bag before washing. Never leave food, leftovers or dirty dishes unattended to avoid attracting wildlife.

ON THE WAY OUT

You've done such a good job staying organized and responsible up until now, why stop now?

Wipe down your gear with a whiskbroom or rag as you stow it. Make sure to dispose of any food wastes, empty out excess water, and replenish your ice supply for the trip home. Put out the campfire completely; dowse the area with the excess water from your cooler or another source. Take one last look around before leaving the campground is to pick up any trash and put it in the dumpster.

"Always leave the site better than you found it," Massey said.