The essence of camping is communion with nature, whether in a deserted forest, by the sea, or in one of the more than 260 campsites. Just as you plan any trip, a camping adventure must be carefully thought out so that your first experience doesn't turn into an outdoor nightmare.
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Camping, to do or not to do?
The idea of camping is very attractive, otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this article, right? The direct and very quiet contact with Mother Nature, the smell of fresh grass, the trees, and all their creatures, surviving with the resources you brought with you... and have you ever thought about the downside? If the rain comes and turns this green paradise into a mud pool if bugs decide to share your tent (or worse your sleeping bag!) with you, not to mention the fact that there is no toilet with relaxing bath salts or buffet breakfast! Don't forget that for camping you need specific camping gear, which means a good initial investment. So before you get carried away and buy anything and everything, think carefully about what you are getting into... or else borrow equipment from someone for your first experience.
What is your camping style?
Have you decided you're going? Great! But now there's another decision to make: what kind of camping will you do? One of the great advantages of camping is the freedom to choose your destination, which may or may not include various natural settings: from mountains to the sea, to parks filled with other fans of this type of nature tourism, or even a jungle for the more experienced ones! Although different, they all have one thing in common: they are a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the cities, and this is evidenced when you lie in the company of the stars and wake up to the sound of silence... or birds! If you didn't know, you can camp in three different ways:
Light camping - easier, traditional, and popular style of camping does not exist, and this is practiced in campsites where, after a prior reservation, you go there by car and equipped properly. However, a reservation is not always necessary, which means you can leave aimlessly and stop at the first or tenth campsite you see, after all, that's the camping spirit! The only drawback is that the campsite can be full. As a rule, you will have your own parking space and space to pitch your tent. The charge is per night and is calculated based on the number of cars, people, tents, and electricity service. Nowadays, many campsites offer a variety of extra services which, in addition to sanitary facilities, may include laundry facilities, mini-market, games room and swimming pool, among others. Needless to say, this type of vacation is very economical, whether for a couple, a group of friends or a large family. Ah! And it's excellent for beginners (who are practicing!), as well as for families, due to its excellent conditions and safety levels.
Wild camping - as the name implies, it's about pitching your tent in an isolated area, such as a forest or jungle, and (over)living exclusively with what you've brought with you or with what Mother Nature has to offer. This style of camping is not recommended for beginners unless accompanied by more experienced campers.
Camping on wheels - if camping is literally carrying your house on your back, this type of camping is done with a house on four wheels, which can be one of two ways: with a caravan (a small "house" that gets hitched to the car) or an auto-caravan (a house with a car included!). Available in various sizes, this type of camping can be considered "luxury", since it has many of the comforts of any home - several bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and toilet! The prices are high, and usually, those who buy this kind of transport do so because they go camping whenever they can. However, both caravans and motorhomes can be rented and will always be an excellent experience within the camping style of vacation.
Choosing a destination
With more than two hundred camping sites all over the USA, the hard part will be choosing the perfect place to pitch your tent. Seen from another perspective, there will always be a new area to explore, and during a camping vacation you can camp out at several campsites - even at a different one every night!
Packing
Now that you know where and how you are going, you need to prepare your bags and tent! Camping equipment is quite specific (not to say necessary!) for a successful wilderness adventure! Before you rush to the stores and buy everything that says "camping", follow the advice of the experts and take your time when making your purchases. You should pay most attention to the choice of tent, sleeping bag, backpack, and dishes, which should be sturdy and of good quality. Food is of equal or greater importance because, besides having to be practical and not spoil, you need to take enough, especially if you are wild camping! And there are several other things that a camper's backpack should include, so, to make sure you don't forget anything, take a look at the checklist we have prepared with you in mind!
Putting up the tent
Putting up the tent is almost as big an adventure as the camping itself, so it will be entitled to its own article, as well as many of the other aspects related to this type of tourism that has millions of fans around the world. Until then, have fun, or as the Americans would say, "happy camping!".