Sign-In Register Compare My Account My Wish List HOME SPECIALS ABOUT US CONTACT US HOW-TO-VIDEOS BLOG Home Blog Seasonal Basic Tent Camping Supplies and Tips Posted: June 09, 2020 Categories: Seasonal, Nature, Outdoors Author: Alice Squires Basic Tent Camping Supplies and Tips Ready to get outdoors for a camping adventure? We have some tips for you and some supplies you will need, whether you're camping with family or a group of friends, we got you covered. Unless you are camping in your own backyard you will want to do some research on the area you are about to visit. If you're staying at a designated campground you will want to check to see if reservations are required or if it's a first come first serve kind of deal. Check to see what amenities the campground offers such as electric hook-ups, restrooms, showers, or a camp store. Knowing what the campground offers can help you determine what you will need to bring or not bring on your trip. Get familiar with the rules of the campground, know what’s allowed and what's not. This will help your camping trip go smoothly. Not all parks or campgrounds are the same, so know the rules. Now, let's talk about what you will need for camping. The Tent There are lots of different tents to choose from so think about your needs when camping. Single person tents are perfect for, well you guessed it, one person. Three room tents work well for a family that wants the kids in the same tent as them and wants some space. Generally a four person tent is a good one to go with. Really you will only be in the tent to sleep or if it starts raining while you are in camp. So think about what will be comfortable for you and the people you will be camping with. Tip: Before going on your trip practice putting up your tent, especially if it's a new one. Nobody likes the frustration of getting a tent together, so get familiar with putting it up. Sleeping Bags When buying a sleeping bag take into account the weather where you will be camping. A sleeping bag with warming liners won't be ideal for warm weather camping and a bag without extra liners won't be ideal for cold weather. Some of these bags can also be real pricey so think about how much you will use it and the weather. A normal sleeping bag will do the job just fine and if needed you can always pack an extra blanket. Now, unless you like sleeping on solid surfaces you may want to consider adding a sleeping mat. The thickness will depend on your preference. Tip: To keep your feet from getting cold, stuff some extra dry clothes in the bottom of your sleeping bag or just wear a pair of socks or buy some foot warmers. Cooking Equipment Plan out every meal you will be making when camping and prepare as much before hand as you can. Think about meals that can be made easily on a campfire or on camp stoves. There are a few different ways to cook food over an open fire for example cast iron dutch ovens and grates for grilling. If you don't want to carry around heavy cast iron cookware then you can get a basic set of pots and pans to use. Camp stoves that run off propane are great to have around when cooking over an open fire is not an option or you just don't want to cook on a fire. These camp stoves fold down and can be stored away easily not taking up much space. When choosing what kind of utensils to use, think about durability, utensils that can be used over and over again and can withstand the elements. A clean water supply for cooking and cleaning should be on hand in a container clearly marked for water and this container should not have ever been used to hold any other kind of harmful liquid, such as gasoline. Potable water containers are blue and are marked for water use only. Tip: Have enough fuel on hand for cooking, extra propane tanks, matches stored in a waterproof container and a supply of firewood. Extra Tip: Store food in secure containers and put away so animals won’t get it. Cooler Depending on the number of people in your camp and the length of your trip will determine how many coolers you need. You should put some serious thought into the cooler that you will be using, nowadays coolers can keep ice for days. You don't want to risk your food going bad and sitting in a cooler of melted ice. Tip: Freeze some water bottles ahead of time, these can act as ice packs keeping food and drinks cold and when no longer frozen you have water to drink. Lighting Flashlights and lanterns are a must for any camping trip. Every person in your camp should have their own flashlight and it wouldn't hurt to have some spares around. A headlamp is great for those that will need their hands. Pack extra batteries and lantern fuel (if your lantern runs on fuel). Some Other Needed Supplies Camp Axe: A sturdy axe to cut up wood is good to have on hand. Camp Shovel: A small or folding shovel is useful to help put out your fire when you're done with it and if any digging is necessary. Camp Chairs: Folding chairs or something to sit on when in camp. Get double use out of a 5-gal bucket by adding a padded seat lid, storage and a seat in one. Rubber Mallet: A mallet or hammer of some kind can come in handy when driving tent stakes into the ground. Tarp: Use a tarp to cover things at camp from the rain, sun, or dirt. A tarp can also come in handy if your tent develops a leak in a rainstorm. Rope: Pack some rope or bungee cords to tie down and secure loose items if needed. Bug Spray: Do not forget the bug spray! Nothing ruins time outdoors faster than being annoyed by bugs. Pack an extra can, just in case. Sunscreen: Protect yourself from sunburns. First Aid Kit: Cuts and scrapes can happen anywhere, have a kit on hand just in case. When it's time to pack up and head home remember to leave your campsite like you found it. Throw away all your garbage and don't leave anything but your footprints behind. Next → Address: 542 East Steve Wariner, Russell Springs, KY 42642 Call Us At 270-866-3447 Click Here To Email STORE HOURS Mon - Fri_6:30am - 4:30pm Sat_______6:30am - 12:00pm Sun_______Closed FOLLOW US ACCEPTED PAYMENTS Copyright © 2020 Hubbard's Building Supply Inc All Rights Reserved.