Camping Camping

To help you get familiar with camping, here are some standard terms you might encounter:

• Drive Up Camping: Pull your car up to your site, pull out your gear, set up. There are usually comfort amenities
  • Great Example: The Great Divide Campground
• Hike To/Bike To/Paddle To camping: 
  • Great Example: Round Valley... You need to hike along the trail or paddle across the water to your spot. Amenities are usually simple/limited.
• Backcountry Camping: Camping in remote areas without amenities, often requiring hiking to reach the site.
• Bear Bag: A method of storing food out of reach of bears, typically by hanging it from a tree.
• Guy Lines: Cords used to secure a tent against wind.
• Footprint: A groundsheet placed under the tent to protect it from moisture and abrasion.
• Rainfly: A waterproof cover placed over a tent to keep out rain.
• Pack Out: Carrying all your trash out of the campsite to leave it as you found it.
• Fire Ring: A designated area for campfires, often a metal or stone circle.
• Tarp: A piece of waterproof cloth used for shelter or ground cover.
• Tent Poles: Rods that support the structure of a tent.

For your first trip, you don’t need to spend a lot on gear. Make sure you have cover, a way to stay warm when sleeping, and a way to eat and drink. Here’s a list of basics to get you started:

• Tent: A user-friendly tent that fits your group size.
• Sleeping Bag: A cozy, weather-appropriate sleeping bag.
• Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress: Essential for comfort and insulation.
• Camp Stove or Portable Grill: To cook delicious outdoor meals.
• Cooler: Keep your food and drinks fresh and cool.
• Basic Cookware and Utensils: Don’t forget pots, pans, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Lighting: Pack flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns.
• First Aid Kit: Always be prepared with basic medical supplies.

Getting these can be simple. Walmart, Target, Dicks has enough to get you started with the basics. Once you are looking for more features and better quality, you should visit a local outdoor shop, REI, etc.

Transporting your camping gear to the campsite is an essential part of the adventure:

• In the car:
  • In the trunk: Don't overthink it... just place it into the trunk and enjoy your weekend. It should also help keep down bringing too much.
  • Roof Racks: Perfect for transporting larger items like kayaks, canoes, or even bikes along with your camping gear.
  • Cargo Carriers: Hitch-mounted cargo carriers provide extra space and are great for heavy or bulky items.
• Backpacks: For backcountry camping, a high-quality, large-capacity backpack is essential for carrying all your gear to remote sites.
• Storage Bins: Use stackable bins to organize and protect your gear in the vehicle.
• On Your Boat/Kayak: Packing your kayak can be a challenge. But that is part of the overall adventure!

As you become a seasoned camper, you might want to upgrade your gear:

• Entry-Level: Cheaper equipment may equate to less quality equipment.
  • Basic tents, simple sleeping bags (or even an air mattress and blanket), and standard cookware will work for most newbies.
• Advanced: Higher cost may provide better quality, less weight, etc.
  • Lightweight, high-quality tents, sleeping bags for all seasons, advanced cooking systems, super light-weight gear for backpacking.

For your first camping adventure:

• Practice pitching your tent at home to avoid surprises.
• Choose a nearby location to ease into the experience.
• Keep the trip short—one or two nights is perfect.
• Arrive early to set up your campsite while it’s still light out.
• Pack plenty of food, snacks, and water.
  • If you plan to cook, ensure you have a way to cook over the fire. And this article may help.

• Plan Ahead: Check the weather and pack accordingly.
• Set-up Before Dark: Set up your tent before it gets dark so you have plenty of light to work with.
• Burn Where Appropriate: Build your campfire in a designated area and make sure it's completely out before leaving.
• Stay Organized: Keep your gear tidy to make your trip smoother.
• Leave No Trace: Respect nature by leaving your campsite as you found it.
• Stay Safe: Be mindful of wildlife and follow safety guidelines.
• Comfort: Bring extra layers and a comfy camp chair for relaxation.
  • There is also no shame in packing an air mattress and blankets over a sleeping matt and sleeping bag :)
• Fire Safety: Only make a fire in designated areas that will help contain your fire.
• Wildlife:
  • Respect the wildlife and don't feed them or leave food out.
  • Know the types of animals in the area. We ALWAYS say that above Rt 78, you have a good chance of meeting a bear.

• Hiking: Explore nearby trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
• Stargazing: The night sky is stunning when you’re far from city lights.
• Campfire Cooking: Try your hand at cooking over an open fire—it’s fun and delicious.
• Fishing: If there’s water nearby, fishing can be a relaxing way to pass the time.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife—you never know what you might see!

Camping is great for your health, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and providing a boost to your mental well-being. Spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve your mood, and even enhance your creativity. Physical activities like hiking and setting up camp can also help improve your fitness.

Though there are many great campgrounds all around the US, we find ourselves going back to a few Over and Over. And our #1 favorite campground in NJ is called The Great Divide Campground. The GDC is found in Newton, NJ, which is in beautiful Sussex County. We want to mention them because of how great they are on every level. From the beautiful location (see the photo above), to open/clean lots, and great amenities, TGDC is a great choice to any camping getaway!