Board 8 > Is camping a good idea? What stuff do you need? Am I going to die? Etc

(+) Yeah! (+)

Thinking about planning a camping trip for the family. I haven't camped since I was like 9.

Yogibear Jellystone park in PA.

What do I need? What should I know before I jump into this. Etc?
---

When corrik goes camping, he's great outdoors corrik
---

There are a million resources better than b8 for this. First off, ask the park if they have any tips. From what I've heard, park rangers are often more than happy to provide assistance.
---

Get a tent and set it up in your backyard. You really dont need much more than that for the kids.
---

When I last went camping I took a tent, an air mattress, sleeping bags, food, toiletries, bug repellent, sun screen, light sources and a fan. I also knew the campsite had showers/toilets on site

Honestly I'd have taken even less if not for the fact i was taking the girlfriend.

You're going to want to ask B8 Anime.
---

cabin camping or tent camping
---

Is camping a good idea?

no
---

Since it's your first time in two decades, rent a camper - the rental place will help you ensure you have everything you need (except maybe the s'mores and popcorn you cook over the campfire). Also research the mosquito population and make sure you don't go at a time when they're unbearable. Even so, bring bug spray and sunscreen.

The idea here is that the camper feels more habitable at first, after which a tent feels easier and less jarring. The camper is just a one-time thing to see if you like even that. My mom hated even that when we went camping when *I* was like 9 lol
---

INCEPTlON posted...

cabin camping or tent camping

Well, I was thinking tenting. But alrdy hearing backlash on this and supposedly after buying everything it will cost more to tent than to rent a 4 walls and 2 beds.

I have it at 5 nights at Jellystone millvale for $242 to tent (no cabins available).

Or Jellystone harrisville 272.12 for a small basic cabin for 5 nights.
---

Like damn I thought camping was free.
---

Corrik posted...

Like damn I thought camping was free.

It is if you know where to go and have the gear already lol.
---

IfGodCouldDie posted...

Corrik posted...

Like damn I thought camping was free.

It is if you know where to go and have the gear already lol.

I mean I do have a fire pit and a huge yard at my house. But I want something like in the woods. Both these places I am looking at are more resorts than woods even. Oh well.
---

But seriously here's a check list for you and your wife

-do you know how to build a fire
-do you know how to cook
-does rain bother you when your stuck with no electronics
-can you manage with no electronics
-do you know minor first aid
-do you know what to look for when setting up your tent/tarps

If you can answer yes to all of these camping will be a breeze, and even easier if you go in an RV/camper
---

Gas and match. Check.
Hotdog over fire. Check.
Rain doesn't bother me. Check
No electronics does but I am bringing a charging block for my phone. Screw everyone else. Check.
I know how to put on a bandaid or tell someone to stop crying it's not like you are gonna die. Check.
Not concrete. Look for grass? Check.

*Shrug* lol
---

You sound like a pro already lol.
---

Camping can be a viable strategy against low-skill opponents who keep taking the bait, but people who know what theyre doing will just avoid the area and keep doing objectives to bury you.
---

I own and operate a campground, and it's far from free. It depends on what you expect as far as amenities and activities on how much it will cost you. Typically somewhere like a jellystone has most of what you need. Renting a cabin won't be much different from renting a hotel room as far as what prep work you need. Maybe bring linens. But the cost is mostly because of what there is to do at the park.

This is assuming you're going with the cabin and not a tent. Obviously you need more things if you are tenting.
---

Samurai7 posted...

I own and operate a campground, and it's far from free. It depends on what you expect as far as amenities and activities on how much it will cost you. Typically somewhere like a jellystone has most of what you need. Renting a cabin won't be much different from renting a hotel room as far as what prep work you need. Maybe bring linens. But the cost is mostly because of what there is to do at the park.

This is assuming you're going with the cabin and not a tent. Obviously you need more things if you are tenting.

What do I need if tenting.
---

A tent, if you can believe that
---

Tokoyami posted...

A tent, if you can believe that

Okay. What else? Is that all? Someone said sleeping bags.

I assume a grill of some sort.

Flash lights.

Lantern.

I guess that's all?
---

Tarp/ground cover for the tent

I forget what the term for it is but a sort of cushion to put under the sleeping bags so you're not just sleeping straight on the hard ground
---

Bear traps for bears
---

tazzyboyishere posted...

Bear traps for bears

Bears aren't real.
---

Bear traps for people
---

Parent Trap on DVD.
---

Corrik posted...

IfGodCouldDie posted...

Corrik posted...

Like damn I thought camping was free.

It is if you know where to go and have the gear already lol.

I mean I do have a fire pit and a huge yard at my house. But I want something like in the woods. Both these places I am looking at are more resorts than woods even. Oh well.

Camping is free in a lot of state or national parks, but you often have to reserve a spot to camp well in advance.
---

My wife and I just usually camp out of my Honda Fit. Seats go down and make for quite a nice sleeping area in the back. Tons of abandoned campgrounds in the Rockies that we park in. Camp and eat at the campground, then hike into the deeper forest for the day.
---

INCEPTlON posted...

My wife and I just usually camp out of my Honda Fit. Seats go down and make for quite a nice sleeping area in the back. Tons of abandoned campgrounds in the Rockies that we park in. Camp and eat at the campground, then hike into the deeper forest for the day.

Camping is supposed to be devoid of technology. Sleeping in your car is not camping!
---

Tent also includes ground-tarp, as well as rain cover. Should come with stakes and poles and anything else you need.

You want to set up your tent on soft ground, but also you want to make sure you're not setting it up somewhere where groundwater will accumulate.

You need sleeping bags, ground pads, and pillows. Some ground pads have built in pillows, but they're not the most comfy.

You want food that you can pack and bring out. You can bring a cooler, but don't count on roasting hot dogs every day. You'll get sick of it fast.

Thick bacon on a stick is a good breakfast, as well as cutting out the top of an orange, eating it out (heh), then cracking an egg in it and putting that in the coals of your fire.

Look up hobo meals as well, and consider bringing a Dutch oven to make stew or cobbler or anything else, really.

Water bottle is very important.

If you're planning on hiking, consider backpacks, walking sticks, etc.

How old is the kid? 5 days might be too long.
---

Flashlights.
Raingear.
First aid kit.
Boots.
Extra clothes, especially socks.

Consider outdoors activities you might do. You'll want a compass if you hike at all. Field guides for trees and animals. Rope and a knife are useful.
---

Corrik posted...

INCEPTlON posted...

My wife and I just usually camp out of my Honda Fit. Seats go down and make for quite a nice sleeping area in the back. Tons of abandoned campgrounds in the Rockies that we park in. Camp and eat at the campground, then hike into the deeper forest for the day.

Camping is supposed to be devoid of technology. Sleeping in your car is not camping!

Glamping then
---

HanOfTheNekos posted...

Tent also includes ground-tarp, as well as rain cover. Should come with stakes and poles and anything else you need.

You want to set up your tent on soft ground, but also you want to make sure you're not setting it up somewhere where groundwater will accumulate.

You need sleeping bags, ground pads, and pillows. Some ground pads have built in pillows, but they're not the most comfy.

You want food that you can pack and bring out. You can bring a cooler, but don't count on roasting hot dogs every day. You'll get sick of it fast.

Thick bacon on a stick is a good breakfast, as well as cutting out the top of an orange, eating it out (heh), then cracking an egg in it and putting that in the coals of your fire.

Look up hobo meals as well, and consider bringing a Dutch oven to make stew or cobbler or anything else, really.

Water bottle is very important.

If you're planning on hiking, consider backpacks, walking sticks, etc.

How old is the kid? 5 days might be too long.

12 and 3
---