Camping:

An Introductory Guide
By Ryan Henry, Micah DeLuna, Zaira Cruz

Table of Contents

iii

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ iii
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... v
Chapter One.................................................................................................................... 3
Decide your campsite .................................................................................................. 3
Choosing the equipment .............................................................................................. 5
Packing the supplies .................................................................................................... 7
Setting out ................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter Two .................................................................................................................. 11
Building Your Campsite ............................................................................................. 11
Fishing ....................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter Three ............................................................................................................... 17
Clean up and departure necessities .......................................................................... 17
Packing ...................................................................................................................... 17
Cleaning the Camp .................................................................................................... 17
Disposing Your Trash Properly .................................................................................. 17
Leaving ...................................................................................................................... 17
Index ............................................................................................................................. 19
Works Cited................................................................................................................... 20

Introduction

Introduction
Camping is a popular past time that people across the world have participated in for
hundreds of years. Camping allows people to get back the basics and disconnect from
society as a whole. Its often used by people as a method of rest and relaxation, a
source of therapy, and a way to get in touch with nature. Campground activities could
include plenty of activities, including observing the local wildlife, bird-watching, fishing,
hunting, hiking, canoeing, and the list goes on and on, the limit is only the limits of
imagination.
Those new to camping will find this
guide very helpful in learning the
basics of camping, providing stepby-step instructions for preparation,
setting up and tearing down the
campsite. This guide will help make
any camping trip exciting and
memorable, and hopefully an activity to do again in the future.
The guide provides basic instructions

Figure 1: A fun activity

on the steps you need to take to

have a pleasant camping trip. The guide will include a list of instructions that you will
need to follow before you set out to your destination, instructions to follow while you are
on the trip, and post-camping instructions.

Chapter 1:
Prepare before setting out

Chapter One

Chapter One
Camping could seem overwhelming to you as a first time experience, however,
following are a few helpful instructions to enjoy your next trip to the wildlife. Like any
other activity, planning is important. The following lists could serve as checklists to keep
track of tasks to be done.

Warning: The following lists cover the basics in supplies and equipment needed. Items
could vary depending on the campsite chosen and the rules and regulations thereof.

Decide your campsite

Choosing a site could make the difference between an enjoyable trip and the
opposite. If you havent already decided on where camp, try to look for options
online, ask some of your closest friends, or get suggestions from your family.
Here are sites you can visit to decide on the perfect camping site.

reserveamerica.com

gocampingamerica.com

If you are still not sure on the location, try to read reviews on some of your local
parks. The wildlife could be at your door!

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Figure 2: Campsite

Chapter One

Choosing the equipment

Although equipment could vary depending on the camping site you choose
following is the basic equipment that may be needed while on the trip.
a. Tent
Camping is not complete without a night outdoors. Although many camping
sites offer cabins, their high-price tag and their likeness to a modern house
takes away from the camping experience.
Choosing a tent
Tents come in many shapes and sizes. For our purposes we will focus
on the size of your party to make the choice. The sizes range from a
1 person, 2 person, 3 person, 4 person, and 5 person tents.
Tools to build tent
Try to build the tent before heading out to the campsite. Read the
instructions included and include any tools necessary.

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Figure 3: Tents

b. Sleeping bag or air mattress

If you decide on an air mattress dont forget to include an air pump that
doesnt require a plug or pack batteries in case they are needed for the pump.
c. Flashlight- take extra batteries for emergencies or fuel if necessary.
d. Map and/or GPS-although you could use your phone try to take a compass or
GPS that doesnt rely on internet connection.
e. Fishing license and gear
f. Pocket knife
g. Cell phone back up battery and car charger
h. Watch
i. Grill or stove with fuel

Chapter One

Packing the supplies

Following are some of the basic supplies that may be needed for a single person,
you may add or take out any of the supplies here listed but we strongly advise to
include all items.
a. First Aid Kit
Prescription medication if any (pack an extra supply).
Bug repellant
Sunscreen
Pain relievers Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc.
Adhesive bandages
Gauze pads
Adhesive cloth tape
Scissors
Thermometer
Tweezers
Burn ointment
Poi sin ivy lotion or cream
Snake bit kit and Bee sting kit- include instructions of the kit for use.
b. Personal Care Supplies
Deodorant
Tooth paste and Tooth brush
Shampoo and Conditioner
Brush
Feminine products
Toilet paper
c. Packing clothes
Depending on the time you plan to stay on the camping will affect how many
outfits to pack. However, as a safety measure pack one or two outfits extra.
Clothes could include, but is not limited to the following:
Shoes-preferably tennis shoes or boots. Flip flops could also be useful
depending on your campsite.
Jeans and/or shorts
Socks
T-shirts
Undergarments
Sleeping clothes
Coat or jacket
d. Cooking tools
Cooler
Inside the cooler store food items that need to be kept cold, items
could include ham, drinks, or any fruits.
Firewood or charcoal to be used with grill
Matches or lighter
Plastic utensils, plates, and cups

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Trash bags
Paper towels
Cooking oil
Pans and/or pots
Dish soap
Cooking utensils
Can opener if any cans are to be opened
Condiments
Food meats, breads, drinks, etc.

Setting out
a. Before setting out to your destination plan out how long it will take to get to your
destination. The road trip could reduce your supplies, so you must check your
supplies repeatedly and stop at a store to restock, if necessary.
b. As previously mentioned bring backup attachable batteries for your phone and a
car charger for any emergencies.
c. Inform someone of your destination before heading out and ask them to keep in
touch at least once a day.
d. Another important thing to keep in mind is directions. Before you are ready to
make the trip check the directions to get there and find your campsite.
e. Call the wildlife park or anyone in charge of your campsite to make sure you
have the right spot and get inform on the rules and regulations.
Now you are all ready to enjoy your camping experience.

Chapter Two:
Your Camp site and activities

Chapter Two

11

Chapter Two
Getting your campsite set up may seem intimidating, but once all the basic campsite
setup is done, you are free to spend your day out either relaxing, or staying active with a
bunch of activities.

Building Your Campsite

1. The first thing you should do when you first arrive at your campsite is find a place
that is clear of debris, relatively flat, and roughly the size of your tent. This is to
make sure that you dont sleep on any sharp rocks, on any uncomfortable
angles, and the spot will fit your tent. A few more tips to picking a good tent
location would be away from any trees or bushes, in a location that doesnt block
the common walkways, and at least 7 feet away from the fire pit. A good nights
sleep is important to having a great camping trip!
2. Then after selecting the area for your tent to be set up, you can start the
assembly of your tent. Most tent sets come with specific instructions for that
specific tent. Not all tents will be assembled the same way; it will depend on the
size of the tent, the shape of the tent, and the different sleeves that the poles or
stakes go through. Make sure to reference the manual that comes with the tent.
3. After the assembly of tent is complete it is important to set up the rest of your
campsite, putting down chairs, setting up a picnic table, and organizing all the
different materials and equipment that you brought. This will make returning to
your campsite, cooking and settling down a relaxing event.
After your campsite is put in order and you are settled into your campsite, it would be a
good time to start looking at the different activities that are available to you during your
camping experience. Activities will hopefully make up the bulk of the time spent during
the camping trip. Things like hiking, swimming, bird watching, canoeing or anything you
can think of! This guide will be covering the basics of fishing.

Fishing
Fishing is a classic activity to do while camping, while it is seemingly simple, the basics
can be a little bit confusing if youve never been fishing before. There is a list of
materials that are needed in order to start this activity and certain safety precautions to
take to make sure no one is hurt. The materials needed are:

A fishing pole.
A tackle box which includes:
o Fishing hooks.
o Extra Fishing wire.
o Bobbers, which indicate whether or not there is a fish on the line.
o Sinkers, which are small weights that are attached to the fishing wire.

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o Plastic fishing bait, such as plastic worms or live bait, which can be bought
at a fishing shop.
o A small first aid kit.
o A small knife or nail clippers in order to cut the fishing wire.
Sunscreen.
Bottles of water to stay hydrated.

Once all the materials are gathered a few simple steps need to be followed.
1. Attaching the hook to the fishing line, a Palomar knot is the easiest and strongest
knot to hold the hook on the line.
a. Double 4 inches of line to form a loop and pass the loop through
the eye of the fishing hook. Let the hook hang loose.
b. Tie an overhand knot in the doubled line. Dont twist or
tighten line.
c. Pull the loop far enough to pass it completely over the hook.
d. Wet the line.
e. Hold the hook carefully, and pull the loose end with the
standing line slowly to tighten the loose end.
2. Fishing at particular times is very important, fish are at their most
active and hungry during the early morning or in the evening.
3. The safety portion of fishing comes with the technique. It is important
to make sure that there isnt anyone around the fishing pole or fishing
area. It is possible to accidently hook people around, if youre not
careful.
4. Once the fishing pole is prepared it is time to start fishing. The
technique is show in the following picture.
Figure 4

Chapter Two

Figure 5

And now that you know how to fish, you can go and enjoy the outdoors. With the
information provided in the manual you should be able to a great camping trip.

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Chapter 3: Clean up

Figure 6: Cleaning the Fire Pit

Chapter Three

17

Chapter Three
Clean up and departure necessities
Camping is a very enjoyable activity, but like most past times it does require some clean
up and some final preparation. Clean up is a vital part of camping because it is
important that everyone who shares your campsite has the same pleasant experience
as you. Initially clean up sounds like a dull task, but it is fairly simple and
straightforward. All there is to be done is to pack your equipment, clean your campsite,
and to properly dispose of your trash.

Packing

As you are preparing to leave it is important that you take all that you brought with you. Making a list of
all that you brought while you are preparing for the trip could also help with the packing process. The
steps for packing are as follows,
collect all the items in your tent/storage area
Pack your tent away
Check the area for anything you might have dropped or misplaced
Take inventory of all your belongings

Cleaning the Camp

Cleaning your campsite is not only a kindness to the campers that follow you, but it also helps to
maintain the environment. The few steps to cleaning up are as follows,
Collect all of your trash containers
Empty the containers in the correct place (may vary depending on the park)
Quickly scan your site for trash or bags of trash
Then more thoroughly check for trash
When checking for trash more closely it may be useful to organize your fellow campers to make sure
you get all of it. A good method is form a line,
Organize your group at one end of the camp
Have your group stand shoulder to shoulder
Walk forward as a group picking up trash as you go
Repeat this process as necessary to cover the entire camp

Disposing Your Trash Properly

As you finish collecting your belongings and trash you may need to check with the park for disposal
instructions. The reason is, some parks prefer that you dispose of your trash elsewhere as to not attract
wildlife from the surrounding area. You may have to find the park ranger or the owner of the land for
full details of disposal. You should just keep in mind that all parks have different policies regarding trash
disposal.

Leaving

Now that you are fully prepared to leave after your trip double check your site for anything you might
have missed. It never hurts to check everything one last time. On your way you may want to thank the
park ranger/care taker and you may also want to see if it is possible to reserve a site for future trips.
Finally, it is time for you to go home and get some well-deserved rest.

Index

Index
Campsite

19

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Works Cited
Figure 1 http://www.hockinghillscanoeing.com/images/bigcamping4.jpg
Figure 2: Campsite
http://www.mikeputnamphoto.com/three-finger-jack-and-canyon-creek-meadow
Figure 3: Tents
http://www.north-america-wilderness-backpacking.com/images/Types-of-Tents.jpg
Figure 4:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_k0700_0639d.pdf
Figure 5:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_k0700_0639d.pdf
Figure 6
http://expeditionportal.com/mscott/Users/2013/July/Adventure/4thofJuly/colorado%2023
.jpg