The Key to a Successful Camping Season is the Same as the Boy Scout Motto: “be Prepared.”

Camping season is a time for exploring the great outdoors, connecting with family and friends, and truly enjoying the natural world. Whether one is a first timer or an experienced camper, there is always something new to learn and experience. While camping season used to be associated only with summer months, there are many opportunities to enjoy camping throughout the year. The key to a successful camping season is the same as the Boy Scout motto: “Be prepared.”

There are as many ways to camp as there are people who want to camp. For those who prefer a true backwoods adventure, the combination of hiking and backpacking with their camping experience requires a different type of equipment and preparation than those who choose to drive to a state forest or private campground. Certain types of equipment are vital, no matter what style of camping is preferred.

First, even the most intrepid camper needs to sleep! A sturdy sleeping bag is most campers’ choice; sleeping bags are designed to accommodate different temperature requirements from lightweight bags for summer camping to below zero “mummy bags” for mid-winter adventures. But a sleeping bag is not really enough for a good night’s sleep-the ground is a hard mattress!

The wise outdoorsman will choose to put something between his back and the ground. In this, as with sleeping bags, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on the type of camping. The lightest weight and most portable choice is a simple foam camping pad which weighs less than a pound. For a backpacker, this is a good choice. However, someone who is using his car or truck as transportation may choose an air mattress or even a portable cot!

Cooking is another essential element for every type of camping. While the traditional image of cooking over an open fire may be considered part of the ultimate camping experience, many factors make campfire cooking a less desirable option. Modern camping stoves are lightweight and offer more flexibility than a fire. A good camp stove can boil a quart of water in less than 4 minutes; yet it weighs less than 2 pounds!

Once the heat source is decided on, cookware must be selected. Again, choices are nearly limitless! The simplest choice is a stick for grilling hot dogs or marshmallows, but this isn’t a practical choice for a hungry camper. Outdoor cookware sets are nearly as extensive as those a gourmet chef uses. One of the lightest choices is a set which features multi-purpose components made of sturdy stainless steel, ideal for a hiking trip. Other styles of cookware include cast iron dutch ovens, grills, bake ware, and even woks.

Beyond the necessities and preparation for camping, the underlying joy of camping season is the same for all campers. Camping season, whether it is a New England summer, a southwestern fall, or an Alaskan winter, gives people an escape from their daily lives. It represents a connection with the natural world that is usually lost in worlds of skyscrapers, highways, and mundane responsibilities. The rat race is suspended on a camping trip, replaced by long walks, canoe rides, relaxing around a campfire or a myriad of other activities.

Everyone finds something special about camping. People of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to refresh and recharge themselves; it doesn’t matter if one hikes the back country or drives an RV into campground. By choosing to visit where they must adopt new behaviors and conform to different rules, campers create a new world for themselves each trip. For them, camping season is never ending.