a girl's guide to camping, camping tips for newbie's

As a city girl who has gone country from time to time, I can honestly say you’ll never see a prettier sight than a sky full of bright stars—plus making s’mores while gossiping about the men in your lives will undoubtedly breathe new life into your friendships. But before you head for the great outdoors, here's what you need to know about camping.

A Girl's Guide to Camping - Camping Tips for Newbie's


Camping Tip #1 - Reserve your spot.
If you are new to camping, it might be best to stick to established campsites. You can research and reserve a campsite for you and your girls on websites like www.reserveamerica.com.

Camping Tip #2 - Prepare for the trip.
Personal Gear
Food. Think of what is light and easy to cook—instant oatmeal and soup, PB&J sandwiches and nuts are all good options. Pack all of your food in plastic bags to keep out moisture.

Water bottles. Besides containing your water, they come in handy if you get a bit chilly at night. Simply pour hot water into your bottle and put it in the bottom of your sleeping bag before you go to sleep. Nalgene is one of the most popular brands of camping water bottles.

Warm clothing. It’s good to have at least one lightweight pair of pants with you to keep you warm and your legs safe from bugs and poison oak exposure. Avoid jeans because they are heavy and don’t dry quickly.

Good socks. Bring an extra pair just in case the others get wet or muddy.

Hiking boots or a good pair of trail runners. No need to spend big bucks on heavy hiking shoes. These days, you can use trail runners with knobby treads for most hiking trips. Check out Salomon XA Pros or Teva X-1.

Sunscreen. Choose a sport, sweat-resistant sunscreen like one from Himaya. The brand offers disposable packets of sunscreen. One packet works great for two to three people.