Camping. The word brings about wonderful memories and expectations of rest, fun, getting back to nature, and spending quality time with loved ones. There are many things that go intoa great camping trip, and coordinating the logistics can be the most challenging. However, there are basics for all camping trips, even if you are bringing Gramma, or baby Tim.

1. Choose a location that is well suited for the camping you enjoy. If you like to tent camp and rough it, an RV park is not for you. If you have a travel trailer, negotiating a dirt road with twists and turns between trees definitely is out. So, where do you look? The US Forest Service is a wonderful resource for finding camp sites and planning wilderness excursions. Also, Reserve America lists campgrounds that can be reserved up to a year in advance. The choice should follow what you like to do. Is fishing available? how about boating? Are pets welcome? Each area also has rules and regulations. Be informed up front so there are no surprises once you get there.

2. A must have for camping basics: a checklist! Have all your equipment and supplies ready. Take the sleeping bags to the laundromat. Make sure all the tent stakes are with the tent. Are the stabilizer jacks in the travel trailer? Who forgot the toilet paper?!? Nothing is worse than "forgetting something", and either doing without, or making a trip into town when you could be fishing.

3. Must haves:
A first aid kit (see Camping with Kids for the list)
Weather appropriate clothing and shoes/boots
Food in air/water tight containers (a large, square plastic tub with a locking lid keeps out vermin and bugs, not bears, though)
Map of the area, either purchased or downloaded
A safety plan

Here are some simple, and helpful camping tips from the folks at adventures-in-colorado.com.

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1. Adults and teens want privacy, small children need supervision, so what is best? You may want a tent that is big enough for everyone; or have one large "family" tent and a smaller tent for the children; or have individual tents. You choose what will work best for the circumstances. Many large tents have "side" rooms. Take time to compare which tent or tents will work best for you.

Two Room Alps Mountaineering Tent

2. Keep the clutter to a minimum. Too much "stuff" makes for a messy campsite. Decide in advance what is really necessary for an enjoyable camping experience. Take only the things you need, no extra toys for the kids, nature has its own toys, leave the DVD player at home, sing songs and tell stories around the campfire for entertainment. After all, you went camping to enjoy the outdoors, right? You do need a radio to check the weather forecast, flashlights are a necessity, and walkie-talkies are a good idea. Folding camp chairs take up little space, and are a lot more comfortable than logs or rocks.

3. Campfires, if allowed in the area, are a source of danger if not properly attended. If not already in place, make a border of stones around the circumference of the fire pit, and instruct the children to stay back from the fire. Most parents, and inexperienced campers, are unaware of how quickly fire can injure or get out of control. Never use gasoline or any flammable liquid in a fire pit. It is okay to burn paper in the pit, but be aware: if there is a breeze, hot ashes can be blown up into the air, and if they light on your tent, the best you can hope for is a hole that needs repaired, the worst, well. Keep the tents a minimum of 12 feet from the fire pit, 15 to 20 feet is better, and safer. Keep all flammable substances the same distance. That means the firewood, too! It may be convenient to stack the wood next to the pit, but one hot spark, and there goes the woodpile!

4. Know the area, what animals live there, the terrain, any hazards, and respect other campers privacy.

5. NO LITTERING Always pack out what you packed in.

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RV camping, although much different than tent camping, still abides by the same rules above.

Some additional important points to remember:

1. If camping self-contained, you may want to invest in a generator. Dead batteries can ruin an otherwise excellent trip.

2. Never dump holding tanks anywhere other than specifically designated dump sites.

3. Keep the RV swept out. Accumulated sand, dirt and small stones can ruin the floor and carpets in a very short time. Place a rug or a carpet remnant on the ground below the steps to help keep dirt outside.

4. Use 2X6 or 2X8 pieces of wood under stabilizer jacks for a better footing.

5. Air your awning. If it rains while you are camping and the awning is out, once you roll it up, moisture can breed mildew, and make a mess later on. Always air the awning as soon as possible after it gets wet.

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