In an age when the need to reconnect with nature is stronger than ever, camping offers the perfect getaway. However, good preparation is essential to make the most of it. In this guide, I’ ll give you all the keys you need to prepare for your next camping trip.
Choice of location
It’s important to determine where you’re going to camp first, and learn about the different types of campsites available. Whether camping, tenting or RVing, there are sites with services or wilder ones where you’ll be left to your own devices. You can also find ready-to-camp tents where you’ll have the feeling of being in a tent, but with the conveniences of a home, such as a bed, small kitchenette, table, chairs, and so on. And for those who prefer a little more luxury, chalets are the solution for you! Most are equipped with electricity, water, wi-fi and more, so you can still enjoy the great outdoors, but in the comfort of your own home. Of all these types of campsite, choose the one that best suits your needs. Then check availability and, if necessary, reserve your pitch in advance, especially during peak periods.
Camping equipment
My father always told me “there is no such thing as bad weather for camping, only unprepared people!”. So it was young that I understood that having the right things on hand during my outings could make the difference between a memorable stay and a nightmarish outing. Obviously, we start with the tent. Choose a tent that suits your needs in terms of size, season and weather conditions. Then come the sleeping bags and, if necessary, the mattresses. I suggest you opt for a sleeping bag appropriate for the expected temperature and a comfortable mattress to sleep well. Then comes other equipment that may prove useful, or even essential, such as a flashlight, spare batteries, a hatchet, a Swiss army knife, a rope (to dry your laundry), unbreakable dishes, a stove/stove, garbage bags (we like to keep the places as clean, if not cleaner, than when we arrived!), folding chairs and any other equipment for your activities. Now, when we talk about what laundry to bring, it is important to remember the length of your stay, the activities you will do and the weather expected during your trip. And trust my experience, an extra “kit” (or even two) can avoid a lot of frustration. Once rolled up and properly placed, it barely takes up space in your backpack. And, speaking from experience, make sure you have sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent to avoid inconveniences. Something to never forget; a first aid kit. You never want to have to use it, but sometimes a simple bandage and a little soap can quickly prevent a poorly treated scratch. And one last tip regarding your equipment; test it BEFORE! There is nothing more distressing than having a tent that is punctured and leaking, right?! Now, let’s talk food! Plan all your meals and snacks carefully depending on the length of your stay and the planned activities. Some places offer canteen service or ready-to-eat menus, but the nearest convenience store may be miles and miles away. For my part, I try to go minimalist with several foods that can be used for several meals. In this way, losses are greatly avoided, thereby reducing our ecological footprint. However, I like to plan one or two extra meals/snacks so that I’m never caught off guard. Along the same lines, I really like using dry products that can be kept longer or even taken home afterwards.
Activity planning
Even though camping is often synonymous with relaxation and disconnection, rarely have I gone camping without planning an activity. The latter will only enhance your visit and, at times, will introduce you to activities that you would not have done before. We are avid hikers and mountain bikers, so a camping trip doesn’t come without a hike or a little ride! We now know the Park’s trails by heart! That said, if this is your first visit, to the Park or elsewhere, find out about the various trails. How far are they? Are they mostly flat or mountainous? What is the difficulty level? Ask the team on site or consult Ondago, an ideal platform for downloading virtual versions of maps and which allows geolocation in almost real time, with or without a network! But sometimes we want to take it easy and just want to relax, make a fire in the evening and lie down on the ground to observe the twinkling stars in the sky! But beyond your favorite activities, check with the campsite to find out about related activities. Here at the Park, we offer activities for the whole family every Saturday during the summer, such as scientific workshops, introduction to meditation, magic or music shows, and more. These activities will often fill the little free time you have and will possibly make you smile, laugh or learn more about, say, dinosaurs (hihihi).
Tell your loved ones
When we go camping, whether in the Park or in more remote areas, we always warn our loved ones. A little Facetime with my in-laws or a message to my mother and that’s it! Always remember that you will be in an environment where there will likely be little or no cellular network at all, making communications very difficult or even non-existent. It is therefore very important to leave the contact details of your place of stay with your loved ones. Once again, we never want this, but in the event of an emergency, they can always contact the reception team who will know where we are and can come and advise us. Notifying your loved ones is a small gesture that will only take a few minutes (or hours when I handle the call hahaha), but which will reassure everyone, including you! It will also prevent your loved ones from worrying if they don’t hear from you for a certain period of time.
Other important details to remember
- Weather: We often plan our trips in advance, even months in advance, so always check the weather forecast for your trip. That way, you won ‘t be caught short.
- Campfires: Respect campfire rules to avoid making the news as the person who started news as the person who started the forest fire…
- Wildanimals: Find out about the wild animals in the area and learn about safety measures.
By following these simple steps, you ‘ re all set for an unforgettable camping experience. Remember , the key toa successful outing is preparation, so take the time to plan everything carefully before you set off on your adventure!
