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Q. Hi! Originally my fiancee and I were going to get a hotel room on a beach that's about an hour and a half away from where we'll be living for our honeymoon (next march) but my hubby-to-be can't swim and is terrified of the ocean and I don't reallly LOVE it either. So after much thought and consideration I decided I'd like to go camping. I brought the idea up to my fiancee and he LOVED the idea. We both agree that being in the wilderness, just one tent, one sleeping bag, the stars and I will be so nice and romantic. Here's the issue: neither of us has been camping. When I was a kid I used to sleep in a tent in my dad's backyard but that's the extent of my wilderness expereince... and his is when he was kicked out for two days as a teenager and slept in the park... so basically we have NONE. What tips can anyone give us? What type of tent and sleeping bag should we get? What should we bring along? We'll be living in South Texas (McAllen) so where should we GO camping... like a specific camping ground or just where ever the trails take us? ANY help (especially tips that'll save us money!!) are VERY much appreciated.
I will be picking a best answer so if you put time into your answer don't worry, I'll take note of it :)
I will be picking a best answer so if you put time into your answer don't worry, I'll take note of it :)
Answer
My first and foremost bit of advice would be to try some shorter camping trips first and gain some personal experience. Then, as Trish suggests, consider a location where you can drive to a site, rather than having to hike long distances. As a newer camper, the extra safety and convenience of having your vehicle nearby will likely be a welcome benefit.
Your basics are tent, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen gear, food and water storage, bathroom/hygiene, clothing, first aid and comfort. Trying to deal with each of these in sufficient detail to be useful would make a good book or website. I generally try to avoid just posting links without any details, but in this case Yahoo! won't even let me get half way through without telling me my post is too long. So I suggest you spend a few evenings reviewing the wealth of knowledge on REI's "Expert Advice" website:
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/camping#tab_2
I'll forewarn you that gearing-up for your first camping trip can be quite expensive, but try to avoid going out and buying everything you can think of for your first trip. As I said above, take a few shorter trips and build up what you need over time. Don't be tempted to cheap-out on important things like your tent or mattress, as this can lead to a miserable experience. As long as you're not backpacking, don't concern yourself with ultralight (and ultra-expensive) gear. Get a good 4-person dome tent with plenty of ventilation and good storm fly coverage from a quality brand, such as Eureka, NorthFace, Coleman or Kelty. Two sleeping bags that can zip together will be more useful in the long run than one double bag. Watch your temperature ratings on the sleeping bags: unless you expect to camp in very cold weather, 40-degree is a good rating (you can always bring some blankets to extend if necessary, or leave it open or even sleep on top in hot weather). A mattress is important for warmth and comfort. For two people either get a good quality inflatable mattress and pump, or two thick, large self-inflating mattresses (you can buy or make straps to hold them together).
Be prepared for rain and unexpected cold weather. An extra tarp, a dining canopy, easy-up or screen room is recommended. Mosquito coils or bug lanterns help keep the bugs away better than citronella candles and don't stink like oil lanterns. Consider items like food storage, seating, bathroom needs (if no bathroom will be convenient), fresh water storage and purification (if necessary), cutting firewood, etc.
Let me end now before Yahoo cuts me short again. But spend the time on REI's site and then go out on some practice trips. Congratulations on your nuptials and I hope your honeymoon camping experience is every bit as pleasant and romantic as you envision.
My first and foremost bit of advice would be to try some shorter camping trips first and gain some personal experience. Then, as Trish suggests, consider a location where you can drive to a site, rather than having to hike long distances. As a newer camper, the extra safety and convenience of having your vehicle nearby will likely be a welcome benefit.
Your basics are tent, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen gear, food and water storage, bathroom/hygiene, clothing, first aid and comfort. Trying to deal with each of these in sufficient detail to be useful would make a good book or website. I generally try to avoid just posting links without any details, but in this case Yahoo! won't even let me get half way through without telling me my post is too long. So I suggest you spend a few evenings reviewing the wealth of knowledge on REI's "Expert Advice" website:
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/camping#tab_2
I'll forewarn you that gearing-up for your first camping trip can be quite expensive, but try to avoid going out and buying everything you can think of for your first trip. As I said above, take a few shorter trips and build up what you need over time. Don't be tempted to cheap-out on important things like your tent or mattress, as this can lead to a miserable experience. As long as you're not backpacking, don't concern yourself with ultralight (and ultra-expensive) gear. Get a good 4-person dome tent with plenty of ventilation and good storm fly coverage from a quality brand, such as Eureka, NorthFace, Coleman or Kelty. Two sleeping bags that can zip together will be more useful in the long run than one double bag. Watch your temperature ratings on the sleeping bags: unless you expect to camp in very cold weather, 40-degree is a good rating (you can always bring some blankets to extend if necessary, or leave it open or even sleep on top in hot weather). A mattress is important for warmth and comfort. For two people either get a good quality inflatable mattress and pump, or two thick, large self-inflating mattresses (you can buy or make straps to hold them together).
Be prepared for rain and unexpected cold weather. An extra tarp, a dining canopy, easy-up or screen room is recommended. Mosquito coils or bug lanterns help keep the bugs away better than citronella candles and don't stink like oil lanterns. Consider items like food storage, seating, bathroom needs (if no bathroom will be convenient), fresh water storage and purification (if necessary), cutting firewood, etc.
Let me end now before Yahoo cuts me short again. But spend the time on REI's site and then go out on some practice trips. Congratulations on your nuptials and I hope your honeymoon camping experience is every bit as pleasant and romantic as you envision.
Great campground near flagstaff,AZ and Albuquerque,NM??? Please help!?
Mrs. A
We will be doing our first long road trip from Dallas, TX to Long beach, CA this weekend, and we will be stopping/staying in flagstaff,AZ from Sunday to Wendnesday. And on the way back we will be stopping in Albuquerque, NM.
*It will be my husband and I, and our 3 years old and 1&half old babies.
*We will be camping (tent).
We are looking for a nice place with beautiful views, forest, grassy fields, flowers, sandy lake, or a small trickling creek that would be safe for the babies,( They love little river). And wildlife, like birds,deer etc.
And ofcoarse, with restroom, water and electric.
Please give us some ideas of where is a good place for what we are looking for near Flagstaff,AZ and Albuquerqe,NM.
Thank you very much to all of you!
Answer
Go to www.woodalls.com and you'll be able to see every campground in that area. You'll also be able to get to any campground's website (at least those that have one) and their ad in the physical campground guide as well.
Check out the ratings on each...for both the facilities and the local recreation. That will give you a idea of what to expect.
Go to www.woodalls.com and you'll be able to see every campground in that area. You'll also be able to get to any campground's website (at least those that have one) and their ad in the physical campground guide as well.
Check out the ratings on each...for both the facilities and the local recreation. That will give you a idea of what to expect.
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Title Post: Tips for camping on my honeymoon?
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Rating: 95% based on 9878 ratings. 4,5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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