• Take family camping trips every year. It gets easier the more you do it.


• For help in choosing a destination, go to www.coleman.com/outernet. You’ll find campsite descriptions, maps, driving directions and more.


• Create a checklist that you can use each time you camp. Make additions or deletions to the checklist when you discover items you wish you had brought or you should have left at home.


• To alleviate setup hassles, familiarize yourself with your equipment before you leave home.

Packing

• Keep your camping-only items in a crate or duffel bag. You’ll be halfway packed for a spur-of-the-moment trip.


• Pack clothing in trash bags. These keep clothes dry and can double as laundry bags.


• Bring menu-specific measured items to save time and space. For example, measure all of the dry ingredients for pancakes and pack them in a covered container. Just add the wet ingredients when you’re ready to cook. (Be sure to label the items.)


• To save time at camp, precook some portions of meals and place in storage bags in coolers.


• Pack two coolers. Fill one with items that will be used frequently, such as beverages and snacks, and the other with primary meal items. This keeps everything cold and conserves ice.


• If you plan to build a campfire, find out ahead of time if there are any seasonal restrictions. Firewood may be scarce where you are camping, so take a few bundles with you.

Camping

• Arrive as early as possible so that you can set up your campsite before dark.


• If you haven’t already reserved a site, walk or drive around to check out all the options, and find the best campsite based on your preferences such as proximity to water, restrooms and other campers.


• Select a level campsite clear of rocks, branches and other hard or sharp objects.


• Use a ground cover under your tent or sleeping bag.


• Pack a battery-operated lantern or flashlight for use inside your tent. Never use a stove or fuel lantern in your tent.


• Partially unzip the upper window in your tent to remove unwanted moisture and condensation from respiring sleepers. On muggy nights, also zip open a lower window to draw cooler air and create a chimney effect.


• Zip open your sleeping bag for a few minutes every morning to remove moisture, then shake the bag to restore insulation loft. You’ll sleep warmer and extend the life of your sleeping bag.

Going Home

• Include the whole family when it’s time to clean the campsite. Leave nothing but footprints.


• Remove all trash and sweep out dirt from inside your tent before you take it down.


• Open the doors and windows to allow air to escape as the tent is collapsed. Fold the tent about the same length as the collapsed poles before you begin rolling.


• Be sure your tent is dry before putting it away. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Courtesy of The Coleman Company, Inc.