One of the most important things is to make sure you are prepared. There are a few items that are essential to bring whenever camping is concerned. However, use your discretion, some are more necessary than others. We advise you take serious precautions to make sure you have everything you need and that all your equipment and gear works well and will withstand nature's curveballs.

Neccessary Items:
Map Compass Water and a way to purify it Extra food!!! (you get surprisingly hungry after hiking and swimming all day) Rain Gear and Extra Clothing Fire Starter and Matches (waterproof matches are invaluable) First-Aid Kit	Army Knife or Multi-Purpose Tool Flashlight (plus extra bulbs, and batteries, for that matter) Sun Screen and Sun Glasses Tent (make sure it is durable enough and has all its pieces) Sleeping Bag (needs to be warm enough, pillows are great after a hard day too) Know where you are going and how for long (Obviously this affects all other preparations)

Additional Items:
Hat To keep you warm at night, shading from sun- sunscreen is not always enough. Axe In case there is little or no wood. Although you must be careful that you only cut wood in an approved area. Rope Good for clothesline and to hang trash and food on trees. Cooler or other completely sealable containers for food.	Bungee Cord lock cooler, hang lantern. Portable Shower and/or Toilet necessary for trips of a week or longer in rough conditions. Camera Disposable ideal, useful to have beauty to remember when you have to come back to the real world.

First thing you do when you get to your campsite is make sure the area is clear and take out any trash that someone may have left there (trash on ground = animals in campsite). Set up your tent so you can put your things away; and after that, make sure you have enough firewood to last the night. The rest of what you do is up to you; enjoy yourself.

Know where to find help, should you need it. Help is a lot more obvious when you are camping at a commercial campground, but when you really rough it, it is important to know where the closest form of civilization is (or a park/forest ranger). They are a wonderful commodity and are very helpful if any problems arise.

Have fun out there. One of the most beautiful things about camping is that it is, primarily, going back to basics, so enjoy yourself. For help finding campgrounds and RV Parks in your area go to Traveling USA.