Basic Steps to better camping

 Camping, like most other things in life can be simple and pleasurable or it can be complicated and unpleasant. The secret to a successful camping trip is good planning. You and your family will then basically be ready for your holiday or a weekend of camping fun and adventures!

It is essential to understand the area in which you intend to go camping. Knowing something about the area will allow you to prepare for the conditions you are likely to encounter. For instance, if you are traveling to the coastal areas, the ground is likely to be sandy and you will need a selection of suitable sand/longer pegs. However, if you are bushveld camping, the ground could be very hard, hence the need for strong, shorter pegs.

Consider also the prevailing conditions. Some coastal areas can be windier than inland areas so the need for extra guy ropes, pegs, and possible wind breaks, etc. should be considered. Find out what the average temperatures can be expected at night, because this will determine what blankets and bedding you will need to take along. 

Once you have established the conditions expected in the area that you intend visiting, you can now plan the equipment needed to make your holiday a simple and pleasurable experience. A checklist compiled several weeks prior to departure can save a lot of stress. Trying to get everything ready the day before you leave, both for yourself and the camping store in an attempt to get the stove, refrigerator and lights operating and the tent repaired all in 24 hours, will be very frustrating.

A typical Checklist should be:

• Take the tent out of storage and check general condition, with particular attention paid to peg loops, zips and fly screens. This should be done 3-4 weeks prior to departure to allow adequate time to have any needed repairs done. If possible, erect the tent to ensure all guy ropes, and if caravan tent, the channel rope is well and truly secure and slides through the aluminium channel on the caravan freely.Check the frame/tent poles to ensure all parts are there and nothing has been left behind at the last campsite. It is always a good idea to mark or colour code the tent poles once the tent has been erected. Coloured PVC (insulation) tape works well.Count and check pegs and guy ropes to ensure adequate supplies, bearing in mind what was previously discussed regarding ground conditions.

• Check and test all the lights, the gas stove and gas lamps if they are to be used. Ensure that the stove burns well and if going on an extended trip, consider taking spare gas jets.Make sure that you have ample supply of mantles to last the entire trip bearing in mind mantles are brittle and easily broken if travelling day in and day out.Check all o-rings and conditions of the stove hoses so that no problems are encountered on the trip. Should you be the least bit apprehensive about your gas equipment, please take it to a reputable Jurgens-CI dealer or Campworld Shop and have it checked.

• Check caravan battery. Connect to the mains at home and fully charge the battery prior to departure. Make sure the refrigerator is in good working order. You need to run the refrigerator for two or three days before stocking up. The last thing you need is an unfrozen freezer compartment, with nowhere to store frozen goods when you depart.

• Airbeds, camp stretchers and whatever other form of sleeping equipment that is to be used, should be pre-inflated or assembled to ensure that all functions well on the trip.

• Research of the destination as previously discussed will indicate whether there is a need to take braai’s. 

ARRIVAL
To ensure a comfortable stay during your holiday, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules when setting up camp:

• Make sure the area you are to set up camp on is not only level, but also free from sharp objects, roots or stones that are likely to damage the floor of the tent. If possible, use only the meshed ground sheets. 
• Check to see that there are no ants’ nests. Put down ant powder if necessary. Sprinkle around the caravan’s wheels, the base of the tent as well as the guy rope pegs. And, after it’s rained, sprinkle ant powder again. It’s a heck of a job getting rid of ants once they have “moved in”. 
• Check that there are no overhanging branches that are likely to dislodge on a windy night. This is especially dangerous around and under gum trees.

ERECTING THE TENT

• Always, if possible, try not to face directly into the prevailing conditions. It is advisable to first check with the resort management from which direction the wind or rainy weather normally comes from.
• Use the appropriate pegs for the ground condition.
• Always make sure that the guy ropes are well secured - it may be calm when you erect your tent but windy conditions can roll in quickly and catch you unaware.
• If you intent putting up a freestanding gazebo, the use of guy ropes and tent pegs to hold it down securely is a good idea. The last thing you want when you return from the beach is to find your gazebo wrapped around your neighbours caravan or tent.

DEPARTURE

• If possible wait until the tent or awning is completely dry before dismantling, as this will alleviate the need to re-erect the tent at home. Storing the tent in a wet or damp condition will result in mildew - effectively shortening the life of the tent.
• Check that all poles and pegs are dry to prevent the onset of rust.
• Before leaving the campsite make sure that all rubbish is disposed of correctly. Remember throwing cans or plastic bottles into the fire does not make them biodegradable.

Leave your campsite CLEANER than you found it. Leave nothing but your footprints!

Yours in caravan & camping,CaravanParks.com – Southern Africa’s Caravan & Camping Tourism Network