BASE CAMPING!

If you want to combine your love of camping with your need for relaxation, try base camping. Base or car camping is a great way to enjoy some of the joys of camping without having to carry all your equipment with you. All you have to do is pack up your camping gear, find a scenic campsite, and enjoy the comforts of a home-away-from-home.

Base camping is a more relaxing form of camping than survival type camping or backpacking. However, it is more rustic than RV camping. All you need to take on your base camping trip are your basic camping essentials. You can choose the degree of comfort you wish to enjoy during your trip.

The basic supplies you will need are; a tent large enough to comfortably fit the entire family, sleeping bags, camp stove, food and cooking equipment, wood for the campfire, and a lantern. For a more comfortable base camp you can bring along sleeping pads, an air mattress or even cots. If you have room in your car you can also pack lawn chairs, utensils, plates, cups, a bin to do dishes, and some dish soap. You can bring as much or as little as you choose, just as long as you make sure you bring what you need to be safe during your trip.

Base camping gives you a chance to set up a camp that acts as a home, while taking day trips and hikes. This type of camping allows you to leave your tent set up at your campsite each day. When you are backpacking, you have to pack all of your supplies with you throughout your trip. Base camping allows you to take a much more leisurely trip.

When getting ready for a base camping trip you need to select an appropriate campsite in the area you are planning to visit. If you are visiting a national park you can make a reservation for a campsite for the duration of your stay. Campgrounds provide all kinds of amenities, from restrooms with showers to providing educational events.

Base camping allows you to leave many of your camping essentials at your site when you leave for your day of adventure, but you need to make sure that your belongings remain safe. Make sure you don't leave any valuables behind when you leave. It is best not to bring any valuables that you don't plan on carrying with you at all times. Many parks warn not to leave valuables in your car for the day either. It is always prudent to plan ahead and save yourself potential headaches.  Leave extra credit cards at home, and don't bring any equipment you aren't willing to either lose or store somewhere safe.

Next time you plan a camping trip, try out base camping. You will have a wonderful time having new adventures with the knowledge that you have a comfy tent and campfire waiting for you at the end of the day. Base camping can be as relaxing or as difficult as you would like. Enjoy exploring the wilds of America from the comfort of your home-away-from-home when you next go camping.

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