New Camper Here---HELP!

[maps]

Let me start by saying that I have never been camping nor did I ever expect to go.

My kids however have been dying to try it out so I'm willing to give it a shot.

But, I have no idea where to start. For example, what type of tent and what type of equipment do I have to have?

I plan on doing an overnighter first just to see how I like it. Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[LONE-STAR]

Are you camping at FW?

 

[maps]

No, since I want to do an overnighter close to home first just to test it out.

 

[Minnie mom of 6]

I would start out simple. when we first started we had a small tent some flash lights and sleeping bags and a few pots and pans. we added air beds screen rooms tv's , dvd, and stoves later. Every year we add a bit more. This year we are buying an a/c for the tent

Walmart and K mart have some pretty inexpensive tents. We have a Jeep tent that we upgraded to when we got serious about camping , it has closets.

Good luck!

any place special you are looking into trying out?

 

[Minnie mom of 6]

Might want to check this out, I do not own it but looks like a nice starter
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5622974

 

[LONE-STAR]

I am not much help on this subject me and the DW stayed in a tent once together then bought a used 5er before our next trip.

 

[AuburnJen92]

Don't forget to try putting up the tent (when you decide what you are going to get) in the front yard first. That way, you learn how to get it up without spending your time at the site learning how. You can have more time for fun!

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Yep, you definitely want to try to set up the tent before you go.

Basically all you really need is the tent, flashlights, and sleeping bags. But a lantern is nice and a tarp can come in handy. Extra blankets can cushion you also or they have pads too. And you'll need to eat somehow . But you may just want to roast hot dogs over the campfire and have pop tarts for breakfast for your first time out...then move on to a small propane stove if you like it

Have fun!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

IWe have a Jeep tent that we upgraded to when we got serious about camping , it has closets.

QUOTE]


Your tent has closets!!! I am impressed..
We go camping often (unfortunately not to FW as we live in CA) and have all the goodies mentioned above and add to the assortment often but I have never seen a tent with a closet..... or AC for that matter.

 

[2goofycampers]

might just want to try a night set up in a back yard.

 

[WeCampDisney]

I recomend a cabin style tent over a dome tent. Its easier to set up and you have a lot more head room for standing. I prefer a small lamp over a lantern if you always camp where electricity is available, cheaper than using batteries or fuel. I use a utility clip on light from the hardware dept which I clip hanging down in the center of my tent. Its a two room cabin tent and with the room devider opened up its a perfect place to clip the light. In a large cabin tent you can have a small table and chair and lighted makeup mirror just like at home.

 

[maps]

Thanks so much for all your great suggestions.

I was looking to do a quick trip in the White Mountains but hubby suggested a trial run in the backyard first.

I like the idea of a cabin tent over a dome tent and probably won't need much the first time out other than flashlights and sleeping bags.

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

probably won't need much the first time out other than flashlights and sleeping bags.

Exactly how we first started camping as a family and is the only way I've ever camped as a child. Disney will change you. When we started camping at the Fort, we started accumulating a lot and stuff including the kitchen sink We still do the primitive camping at least twice a year where we only take our tent, sleeping bags, cooler, and coleman stove. With no electricity it's just the bare minimum.

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

My kids however have been dying to try it out so I'm willing to give it a shot.

But, I have no idea where to start. For example, what type of tent and what type of equipment do I have to have?

I plan on doing an overnighter first just to see how I like it. Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

How many children and adults will be in one tent? One thing to consider is size. If you have 2 adults and 2 children, and the tent says, "sleeps 4," don't count on it. I'd shoot for "sleeps 6" at least. You don't want anyone sleeping against the tent walls, it will cause moisture to wick through and can be disasterous in a downpour.

 

[Katie Dawn]

Hi maps!

If you have any friends that are campers why don't you ask them if you could borrow some of their equipment? That would really cut down on your costs since this is a "trial." Or even better, if they had an extra tent you could ask if they would consider letting you "tag along" with them on a camping trip. We have invited non-camping friends (who wanted to try it) in the past and showed them the ropes...they fell in love!

If that is not an option, I know our local state university will rent tents and other equipment out. I can't remember which department this was through but it must have been related to student recreation somehow. We did this with our Girl Scout troop some years ago, and while my co-leader was an employee of the university I would think they would rent to the general community.

Best of luck!