Camping season is almost here, but are you ready?

Times Contributor

 

With camping season approaching fast, both veteran and first-time campers are eager to start enjoying all that summer has to offer. But in the excitement people often make simple mistakes that can ruin a vacation.

Jesse Bastain, the owner of the online store Outdoor Pursuits Canada, says there are a few essentials that all campers need to bring, whether you’re in an RV or a tent. Bastain says these are just the basics for a first-time camper, but are required items for the more experienced camper.

Among the list is a sturdy fixed-blade knife,  fire starter, a first-aid kid that includes bug repellent and bug bite remedy, an axe and a flashlight.  Bastain said a para-cord (parachute cord) is “one of the most essential items when camping” because of its wide variety of uses. From cooking to clothing repair, the cord’s uses are “virtually endless.” All of these items, and more, can be found at www.outdoorpursuitscanada.com.

Preparing to go camping can be a daunting task, especially when taking an RV, and Darcy Ledene, general manager of the Strathmore & District Agricultural Society walks through the steps of setting up an RV for a weekend camping trip.

“I would check my propane levels, check my cupboards… to make sure [everything] is secure for travel,” Ledene says. If water is not available at the campsite, Ledene also says he would make sure he had a sufficient supply and double-check his black and grey tanks to make sure they were empty. 

Along with bringing items like screwdrivers, tarps and firewood, Ledene also says it is important to pack a variety of clothes as the weather can really impact a camping trip.

“Camping weather can change in a heartbeat,” Ledene cautions, and says to prepare for the best and worst conditions.

Location can be just as important as the items you bring camping with you, however.

The Strathmore Agricultural Grounds operates 365 days a year and is one of the few campsites to offer year-round service, along with almost all types of camping. There are many different services available, including firewood and water. 

However, not all camp sites have these perks included so it is important to do your research before choosing a destination.

Kendra Van Dyk, a team leader of campgrounds with Parks Canada, says it is important for people to “educate themselves about their planned destination.” Often campgrounds have websites that can be visited to learn more about the rules and regulations of their campsite, such as fire bans, services available and other information such as reservations. 

“A lot of campgrounds in the mountains are not near stores to buy replacement equipment if something important is forgotten or breaks. The same applies to RV campers. They should ensure that their RV is in good working condition,” said Van Dyk.

Camping in the mountains is beautiful and a nice change of scenery, but with the benefits, campers also have to be aware of sharing the space with wildlife.

“The most important thing that can be recommended for campers concerned about wildlife is to keep a ‘bare’ campsite. So, whenever they are not eating they should have all their food, garbage,  toiletries and cooking supplies stored away in a bear proof container such as their vehicle, RV, or in a food storage locker,” Van Dyk said. 

Researching the wildlife in the area is beneficial so you can know how to best be prepared with what you will be dealing with.

“The essence of camping is to entertain yourself and to get you out of the camper,” Bastain adds, suggesting a simple deck of cards can provide adequate entertainment.

Ledene agrees, saying the biggest thing with camping is to “come with friends” because “camping is much more enjoyable with a group.”