Camping 101: Where ya going?

We've looked at pop up camping and different campers; now lets look at where we need to camp!

First Camping Adventure!



I guess it is safe to say I am old school.  I think your first adventure should entail a few things including:

1.  A tent
2.  A sleeping bag
3.  Your own backyard

Yes, I believe in taking things in baby steps.  Why not let your first experience be small steps away from your actual every day dwelling!  C'mon you have to agree there is safety knowing that your bathroom is just a few feet away.

It is also a great idea to camp in your own backyard if you have children that want to try it out.

My daughter wanted to camp so badly before we got our pop-up.  The wonderful husband went to his dad's house and got an old tent out and set it up for the two of them in our backyard.  We had a little campfire and sat around it in pajamas.  When it was time to turn in those two went to the tent (and this mama went inside with the 1 year old).

They had a blast sleeping outdoors and a lifelong camper was born!

Mountain Camping!



As many of you are aware, I live in North Carolina.  This state is pretty awesome geographically.  Since I'm pretty close to the dead center of the state I can enjoy a quick trip to the mountains or a little longer trip (around 3.5 hours) to the beach.

I highly suggest if you are a tent camper or pop up camper (and lets go ahead and throw in those hybrids too) you take your "shell" and head to higher elevations!  There are a few reasons for this.

1.  Cooler temperatures - smaller camping vessels can get hot quickly, take advantage of the cooler mountain climate.

2.  Lower humidity - there is nothing worse than being sticky hot in a tent.  Let's not mention rain.

3.  Fabulous camping - The NC mountains have some awesome camping spots.  You can visit State and National Parks and camp or you can find some amazing private campgrounds.  I almost feel like the mountains and camping are a natural fit.  They are beautiful regions, filled with awesome art by mother nature, and are begging you to chill out in their beauty.

Nantahala
South Mountains State Park
Julian Price Memorial Park

Water Camping



One thing I can tell you is every camp ground I have ever stepped foot on offered one thing:  water.  No not drinking water, I mean c'mon isn't that a given at most places?  I mean water to play in!

Whether you're on a mountain river or stream or headed to the ocean - you can find water on nearly every camp ground in NC (at least!).

These days its very common for camp grounds to have water parks.  Yes, I said water parks.  I don't know about you but I am a sucker for a water slide.  If you have kids who love the water then do I really need to say anymore?

Badin Lake Camping
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Gaston

Beach Camping



I was the kid who didn't like the idea of camping at the beach.  When I got to college I didn't care what I stayed in when I went to the beach, I just wanted to be there.

I think the biggest drawback of camping at the beach for me is the sand issue.  I really hate sand.  I really hate sand in my house let alone my camper!  However, after a couple trips camping at the beach in college, a first pregnancy camping trip to the beach, and last year's beach camping trip I can tell you I'm over the whole sand issue.

That is if you have a cement pad for your camper to park on.

If you choose to go beach camping make sure you have a broom, dustpan, and vacuum cleaner that does bare floors.  It will make your trip a lot less um...grainy!

Just like the mountains, beaches along the NC and SC coast have great campgrounds - public and private for you to check out.  Here are a few that caught my fancy when researching for you!

NC Coastal Camping
Popular SC Coast Campground - Huntington Beach