How to Plan a Camping Trip

Got a craving for s'mores? Before you load the family into the car and head for the hills to camp out, you'll want to make a plan for a successful camping trip. Here are some tips for planning a camping trip that the entire family will enjoy. (Campfire songs are optional).

Make a Plan to Camp!
You'll want to remember three things when planning a camping trip: when, where and how.

• When: "When" refers to the time of year your camping trip will occur. Determining the time of year for your camping trip will depend on your motivation. Campers who want to fish should take their trips during the times of year when fishing licenses are issued. Those who want to hike should ensure trails are passable at the time of their trips. Rain, snow and other factors can affect hiking. For example, if the weather is too hot, hiking can become dangerous due to the risk of heat stroke or dehydration.
  
  Some campgrounds are only open during specific times of the year. While others are open year round, they often have recommend times for camping. For instance, California's Joshua Tree National Park recommends that visitors come in spring or fall, when the climate is the least extreme.
  
  
• Where: "Where" refers to the camping location. According to World Almanac Encyclopedia, more than 310,000 public campsites exist in the United States. There are scores more privately operated sites.
  
  The most popular sites for camping seem to be National Parks. These parks offer many popular activities and provide many opportunities to take stunning photographs. Most parks operate multiple campgrounds and have Web sites to provide campers with up-to-date information about conditions and closures.
  
  When deciding on where you will want to plan to camp, you should consider the time of year as well as the types of activities you will want to enjoy on your camping trip.
  
  
• How: "How" refers to the method of camping. Will you sleep under the stars? In a tent? An RV? How you will camp will often be decided, in part, by the campsite you select. Some sites offer hook-ups for mobile homes, while others have cabins that you can rent. Some have a central camping area so you will always be near other people, and others let you spread out.
  
  Choosing an established campsite is generally the safest way to go. Most campsites have staff or rangers who can help keep track of campers and alert them if there are any safety concerns.
  
  Another reason many campers plan trips to established campgrounds is for the protection they offer from wildlife. Some offer places to keep your food safe from animals, and many offer trash disposal areas, which also helps prevent unwanted visits from wildlife.

Trespassing on Private Property While Camping
Choosing established campsites are also preferable to choosing spots in the middle of a forest for another reason: trespassing. Unless you are in a designated camping area, you will never be 100 percent sure whether or not you are illegally sleeping on someone's land.

Here are just a few reasons to avoid trespassing on private property while camping:

• If are caught by the landowner, you could be prosecuted.
• If you build a campfire on private property while trespassing, you could be fined for destroying private property. 
• There may be dangerous conditions or items, such as wildlife traps, on the private property that you might not know about.

Fences and "no trespassing" signs are typical indicators of private property. Experts recommend sticking to regulated campsites unless you have consent from a private property owner to use their land.

A Few Final Camping Tips
Other things to consider when planning a camping trip include what food, supplies, equipment and clothing you will pack. Every camper should also carry a first-aid kit.

A camping trip can be a great way to escape from the city and enjoy some peace and quiet. With a little planning, a camping trip can be fun for everyone.