Camping can be a wonderful chance to return to nature and catch a glimpse of all of the beauty and pristine landscape available in the Stanislaus National Forest.
Camping Tips: what to know before you go
Camping trips, like anything else, are very much dependent upon the planning and thought put into the trip beforehand by those involved. You'll want to make each precious moment count. Here are a few important things to remember before you hit the road:
The maximum length of stay in any campground is 14 days. The maximum length of stay in a National Forest Ranger District is 21 days (per calendar year).
Make a checklist. It's impossible to keep everything in your head, so write it down. Lay your gear out at home and check items off as you pack your vehicle for the trip.
Get a first-aid kit. This is the first priority on your equipment list. A good first-aid kit contains basic instructions for dealing with a range of first-aid emergencies. Cuts and bruises are common camping injuries, so antibiotic ointment and bandages are essential. Include treatments for sore muscles and headaches as well.
Check the weather. Do this before you leave. The forecast could change your equipment or clothing requirements and preparation. If you can't find a report for the immediate area of your destination, find the daytime temperature of the nearest town and plan on a drop of about 5 degrees for every 1,000 feet gained in elevation.
Pack the gear. Unroll sleeping pads and spread them out in the trunk of your car to cushion fragile items from bumps. Pack the tent last - you'll be unpacking this item first when you arrive at camp, perhaps around the time the sun is setting.
Take a trail run. If you're going with friends and you've never camped before, try a short trip before committing to a long vacation. Close quarters in camp have a way of sometimes producing clashes that may, even with people you thought were friends, seem endless.
Buy high-quality, comfortable sleeping pads. You may think your kids won't know the difference between the expensive ones and the cheaper, thinner ones. They may not wind up sleeping on them, either. Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than kids who haven't had enough rest.
Pack for the kids. Let each child pack a box or duffel bag full of toys. Add crayons or coloring book, playing cards, or anything else you know he or she will eventually want but hasn't included. Bored kids make for a bad camping expereince. Consider stopping by a National Forest Ranger Station and picking up a Junior Forest Ranger activity packet.
Scour your site. At the campsite, look around for sharp objects left by previos occupants - fishhooks, jagged can lid edges or anything that may injure someone.
Don't feed the wildlife. Keep the camping area neat and store food items in airtight containers away from sleeping areas - or you will have nocturnal visitors.
Relax - you're on vacation. Keep in mind the fact that the best days are the ones you don't over-plan. One major activity a day is a worthy goal that can be reached without wearing everyone out in the process.
Make a final check. Before you leave the camping area, send everyone on a sweep of the campsite to look for trash and gear. The tent will go up much faster on the next trip if you haven't lost half the tent poles and stakes on this trip.
Drive carefully going home. As you are leaving, please remember that many fellow visitors have been visiting the National Forest at the same time. Please take your time and practice safe driving as you make your way toward your destination. The optimum goal of any successful outing is the get everyone back safe and sound.
