TIPS FOR TENT CAMPING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The experience of tent camping gives us a chance to disconnect from the busyness of our lives and reconnect with Mother Nature in the great outdoors.

If you want your camping trip to be comfortable, and thus enjoyable, you need to know what you're doing and have the right gear. You may end up with a nightmare camping trip otherwise. We have put together 10 tips for tent camping so you can have the camping experience of your dreams.

By the time you have crossed off all the items below from your list, you know you are ready to head out to your favorite KOA⁽¹⁾.

Sure, it looks easy to set up. It takes only five minutes to set it up, you say. It's true that not everyone is a pro at camping, but when you're out in the woods with just a few minutes of sunlight left, you aren't going to want to test out your skills.

You can instead set up the tent a few times in your living room or backyard before heading out. As well as helping you get the hang of what goes where it will also help you speed up the process of setting up the tent so you don't waste your precious camping time fiddling with tent poles.

You get that panicky feeling as the sun sets, and you have no idea where you're going to put your tent for the night. We can help you avoid this. With the "Find A KOA" feature, you can locate the best camping spots in no time at all.

You can find a KOA campsite in the area you're interested in exploring. Afterward, you can click to see more information about each individual site, including amenities, activities, photos, and videos.

The site also lets you reserve your camping spot before you leave for your trip so that you don't have to spend your camping trip in your car.

If you're camping and don't have access to a big kitchen, that doesn't mean you can't have good food. Plan ahead and make some meals that are easy to cook over the campfire if you're not interested in a can of baked beans and some hot dogs for dinner while camping.

Prepare chicken kabobs ahead of time and place them in plastic bags. The kabobs will be ready to pull out immediately, and you'll be able to prepare a delicious meal over the fire in no time.

Take a look at our favorite camping recipes here and you're likely to find some that you'd like to bring along with you!⁽²⁾

Camping in a tent does not have to be uncomfortable. Gear is available that helps you get a good night's sleep in your tent.

The key to a restful night is a sleeping pad of some sort, or maybe even an inflatable mattress. Whatever your extra padding is, don't forget it. Your camping trip will be much more enjoyable if you are well-rested. ⁽³⁾

Camping will probably involve hiking and possibly swimming, but one thing people forget is that there is quite a bit of downtime as well. Isn't that the whole point? To relax and get away from our busy lives?

Certainly, we believe it is. You can also enjoy some good old-fashioned fun during your downtime by pulling out a few cards or board games. ⁽⁴⁾

Many campers love the traditional cowboy coffee, but there are those of us coffee snobs who can't bring ourselves to accept chugging down coffee grounds.

Even if you're camping, you can still have coffee that tastes just as good as the one from your favorite cafe. You can bring a French press or a pour-over set up or buy yourself some fancy instant coffee.

There is nothing quite like sipping your favorite adult beverage over an open fire.   

Despite Mother Nature's beauty, she is also full of surprises - you can never predict what the weather will do. It may be sunny and 75 degrees one minute and pouring rain the next. You have to be prepared for this when you're camping.

To keep yourself and your gear dry, it's a good idea to waterproof your tent before you go on a trip.

Go camping during the week if your schedule allows. Every summer weekend, campgrounds are packed with people looking for a getaway.

Try to arrange a mid-week camping trip if you're looking for a more quiet and relaxing camping trip.

With KOA's detailed descriptions of each campsite, you'll know what amenities the sites you're staying at have to offer.

KOA campgrounds feature amenities such as:

• Pitch your tent on level ground
• near picnic tables, water spigots, and fire pits
• Well-kept restrooms
• with hot showers
• and Wi-fi

We should follow this rule out of respect for those who come after us, as well as to protect our beautiful outdoors. Ensure that your fire is completely out and remove any trash you brought in.

Make sure you have packed all your own gear, and nothing is left behind.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to camp.  Simple just have fun and respect the environment and you can enjoy new adventures and endless possibilities daily.