Know What to Take

    Grab a pen and notebook and start making a list. Write down everything you need to be comfortable away from home first. Some items such as toothbrush, cleanser, or clean socks may be on this list. You will want to keep the lists seperate depending on the category. Do not forget to plan out your meals for duration of your trip. Meal planning can save a lot of time and stress, and can make camp life more organized. 

Pack Properly 

    Space is limited, and it is important to pack properly and use all available space. Wasted space is a result of poor packing, and can really cause packing problems, especially if 3 or more people are traveling in the same vehicle. If you plan on camping more than once a summer, think about purchasing a little notebook to keep your lists in. Update it during your camping trips and add items you wished you had brought as well as items you did bring but did not use. Also try and pack smaller whenever you can. Unless you plan on going into town, and are camping at a full facility site, leave your full make-up or cosmetic bag at home. Women do not need much make up in the bush. If you do want to look fresh, consider bringing a light cheek and eye shimmer and some waterproof mascara. 

Beauty Sleep

    If you want to guarantee a good nights sleep in a tent, your goal should be to create a place where you simply can't help but doze off. When setting up your tent, always look for level ground. You also want to place your tent on a higher part of the site, which will prevent a puddle from forming under your tent if it rains. Once your tent is set up, make yourself at home by setting up a cozy air bed or thermorest under a warm sleeping bag and pillow. If you are a girly girl, pink gear is a must for feeling at home away from home. If you get cold easily, bring long flannel pajamas and sleep with wool socks on. Also make sure you change your clothes before you go to bed. If you crash in the same clothing you wore all evening, you wont warm up much during the night.The campfire area will be the most communal area at camp, so if you are the crashing early kind of gal try to set up your tent as far away from the fire as you are comfortable.

 The Kitchen Area

    Remember to set up your kitchen area close to a water source. Water is an essential for cooking and cleaning, and you wont want to walk very far to fetch it.  The key to comfortable campsite living is the basic set up of a kitchen and eating area. You will find the kitchen area to be one of the more popular hang out areas for you and your friends. Most provincial and private campsites have a picnic table and fire pit, but if you are back country camping a fold up table or tailgate also works well.