Camping and Backpacking

If you haven’t camped before (or maybe even if you have) you may find some of the general information below helpful. For most of our camping events, you must reserve your own site. Don’t delay or all the sites may be taken. Occasionally we will have a campout in a group site and you will not need to make your own reservation. You will still need to pay your own daily use or parking fees.

Read all the details posted in the meetup event page and then review the park website before making a decision to attend. If you have questions, ask before you sign up for the event.

IMPORTANT: Our event leaders are not hired guides. You are responsible for understanding and following all park rules, responsible for supplying all of your own gear, and responsible for your own safety.

-       What’s the difference in car camping, shelter camping, walk in camping, and backpacking?

o   Car camping is camping in an area where you can drive in and park your car at your campsite. Your car is right there in case of emergency, and you can pretty much bring any gear you can fit into your car.

o   Shelter camping is similar but your campsite comes equipped with a screened shelter. You can pitch a tent or you can camp right in the screened shelter. See an example of a shelter here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/eisenhower/fees-facilities/shelters/screened-shelter-gallery/imgp7723

o   Walk in camping is when you must park your vehicle and walk a short distance to a campsite. The distance is usually very short and you can make a couple of trips to get all of your gear to your campsite. You may not want to bring super heavy or bulky gear.

o   Backpacking is when you need to pack all gear in a backpack, hike in, and set up camp. Backpacking sites may be just a few miles or many miles. Backpacking trips could be an easy overnight or they could be several days out on the trail. In general, you want very light and compact gear for backpacking.

Be sure to read about the specific area where you plan to camp. Understand what facilities are available, the park rules, and any temporary restrictions (such as burn bans, or primitive site limitations).

-       Camping Supply Lists

o   Supply list for car/tent camping: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html

o   Supply list for backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

These checklist are very good starting points. Your needs will vary slightly depending on where you are camping and the duration. Also you may have special needs that are not included on the list. It’s always smart to pack lightly, but don’t leave out the essentials and safety items.

-       Leave No Trace

o   What is Leave No Trace (LNT): https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/leave-no-trace.html

o   How to dispose of waste properly: https://lnt.org/learn/principle-3

-       Backpacking

o   Intro to backpacking articles: https://www.rei.com/learn/series/intro-to-backpacking

o   How to fit your backpack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SGiGZlppMM

o   10 things I wish I knew before I started backpacking (Tim Watson): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luMKXmLPNEw

-       Water

o   Water treatment and storage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdVLBxhZFGQ

o   Choosing a water filter: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/water-treatment-backcountry.html

When backpacking, always learn about possible water sources. If there is no water source, you MUST carry all the water needed. If there is water available (creeks, rivers) you may be able to filter. Here is a video on the basics of filtering and storing water for backpacking. There are many other products available. Research to find the right thing for you.

-       Cooking

o   Cooking on the trail (backpacking stoves): https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=backpacking+stove+comparison

o   Freezer bag cooking while backpacking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zStso22YaqI

-       Bears and Food Safety

o   Food safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtCx50AyUKA

o   Bear safety: https://www.recreation.gov/articles/list/bear-facts-and-safety-tips/840

o   Food storage/bear bags: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izsczsMCf_o

o   What should you store in your bear bag: https://sectionhiker.com/what-should-you-put-in-a-bear-bag

Please remember there may be bears in the area even when not publicized. Also food storage is important to keep out other wildlife as well. A chipmunk, mouse, raccoon, etc. can ruin your food or your gear when careful food storage procedures are not followed. Storing food in your tent is asking for a restless night and/or a damaged tent.

-       Ticks and Snakes

o   Tick precautions: https://www.cdc.gov/features/stopticks/index.html

o   Snake bite management (pre-hospital): http://wsed.org/snakebite-management-pre-hospital/

Please also read all the information on our ‘Group Guideline’ page before attending Outdoor Connection events.

See our calendar for all currently scheduled events: https://www.meetup.com/OutdoorConnection/events/

Check back here frequently, as we intend to add more helpful tips and links.