First of all, the main item that every camper need is a tent. You might also want to consider bringing along sleeping bags or mattresses for a more comfortable sleep at night. And along with the tent, make sure you have all the tools that you need to set up the tent properly, such as a hammer to nail the tent stakes into soil.

It is important to have a checklist of all the essential camping gears to ensure you do not miss out on any crucial things to bring. You can find such lists on the Internet and they can be downloaded and printed on paper for easier reference. The camping gear that you need will also depends on the type of trip you’re planning to have. If you plan to go by a RV (which stands for Recreational Vehicle), then you’ll have less item to take along since most of the basic necessities are already in the vehicle.

Another very crucial item that every camper need is a lantern or flashlight. Even though you can have a campfire for light, it is still advisable to always carry a lantern for additional lighting, and a flashlight in case of emergency. Other items that you should also bring are first aid kit, a hatchet, some easy to carry outdoor furniture such as folding chairs, kitchen items and even trash bags. Based on your personal preferences, that number of items you can take with you depends on the storage space and availability of resources.

There are some additional camping gears that are often overlooked when preparing for the camping trip and you only realize their importance when you need it. Take portable water filter for example, even though you are sure that there will be clean water resources in your camping area, there’s no harm to filter your water and ensure that everything is safe for the benefits for you and your family’s health.

Once you have your entire camping gear prepared, go out there and have a great time.

With that said, the task of building a fire can be done many different ways. However, here are a few camping tips to keep in mind.

1. Location: Find an open location of at least a 6 yard radius of open space. (Almost all camping sites should be able to accommodate this size). It is also a good idea to avoid areas where there are a lot of dead, over-hanging branches. If it has recently been raining or there is snow on the trees, put a tarp above the fire. This is to protect the fire from being put out by any falling snow or rain when the wind blows.

2. Size: Clear out the underbrush surrounding the fire for a good 3 yard radius. This is done to prevent a brush fire from occurring. If the campsite has been undergoing a drought or has been particularly dry, extend this radius out to 5 yards.

3. Containment: Fires are usually contained by making a pit lined with rocks or using a backlog. A back log is a large log that the fire is placed against. These containments are used to keep the fire enclosed. For most camping sites, either containment can be used. However, a pit lined with rocks is a better option in the mountains where a strong wind can blow out the fire.

4. Firewood: Before starting the fire, it is wise to have your firewood ready to go. This keeps you from having to go hunting for firewood while getting the fire initially going. There are three types of firewood that you want ready.

a. Shavings or tender: These are the strips cut off of dead wood by your knife. Also, dried grass and cotton can be used as tender.

b. Kindling: This includes twigs and pine needles. These can be pulled off of dead trees and burn a little longer than shavings.

c. Various sizes of dead wood: These should be put on the fire in increasing size until you find the appropriate size fire you are looking for.

5. Starting Fire: I recommend creating a small teepee with the shavings and light the shavings. As the fire starts going, you should add the kindling and then add the various sizes of dead wood.

a. One caveat: if the dead wood is wet, split the wood with an axe. The inside wood tends to be drier and will allow it to burn more easily.

6. Choice of Woods: This is usually dictated by your camping site; however, it is a good idea to know your woods.

a. Softwoods, such as pine, firs, and cedar, are good for shavings and burn quickly. However, they tend not to give off much heat or last very long. Also, cedar and pine can get very smoky and should be avoided when cooking.

b. Medium Hardwoods, such as maple, aspen, and cottonwood, are better at burning a little longer and are good kindling.

c. Hardwoods, such as oak, burn the longest and provide the most heat. This makes them the best for cooking.

7. Firewood Supply: You can never have enough firewood. Once you get the fire going, make periodic trips to get more wood. Always make a point to get more than you think you will need.

8. Dry Wood: For morning fires, it is a good idea to bring firewood into the tent during the previous night. This will help prevent morning dew or rain during the night to delay the starting of the morning fire.

9. Other Fire Building Tent Camping Tips:

a. Live wood can be used to setup your cooking area. Live wood is less likely to burn and thus can be used to make pot hooks to hold pots, stakes to hold frying pans over the fire, and can even be used to make an overhang for the fire by chopping out two Y pieces that have another straight crosspiece placed across the notches of the two Y pieces.

b. Morning coals: If the weather conditions are appropriate, it is a good idea to have a big evening fire with hardwoods. Often times, you will still have coals in the morning that can be used to start the fire.

No matter where or with whom you decided to go, there are a few things that you should always remember to take with you. Some of the basic indispensables, that will not only make your trip fun, but much more enjoyable and safe are a tent, sleeping bag, proper clothing, proper footwear, flashlight, backpack, food, water, Two decks of playing cards, Reflector Oven or Camp stove Oven, Hatchet, Bow saw, Trash bags – Use grocery bags during the day and put in a large bag at night, Matches – The strike anywhere type, Toilet paper, Fuel funnel- For stove and lantern, in a plastic bag, Tent repair kit, Mixing bowl, and a compass.

With your kit, you are ready to go camping anywhere at anytime. So make your list and take a day to gather supplies and set up your own camp kit, you will be glad you did. But like many other activities the best time to purchase cheap camping equipment is at the end of the season. It can take some time to choose the equipment that is best for you, but also allows you to buy cheap camping equipment with the selection being so large.

The best thing to enjoy your camping is to try to make some activities you have never used to do like, hiking, fishing, rafting, it is your chance now to do whatever you dreamt to do. You want to remember to keep safety in mind while camping. Know where you are going and how to get home.