What Do You Mean By "Camping"?

So someone talked you into trying camping, again. Maybe he or she is imagining beautiful vistas and calm days, and your imagining mosquitoes and body aches from sleeping on the ground. You're thinking back to you last camping experience in middle school, whith your dad or church group, and how you came home covered in poison ivy. Or your just wondering how someone expects a girl to use the restroom, with no restroom! Possibly you just feel like it's time to try a new activity (Go adventurous you!)

Well, first find out exactly what your camping partner has in mind for the trip. There are as many different ways to camp as there are people in the world. 

"Car Camping"- Easily done at most state parks. Drive up to your campsite, a firm foundation of gravel or packed dirt, and set up your tent next to a picnic table and fire ring. Call ahead for reservations and check the map for the specific spot you would like (hint-don't take the ones next to the bathhouse unless you are a sound sleeper). Expect lots of people around you, but they mind their own business.

"Primitive Camping"- This means no running water and possibly no restroom-like place. I personal choose locations with an outhouse or composting toilet, but that's how I prefer to roll. These spots might be drive up, but usually require a bit of walking (distances vary GREATLY, check the park map!). Expect these locations to have other people camping next to you, just not as many.

"Back Country"- This is where you hike out on a trail, or blaze your own if you are experienced (trail blazing is NOT recommended by me!!!). You'll have to scout your own site for the night and your restroom is the great outdoors. Look for a private spot with a nice tree. Not recommended for beginners, even with an experienced guide.

"Cabin"- possible misnomer. You can reserve a night in a cabin at some parks. These are usually the height of affordable nature luxury with real beds, power, running water, and possibly TV. Be careful though, some deep wood hiking trails have cabins or shelters. These are just wooden structures in the woods to protect you from the elements. Price is usually a good way to determine what you're getting. 

"Lodges and Resorts"- aka hotels, or as good as. If the park is big enough and draws enough revenue, it might just have a hotel where you can have an entire stay in style. This is a great option for families with very young children, elderly members, or medical conditions. National Parks with hotels: Shenandoah, Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Grand Teton National Park. Rates tend to exceed a typical family's weekend fun price range, but may be doable for a planned vacation. Check out the parks first since rates vary. You may have to plan a year or two in advance for this camping perk.

If what your buddy, or overenthusiastic inner adventurer, decides is a little too much for you, don't be afraid to ask them to adjust on your first trip. You can always try it their way later.