Camping Guide 2019

How does roasting marshmallows over a fire and sleeping under the stars sound? Here are some amazing camping tips, places, and a packing list for your next trip! If you’ve never been camping, then hopefully this article will give you the motivation that you need to go. First, it’s always good to have a buddy when camping. Being in the wilderness alone, especially for the first time can be a bit intimidating and nerve wracking, so ensuring a friend to help you throughout the trip might make it more fun and easier. Next, decide what you will pack and where you will go. Check the packing list and location suggestions below. Practice pitching your tent before you get to the campsite to ensure that you can effectively have a place to sleep. When you get there, make sure to pick a spot with flat, soft soil and set up a tarp below your tent to make sure that the moisture from the ground doesn’t soak your sleeping bag. Make sure you’ve researched the area you’ve chosen thoroughly and check the rules and regulations of the site and never leave food out or open around your tent. It may attract unwanted visitors!Now that we’ve covered the tips before you venture into the wilderness, you may want to know what to bring with you!

• A Tent, Tarp, and Sleeping Bag
• A pot, pan, dishes, and utensils
• Fire-starting materials
• A utility knife
• Plenty of water (get gallon sizes for cooking and cleaning)
• Easily prepared foods and snacks (items like pasta, beans, peanut butter, hash browns, trail mix, and oatmeal)
• A tight-closing cooler to store your food items in
• Hand sanitizer and soap
• Portable phone chargers
• Reusable water bottle
• Big spray
• Sunscreen
• Lantern 
• Layers of clothing (pieces like sweaters, jackets long sleeves, short sleeves, tank tops, sweatpants -- you never know how hot or cold you may get, it’s always good to be prepared)
• Solid pair of running or hiking shoes
• Pair of slippers or Birkenstocks to walk around the campsite
• Pants (pieces like running shorts, hiking pants, and/or leggings)
• Hats (beanies and/or caps)
• Optional, bathing suit

Places to go that are near the Bay Area: Forests: 1. Sanborn County Park - Saratoga, Ca2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Scotts Valley, Ca3. Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Boulder Creek, Ca4. Saddle Mountain Ranch - Carmel-by-the-SeaBeaches: 1. Seacliff State Beach - Aptos, Ca2. Sunset State Beach - Watsonville, Ca3. New Brighton State Beach - Capitola, Ca4. Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground - Big Sur5. Francis Beach Campground - Half Moon Bay