What Kind of Camper Are You?

Camping actually covers a wide range of how people decide to experience nature. There are people who do back country camping, where they hike and camp in undeveloped areas. It's true there are some national parks which have campsites in back country locations. These are unserviced. They do not have running water, toilet, or anything at all. What it usually means is that you have a ground clearing and possibly a firepit. That's it! Often times, you have to canoe or walk in to these sites with all your gear. They will also call them "walk-in" sites.

Then there is car camping. This is the form of camping that my family is comfortable with. We get to pack our car full of our stuff, drive right up to campsite, put up our tent, and unload. We always choose a site with a firepit and something that is not more than a 5 minute walk from the flush toilets. Usually, there will also be a spout for water located within a few minutes walk or less. This type of camping means that you will be camped near other people. Some of these sites also allow a trailer that does not require hook-ups.

RV camping or trailer camping gives you the option to sleep inside a structure. You can pull your RV or camper into campsites reserved for these. They have electrical, water, and sometimes sewage hook-ups. If you crave quiet and nature, you might want to ask to be located far away from the RV section of the campsite.

Glamping=glamour camping...oh la la! I'd like to glamp someday, but it's usually out of our budget. This might include staying in a glammed out tipi, yurt, or large tent. Check out these deluxe camp accommodations in British Columbia! It has everything...including an ensuite bathroom. It only runs $1800 a night!

http://www.wildretreat.com/About_Clayoquot_Wilderness_Resort/index.asp

Campfire Cookware part 2

In addition to your main pots and pans, there are some other items that I consider essentials:
Can opener, spatula, kebab sticks (which I also use for marshmallows),  large mixing spoon, 2 bowls for mixing or for salads, corkscrew, tongs, scissors, 1-2 knives for veggie chopping, silicone BBQ glove, and cutlery if you don't like using disposable. I know it's an environmental no-no, but I use disposable plates and bowls. If you're a single person or a couple, it isn't a big deal to wash a plate three times a day, but if you're a family, it's a whole other story.


One friend said, "well, if you're going out into nature, it seems hypocritical to use disposables." I hear the point, but again, each person has to know their limits. Mine is washing dishes; indoor or outdoor. Don't forget, camp washing usually includes nothing more than a spout. My eco-friendly friend brings a plastic basin (like what some people have for meat and dairy if they have only one sink) and washes up all the dishes there, then does a rinse under the drain. The family helps dry off each piece. 


Another piece of equipment that is a must have for camping is a campfire grate. It looks like a thick cookie rack. They come in different thicknesses. You can lay your food directly on it (don't forget to toyvel it!) or put a pan or pot on top of it to cook. Your food will have a smoky flavor, since you are cooking it over fire and smoke. If you prefer a non-smoke flavor, then cook it on a pan resting on the campfire grate. BTW, the undersides of your pots will be black. So don't say I didn't tell ya!

Many people also invest in a propane stove. They costs between $50-100 depending on what type you buy. I purchased the basic model from Coleman, and it was easy to use, clean, and pack up. It has two burners which can be used to cook two separate pots at the same time, or you can put a tray across both burners. You can use your regular pots and pans on this. It's the same thing as cooking on a gas stove.