free camping family ebook

Please Use this book as a ‘guide’ to your camping activities

Prepare and you will enjoy the great outdoors.

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Camping….

Prepare and Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Table of Contents

Introduction

Main equipment

Comprehensive Checklist

Before you Begin

Setting up Camp

Camping with Kids

Camping Tips

Recommended Resources

Photo Album

Prepare and Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Introduction

Camping is a great recreational activity enjoyed by many and is described in

different ways depending on your personal choice.

A campsite could be out in a forest alongside a river or creek.

You can wake up to the sound of the birds singing, a beautiful sunrise, go for

early fish, go for a nature walk, relax with a good book, watch the sunset, sit

around the campfire and watch the stars shining, look for wildlife by

torchlight and go to bed exhausted.

Holiday parks are great if you like the convenience of all the amenities, they

usually have a pool, a camp kitchen, groceries & fuel, kids play area

sometimes they will have mini golf, tennis court etc.

The variety of ways to go camping is endless here is a few ideas.

• Some like to go hiking and survive with what they have in their backpack.

• Touring on bicycles, motorcycles sometimes in remote areas travelling

long distances each day.

• Canoeing or boating down a river carrying your belongings in the

canoe/boat and camping overnight alongside the river.

• The most popular would travelling in your own car, anything from ‘roughing it’ with basic tent and equipment in the forest etc. up to the large 3 or 4 room tents with all the camping gadgets available on a

powered site in a holiday park.

• Camping trailers, caravans and RV/motor homes are other alternatives to the tent if you find the tenting part of camping does not appeal, the range of options is enormous, this usually is decided by how much you

want to pay and what suits your style of camping and travelling.

Camping is all a matter of choice as to where and what suits your family, if

you can, try a few different places and styles of camping. If this is your first

camping trip, ask experienced campers for advice or even better go with

experienced campers.

How long you stay usually depends on many days or weeks you have

available. My family has been camping and travelling in Australia for many

years now. We have done the 2-3 day trips, others have been for a week,

and we stayed in the same place these trips.

Longer trips of 2-3 weeks we travelled further from home and usually moved

at 2 or 3 times, this depends on the location and how far the travelling is

between destinations.

Our best ever trips were for 6 weeks both times we travelled about

10,000kms (6500 miles) We stayed a about 20 places, sometimes we

stopped overnight other times it was for 2-3 nights.

When we return we are always looking forward to the next trip in our great

outdoors.

Whichever way you go camping you can be sure you will take home some

great memories, be sure to take photos of your campsite, the scenic

locations, and the big fish you caught, the campfire, the kids doing activities,

the sunset and sunrise, anything you like.

In this guide I am including information about the equipment required,

setting up and packing up, camping tips to do and not to do, the very

important checklist and some photos I have taken on our holidays.

First thing you need to do is to decide where to go, and when to go, who is

going and how long for. When you have decided where find out all the

information you can about the location. Phone the Park or the tourist

information in the area, or get online information.

Consider these questions when planning your holiday

Does it have amenities?

Are there any shops nearby?

Can I get fuel?

Can I get mobile phone service?

If it is a remote location how can I get help if required?

Can I go fishing?

Do I need a fishing license

Can I take my dog?

What are the weather conditions likely to be?

Can I get fresh water?

Can I take my boat?

What condition are the roads?

If you have not camped before, you feel like you need to buy a lot of

equipment and learn a lot of skills to get started.

Camping does not need to be complicated it should be simple and fun.

You can start by looking at a checklist and seeing what equipment is

required, do you have these things or do you need to purchase anything,

make a list of anything required.

A checklist is provided with this book to print out. Use this list as a guide to

make your own to suit list your own situation.

A great place to start looking for equipment is at a camping show or event

where camping equipment suppliers display their goods and you can compare

all the brands and prices.

Or maybe you have a large camping store nearby they will be able to advise

you. If you have family or friends that are experienced campers ask them

what equipment they have.

Main Equipment

Your shelter is the most necessary item and a good place to start.

TENTS

Tents come in all shapes, sizes, colours and materials. The very basic

lightweight tent rolls up very small, excellent for the hiker. At the other end

of the scale are the multi room family size tents that can have 3 or 4 rooms.

Generally there are 2 types of material used. The more traditional canvas

which we have always used on our camping trips and have found them to be

ideal for our trips.

The dome tents with a fly over the top for rain protection are made of a

polyester nylon and are very lightweight and pack into a small bag.

If you are a occasional camper it is not necessary to buy the top of the range

tent, many medium priced tents are available.

When buying a tent look for sturdy tent poles, double sewn seams, secure

grommets, heavy duty zippers and an overall good quality. Some of the

cheap tents are just not worth having, they may leak or the seams may

come apart and the zips not work properly.

To work out what size tent you need, tents usually will indicate how many

they will accommodate. A 4 person tent will fit 4 persons lying side by side

with no extra space, so it is best to buy a 6 person tent for 4 people. For 2

persons buy a 3 or 4 person tent.

If you are camping with kids a 2 room tent will give parents a bit of privacy.

An annexe or outdoor room can be attached without a floor so some things

can be left out but still under shelter.

When kids are older they can have a separate tent if this is suits your

situation

Different tent pegs are required depending on the conditions, long plastic

pegs are used in sand, metal pegs are used in soil, and stronger ones may be

required for harder conditions.

When you return from your trip put your tent up to ensure it is dry before

storage.

SWAG (roll up bed enclosed in a small canvas tent)

A Swag is a great option if you want the ease of rolling out your bed and

getting in, no setting up, mattress, pillow and bedding are all included. Roll it

out, watch the other campers setting up their tents.

ROOFTOP TENTS

Rooftop tents are attached to the roof rack of your vehicle and unfold to

make a roomy bedroom on the roof and usually have an annexe that folds to

the ground at full height, ideal as a change room.

Your bed stays on the roof all the time so it does not take up space in your

vehicle.

When you need to use your vehicle the tent does have to be packed up, so it

would pay to do your shopping before setting up camp.

CAMPER TRAILERS

Camper trailers come in many variations from the basic fold out tent

attached to a box trailer to the expensive 4WD custom built models that

come with everything.

They take a little longer to erect than a rooftop trailer but you do get more

space usually a kitchen area is built in and with storage space in the trailer.

If you are planning to go on 4WD tracks be sure the model you buy is

suitable for the rougher terrain or you may be leaving it on the side of the

road.

CARAVANS

The choices of caravans is amazing, if you’re in the market for one have a

good look around to find one that suits you needs and price range. Caravans

do limit your travels to the sealed roads. If you have a 4WD vehicle and a

normal caravan you can leave the caravan in storage at a holiday park for a

few days and take off in the 4WD with some basic camping equipment and

supplies.

There are some suitable for 4WD but be sure to check that is constructed to

take the rough terrain you will encounter.

SLEEPING EQUIPMENT

Bedding would have be the 2nd most important item of equipment. The bed

must be comfortable. We have had many restless nights with uncomfortable

bedding. We found the best bedding to be a foam mattress at least 75mm–

100mm (3” – 4”) thick and not to hard with a sleeping bag.

Mattresses can be the thin exercise mats, stretchers with a mattress, self

inflating mattresses, pump up air mattress (take a repair kit) and the foam

mattress 50mm (2”)’ for kids, 75mm-100mm(3”-4”) adults.

Sleeping bags are convenient and easily setup for the night.

Otherwise use sheets and blankets or a doona,

Sleeping bags come in different sizes, shapes, qualities of filling and have a

temperature rating and come in a variety of styles. Some of the single

models can be zipped together to make a double sleeping bag.

Generally the more you pay the better quality the sleeping bag will be. It’s

best to go to a camping supply shop and be guided by the shop assistant as

to which one will suit your situation and the weather conditions. There are

different sleeping bags for the mild weather and the extreme mountain

conditions and anything in between.

FURNITURE

Tables and chairs are essential, there are many varieties of these, check that

they are sturdy and can fold up compact as much as possible. The chairs do

need to be comfortable after a long day travelling, fishing, walking or doing

as little as possible you need some where to sit in front of the camp fire and

relax

COOLERS or FRIDGES

Keeping your food and drinks is important, a large cooler and ice is the

easiest and cheapest option, one for food and one for drinks is ideal.

There is a variety of fridges available; these can run on electricity, gas and

12 volt from your vehicle

COOKING

The ideal stove is the gas stove as a campfire is not always available. These

vary a lot in styles and prices. You will need a gas bottle hose and fittings

and usually a spanner to tighten the connection fittings.

A cooking plate can be used on a gas stove or fry pans, sauce pans.

SHOWERS & TOILETS

Portable showers and toilets are available. The showers can be basic like a

solar bag that is filled and placed in the sun all day, or battery or gas

powered models.

Portable toilets like the ‘Porta Potti’ use a reusable cassette and chemicals.

Outdoor toilet/shower rooms are readily available and easily constructed;

with poles or spring loaded easy stand up models.

Camping & Personal Requirements Checklist

This is a comprehensive list use it as a guide.

Write your own list from these ideas to suit your family.

Add anything else you require.

EQUIPMENT

Tent including poles, pegs, guy ropes & pegs, fly. Plastic pegs for sand,

metal pegs (Tents usually come with lightweight pegs that bend in hard

conditions, consider buying the heavyweight metal pegs.

Ground sheet – cut slightly smaller than base of tent) Extra tarp and rope to

make shade or rain protection cover

SLEEPING GEAR

Mattress

Sleeping bags or sheets, blankets, doona

Pillow & pillow case

TABLES & CHAIRS

Camp table - for preparing food

Extra table to sit around or play games

Chairs - foldable and comfortable

COOKING

Fridge/cooler

Stove & stand, gas hose & fittings

Gas bottles – check full

Cooking plate

Fry pans & saucepans

Camping or Dutch oven

Toasting fork

Plates & bowls – paper or plastic

Cups or glasses

Cutlery

Utensils- tongs, sharp knife, vegie peeler, mixing spoon, egg rings,

Cooking tools, spatula, bottle/can opener

Tea towels, detergent, sponge, pot scrubber

Cutting board, grater, sieve for pasta or rice, mixing bowl

Roll of foil, cling wrap, freezer bags, zip lock bags,

Small containers for leftover food to go in

Paper towel

MISCELLANEOUS

Fishing boat & safety equipment

Bicycles

Floor mat for entrance of tent

Flashlight, rechargeable lantern, gas, 12 volt light

Rope for clothesline etc.

Clothes pegs

Battery radio

Large water bottles 10 or 20 litre

Personal water bottles

Matches or lighter

Pocket knife

Compass

Binoculars

Watch or clock

Mobile phone & recharger, CB radio

Axe or hatchet & small shovel

Buckets

Back pack

First aid kit

Sewing kit

Garbage bags

Fishing gear, rods line bait tackle

Hammer for tent pegs

Floor brush

Repair kit - large rubber bands, tie wire, strong needle and nylon thread,

cable/zip ties, nylon rope, spare shoelaces

PERSONAL

Prescribed medication

Hair brush/comb/clips/shampoo/conditioner

Toothbrush & paste

Soap, Deodorant

Towels - some for swimming & showering

Shaving razor/cream

Lip balm

Sunscreen & Insect repellent

Toilet paper

Anti bacterial hand cleaner & Hand towel

MEDICAL

First Aid kit

Panadol or similar pain relief

Cold & flu tablets

Prescription medication

Asthma & allergy relief

Nose spray

Eye drops

Antiseptic cream

Tweezers

Bandages & band aids

Sunburn soothing cream

Moisturizer

‘Sting goes’ type spray or cream

Tissues

Scissors

Vitamins

Water purifying tablets

CLOTHING

Take enough to be clean, dry & warm.

Depends on conditions cold/warm/hot/wet allow for the number of days you

will be camping.

Hand or machine washing can be done.

Mornings and evenings can be cool.

Layers of clothing usually work well.

Long/short pants or jeans

Long/short sleeve shirts

Jumpers/windcheaters

Sun hat or warm hat

Wet weather gear

Thick/thin socks

Old pair of shoes for walking creeks or mud

Gloves/mittens

Sunglasses

Hiking boots, runners, walking shoes

KIDS

Soft & play toys

Card & ball games

Reading & colouring book/pencils

Book suitable for diary

Scissors, colour paper, glue stick

Life jackets/flotation device

Glow sticks/torch

Bicycle & helmet

Baby & toddler requirements

PERSONAL ITEMS

Mobile phone & recharger

Wallet, money, credit cards, etc.

Sunglasses

Note paper & pen

Watch

Identification

Itinerary

Camera, film, batteries, video camera

Map books, tourist info

Contact phone numbers

Envelopes, stamps, address book

FOOD

Basic foods (add other foods required)

Drinks milk, fresh or long life

Soft drink, cordial etc

hot drinks, coffee, tea, Milo etc.

Sugar

Salt & pepper

Sauce

Cooking oil

Bread/toast spreads

Breakfast cereal

Snacks

Meat, Packaged & tinned food

Fruit, vegetables & cheese

Bread, rice & pasta

Before you Begin

If this is your first camping trip, consider taking a trial run close to home.

Stay at a campground with all the amenities (toilets, showers, fire places &

drinking water). You’ll see what it’s like to cook, wash & sleep outdoors and

that will help you plan and pack for more trips.

Setting Up Camp

Setting up camp is a matter of choice, if you like a quiet camp where you

barely see anybody all day or in a Holiday Park or campground that you pay

per night. Usually you are told where to set up your camp, but you have the

advantage of amenities etc.

If you are setting up camp in the bush or forest with nature, try not to set up

camp in a low lying area like a dry creek bed, if it rains you will be

swimming.

Look up and check for any branches that are overhanging, avoid camping

under them as they can break off.

If it’s hot weather place you tent so it will get shade in the afternoon and it

its cool weather you may want your tent in the sun in the afternoon.

Look around for firewood you will need it for your camp fire. It is much more

convenient if it is within walking distance.

Consider other campers; they may not appreciate you camping to close. If

you are not sure ask them, most people won’t mind, they may be leaving

soon anyway.

Camping With Kids

If your kids are uneasy at the idea of sleeping outdoors the first time, set the

tent up in the backyard where they feel secure and they will get used to

outside sounds and make it an advent

Kids love adventure, there’s no better place than better out in the great

outdoors with fresh air and nature. They will come home with a better

understanding nature and wildlife.

Young kids can be a lot of work but it sure is worth it, their face lights up

when they see something new and exciting.

Take plenty of photos; they may not remember, at least you can show them.

Take some close ups of them fishing, setting up the tents, cooking

marshmallows on the campfire and any other activity they love to do.

At night shine a torch up into the trees, some eyes might shine back, if

you’re lucky a few animals may come in close looking for scraps.

Kids love playing with glow sticks or torches at night.

Let kids be kids, let the adventure begin. Go for a walk around your camp let

them discover their new surroundings where ever you are.

Later in the day let them help set up a safe campfire providing you can have

one.

Remind them that all litter gets picked up and disposed of properly.

Show them how to do jobs around the camp that they are capable of doing,

they could setup their bed the way they would like it to be.

It’s a good idea to bring a few familiar toys & books so they can have with

them when they go to bed or need comforting.

You could bring a new game or pack of cards, colouring book pencils etc. if

they need distracting at some stage

Always watch them near any pool, creek, river or any water source. Water is

always an attraction.

Kids soon make friends with other camping kids, take a ball game they can

all play.

You may have room to take a bicycle, remember the helmet.

Camping Tips

PREPARE Be prepared in all areas where possible. Check before you leave

as to what the weather & road conditions are like and what amenities are

available as these can change. Don’t assume everything will be the same if

you have been there before.

If you are travelling in remote areas be prepared with plenty of water & food

in case of breakdown, always carry mobile phone, satellite phone or some

other source of communication.

RUBBISH It is not a good idea to litter – all rubbish should be packed in a

bag and dropped into the nearest bin. If possible

pick any rubbish left by others.

TRAVEL SICKNESS If your passengers are prone to travel sickness carry

the travel sickness tablets and a bag or container.

RESPECT Be courteous to fellow travellers and campers.

Respect all wild animals & creatures when you are in there natural habitat,

some are dangerous, others are great to watch and take a photo of then let

them go on their way.

NIGHT TIME Learn about the stars at night you may even see a shooting

star.

Use torches or lamps at night, there is a huge range of lighting available

including.

Gas lanterns, battery torches, lights, LED lamps some are rechargeable,

headlamps are a convenient way to light your way with hands free.

SAFETY Keep tents zipped up at all times to prevent anything crawling

into your sleeping bag.

To save people tripping over your tents guy lines, attach colorful ribbon or

rope.

Take a pair of gloves for protection when collecting firewood, removing hot

utensils from the campfire, changing wheels and using winches etc.

TENT STORAGE If your tent or other equipment gets wet; dry them out

before storing, even if you have to put your tent up again when you get

home. Tents can get mildew and be damaged.

WARMTH To keep warmer wear a hat – 80% of heat is loss occurs through

your head.

FOOD Do not leave food out in the open as the flies and insects will soon

be visiting.

BE ORGANISED Before leaving home tell your family, neighbours etc. of

your plans and when you expect to return.

Arrange for someone to pick up your mail & papers.

Arrange for your pets to be looked after.

VEHICLE It is important that drivers understand their own vehicles

capabilities prior to embarking on journey into remote and inhospitable

areas, or even into the local hills for the weekend away, especially when four

wheel driving.

Prepare your vehicle before departure, get it serviced and a complete check,

carry emergency spare parts like a fan belt, spare tubes etc. check your jack

works and spare wheel is in good condition.

A spare ignition key could be located on the outside of the car or swap spare

keys with another camper travelling with you in a separate vehicle

CAMPFIRE Beware of fire restrictions in the area that you are camping,

check with the local authorities. Clear a large area around your campfire to

avoid the fire spreading accidentally.

FIRST AID Always carry a First Aid kit and book, the contents should be

checked each time you are packing in case an item needs replacing.

FOOD When packing your food stack the containers close together to

prevent the contents tipping over and bottles breaking, plastic bottles can be

used where possible to prevent breakage.

Use containers with well fitting lids to prevent the lids coming off in transit.

Fresh meat can be vacuum sealed it will then keep refrigerated for at least a

month. Restock along the way where you can.

Keep some dry and packaged food for emergencies.

FUEL On long trips fuel will be needed to be purchased, work out in

advance where you can buy it.

Use a Fuel /distance calculators to work out much your car will use.

GENERATORS Are wonderful devices, but their use in a crowded area can

lead to disagreement as they can interfere with the peace and tranquillity.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS - GPS are readily available, they have

the facility to plan your destinations before you leave and pinpoint exactly

where you are at any time by satellite.

GPS would be invaluable in the case of emergency.

PACKING When packing your car only stack light luggage on the roof rack

to keep the centre of gravity as low as you can.

Cargo barriers are an excellent idea in station wagons so that luggage cannot

enter into passenger area.

When preparing to pack do a trial run to make sure it all fits in or on your

vehicle or trailer, it’s easy to pack too much.

TIME ZONES Travellers should be aware that different times zones exist

within some countries and states, you may need to adjust your watch

occasionally when you cross state borders.

CHECKLIST Keep a checklist it is very easy to forget something. Usually it

is something you can do without or you can buy or borrow from other

campers, but it could be something important like medication.

DETERGENT Be careful not to dispose of dishwater near rivers and creeks.

The chemicals can contaminate the water supply for the fish and plant life.

WATER Take plenty of drinking water with you, fresh water may not be

easily available.

NOISE Respect other campers, in the evening keep the noise level down,

hopefully other campers will do the same.

TENT Take a door mat, carpet mat or hessian bag for the front door. This

will help prevent dirt, leaves or sand being dragged into the tent. Leave your

shoes, boots outside.

Take a rake to clear an area to set up the tent, remove any sticks and rocks

to prevent holes in the floor of tent and a lumpy bed.

Before setting up the tent check where the shade will be, setup for shade in

the afternoon and look up check for any overhanging branches and avoid

setting up under them.

SUNSCREEN Use sunscreen to prevent getting burnt especially when

swimming or in a boat.

WEATHER When a planning a trip, take the time to understand the

seasonal weather conditions of the areas you plan to visit.

CLOTHING Take a variety of clothing, mornings and evenings can be cool

and warm in the afternoon, avoid white or light colors they show up the dirt

the most. Layers of clothes work the best.

Take spares clothes especially for kids and old shoes, bright clothes can be

seen easily.

Set aside a clean set of clothes, in case you go on an outing for a meal or for

going home in on your last day.

DISHWASHING Take a kettle to heat the water and a large wash up bowl.

Mix the hot & cold water, add detergent, and remember the tea towel and

sponge. I use paper plates over solid plastic plates, the paper plates are

easily disposed of and the cleaning up is much easier, especially with the

main meal.

MEALS Can be kept simple for a start, before you leave home work out the

menu for the first few days and buy the groceries required. Always take

spare food with a long shelf life like packet, tin food, long life milk or juice.

etc.

WATER & FACILITIES Some campgrounds like National Parks may

provide flushable toilets, showers. It is usually best to take your own toilet

paper it can be on short supply at some parks.

For More Camping Information Visit Page

20

www.familyfriendlyozcamping.com.au

MEALS Can be kept simple for a start, before you leave home work out the

menu for the first few days and buy the groceries required. Always take spare

food with a long shelf life like packet, tin food, long life milk or juice. etc.

WATER & FACILITIES Some campgrounds like National Parks may provide

flushable toilets, showers. It is usually best to take your own toilet paper it can

be on short supply at some parks.

FEES & PERMITS If you wish to fish or hunt take your license or permit with

you. Some National parks charge a fee per night. Generally the Ranger will come

around once a day and collect the fees. If you have any queries about the area

ask the ranger while he is visiting. Some parks will supply firewood.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS Remember any birthdays or special occasions that may

occur during your holiday, take any required presents etc.

MAPS & GUIDEBOOKS Make sure you have clear directions to find your

campsite, have a map and details sent to you before you leave home if you can.

If you intend to go on nature walks follow a map, usually these walks are well

marked by signs. Always take water, for longer walks take some safety

precautions like a mobile/cell phone, compass etc.

Tell a responsible person when you expect to return.


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Recommended Resources

12 Steps to enjoy camping from the experts

http://beginnercampingtips.com

Guides to camping, caravans, RVs & more

http://rveducation.com

Delicious mouth watering meals even when roughing it

http://easy-family-camping-recipes.com

Groundbreaking new golf discovery

http://golfswingeureka.com

Discover secrets to family camping

http://www.thecampingguy.com/book.html

Capture the best images of your life

http://digitalphotosecrets.com

Tips & Tricks for Romantic Camping

http://romantic-camping.com

Understanding how fish think is the key to catching them

http://troutfishingsecrets.com

The best kept secrets in travel

http://travelsecretsguide.com

How to take breathtaking photos

http://beautifuloutdoorphotography.com

Photo Album

“Only take photos and leave footprints”


22


The Murray River Victoria/NSW Australia


23


Lake Kunnunnara, Western Australia

Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia


24


Charter Flight over Buccaneer Achipelago near Derby, W.A.

Bell Gorge, Kimberley, Western Australia

free camping family ebook

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