Tent Camping: a Brief Primer on Making Your First Tent Camping Experience the Best!

When I say the words "Tent Camping" what are your immediate thoughts? Probably things like, "What a cheapo!" or "Oh no! I see a bear!" or "Omigah, there are bugs in my sleeping bag, eww!". Whatever the case may be, more often than not, thoughts of tent camping bring with them negative connotations. Why do you think this is? Do you think that possibly, as a society these days, we are just a teensy weensy bit spoiled? Very likely! Tent camping is a lost and forgotten art these days, and I'm here to remind you just how great it can be and how much fun you can have! The best part is that is a great way to stretch your dollar while having tons of fun!

If you have never been tent camping, now is a great time to start planning for it. You still have a few months until Spring and Summer, and plenty of time to get the necessary items together. For your first tent camping trip, I would suggest a really easy breezy experience where there are lots of people around, and lots of activity. Then, if you decide you really like it, you can step it up a notch, and head to a more woodsy or private campsite on a future trip. A great area to try for your first tent camping experience is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. There are several huge campgrounds in the area that offer tent camping right alongside RV camping. This is fun because it is a mixed bag of people, and there are also lots of amenities. At these large campgrounds you will usually have access to such wonderful things as a lifeguarded beach area, a swimming pool, basketball court, snack bar, laundromat, hot showers, and more! As an added bonus, if you have problems setting up your tent or starting your campfire, there are plenty of friendly, knowledgeable people around who would be glad to lend you a hand. You can practice setting up your tent, and make some great friends in the process! The only "downside" to camping in a large setup such as this, is that tent camping fees can run from about $40 and up in high season. However, that is still way less than you would pay for a hotel room at the beach.