Summer Camping Tips and Preparation Guide

Summer camping is somewhat different than winter camping. They are both equally fun in activities and being outside but they are also equally dangerous if not taken serious enough.

Whether you're camping in the middle of January in a snow covered meadow in Yosemite California or spending a weekend camping at Lake Wise Alabama in July you will have to be properly prepared for the possibility that anything and everything can and just might happen. Associated Content writer, Donna Daniels has a great article about the things you should take on a camping trip.

Here are a few things you can add to your preparation lists when you go camping this summer. For more information on the Do's and Don'ts of camping see Zachary Johnson's article Camping for Beginners.

Choosing a Location
There are several things to keep in mind when it comes finding a good place to camp but here are the top three.

1. Bathroom Facilities. Those who are new to camping sometimes think there will be nice facilities where they can shower for free as long as they like, have an abundance of privacy and take hot water for granted.

Not all campgrounds have nice bathrooms. Some of them are down right gross. Not many campgrounds have showers. When you choose a campground, call the managers and inquire about the bathrooms. Ask if they have showers, if not are there pay-for showers somewhere nearby? These showers can range from 25 cents every 6 minutes to a flat $5 all day rate.

Find out how often the bathrooms are cleaned. If you absolutely can't live without your curling iron, blow dryer or other electric gadgets ask them if they provide electrical outlets. Some RV owner's plug in to these outlets with extension cords.

2. Pottable Water. Pottable water is water that can be used for consumption. It's always good to bring your own bottled water for cooking and drinking, that way you don't have to worry about contracting lime disease or something worse.