Russell & Smith Mazda

Feb 28, 2020

Houston Texas CampingCamping in the great outdoors is an adventure worth experiencing. There is something extraordinary about sleeping under the stars and cooking over an open flame. The best camping trips are the ones that you have thoroughly planned. If you don’t have a ton of camping experience, the planning process may seem a little daunting, but you will be glad you did once you are out in the wild. Here are some tips for planning a better camping trip this summer.

Location

There are lots of great camping locations in Houston, Texas. Though the Houston area brings up images of tall buildings and crowded freeways, it has dense woods, lazy bayous, and Gulf shores. All of these untouched areas beckon for you to come and enjoy the wild. There are multiple camping destinations you can explore, including Camp Wanderland, 5D Ranch, The Wilderness Campground, and Privet Spring Fed Creek, to name a few. These locations vary in price per night, so a little research will help you find the perfect destination for your next camping trip.

Supplies and Gear

You will always want to pack the essentials when you plan on camping out in nature. You can simplify this process by writing up a camping checklist and budgeting for your trip in advance. Gear you will want to include is a tent, tarp, sleeping bag, utility knife, flashlight, rope, hatchet, folding saw, shovel, etc. You may not use all of these, but you will surely be glad you have them if you happen to need them.

Your supplies should consist of a pot, dishes, a pan, utensils, waterproof matches, a lighter, or other means of starting a fire. You will also want to bring an excess of water, including gallon-sized jugs, to use for cooking and cleaning. Easily prepared foods and snacks that are energy-rich are highly recommended for camping. These can include ground beef, pasta, peanut butter, beans, trail mix, oatmeal, and chicken. A tight-closing cooler and ice to preserve your food is also a must.

Your clothing should include enough of a selection that you would be able to have two to three layers for each day you are out in the wild. This is especially important for more temperate areas. You can’t afford to be caught out in nature without being prepared to protect your body from the elements. You will also want to pack plenty of soap and hand sanitizer for personal hygiene and cleaning your supplies after making and consuming meals.

Optional gear you could bring is lanterns, hiking or climbing equipment, fishing poles, and firearms (for protection from wild animals).

Camping Tips

A few camping quick tips include using dry clothes to keep your feet warm in your sleeping bag, lining your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag, keeping an extra pair of socks safe from moisture, packing a trailhead snack, using hand sanitizer as a fire starter, etc. Camping hacks and tips are from people just like you, so get creative when solving common issues related to camping. Remember to be responsible by cleaning up behind yourself, putting fires out, and staying aware of your surroundings. Camping in Houston, Texas, this summer will make for an excellent experience for you and your family.

Image by chulmin park from Pixabay