Every year more families give camping a try as a means  for a less expensive vacation, become involved in family oriented youth organizations, such as Cub Scouts, or for various other reasons.

  The average family may not have any experience in family camping, or know someone to ask for guidance.

  Hopefully, this site will be of some assistance to anyone who falls into this category.

  The focus on this site will be camping tents. How to select  and  care for them. There are many types and brands to select from, and each type of tent is suited for  a particular use and condition.

  I will also include comments on other related subjects such as campsite etiquette and how to respect your temporary neighbors space. In the last few years I (and many others)  have noticed a serious lack of good practices in this area.

                                       TIPS ON SELECTING  THE PROPER TENT

  First off, you will probably decide that the first tent you purchase is not quite right for you. Don’t worry, you are not alone!

  Some questions to ask:  How big a tent do you need?    How large is your family? Number and size of people?  How much privacy do you want?  Are your children small and will sleep with you or do you have teenagers that will want their own private space?  Will you be camping where there are no options for bad weather activities? Often enough to consider a tent with extra space or a screened porch? What about cooking in bad weather? Possibility of a separate shelter or screen tent? How about climate?  Will you need lots of ventilation, or protection from the wind or cold weather?

As a general rule, most campers feel that a tent rated for the exact number in your party is going to be too crowded for comfort. So you may want to consider the next size tent.

Example: Unless you have small children and plan on replacing the tent before they grow up, if there are four in your normal camping family, consider tents rated for five or even six people. Not only will you appreciate the extra room at night, but if the weather turns bad and your tent is your only shelter, the extra space will make will make your time more relaxed and enjoyable. Enough space for a small table and chairs so you can play board games with your children?

   If possible, borrow or rent a tent your first one or two times out. This way you can get some ideas as to what might suit you.   When you are camping, look at the different types of tents, and ask their owners how they like them and what changes they might like. Most often, campers are a pretty friendly bunch and will probably tell you more then you really want to know.

   Your first camping experience will usually be a major influence on your decision whether or not you go again.  Youngsters are especially discouraged if they have a bad experience their first time.   Nothing worse then a cold, wet, boring, shut up in a tent camping trip to kill a kids enthusiasm for camping. On the other hand, if they have plenty to do and a place to do it, they will usually overlook some discomfort just because they are camping.

   Plan ahead and be prepared for bad weather. You will catch it sooner or later!

  Consider comfort and convenience in your tent selection.  Do you want to put your pants on sitting or standing? Are you at the point in life that you prefer a cot? If you have small children or someone with a handicap, would a tent with a small private area for a port-a-potty be worth considering?

  The last tent I bought is a Coleman Outdoorsman.  8’ x 10’ and 6’ high. A exterior shock cord skeleton with a rain fly that covers the top and sides, with a small extension over the door. Naturally a floor, large no-see-um screening front, rear and sides for good ventilation. Since I am only 5’6”, and don’t share my tent, I can stand up or bring a lawn chair in to sit on. I also usually put a 10’ x 10’ tarp up in front of my tent. This gives me room for a lawn chair or two and a small table I can use for meals or writing or my COFFEE CUP. I believe this 8’ x 10’ tent is rated for 3 people, but I wouldn’t want to put more then 2 in it unless absolutely necessary.

  Next entry I will present options for family camping tents for 4 or more people. 

  Please post comments or questions.  Thank you for visiting and if you like what you see here, please tell your friends to visit.