So you want to go Camping?
Camping has become increasing popular and it will continue to do so in 2022. This means that times of just picking up and spontaneously going camping for the weekend may have become a thing of the past. So many people are camping that it is often difficult to find a campsite. Booking weeks and even months in advance is now the norm.
Things to Consider
But to make you camping trip more enjoyable, you should consider your options. Not all campgrounds are the same and one is not necessarily better than the other. It really depends on what exactly you hope to get out of your camping experience.
When 
Before booking your site, consider your options. Campgrounds are very crowed and booked on weekends and holidays so perhaps consider camping on during the week. It’s much easier to find a primo campsite during the week instead weekends.
Where
There are many private campgrounds as well as State campgrounds throughout the state. They all have different things to offer. There are large RV parks with hardly any trees and there are other campgrounds tucked far off in the forests. Which do you prefer? In addition, many State Parks have campgrounds at very affordable prices. These campgrounds may not have all the bells and whistles of other campgrounds but depending on what type of experience you are looking for, State Parks may be a great option for you. They are normally less crowded but very well maintained.
Below is a video documenting some of our experiences at NJ State Campgrounds.
What
What type of camping will you be doing? Will you be camping in tent, renting a cabin, or using a RV? You will have to check the campground to be sure that they allow your type of camping. For example, some campgrounds cannot accommodate large mobile homes or RVs.
How
How you will be camping will also fall under the What type of camping will you be doing. If you are tent camping, do you have all the equipment that you will need? Some cabins rental come with all the kitchen utensils and even linens available. Will you be hiking or boating to your campsite or will you be parking right at your site?
Who
If you are going in a large group you will need to be sure to call in advance to ensure that the campground or facility can accommodates large groups. Also be sure that your furry friends are allowed if you plan on camping with pets.
Why
Why are you camping? This sounds silly but there are many different reasons people go camping.
Are you camping for the campground experience? Do you want to camp more rustically in the great outdoors? Are you camping just for an inexpensive overnight accommodation on a road trip? Are you camping to visit and experience a particular destination? Do you want a more remote camping experience? Do you need to stay at a campground with a pool, game room and activities? Answering these questions will help you decide on your best option. For example, if you are camping with young children, then that waterpark and zipline at the campground may be a big draw – but not so much for the retired couple.
The bottom line is that people camp for different reasons and knowing the reason, is crucial to ensure that you choose the right campground before you camp. So next time you want to go camping, ask yourself the Who, What, Where, Why, When and How’s of camping. It may make you camping experience more enjoyable and save you some avoidable headaches and frustrations.
