Select Your Campsite: There are many campsites in the US and North America, from the coasts to the mountain, from those with many amenities to those with only the stars overhead. All offer something special. So know your options.

Packing: Go through your day and notice the things you reach for, from the time you wake until you fall asleep. Make your checklist from that, subtract out what your campsite includes and what remains should be your checklist of what to pack. Top Sleeping Bags has outlined a basic list that you may want to use as a starting point, keep in mind though each trip is unique and will require different things, just use this list as a guideline. GPS devices/PDA/Cell phone/portable radio. Use GPS's to identify points of interest or areas to avoid, rest and where meet up with others. And if you have trouble, be able to let first responders know where you are.

• First Aid Kit. Include a pain reliever like aspirin and tweezers for occasional splinters. Bug Repellants. You might want to avoid commercial, and sometimes harmful, bug repellants by packing Avon's Skin So Soft or bug candles.
• Layered clothing. Morning and evenings can be as cool as mid-day hikes can be warm. Comfort is often one layer away.
• Cooking. From morning coffee to grilling the evening meal, be sure to pack the cook ware you'll need.
• Fire starting. While you may have a propane grill, also bring what you would need to start a campfire. For kindling, consider bringing dryer lint. But nature often provides, so use pinecones or dry pine needles where they are available.
• Prepare for Rain. A few heavy plastic sheets or old shower curtains can come in handy when unexpected showers come.
• Water and water purifiers. Never drink from any river or mountain stream, no matter how inviting it looks. Well-rated outdoor gear water purifiers and pumps are a must.
• Flashlight/Spotlight. When night falls, you'll need some handy light at hand. Be prepared. Solar lighting for your campsite is also a great idea.
• Binoculars. A good, lightweight pair is always a good idea.
• Folding shovel: A good, lightweight and folding shovel is always a good idea. Hammer: A lightweight hammer can also come in handy on many occasions.
• Locking pliers. They make great pot holders.
• Rope. If you plan to cook or bring food, bring a rope so you can hang your food high to keep them from animals.
• Cooking. Bring cooking oil, skillet, heavy duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, pot covers, and cooking utensils. If you will use propane, bring enough to cook every meal.
• Tweezers and antiseptic. Tweezers are a must, from pulling out splinters to, possibly, removing ticks properly.
• Camera. Don't forget to bring a camera! These days, a compact digital camera makes photos of your great adventure so easy.
• Sunscreen. A sunburn can ruin an otherwise great camping experience.
• Tents and Screenhouse. Be sure everyone has a tent to sleep in. Also, though not a must, consider having a "screen house" as the center piece of your campsite. Screen houses provide cool shade during hot days, with walls that screen out bugs while letting breezes through.
• Sleeping Bags. A good sleeping bag approprieate for the circumstances is certainly important. Make sure everyone has a sleeping bag and proabably a good air or foam pad.
• Pillows. Don't forget your favorite pillow! But if you do, those large Ziplock bags you brought can become like pillows when filled with air.
• Shower: If your campsite won't have showers, bring a camping shower.
• Bring soap: Some campsite showers provide only water.
• Large plastic bottle: Sometimes, in the middle of the night, when the latrine is too distant in the dark, a large plastic bottle (with a secure top) can prove worth its weight in gold.
• Quarters: Sometimes campsite showers, as well as vending machines, require quarters. Cooking clean up kit: Keep what you'll need to clean up after cooking in one box or bag. Consider searching the web for great campfire cooking recipes and cooking with heavy tinfoil, rather than pots and pans.
• Books. For some, camping is the perfect time to read a book while others are out hiking. If that's you, bring along that book you've been wanting to read for some time then curl up in your sleeping bag and you'll be all set.