Issues → March/April 2009 → Travel →
Family Camping: Lakeside in Vermont
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2. Next, lay down a plastic ground cloth that's only as big as the floor of your tent, with no edges sticking out. (Otherwise, they'll catch the rain and drain it right under your sleeping area.)
3. Then, using rope, "fly" a sheet of plastic or waterproof nylon above your tent and beyond its edges, but not touching the tent.
Bedding
No need for sleeping bags if you don't have them. Take pillows and comforters right off the beds at home—they're much more comfortable, and they probably need a good washing anyway.
Campfire Area
Pack one folding chair for every person in your group. Buy or collect firewood while it's still light, so you're not foraging in the dark. In our family, we're particular about our marshmallow roasting sticks, so get those squared away during daylight hours as well.
Fire Tips
To grill your farmers' market bounty, you'll need a hot bed of coals. A wood fire is nice, but most state parks have standing charcoal grills for campers' use, too. If you want to take some of the thrill (read: risk) out of grilling, use charcoal.
Reader Comments
Comment from Karen Frieder on April 14, 2009
We began camping in state parks last year, mostly in Florida. Very often, they do not permit tying anything to the trees and specifically prohibit clotheslines. Please check with park authorities before putting anything in or on the campsite vegetation!
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