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Christine
My mom and I are going camping in Bass River State Forest in the New Jersey Pine Barrens for the first time. It's a public campground with showers, flush toilets, and a fire ring and we'll be sleeping in a tent. We're only staying for one night, but since i've never done this before I was wondering what to bring and if there are any other important tips to keep in mind.
Answer
This time of year it is plenty hot enough not to require extra layers. Expect to sweat and try to wear synthetics that wick up moisture and dry quickly to stay cool. A change of underwear, a clean shirt and a fresh pair of socks and sock liners and a swimsuit should be all you need for spare clothes. Long sleeves/pants will help keep bugs off, but bring a pair of shorts to sleep in. Wear good hiking shoes or boots and don't forget thick socks with sock liners to help keep your feet cool and comfortable.
A basic sleeping bag and mat will be fine; you'll probably wind up sleeping on top of the bag in shorts and a t-shirt. A battery fan will be appreciated. Keep a clean campsite and do your cooking/eating away from your tent. Store all your food in your vehicle. Even with all this, raccoons will likely visit your campsite but will usually stay to the shadows away from people and the camp fire -- unless you have dropped scraps on the ground or haven't packed away your food. I have never seen or heard of bears being a problem in the pine barrens.
You will need a container to carry water from provided spigots to your site. The blue plastic ones sold at WalMart are fine. Check to see if your area has picnic tables, you might need to bring your own folding table and chairs. If you use the campground's picnic table, you'll want a plastic tablecloth or two (one for the table top, the other cut in half lengthwise for over the benches) and clips to keep them in place. Bring several kitchen-sized trash bags as you are required to pack out all your own trash. Bring your own stove and/or grill, or grate to put over the campfire, plus whatever cooking/eating containers and utensils you'll need. A lantern, flashlights and a small first aid kit are useful.
Get your supplies before setting-out from home or on your way, as supermarkets are quite far from the campgrounds. Use empty soda bottles filled 3/4 with water and frozen instead of bags of ice in your cooler: they last longer and don't leave your cooler full of water when they melt. Two coolers -- 1 for food and 1 for beverages -- are better than one. Remember: keep the food in your car to avoid animals. Note: alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks.
Bring your own dry/seasoned firewood. Chop kindling in advance or bring a hatchet. Cotton balls saturated in petroleum jelly make excellent tinder. Have a shovel and large bucket of water near the fire in case of accidents, and keep your tent far enough away that sparks and flying embers won't melt holes in the fabric. Camper courtesy is to clean-out the fire ring and leave a few sticks of firewood for the next camper (as well as completely cleaning-up all trash from your site before leaving).
Bring flip-flops or water shoes for the bathrooms, and obviously your own soap, shampoo and towel. Also, pull the cardboard tube out of 1/2 a roll of toilet paper, squash the paper flat and stick in a zip-lock bag. Carry the TP, a small hand trowel (shovel) and a second large zip-lock bag with you while hiking just in case the need suddenly strikes on the trail, or the bathrooms run out of TP.
Although you are not permitted to "swim" in any rivers or streams unless a lifeguard is present, you can legally wade in them to cool off. The water is stained a dark tea color due to tree sap and pig iron in the soil, but is actually quite clean (though should still be filtered, treated or boiled before drinking, except when drawn from a tap marked as drinking or potable water).
Biting flies, mosquitoes and other bugs will be in full force. Ticks are present year 'round. A cocktail of Avon's Skin So Soft and DEET will help keep them at bay. Wear a hat or a buff that's been treated with Permethrin to help keep bugs away from your face and sweat out of your eyes. And don't forget sun block and sunglasses. Leave make-up, hair products, etc at home -- the heat and humidity will cause these to run all over your face, making you look like Frankenstein, and the scent will attract bugs and animals.
When you stop at the ranger station to check-in, ask for any pamphlets, guides, maps to the area to plan your day's activities. Also get their phone numbers for emergency calls.
Where are some places in New Jersey to go camping?
web
I wanna go camping like the kind of camping like you take a tent in the wilderness with some friends.
I know i have to consider hunting grounds and private property so were is it safe and legal to do in nj or Pennsylvania even. please list as many as you know
Thanks :)!
Answer
Stealth camp anywhere along the Appalachian trail in Northern NJ. Or, Pine Barrens in Southern NJ. These are areas where you hike for a while and find your spot. Some spots might technically not be legal, but no one should bother you. Out of site, out of mind.
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