There is nothing like the allure of camping if you yearn to get away from civilization and the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. If you want to get closer to nature, then very little can compare with spending one or more nights at a campsite.

Camping is a big thrill whether you use a tent, a travel trailer, a recreational vehicle or no shelter at all. One thing to bear in mind, though, is that there are laws that cover camping, particularly in designating campsites for the protection of the environment.

For some, camping always brings a feeling of nostalgia or romanticism for simpler times and past camping trips with their fathers and uncles. It brings to mind a feeling of being one with nature as well as that other feeling of man against nature. After a few hours, its easy to see why they refer to camping as roughing it.

If you want to enjoy your camping trip, you should be prepared. Theres nothing that can ruin a camping trip faster than finding out that you have a short supply of water or no matches or flashlight.

Among the basic camping equipment are a tent, a sleeping bag, an air mattress which is placed under the sleeping bag, a flashlight or lantern, a portable stove so you can have hot meals or drinks when campfires are impractical, a hatchet, axe or saw and lots of rope. Other equipment you need can easily be picked up from home, such as pots, pans, eating utensils, dishes and glasses. Bring these items in plastic as much as possible to make the things you have to carry weigh less.

Once out in the rough, some campers prefer backpacking or hiking across land and camping at remote spots. Others prefer canoe camping, which is similar to backpacking except that travel is done via a canoe or kayak. This is a common practice especially in eastern North America. Another possibility is bicycle touring, which combines cycling with camping. Everything is carried in the bicycle and the big advantage here is that, unlike backpacking, bicycle touring lets campers travel to far greater distances.

If theres anything else you may need while roughing it, you can also rely on the local camping supplies store for practically everything.