TIP #9:    If you are concerned about saving space and you want to have some "storage" bags, think about taking a 1 or 2 gallon 'Ziploc' or zipper type bag, and fill that with several sizes of the same type bags.  I like to use a rubber band and bind several of each size and put them all on one big one.  This way don't have to have the boxes taking up room and I still have my choice of what size I might need to use for whatever the reason.  (Left over food, soap bars, snacks, fish caught on our trip, etc.)

TIP #10:    Think about the time you are going to take to get to your camp site.   If you are going to arrive late enough that you find everyone hungry but you still have to set up camp, for your first night take a meal already prepared.   Even if it's just pre-made sandwiches.   Why make your first night stressful by having to get everything set up, then getting all of your kitchen and cooking area set up and finding out it's late enough and by now tired enough that you just decide that "marshmallows are ok for dinner!"

TIP #11:    Make sure you only use your campfire ring or designated area to make your campfire.   Also make sure that you clean up if need the area so sparks don't decide to "make friends" with items out-side the ring and start a big fire you can't handle.  Start with tender (dry needles from trees, dry leaves, bits of tree bark, etc ... anything small and dry you can light).   Next put on kindling (small sticks and pieces of wood).  Now you are ready for your logs once you have lit the fire and it's taken hold.   The "TEEPEE".   Put your tender in a circle, followed by kindling in teepee formation around the tender.   Light the tender.  This seems to be the easiest way to start a fire for those who are not experienced.  You can also do the "Log Cabin".  Just as it sounds, use tender, then start the kindling in log cabin format around it.   Place the kindling in a square, then add layers to that square, just like a log cabin.  Light the tender, and off you go.

TIP #12:    When you are using your Dutch ovens, try using them in a metal oil pan.  You can get these at any automotive parts store.  This is the metal pan you drain your oil into while changing the oil in your vehicles.  They are great for putting your briquettes into, and you can use them at home as well as camping.  Why save all the fun and enjoyment of Dutch oven cooking for only camping?

TIP #13:    Use storage tubs for your camping gear, not only will they keep things organized and dry, but when you get ready to go, you just grab the tub you want and put it in your vehicle.  They are great at the camp sites as well, keeping things dry, organized and bug free!  I use several.  I keep one for just utensils, one for miscellaneous items; extra mantles for my lanterns, bug repellent, soaps, patches, matches, etc.; one for food - canned & boxed; one for dishes, pots & pans, etc.  This is in the book but I thought I would put it here as well, I have had several e-mails thanking me for this idea from the book.

TIP #14:    Have you ever gone camping and found out that there is a "campfire ban" or "no campfires" area where you wanted to camp?  Here is an idea that you might be able to use. ****BUT**** first check out with the forest service for that area.  There are a lot of places to camp and if you are in a place that does not have any campfire pits, you can do this.

Use the metal oil drain pan.  I carry 2 of them, I use them for putting my charcoal in to cook with my cast iron dutch ovens.  (I keep them on hand because they come in handy to do the same when you want the outdoors cooking of cast iron dutch ovens, but don't have the time to go camping.  This way I can cook those items right at home!)  1. Clear away all dead twigs and pine needles so that only the dirt is exposed.  2.  Make sure you are clear from low hanging branches and away from any vegetation.  3.  Build your fire in the metal oil pan, (or even a old metal garbage can lid if you are building a very small fire).  4.  Here is another great idea to build a fire if there are no campfire rings (you can do this in  your backyard too!)  Buy a galvanized metal wash tub.  They come in a variety of sizes from 2.5 gallon to 17 gallon (and probably more!)  There are many places to purchase these, even online.  I would make sure you put some sand in the bottom, then some rocks, then build your fire!  5.  When you are through, make sure your fire is out.  Drown your fire, stir the coals, and make sure it is out.  It is NOT out unless you can pick up any coals in your hand!  This will work anywhere you camp, even if you are camping someplace that is not a traditional camp ground.  Remember, if you are even thinking about camping on private land, GET PERMISSION FIRST.  When you are done, make sure you clean up the area and it is like you were never there.  Keep our forests, clean and green.  Remember the campers rule, if you take it in, take it out.

TIP #15:    There are some times when you camp that you might find yourself having a difficult time finding firewood, or firewood that is small enough to start the fire... or even firewood that is dry. I have learned from others that many people take some of those ready to burn fireplace logs. Now I have taken a couple of those myself on occasion, if only to insure that I can get a good fire going when there is inclement weather. BUT here is another tip or trick you can do and get the whole family involved. Many people have left over newspapers that are destined for the trash or recycle bin. Why not make your own "logs" out of newspapers. You can start by getting your supplies together. You will need the following items:  Newspapers, a knife or rotary cutter... and make sure the kids are supervised for the cutting part, a small amount of glue and a small wooden dowel or broomstick.