Buy a tent that is bigger than what you think you need. If you have a family of 4, buy a tent that sleeps 6-8. You will be surprised at how small tents become once you put your gear in them.

Check the weather forecast before you go. Remember weather can be unpredictable.

Bring a lantern or two, and flashlights.

Don't forget your camp chairs.

Get a good, compact sleeping bag suitable for the weather. Sleeping cots are still roughing it. An air mattress is really roughing it.

Pack at least one day of extra food and water in case of emergency.

Always let at least one person know where you will be and when you plan to return.

Don't get caught hiking after dark. Return to your campsite during daylight hours.

Know what to do when an unexpected storm comes. Hiding under a tree is not safe during lightning.

Wear proper camping clothing for the environment you're in. Don't allow yourself to get too hot or too cold.

Tread lightly and leave no trace. Avoid grassy or brushy areas.

Assume all snakes are poisonous and leave them alone.

You can help avoid tick bites by staying on marked trails.

Have a well stocked first aid kit for each camping trip. Check expiration dates on ointments and medicines.

Get a good ice chest. Make sure it has a locking mechanism to keep animals from getting in it -- better yet, lock it in the car at night.

Do not ever have food in your tent. Animals can smell it. Anything with a scent should be stored outside your tent. This includes deodorants, toothpaste, etc.

Cooked meats last longer in a cooler than raw meats. Frozen meats also last longer.

Bring strike-anywhere matches and two wind resistant lighters. Store matches in a waterproof container. 

Don't plan to cook anything too complicated. Keep your menu simple yet filling.

Make a menu before you go for all the meals you will need at your campsite. Measure dry ingredients at home, and pack them in labeled Ziploc bags.

If you plan on campfire cooking, bring your own grate. Keep a camping box of cookware, dishes and silverware just for camping trips.

Also add a tub for washing dishes and dish towels.

Invest in a quality camp stove. Propane stoves are easy to use. White gas stoves will produce more heat. Plan a cookout night where everyone cooks. Hot dogs are great for this.

Potholders or oven mitts are a must if you're cooking over a campfire.

Don't forget a can opener. 

Bring a sponge with a scrubbing side to wash pots and pans. 

If you like coffee, invest in a camping coffee maker. 

Pack a Leather-man Tool or Swiss Army knife in your camping supplies. Pack at least one sharp knife for preparing food.

Bring dish soap in a small bottle.   

Keep campfires small. A large campfire can ignite nearby trees and brush.

Make sure you have a bucket of water near the campfire. Never leave a campfire unattended.

Keep the area around the campfire debris free. Sparks can ignite vegetation and start a forest fire. Ashes should be cold to the touch when you leave a campfire.

Build fires only in designated fire rings or fireplaces. Know the rules about gathering firewood. Some campgrounds allow it, some don't. Never cut branches from trees. They won't burn anyway.

Start campfires by building a tee pee of dry twigs and brush. After the fire gets going you can add larger pieces of wood.

Lint from your dryer is a good fire starter.

Do not throw trash in the fire pits.

Know before you go if your campground sells firewood or allows gathering. Hardwoods make the best bed of coals for cooking. Softwoods make the best flames.

Have fun, and don't sweat the small stuff.

Happy Camping!