Planning a camping trip? Make sure it's one you'll look back on with fond memories, and not recollections of cold beds and damp, dirty clothes. Even the most seasoned campers will always take great care to prepare before they pack. Planning ahead can be the difference between a safe and fun getaway, and a trip that you'd rather forget.

Even if you've camped a million times before, you still need to prepare every trip like it's your first. If you don't have the right gear, your wilderness adventure might not be as satisfying, or as safe, as it should be. Make a checklist of all essential items before you head for the hills. Once you're in the middle of the forest, it's just too late to realize that you've forgotten the necessities.

Plan Before You Pack

Rather than throwing together the necessities at the last minute, allow time to plan and pack. List all of the items you'll want and need, and don't forget to include those "just in case" items. Check each item on your list as you pack, and don't overlook anything. You have so many items to include; this is sometimes the only way to be sure that you've got all of your must-have camping necessities.

Shelter Yourself and Sleep Well

"Roughing It" doesn't mean giving up your creature comforts. With too little bedding and improper shelter, you're exposing yourself to an uncomfortable sleep and even possible danger. Be sure that the bedding will keep you dry and comfortable regardless of the weather, and don't forget to pack your pillow. Your tent must be secure, waterproof, and able to protect you from insects and forest creatures. Sharing your tent with a mosquito, raccoon or even a snake is just no fun.

Camping Essentials for Every Body

Certain personal items are just as important at camp as they are at home. While you won't need things like mousse and makeup, you will most definitely need sun protection, insect repellant towels and, of course, toilet paper. Items like soap, toothbrush, shampoo and a hairbrush are also good to pack along. Keep toilet paper, towels and other personal care items in a waterproof bag.

Dressing For All Occasions

Decide how long you'll be staying at your camp, and pack a change of clothes for each day. Then, pack a little extra. You'll get dirty while camping, and wet if Mother Nature throws a little rain your way, so be prepared. Unless you have a river and a length of rope handy, washing and drying your clothes in the woods is not an option. Even if it's the middle of July, bring long pants, warm shirts and extra socks for cool evenings around the campfire.

Pack Your First Aid First

Remember the first rule of Scouting while you're packing your camping gear: Always Be Prepared! Go through your medicine cabinet, and bring along anything you might need. Pack the medicines you need to take on a daily basis, and don't forget your vitamins and pain relief pills. If you have allergies, bring appropriate medication or an epi-pen. A properly stocked first aid kit is always essential, along with a sharp outdoor knife and scissors.

Gourmet Grilling

Anything that's cooked over an open campfire tastes like gourmet cooking. It's easy to cook at camp, but only if you're prepared. You'll want to pack a bowl, cutting board, knife and spoon for mixing and preparing foods, as well as paper (not plastic) plates, cups, silverware, aluminum foil, linens and biodegradable dish soap. If canned foods are on the menu, don't forget your can opener. Bring along a sturdy pot and an iron frying pan, a clean grill, heavy duty tongs and a metal spatula. Don't forget a sharp filet knife if you plan to do any fishing at camp. Bring a few garbage bags to clean up camp when you're done, and don't forget to pack along plenty of matches in waterproof containers.

Camping can be a fun and relaxing way to spend time. Plan ahead, pack what you need, and it will be the time of your life.