I am interested in taking my 3 boys camping. This will be my first time camping. Last year I purchased a tent and would like to go tent camping. I live in New Jersey (outside of Philadelphia) and would be very interested in any tips or recommendations you may have for equipment and campgrounds. Thank you for your help.

Welcome to the great world of camping! Let me offer a few basic tips and suggestions, then I'll give you some links to other articles and features I've got on the camping site that will help too.

First, keep it simple to start out. Camp close to home, within 1-3 hours drive. Setup and try all your gear at home before heading to the campsite. Maybe even set up the tent in the back yard and let the boys try it out over night. Involve your boys, delegate tasks and have them share in the camp chores: setting up camp, cooking, cleaning, gathering trash, and packing for the return trip, etc. Be sure to take a camera!

For more help, check out these pages on the camping site: Camping Basics and Camping Checklist

OK, now where to go! Do you and the boys like the water? how about fishing? You might consider visiting Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Other campgrounds in Delaware Water Gap NRA.

Have you ever been to New Jersey's southern shore? Here's an article I wrote about Cape May and the Wildwoods. And for campgrounds in the area, check this site.

Another possibility are the State Parks and Forests run by the New Jersey Park Service.

Visit their site and explore the possibilities for a camping destination. There may even be some near where you live that you could drive to for a look-see and talk with the folks at the park and find out more about their facilities. The Internet is a useful tool for planning vacations, but there's nothing like actually seeing the campground that you want to visit.

Where would I camp first? Probably a state park near home. But the choice is yours. Explore the possibilities! I hope this information is useful to you and helps you plan a great outdoor adventure with your boys. Let me know if there's anything else I can do to be of service.