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July and August are THE months to go camping.  There are a few of us that head out in May and June, but you can run into cold nights or nasty bugs, then. July and August in Canada are 'made' for camping. Let's look at some tips to consider when it comes to choosing a park to camp in, a tent vs. a trailer and what to bring. 

1. Tent or trailer?  Some parks cater to trailers only and have their lots set up just for them. You need grass for tents, of course, and trailer parks tend to have gravel lots where you park with just a strip of grass for sitting. Make sure that the park you are interested in has room for your shelter!
2. Why are you going camping?  Is it to get back to nature, for a family getaway, or just to have a place to sleep while you attend tourist attractions?  If it's to get back to nature, your best bet is to look at provincial parks, as they have few amenities but offer a lot in the way of hiking trails, canoe lakes and fishing spots.  If you are camping with the family, it's better to look at privately-owned parks that offer swimming pools, bike rentals, nightly entertainment for the kids and are often close to local attractions.
3. Food preservation. A big deal in the Summer heat!  If you are in a tent vs. a trailer with a fridge, it's actually really hard to keep food safely cool and dry.  Using coolers full of ice is cheap but the ice melts quickly, has changing temperatures throughout and soaks anything that is not sealed tightly.  There is another option if your lot has an electrical outlet - Canadian-made Koolatron has eliminated the need for ice, cooling to approximately 22 ° C (40 ° F) below the ambient temperature.  It can also be plugged into your vehicle's 12 volt power outlet, keeping food cold during travels as well.

    
 
4. Be prepared!  Don't pack the car to the brim with everything you 'might' need; figure out what you'll actually use and just take that! Are you cooking by fire every night (check the local fire bans!) or are you bringing a bbq/stove? Do you need a pot, fresh water, cleaning products?  Do you have an air mattress or bedding? Toiletries? Make a master list; there's lots to consider. Be prepared for bugs and find out whether ticks are a concern.  Mosquitoes are just about everywhere and, trust me, getting even one trapped in the tent at night can mean being eaten alive by morning.  Look into products like Buy Canadian First member Muskol, an insect repellent providing eight hours of effective protection against mosquitoes, black flies, biting midges, deer flies, stable flies, ticks and chiggers.

5. Check the weather forecast!  Got a rain day in there?  If there are no local attractions you can escape to, make sure you have some entertainment for when you are trapped in the tent or trailer.  A deck of cards, magazines, books, puzzles and board games are great.  I really like this Hunt and Seek Canada from Buy Canadian First member Editions Gladius.