The Vail Valley is a wonderful place to experience the joys and thrills of camping. It is important to be prepared for a camping excursion, and to know the safety measures necessary to keeping the trip safe and fun. Be sure to check with the local Forest Service for fire bans, trail/area closure information and safety measures when sleeping in the great outdoors. You can also consult a number of websites (for example, trails.com) which offer good information to assist you in finding the right campground or trail for your adventure. What to Bring Camping outdoors can encompass anything from "car camping" (where you park your car next to your campsite and unload everything from coolers to grills) to "backpacking" (where everything you need must be packed in on your back), and everything in between. Depending on your adventure, make sure you consult an expert to be sure you have what you need for the duration you plan to be in the woods. Always bring plenty of water, and consider purchasing a water purifier, which allows you to convert stream water into potable water. Many local shops offer everything else you need for your trip from camping stoves to dehydrated meals, from proper footwear to backpacks. See "What to Wear - What to Bring"