For those students who do not want to deal with the thousands of people who flock to Mexico and the sunny beaches around the country, or don?t have the money to do so, a trip to the mountains for a relaxing, beautiful camping excursion can be a great alternative.

Sacramento is located within a short drive to many of the nation?s most remarkable outdoor getaways. Year-round recreation makes the El Dorado National Forest one of California’s favorite camping destinations.

The El Dorado National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. From the Sacramento area, it is about a one to two-hour drive on Highway 88.

To find out what camping locations will be open for Spring Break, call (916)622-5062.

When locating a camping site, there are certain essentials that will make the camping journey more enjoyable. According to the geocities.com Camping Web site, there are four essentials when going on a camping trip: food, clothing, shelter and camera equipment.

Campers never want to be left out in the wilderness without the essential food supplies. These include a water filter, water bottles, pots, a stove or barbeque, utensils, fuel, matches, dish soap, scrub pads and of course whatever you plan on eating while you are away.

Be sure that all of your food that needs to be kept cold is kept on ice, and never leave food out while you are sleeping or away from your site. This may attract little (or big) critters that will eat campers’ food supply and provide a scare.

Andrea Baker, backpacking co-coordinator at Peak Adventures on campus had some tips for students as well.

“If you are going to have a campfire, make sure you bring wood and matches,” Baker said.

Appropriate clothing can be another thing that you do not want to forget. Boots, sandals, raingear, hats, t-shirts, sweatpants, quick-drying shorts, socks and undergarments are on the essential list of clothing to take with you on a camping trip.

Geocities.com also suggests that campers have the proper shelter when embarking on a camping getaway. A tent, tarps, rope, sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad are among the things that will help make this trip more enjoyable for all campers.

Last on geocities.com list of essential camping equipment is camera equipment.

Students will want to have memories from this spring break, so pictures can be a great way to remember this year’s Hornet break. Geocities.com recommends taking along a camera, plenty of film and binoculars.

Baker had some good advice for students preparing for a camping trip this spring break.

“Know the weather before you go,” Baker said. “So that way you are prepared. You should also know how to get there.”

If you include these essentials in planning your trip, spring break will be a chance for you to relax, forget about the stresses of college and enjoy the time off. Whatever advice you take, make sure that you use common sense over Spring Break.