How to Properly Setup and Take Down a Tent

Everyone loves camping, and if you don't, I don't know why you're reading this Instructables. Some, however, don't know the proper way to setup and take down a tent. I will teach you how to do this...… }=^)

In order to properly use a tent, you want to make sure you have all needed equipment. It will make your life a lot easier, so you don't have to go home or to the store to get what you're missing.

Tent, Stakes (optional: stake bag), Poles (optional: pole bag) [my tent sup

Recommended: Broom (or anything that can sweep), Tent Rain Cover (blocks sunlight or rain, as the name implies), Extension cord if you plan on using electricity (might be far from tent site)

No stones (can move stones if there is no other area)

Make sure the spot where you set up your tent is flat

Spot must be big enough for the tent

Ensure entrance to tent is accessible

If using electricity from outlet: make sure the electrical cord can reach your tent, or wherever you want it to be

First photo: Not big or flat

Second photo: Perfect area

Third photo: Electrical access to site

If the stakes are in a bag, take them out and put them in an area where you won't loose them

If the poles are in a bag, take them out and put them in an area where you won't loose them

Take the tent out of it's bag, put at site of where you want the tent to be

Stretch the tent out to how it should be

Figure out which poles go where, as some tents have different sized poles

Put the poles into the tent -- if there is a loop at the top, put the pole through it

Make sure all sides of the tent are taught (tent is not taught in photos, you can see a clear bend in the tent)

[Recommended] Put the stakes into the ground where the holes in the side of the tent allow for this (the tent will be secure with stakes -- not necessarily required, but strongly recommended)

[Optional] Put rain cover on top of tent, secure it to tent -- make sure it is oriented the right way; most have a spot to put a pole to hold the front up

[For electricity connection] If your tent has an electrical hole, run cord to outlet through hole

Before taking down your tent, remove the stuff you had inside of it

Next, clean out the dirt from the tent (using a broom or other cleaner)

If there is water inside the tent, let it dry or soak it up with towels(or anything that can dry your tent)

If you had a rain cover on, take it off first

Remove the stakes from the ground, if you used them

Zip up the tent openings -- it will store better

Take the poles out of the the tent supports

Fold up your tent, so it can fit in it's bag, if you have one for it (fold in half continually until its length is size of bag, then roll up). Otherwise fold it up for better storage :)

If you have bags, put the stakes and poles in their respective bags

If you have a bag for the tent and its supplies, kneel on the bag after putting everything inside in order to zip up the bag easier

Go home, or to the Grand Canyon, or wherever, because YOU ARE DONE!!!