I want my kids to have the same enriching experiences I had when I was a youth, but when it comes to planning an overnight in the wilderness, I know why my parents sent me camping under the care of others.

For those adults who want to introduce the wonders of nature to their kids without outside assistance, I offer these guidelines:

• First, remind yourself that what the kids consider camping is not the same as what you might consider camping.
• Second, remember that one need not venture far into the wilderness or deprive oneself of civilized comforts to enjoy the woods, nature, a tent and a campfire.

Having said that, here are some tips for "camping" with children in your local recreation area or state park, as I've done many times in Maryland. You can leave the national parks and slopes of the Himalayas to other for a few years....

Bathrooms: The facilities in the local visitor center and playground area are less crowded, better equipped and maintained, and cleaner than the ones in most campgrounds. While these are acceptable, the only reason to tolerate them is the hot showers and shorter walk from your tent. The bathrooms in the visitor center are the best, with hot water, soap dispenser and A/C, but only available when the center is open. My only significant complaint about my recent state park experience is that the bathhouse hot water heater ran out of propane gas Friday evening (according to what a park worker told me) after most campers arrived and was not refilled until Saturday evening. Apparently, the park management defines customer service in peak season as consisting of simply waiting until heating fuel runs out to determine when it is time to refill. I wonder if park vehicles are refueled with the same strategy? Considering the fees are meant to include these amenities and are not inexpensive (but otherwise well worth it), this was inexcusable.

Trash bags: Bring plenty of these because the Maryland State Parks system (like many other municipalities) believes in not providing them, as well as trash cans, for your convenience. Their party line is that it encourages visitors to remove trash on their own, resulting in less litter when, in fact, it is a means to pinch trash removal pennies and results in actually more litter from irritated patrons who might otherwise put their trash in provided receptacles.  Apparently, the park staff agrees because they considerately provide a makeshift receptacle in the bathhouse and a dumpster in the camping area.  In addition, trash bags are great ways to store and pack clothing, bedding and anything else needing protection from dirt and water.

Tents: In the spirit of low maintenance camping, purchase a "pop-up" tent that sets up in minutes. Such tents are not as common in larger sizes (four persons and up) so I had to look around. I found an excellent four-person dome tent, the easiest to erect, at Target Stores, of all places, for about $80.

Ground covers and sheets: Purchase a plastic sheet as a ground cover to put under the tent, or even use it to line the tent as an inexpensive shelter. The tip here is to buy a much larger sheet than the tent bottom at the paint department of a hardware store (known here as a drop cloth) where it is a fraction of the cost. Drape the excess area of the sheet over the tent for extra rain protection even if it came with a fly, which are usually undersized. Remove the sheet for lighter rains so the tent air will circulate and remain cool.

Rain: No matter how much your tent is advertised and described as water repellent or rainproof, buy some seam sealer in a can or bottle so it can be brushed on. This liquid compound is brushed liberally over the bottom seals of the tent (not completely under the fly) while the tent is up. The tent must dry for several hours before packing away. Failure to do this on our tent is what caused our leakage. If staying for several days, invest in an easily erected picnic canopy, a tent-like structure without a floor or walls, over the picnic table provided at each campsite. In case of rain, such a shelter will provide a dry haven with plenty of room. Yes, one can expend the time and effort to fabricate their own by tying the ends of a plastic sheet or tarp to branches or poles. While this costs less, it violates the spirit of low maintenance camping. Most outdoors or sporting good departments have canopies.

Sleeping: In the summer, sleeping bags are not necessary unless they are used for cushioning or the kids simply have to have them. Unless you are at high altitudes, they are way too hot when zipped up. Instead, bring some plain sheets and blankets. Buy a sheet of foam rubber large enough to cover the floor of the tent interior. This makes for a very comfortable living space and makes costlier camping mattresses unnecessary except for the most massive campers. It sets up immediately without inflation (visit the Target bedding department).

Eating: Bringing groceries is unnecessary and risks spoilage. Buy whatever you need nearby and include grilling meat. Each campsite has a functional cast iron fireplace. Instead of charcoal, the one time you may want the high maintenance approach is when building your fire from collected deadwood -- for some reason it seems to make food taste better.